Why, do, so few politicians, even, after election, transform themselves, to statesmen? Why do so many of these individuals, resort to, either, lying, or, denying, rather than, doing what, they are, supposedly, elected to do, which is serving and representing their constituents, and the best interests of this nation? Wake up, America, and understand, going – into, denial, about something, which, might be, undesirable, never makes it, go away! With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, what this means and represents, and why, these specific, 6 things, must be recognized, and, acted – on, instead of ignored/ denied.

1. Climate Change: Scientists, and climate experts/ professionals, warn us, Climate Change, is real, and must be, proactively, considered. Although, some seek, to deny it, because, they believe, it doesn’t fit – into, their personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self – interest, we have witnessed, a rise, in the earth’s average temperature, and, a considerable amount of melting at the polar caps. The long – range danger/ impact, of this, is, risking a rise, in the sea levels, and a considerable, potential risk, especially, to lower – altitude, coastal cities, towns, and communities, etc!

2. Environmental Protections: What type of planet, do we wish, to turn – over, to future generations? Will, we proactively, protect, clean air, and water, by enforcing common sense, regulations, to ensure this? When, former – President Trump, denied this, as an issue, and railed – against, these regulations, claiming, they harmed the economy, etc, the longer – term threat, is to the health, and well – being, of the inhabitants of this planet!

3. Systemic racism: How often, have you heard, some politician, declare, there is no such thing, as systemic racism? Haven’t you wondered, why, if that were so, there is such a huge, wage – gap, gap – in – services, crime risks/ rate, etc, as well as how different groups, are treated by our court system, including, by the Courts, and police?

4. Wage – gap/ equality: We are witnessing, perhaps, the greatest gap, in wages, between the haves, and have – nots! In terms of inflation – adjusted earnings, many workers, are doing worse, in relationship, to the corporate executives! In addition, there is still a considerable, gender – gap, in terms of opportunities, and earnings. No amount of denial, changes these facts!

5. Sane gun safety: How many more must die, and be, senselessly killed, before we create, some, sane, gun safety, laws and limitations? Deniers, like to claim, doing so, is a violation of their 2nd Amendment Rights, although, this Amendment, specifically referred to state’s rights, to protect themselves, and didn’t grant unlimited, unenforced, gun usage! They proclaim, Guns don’t kill, people do, but the reality is, the risk arises, when the wrong people possess, and have access to guns, without common sense, gun limits, etc!

6. Address hate crimes: There has been, a considerable, up – turn, in the number of reported, hate crimes, as well as proclamations, by hate groups, and individuals, apparently, threatening individuals, of specific, races, ethnicities, and/ or, religious orientation!

We need responsible, public leaders, who, instead of, denying. and/ or, burying their heads, in the sand, introduce, well – considered, viable approaches, plans, and solutions! Will you demand, better, and more?

Living in a world filled to the brim with hatred, misguided-ness, and racism for each other, mankind continues to struggle in its perpetual long lived and continuing cycle of separation of the masses – Church and State. The journey and characterization of an individual comes to mind…

Life’s Journey has many ways of preparing us for the lessons ahead, as well as behind. Many teachers have come to pass in the quest to have us learn, to contemplate, and comprehend the gift of divine (eclectic divinity). Mankind’s continued reach or search for God can be summed into a simple meaning and way of life. Aspiring to the heavens, for many of us, is not paved by way of tandem formulated religion. Good, a goodness in one’s life, a continuing and unrelenting desire, fortified, and defiance of evil on Earth, in life, upon another living soul could in all probability, bring us to the threshold of Eden. Sects, denominations of all said religions teach us with Psalm, Sura, Tanakh, Acts (The Bible, Qur’an, and Torah), and Hail Mary’s and such for repentance (Penance)…while pointing us in the direction of doing, being, and living – Good!

Most all men (and women) dream. Some experience nightmares while others interpret the sleep delivered messages and images as visions. Dante Alighieri was briefly mentioned in “All Hallows Night”(9.25.96). His dream was an adventure as much as it was an awakening dream. Easter Sunday April 10, 1300, Dante was thirty-five years of age when he began the telling of his journey through the Gates of Hell and Purgatory on Thursday night, April 7, 1300. He awoke in the “Forest of Worldliness” (or Sin). Sinful habits impeded his ability to remember how he got there.

He saw Satan, the lord of Hell, is represented as the counterpart of the Trinity, with heads of three colors – yellow, black, and red. The colors signified impotence, ignorance, and hate. They also corresponded to the divine power of wisdom and love. Beelzebub’s three pairs of wings sent forth blasts, which froze Cocytus (the river of Hades).

Lucifer held in his three mouths, Judas Iscariot – Jesus’ betrayer, Marcus Junious Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus, (Publius Servilous Casca Longinus was not mentioned) – traitors to and assassins of Caesar and Rome were being chewed for their sins at the very center of hell.

Mahumet the shade (the fate of dwelling in shadow after death), originally a Christian and the deliberate cause of separations of the world’s two monolitheistic faiths, mentioned in prophesy the malicious pleasure of Fra Dolcino -the leader of a heretical sect, was forced to surrender. He was besieged in 1306.

Dante encountered a relative during his trek through hell. Geri Del Bello suffered a horribly violent death.

His death was not avenged. He was killed by the Sacchetti family and was avenged in 1310 by the Alighieri during a feud that continued into 1342. Upon Alighieri’s reproach and an attempt to reach out; make contact; talk to; reprimand – scold; lay blame; rapture in a blood relative embrace, the relative did turn his back to the living soul – and walked away…cursing the family.

Satan, Dis, or Pluto, was the ancient God of the underworld. He fell from Heaven into the Southern Hemisphere. Purgatory is located in the Southern Ocean. Mordred was the bastard son of Arthur. Caina, named after Cain who killed his brother Abel, like the many who are punished for the treacherous sins – all murderers were recorded in more than three divisions of the ninth circle of Dante’s cantos.’ A Heretic is described as he/she who is against neighbors, violent against a neighbor, and fellow men (and women) are to, for eternity, suffer the punishment of being submerged in “Hot Blood.”

“Someone Descends Who Will Open The City For Us!” These are the words that are displayed over top of the gates of hell. This entry in Dante’s repertoire portrayed the “sins of malice.” Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro). Virgil was considered a herald of Christianity for his Eclogue 4 verses concerning the birth of a boy, which were read as a prophecy of Jesus’ nativity. Virgil was a classical Roman poet; best known for three major works-the Eclogues (or Bucolics), the Georgics, and the Aeneid-although several minor poems are also attributed to him. Virgil came to be regarded as one of Rome’s greatest poets. Virgil and Dante encounter the sign upon their descent into hell…lower hell.

Dante’s favorite hero of antiquity and the symbol or free will was Cato. Cato – Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis commonly known as Cato the Younger (Cato Minor) to distinguish him from his great-grandfather (Cato the Elder), was a politician and statesman in the late Roman Republic, and a follower of the Stoic philosophy. He was also a famous orator. He is remembered for his legendary stubbornness and tenacity (especially in his lengthy conflict with Gaius Julius Caesar), as well as his immunity to bribes, his moral integrity, and his famous distaste for the ubiquitous corruption of the period. His merits earned him the post of “Guardian of Purgatory.” His suicide was due to non-submission to Caesar, a Christian sin but not a pagan one. His devotion to freedom will save his soul on judgment day. Cato prepares Dante and his friend and guide, Virgil for their descent into hell. Cato directed Virgil to gird Dante with a Reed (Humility) and to wash his face, so that he can be properly presented before the Guardians of the Ledges of Purgatory.

Ulysses (Odysseus) was the only one to sail the sea from whence the reed was plucked. The waters surrounded the tiny island that grew the reed. On the island existed the first minister of paradise. Ulysses is the Latinized version of Odysseus. Ulysses was a legendary Greek king of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. Odysseus also plays a key role in Homer’s Iliad and other works in the Epic Cycle. King of Ithaca, husband of Penelope, father of Telemachus, and son of Laërtes and Anticlea, Odysseus is renowned for his guile and resourcefulness, and is hence known by the epithet Odysseus the Cunning (matis, or “cunning intelligence”). He is most famous for the ten eventful years he took to return home after the ten-year Trojan War and his famous Trojan horse trick. Cato plucked the reed for Dante from the base of the island, in its place; it was suddenly reborn in the place from which it was torn.

Humility cannot be defeated – the more it is crushed the more it grows.

How can we as a people learn from this information? Does good win over evil? Remember, a heretic is to be against ones neighbors – fellow men (and women) – violent – punishable (according to scripture and the Inferno) by the soul being submerged in hot blood…forever. Prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice represent the morning star – Venus. It was seen in the New Sky – previously seen only by Adam and Eve.

Hastening towards the mountain of Purgatory, Dante, Virgil, and Cato witness a boat at the border of hell. It contained souls to be saved. One of them is a musician named Casella. He is an old friend of Dante – a personal friend in their former lives on Earth. Virgil tells Dante it will be easier to ascend the mountain to heaven as their climb progresses. The burden of inclination to sin becomes lighter. At the foot or the mountain, yet unable to ascend are persons who died in the state of excommunication from the church, according to the ecclesiastical penalty. The delayed souls must wait for a period of thirty times as long as they have lived in excommunication.

An explanation of the nature of prayer, as explained to Dante, “The nature of prayer does not deflect the divine will. The full explanation can come only from Christian Revelation.” Sardello, a man from Mantua, apprises Alighieri of a sad comparison with the hatred and division that afflict present cities. Does this behavioral belief and mindset not sound familiar? Self-gain at the expense of another won’t gain you any brownie points at the Sunday morning meeting, nor will it help you to get into heaven. Cynistic actions bestowed upon another, assures your eternal punishment. Should one believe in God? No matter the separate religious faiths – one is no better than the other.

During the trek, the travelers come across a peaceful valley. In the valley dwelled monarchs, i.e., statesmen, politicians and politicos, kings and queens, presidents, governors, mayors, and all sorts of controlling rulerships. The have neglected the spiritual side of life. The rulers, in the fraternal amity (friendship; peaceful harmony; mutual understanding and a peaceful relationship, especially between nations; peace; accord), make a striking contrast with their former selves – as many among the current generation of rulers – must delay their desired Purgatorial discipline. The purgatorial process leads essentially to natural rather than supernatural perfection.

“We reap what we sow!” Theological virtue is represented by faith, hope, and love (three stars). Because the “Valley of Monarchs” lies outside of Purgatory, it is not immune to evil. Albeit, it is guarded by angels, who drive off evil serpents that approach – only when the four stars that represent prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude are above (and practiced), that souls can ascend. It is seen as the Purgatorial process leading essentially to natural rather than supernatural perfection – the sacrament of Penance.

The first three vices are due to love of a bad object, the fourth to insufficient love, and the last three to disproportionate love. The seven capital sins are removed one by one as each soul moves through the seven corresponding ledges on the mountain of purgatory. Pride, envy, anger, sloth (recitation – habitual disinclination to exertion; indolence; laziness), avarice (extreme greed for riches; insatiable greed for riches; inordinate, miserly desire to gain and hoard wealth), prodigality (wasteful extravagance in spending; lavish abundance), gluttony, and lust are among the evils of sin – as practiced on a daily and continued exercise by mankind, yes? Dante’s awakening dream revealed all this as he improved during the journey’s traverse.

Humankind, be forewarned…”checks” and “goads” will appear. Checks are warnings about the vice punished; the goads are examples of the opposing virtue(s). Should all not take heed and practice humility…every living day? I believe we should and could. I would love to see this lived, adopted, nourished, believed, and practiced by people on a daily basis in my lifetime. What a wondrous thing to see – would you not agree? Think I’m wishing for too much? Would a prayer of two help? I wonder.

In Purgatory and elsewhere, artists should not feel a prideful sense of triumph. The same applies to military glory. “Violence begets violence!” “Blessings on the poor in spirit!”

One form of divinitive punishment, witnessed by the three travelers, is how the proud are brought to the low in contrast with the humble. The trekkers meet souls whose eyelids are stitched shut. Removing their perception of the beautiful and good things that are had once begrudged to others. Why this type of hatred and evil is allowed in our society (“the haves and the have-nots”) is tolerated and upheld within our society is beyond my comprehension – it makes no sense to me. Does this practice enlighten or benefit you or someone you know? What does this practice mean to you? Do you think the practitioners of this way of life will take notice of the warnings of penitence and punishment? I wonder of such dreams. They acclaim the virtue of generosity – one of the penitents, indicating to Dante during a conversation, that he too, after his death, will have to undergo this punishment. He states, “But only slightly compared with what he will have to suffer below!” Other vices chime in with warnings to pass on against the vice of envy.

The first of the three travelers heard a condemnation being spoken. It condemns humankind for fixing its attention on the things incompatible with partnership. The partnerships with material goods are diminished but spiritual goods are multiplied.

Wrathful souls singing harmoniously in praise of God condemn the degeneracy of the present world. The intrinsic degradation of life on Earth is blamed on the evils or the times. “The pervasion of Earthly rule caused by the church’s usurpation or temporal authority in addition to the spiritual that it rightfully exercises,” says Virgil to Dante and Marco Lombardo, one of several Purgatorians who was met along the way.

Both the Creator and his creatures, are moved by love as outlined by the scheme of Purgatory,” says Virgil. He went on to say how sin arises when human reason distorts or misuses love. “We cannot sin when we love what is inherently good.” When love takes the distorted form of rejoicing in our neighbor’s ills (“The Point of The Shaft” – 4.12.11), the results are pride, envy, and anger.

Love is the motive power of acts both good and evil. How many of us are aware of this act? Were you… are you and yours in such a state or awareness? How about our so-called elected officials?

Is it love that motivates haters of progress – to constantly and continually attack our sitting President of these United States? Is it because he doesn’t look like them, think like them, or behave like them? Penitents who have been afflicted with those vices in Purgatory are lying face down, forced to confront their over-attachment to the Earth-bound senses representing the excessive indulgence in sensory pleasure. Earthly honors are no longer payable to individuals in the afterlife. Many evils perpetrated by this royal house are denounced as stated in the cantos of Purgatory – a sudden and violent tremor, as that of an Earthquake, and from the mountain raises a loud cry in praise of God. Good Friday – the anniversary of the crucifixion of Christ. Does it remind you of anything? What did the heavens do during this dreadful and hateful occurrence?

The Roman poet, Statius, states that he and we owe our freedom from avarice, and indeed our very salvation to the prophesized birth of a wondrous child. Compared to a man who walks in darkness, carrying a lantern that lights the way for those who follow but not for himself – from the tree comes a voice citing examples of abstinence. “From within another tree resembling the first one, a growth from the fatal tree in Eden.” Voices proclaim warnings against gluttony, cites Bonaquin Da Lucca, an old school poet superseded by Dante, whom they also met along the way. “The process of human embryology and God’s inbreathing of the soul into the developing human being at death, this soul survives and renews its capacity for sense experience by protecting from itself and immaterial body.”

Another group of Purgatorians, met on the journey, were former sodomites. They cried out warning examples of lust. These sufferers remain within the flames of hell. No longer in need of direction, Dante has reascended to the state of human perfection represented by Eden. Purified, he has attained the condition of perfect freedom – no longer in need of direction from without – no longer subject to institutions, he is crowned, made his own king and bishop. Are we of humankind, capable of deciding for ourselves, to govern ourselves without the intervention or control by and of other humankind, but with the power of God? I wonder. Will we now become able to think, speak, and act on our own volition – at the behest of no other humankind?

I certainly hope so…for the sake of the masses. As an individual, I surely can…and do!

Dante meets Matilda upon entering the fresh and fragrant Garden of Eden. He has bee purged of sin and the vice of lust. Matilda explains to Dante (she embodies the spirit of the place) that Eden is above and free from Earthly weather and the its two streams are derived directly from God. Lethe makes humans forget their past sins; the other stream, Eundie, makes them remember their good deeds. The river Lethe which from Eden from atop the mountain of Purgatory flows down the center of the Earth to join the four rivers of hell…at the universe farthest removed from God. Dante felt indignation at the sin that deprived humanity of so blissful a state. He sees seven candlesticks streaming colors (the gifts of the spirit); books of the Old Testament; the Gospels; a Griffon – Christ with his two natures, human and divine; three Theological/Evangelical virtues and four cardinal/moral virtues; seven more elders – the remaining New Testament sources (authors of Acts); four authors of other Epistles; and the author of Revelation that contains the North Star. He is left alone before the overwhelming spectacle to accomplish the painful but necessary rites of contrition, confession, and satisfaction – PENANCE.

The comprehension of the world, a vision of Trinity (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in one Godhead), and as a final Revelation, a view of the Incarnation is the reward to Dante. Would it not suffice humankind to attain such an adornment?

The paradox to the vision is that God who is one and changeless created and sustained the teeming variety of our world. The pilgrim, in his ultimate goal, is in the direct vision of God. Salvation and damnation depend on the state of the human soul. Hell reflects a theory of human nature, not primarily theological but rather ethical and artistic – a picture of the world we live in.

Theology, Purgatory is the most distinctively Catholic realm, reflecting one fundamental difference in belief between the Catholic and Protestant faiths. Purgatory, which Dante the character, on a mountain in the Southern Ocean – a prerequisite of the Christian faith (for beatitude, although the righteous Jews of the Old Testament period are saved by their implicit faith in Christ – Pagans of Antiquity and or modern times cannot enter Heaven; instead they dwell in Limbo, the uppermost circle of Hell, where their only suffering is to live without hope of redemption. The damned are those who, each in his or her own way, have definitively rebelled against God’s Law and defied or ignored his mercy – be it Pagans, Jews, and Christians – the repented have been forgiven by God and dwell with him in the celestial paradise. So says Dante’s thirty-three cantos of Paradise, the “Divine Comedy,” as cited from Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise.

Society brings out the worst in people by assigning roles according to hereditary station that ought to be assigned according to inherent merit.

Dante’s Great-Great-Great Grandfather, Cacciaguida degli Elisei, an Italian Crusader, was born in Florence, and two documents from 1189 and 1201 mention his existence; all other details of his biography are those from his most famous descendant’s works. Cacciaguida probably died in the Holy Land. Dante meets Cacciaguida in Paradise. He bids Dante to have hopeful courage, to believe in the eventual vindication, and to publish his vision with unmittigated truthfulness – a question by Dante is answered by Solomon: “The complete human being includes body as well as soul, and when the two are ultimately united, the saved will both feel greater joy and be better able to love and serve God. The perfect body will not suffer from limitations it now endures in Earthly life.” His Great-Great-Great Grandfather added the keynote of justice – “The perversion of law and justice in the world, especially by the Papacy, is lamented.” The saved who lived before Christ (Hebrews) from the saved who lived after him (Christians) – two sides of the rose will have equal numbers when the half reserved for the Christian era is finally filed. The Virgin Mother who inscribed her prophecies on the leaves of trees which were then scattered by the wind. The Tree of The Knowledge Of Good and Evil which represents civic obedience and the authenticity of the empire of civil state.

I, like Dante, will take the advice of Cacciaguida by publishing the visions thereof with “Truth and Vindication.” There is a lesson to be learned and shared in Alighieri’s travel through the lower realm of Hades – through the Awakening, Eventful, and Enlightening Dream…

Did we learn it?

Til next time…

Throughout the history of the United States of America, we have witnessed, and experienced, a variety of issues, and conflicts, some more threatening, than others, and the greatness of this nation, has been evident, by how well, we generally evolved, and got through these. However, very rarely, if ever, have we undergone a time, such as we are currently undergoing, where 2 major, troubling, concerning, crises, are occurring, at the same time. The prolonged, and horrific pandemic, which has infected, over 2 million Americans, and killed. at least 113, 000 of these, by itself, would be an overwhelming, challenging crisis. But, when we are all undergoing a degree of civil unrest, precipitated, initially, by the senseless killing of George Floyd, by a Minnesota police officer, and enhancing our focus on the degree of systemic racism, this nation has, in many institutions, and components of our society, has brought about warranted, largely peaceful protests, but, during a pandemic, large crowds, may have negative, undesirable ramifications, because of the contagious potential of this, lack of Social Distancing, etc. With this in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, the ramifications of these two, concurrent crisis.

1. Pandemic, and related public health issues, and ramifications: There is no simple, guaranteed solution, to handling this pandemic, and/ or, the related, public health issues, and the potential ramifications. This public health crisis, has infected over two million Americans, and resulted in the deaths of close to 115, 000, thus far, with many predicting, with many experts, projecting far more suffering, in the near future. Since, we don’t have a clear – cut, national policy, and, President Donald Trump’s narrative, seems to change constantly, it has been, largely, up to each state, and their respective Governor, and/ or, legislature, to determine their own specific policies, and course of action. While, some Governors have taken their responsibility, extremely seriously, and trusted the science, data, and public health professions, to determine, the best approach, and how to reopen, others have, apparently, followed, the lead of Trump, and seem to have reopened, in a more haphazard, less data – driven manner! The results, thus far, indicate, New York’s stricter approach, has reversed, to – date, the spread of the disease, while, over 20 other states, are witnessing, an increase in the number of cases, and individuals infected.

2. Civil unrest: This nation has experienced a degree of civil unrest, based on the well – deserved protesting, of another killing, caused by a police shooting, of a young African – American man, George Floyd, which continues a pattern of systemic racism, which exists in many walks of life, including, police, the rule of law (equal justice), quality housing, education opportunities, and health delivery, etc. However, while the protests are warranted, the few looters and arsonists, etc, are criminals, and, their actions are counter – productive, to resolving any issues, productively. In addition, the resulting crowds, lack of Social Distancing, and less than complete, wearing of masks, has created additional health – related issues, and ramifications.

We are at a period of time, when our nation, is at a crucial crossroads, and high degree of peril, etc. Wake up, America, and think things, through, before it’s too late, and we create many undesirable ramifications!

Paul Zindel must have felt compelled by an irresistible force to expound upon a childhood that in a biography reads as well as his novels. Paul and Betty could just as well have been John and Lorraine just as Nonno Frankie became Angelo Pignati. Staten Island becomes as familiar as home just as the streets and avenues score themselves into our memories as the carvings on the desks we saw 280 days of each year in our own schools.

Zindel’s family problems are reflected mirror-like in those of John and Lorraine, but other less personal problems, like racism and poverty (if they can be considered less personal than family) erupt with the clarity and lucidity of a sucker-punch. The combining of the two families under one roof is unusual but not unheard of just as the depiction of small town residents as zombies is obviously hyperbolic, yet, to some degree, credible.

Nonno Frankie’s concern for the life of the apple tree symbolizes the deeper truths that form the foundation for moral behavior and stands majestically as a tribute to the lasting permanence of integrity that transcends the passing changes that overtake children in their pursuit of identity and the meaning of life. His incessant humor revives memories of undying, childish frivolousness so necessary for the bonding of friendships among children. Something has to offset the constant flood of disappointments and hurts that flow from the novelty of growing up in a strange and threatening environment. Nonno’s pranks to wake up the zombies were analogous to the antics of John in the classroom, the mischievous behavior that should expected of normal, growing, young adults.

Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction. If I were to include more than twenty Lassies in a story, it would be regarded as beyond belief. But, I did have twenty borzois at one time; so, the prospect is not inconceivable. Paul Zindel’s life as described supports the credo that one should write based on experience. But, that does not undermine the potential for exercising extensive creativity that stretches the imagination beyond the threshold of belief through the willing suspension of disbelief. Fiction knows no bounds.

Evaluation: This biography is not essential to understand the novels that grew from Paul Zindel’s experiences, but it helps to understand the mind that created the Pigman which itself personifies a universal ideology. The reading level is lower than the novels and far easier to understand. Hence, I see this narrative as a good basis for teaching characterization, setting, and dialogue as well as the idea of biographical sketches. The tone is simple and reader-friendly with enough humor to make the reading a pleasure rather a chore.

Recommendation: For the slow reader, this would be a motivating text to offer tasty tid-bits of the humor, philosophy, adventure, and emotional involvement that are more extensively offered in the novels of Paul Zindel. I would use it even for non-readers as a tool to break the shell of apathy since it would work well as story-telling material. It is not so much an autobigraphy as it is a preparatory statement to give pertinent background to answer inevitable questions.

Teaching: For advanced readers, I would use this as supplemental background information that confirms the tenet that good writing comes from real experiences. For less motivated readers, this text and styles lends itself well to emulation so that minimal success will reap greater rewards.

Statistics indicate, and most of us, are concerned, with the apparent, huge increase, in the number, and degree of hate crimes, in the United States of America! This trend, has, unfortunately, gone – on, for some time, but, in the past four years, it seemed, many of these haters, felt enabled/ entitled, probably, because of the promises, and rhetoric/ vitriol, articulated by the former President! For a nation, who, for centuries, proudly, considered, itself, a Melting Pot, and, the Land of the Free, this dangerous, concerning set of actions, and the ramifications, etc, should be, and are, concerning, and sad! Why has there, been, such an up – tick in the number and severity of hate crimes, and when/ where will they end (or, will they)? With, that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 4 examples.

1. Racism: There should be, no denying, we witness, considerable, systemic racism, in this nation. It exists in nearly, all institutions, especially, apparently, regarding treatment by police, Courts, and our system of justice! Why do statistics, demonstrate, clearly, people – of – color, are treated, far – differently, than others? The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, gained recognition, and credibility, because of the disproportionately – high, number of arrests, injuries, and deaths, towards, certain minority groups, than others! Instead of there, being, equal justice, to – all, it seems, the wealthiest, are treated, preferably, both by the police, and the Courts, either accidentally/ incidentally, and/ or, by – design! When, so many feel, their race, is, often, the reason, they are treated, in certain ways, should concern us!

2. Islamic: Some of these haters, focus on those, whose religion, is Islam! People, are people, but, apparently, too many people, in this nation, are treated, unfairly, based on their religion! Shouldn’t this nation, stand – for, better, than this?

3. Anti – Asian: There has been a concerning, increase, in the number of hate crimes, committed, against Asians! Many believe, this is largely, due, to the conspiracy theories, and political rhetoric (of some), regarding the origins, etc, of this horrific pandemic!

4. Anti – Semitic: As a Jew, I am particularly, sensitive, to the significant number of anti – semitic, hate crimes. While, anti – semitism, never, went away, when, we see, some groups, wearing emblems of hate (Nazi symbols, etc), it seems, this may be a significant factor! Why should anyone, be victimized, because of their race, creed, or religion, etc?

If, we hope, to have a nation, which we can be proud – of, we must address the number and severity of hate crimes, and do something about the symbols, and rhetoric, which enhance, the ramifications! Will you, demand more, and better?

How many times, have you, or someone, you know, proclaimed, they wouldn’t bother, to vote, because, they’re all the same, it won’t make any difference, their vote doesn’t count, etc? While, in most cases, no candidate is perfect/ ideal, there often, is a significant difference, between them! Who, believes, that if the 2016 Presidential election’s results, were different, America would have not progressed, differently, in many, key areas, including: Climate Change progress (instead of denial, and avoidance/ procrastination); environemtal protections; the seeming – growing, of systemic racism; the composition of the Supreme Court, and lower Federal Courts, etc? The upcoming election, presents, two individuals, who, although, both in the 70’s, appear to have far – different agendas, and priorities. Joe Biden, is, no, Donald Trump, and, vice – versa! In, so many ways, and regarding so many issues, the future, and direction, of this nation, is, potentially, at – risk, dependent upon the results. With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 6 essential ways, these two candidates differ.

1. No one above the law: How often, has it seemed, in the past 4 years, this President, seems to, either, believe, he is (or acts, as though, he does), above – the – law! Constitutional experts state, our Founding Fathers, feared this, and did not want, the new nation, to live under a King, and, thus, created, three, co – equal branches of government! We have seen, by talk, and deed, Trump, seeming to ignore, these principles, such as how, he transferred, the purpose, of allocated funds, to other purposes (such as, for, the Southern Wall), etc! This isn’t normal, nor healthy!

2. Tone of the message: This election, we get to choose, between, a polarizing message, and me – first, attitude/ behavior, versus a far, more, empathetic individual! Regardless, of, which candidate, one favors, and prefers, 2 individuals, rarely, are so, different!

3. Knowledge/ expertise: Although, President Trump, declares he is, a stable genius, to many, it is, obvious, he offers proceeds, based on his instincts, rather than listening to experts! We’ve seen this, in terms of handling this horrific pandemic, foreign policy (negotiations, trade policy, etc), and domestic issues. There is little doubt, Joe Biden, would govern, in a far, different manner!

4. Civil rights/ human rights: We seem to be observing a period, with more civil rights – strife, than we have, in, over a half century! While, Trump, denies there is systemic racism, Biden, not only acknowledges, but seems, to realize, this President, has added – to, the negativity, and polarization, in that area, by name – calling, and pitting one segment of America against another! In terms of human rights, the message, Trump articulates, often insults, minorities, and other ethnicities, etc. How can that be helpful?

5. Public health: The way, the pandemic, has been handled, by the President, from the time, he first, learned, of it (and, before, when he largely, dismantled/ minimized, the pandemic – board), it probably made matters worse! Although, Trump claims, his performance, was great, public health experts, disagree! Since, the United States, has about 5% of the world’s population, an average performance, would have meant, we would, have the same/ similar, percentage of cases, and deaths, but, we have roughly, 4 times, that amount. Wake up, America, because, that equals, over 100, 000 unnecessary fatalities, etc!

6. Integrity: While, most politicians, state some lies, false claims, and over – statements, political fact – checkers claim, this President, has told lies, at an alarming pace, which seems to be escalating. Does anyone, really, believe, an alternative, would lack, this degree of genuine integrity?

Donald Trump, and Joe Biden, are different in many ways, some, minor, and, many, major/ significant! Who we vote for, in a Presidential election, really matters, so, please, exercise your privilege, and right, to vote!

Dave J. Andrae’s The Friends of Allan Renner proposes an intelligent exploration of life through a multi-level, multiperspectival narrative which comes by virtue of Allan Renner’s encounters and discourse with his eclectic assortment of friends.

This book is definitively an offering of food for thought, brimming with revelations about life and people in general. This is a narrative that is provocative in its ideals and shines through its characters, their thoughts, actions and personalities during their congregations with central character Allan Renner often giving a story within a story as their backstories are also very revealing about human nature. Moreover, although this work is a fictional story, the subject matter of their encounters and conversations are realistic, important, and quite often thought provoking with topics such as astrophysics, cosmology, modern culture, racism, film making, futurism, sex, dating, technology, as well as artistic endeavors.

Ultimately, as the story’s protagonist, Allan Renner is an interesting characterization. He is intelligent, amiable, stalwart, a film buff and occasionally, works freelance as a production assistant. Meanwhile, within the seven chapters of the book, each chapter is centered around an encounter with a different friend. Perspectively, life is seen through the diversity of fascinating viewpoints with each acquaintance. Also at play is the diversity of their backstories which allows for a deeper look into their thought processes with the conversations delving into various aspects of the human condition.

First, we meet Akhil Das, a well-degreed high school guidance counselor, astrophysics enthusiast, and unfortunate alcoholic. Akhil and Allan delve into conversation on the topics concerning cosmology and the beginning and end of humanity. Next, we meet Allan’s friend Sadie Guildwood, an attractive middle-aged woman who was once head-vocalist in a semi popular band, as well as social media blogger. Essentially the interaction between Sadie and Allan presents a bit of sexual tension as there is a potential for a romantic encounter between the two that does not materialize but hope for it looms in the air. Their conversations include juxtaposing working in cinema versus working as a musician, the future of humanity, future technology, and Transhumanism. Additionally, there are spates of inner mentations concerning their likes and dislikes about one another. The pace picks up, when the two meet with an acquaintance of Sadie’s that take things on an interesting twist. Moving on to the next friend, we meet Fred, a multiracial African American jazz enthusiast who grew up somewhat privileged. Also a budding film director and teacher, Fred believes in the power of cinema to help people. What makes this chapter stand out is the reactions of characters while waiting for a seasoned criminal to come and audition for a film. The remainder of the book encompasses chapters based on his parents, his pet Havapoo Ruby, as well as pivotal friends Carmen and Xynnulu.

Altogether the people and experiences in the chapters of Allan Renner’s life made for an interesting, nicely paced story, woven with absorbing, complicated characters enmeshed in a creative narrative with scenes of a life that are revelatory, endearing, and pulse racing. I enjoyed The Friends of Allan Renner by Dave J. Andrae; it made for great read, with a storyline that included a nice science fiction twist and I do recommend it for adult readers.

Justice is sought with regard to individual slayings of African Americans, most recently Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. When President Obama mentions those particular slayings, he at the same time mentions systemic disparate treatment of African Americans in the American legal system. Plenty of statistics show police stops, arrests, prosecutions, sentencing and incarceration are pretty tough on African Americans. What’s not clear is whether this is due to systemic racism or higher rates of offending by African Americans. Each side in this debate marshals its own statistics. Progressives typically refer to Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow, which unfortunately does not contain any solutions. Conservatives prefer the simple statement of Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke, Jr. when he recommends that we, “Stop trying to fix the police – Fix the ghetto!” Fixing the ghetto has proven almost impossible, and the War on Poverty made things worse.

The critical interface between suspects and the police generates the most publicity, especially when African Americans are shot by white police officers. This publicized interaction in cases over the last several years represents only the first juncture in the legal system. There are multiple later stages of the criminal justice system under criticism. Police shootings generate controversy which then includes all the later stages of the system. Discussion of perceived injustice in subsequent stages of the criminal justice system makes the statistical analysis impossibly complex for any use with the problem of police shootings based upon split-second decisions. As a result, critics place discontent of the entire system upon these split-second decisions. The slaying of African Americans becomes the mascot for all the perceived discrimination in the entire criminal justice system… and sometimes American economy. Uncertainty surrounds recent shootings until investigations, grand juries, trials and even sentencing conclude.

Lately, some have departed from the non-violence preached by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior. With these great complicated questions under discussion, addressing the problem of police shootings has a simpler solution than the larger controversies make us believe.

Most of the publicized police shootings in the last few years might have been prevented had citizens obeyed all of the following accepted rules when stopped or approached by police officers:

• Obey the instructions and orders of the police – it’s the law.
• Do not interfere with, or obstruct the police, as you can be arrested for it.
• Think carefully about your words, movement, body language, and emotions.
• Do not get into an argument with the police.
• Keep your hands where the police can see them.
• Do not run. Do not touch any police officer.
• Do not resist even if you believe you are innocent.

Out of respect for law enforcement and all lives, our leaders should educate the public about these common sense rules. This is what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would have us do now.

On the morning after the Academy Awards, I awoke with a question on my mind: “What do movies do best?” Do they help us understand the challenges others face? Do they teach us about other cultures and diverse backgrounds, or do they just make us feel good? While all of those answers are true, consider this: movies allow us to work out our own emotional issues through the actions of the characters on screen.

When CRASH won the Academy Award for Best Picture recently, I was thrilled. Why? Because the movie did what it was supposed to do. It made a whole lot of people “uncomfortable.” For some, it evoked memories of their own discrimination experiences; for others, it calls to mind their own biased behavior or that of someone close to them. But is that enough?

Of course it’s not enough. Now, it’s up to you and to me and to anyone, left with emotional questions to answer after seeing the film, to take action and expand their understanding. What do we do with unconscious fears and unspoken prejudices the movie uncovered? If we don’t find them, understand them and deal with them, we end up repeating behavior that creates cross-cultural misunderstandings (see more on cross-cultural communication at http://www.DrJoAnnPina.com ).

Fear-based behavior comes out when we least suspect it as we experience racism, ageism, wealth-ism, homophob-ism or any number of “isms” and can’t believe it’s happening to us, inside of us, around us, or worst case that it’s actually perpetrated by us—even today.

Kenneth Turan, film critic for the LA Times, suggests that CRASH is a “feel-good movie about racism… a film that could make you believe that you had done your moral duty and examined your soul when in fact you were just getting your buttons pushed.” He used this as a reason that “liberal” Academy voters chose CRASH over BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN for the Best Picture Academy Award.

Both movies made people distinctly uncomfortable. My Diversity partner, Dr. Jo Ann Piña, and I submit that CRASH pushed more buttons. More people identified with the discomfort of CRASH. We ask, “What’s wrong with a little button pushing if it pushes people out of their comfort zones and into change?” Now the job to be done is to bridge the learning and understandings we garnered from CRASH and apply them to our lives and our businesses or the movie’s mission has been wasted and we will prove Kenneth Turan’s pessimistic view to be right. Button pushing can be manipulative or it can be healing; it’s our choice.

What can you do now? Listen to the prejudiced voices in your own head-they create cultural blocks (see more on blocks at http://www.BlockedtoBlockbuster.com ). Notice the way you interact with others. Who do you choose to be with? Are the people similar to you or different than you? If you sense discomfort when close to someone who you perceive to be different from you, take just a few moments to imagine what it would be like to live that person’s life. How does that feel?

Look below the surface of behaviors to identify the values and beliefs that drive particular behaviors. Do this for a few days then write down the thoughts and feelings that make you uncomfortable. Now try to determine who influenced you to think and feel this way. Once you answer that question, you can make a choice to give that thinking back to its original source and change your own thinking, feeling and behaving. This is an exercise you may use for the rest of your life-it will definitely keep you from CRASHING.

By Judith Parker Harris and Dr. Jo Ann Piña

Denial is serious. It’s a refusal to acknowledge truth or reality. It can have benefits, but denial can also be our undoing and have life-threatening consequences. It affects not only individuals. Denial in the form of “group-think” can dangerously take over families and entire groups. Organizations, sub-cultures, religious sects, and political zealots can deny abuse, addiction, racism, genocide, corruption, and criminality.

We can deny positive input as well as negative. Denial can restrict expression of our rights, our power, and our abilities, diminishing our self-esteem and capacity to pursue our goals.

Denial is a defense mechanism

Denial is the first and simplest psychological defense mechanism. Typically, children deny wrongdoing to avoid reprimand. I recall my 4-year old shaking his head, while denying from chocolate-smeared mouth that he’d eaten ice cream in the wee morning hours. Adults deny wrongdoing, too, notably politicians, criminals, abusers, addicts, and adulterers. Conscious lies are usually motivated by self-preservation and fear of punishment. While not admirable, they’re understandable, though less sympathetic when motivated by a quest for power. What’s more troublesome is our denial in believing them.

Usually, denial is unconscious. We all do it. It can be tricky to uncover something that is unconscious. We not only deceive ourselves, we forget, excuse, rationalize, and minimize. We might be aware of the facts, but deny or minimize the consequences, or even acknowledge them, but stubbornly refuse to change or get help.

Why we deny

Our brain is wired for survival, and denial serves that function. There are many reasons for denial, including avoidance of physical or emotional pain. Denial is adaptive when it helps us cope with difficult emotions, as in the initial stages of grief following the loss of a loved one, particularly if the separation or death is sudden. Denial allows our body-mind to adjust to the shock more gradually.

Denial also builds cohesion, especially between loved ones. It’s a unifying force between spouses, and among families, groups, or political parties. We overlook things that might that might cause arguments, hurt, or separation. One study showed that people will forgive a member of a clique four to five times more than a stranger. Idealization supports denial and blinds us to anything that would mar respect for a partner, family or group member, or leader.

We deny reality to maintain the status quo due to fear of change and the unknown. For this reason, people believe the demonization of immigrants, or other races, or religions. If we favor a politician or love a cheating or abusive partner, we may ignore truths that would create disillusionment and/or require us to struggle with uncomfortable feelings and what to do. A deceived spouse might prefer to believe lies rather than confront an intolerable situation that is not only painful, but that could lead to unwanted consequences, like divorce.

We defend untruths and blatant lies of people we want to believe. We’re distrustful of information that’s contrary to our beliefs (including unconscious ones), and will even double down to reduce inner conflict or “cognitive dissonance.” This process is termed Motivated reasoning that helps regulate emotion. Consciously and unconsciously, we select information that affirms our beliefs and disregard facts that don’t. When we have internalized shame, we will do the same with positive feedback that is incongruent with internal negative beliefs about ourselves. Low self-esteem makes it difficult to receive a compliment, praise, and love. If we believe that we don’t deserve it, our minds can actually twist a compliment into criticism, and we can’t be convinced otherwise!

Shame breeds denial in both victims and liars. It’s a major cause of unreported abuse – why victims don’t disclose, minimize, and deny it and why addicts don’t seek help We might ignore our mounting debt to avoid the same of admitting it and having to lower our spending or standard of living. A parent might look the other way to avoid accepting responsibility when his child is bullying peers or getting high. Facing the truth can expose us to pain, possible loss, and shame about our own behavior or shortcomings.

When we’re trained to deny

Unbelievably, as children we’re often trained to deny our perceptions. Parents routinely contradict children’s perceptions to manipulate them, to protect another family member, or to hide family secrets, such as addiction; e.g. “Daddy (who’s passed out) wants to play with you; he’s just tired,” or “That movie isn’t playing anymore (even though it clearly is),” or “Your brother didn’t mean to hit you.”

Parents also deny children’s needs and feelings, telling them they don’t or shouldn’t feel a certain way or need or want something. Children idealize their parents and must adapt to survive. They blame themselves and learn to doubt or deny perceptions, feelings, wants, and needs. This can lead to toxic shame that unconsciously colors their entire adult lives. Some people repress or deny their past and insist they had a happy childhood to avoid painful truths.

We also deny problems that grew up around. We won’t realize that something is wrong. If we were emotionally abused as a child, we might not recognize abuse or object to mistreatment. We’d likely take the blame, or minimize, excuse, or rationalize it, e.g. “It’s my fault,” “It’s enough that she loves me,” “My husband doesn’t mean it,” or “My wife just has a temper.” If we were molested, we might not notice or protect our child who’s being incested. If we grew up with alcoholism, we might normalize our spouse’s or our own alcohol addiction. Denial affects future generations and can cause families and entire groups to endure decades of shame that’s hard to reverse. When we face the truth, we can seek help and interrupt that legacy.

How we’re harmed

When we deny negative feelings and memories, it deadens our senses. All our feelings get suppressed, including joy and love. We become increasingly numb as our heart closes. Similarly, when we deny our wants and needs, our enjoyment of life diminishes. We sacrifice our desires and live in quiet desperation. Denial of our value prevents us from receiving love and achieving our goals or gaining any satisfaction from our successes.

Moreover, when we repeatedly tune out reality, problems grow. Sweeping something important under the rug makes it harder to correct later. Many people afraid of cancer delay getting biopsies, even though early intervention leads to better outcomes. The same is true for treating mental health and marital problems.

Our psyche knows the truth, and our discomfort might manifest as passive-aggressive or addictive behavior, displaced anger or as a physical or mental health problem. lt shows that denial of stress and negative emotions have serious health risks that can lead to heart attacks, surgery, and death.

When a society denies racism, corruption, immorality, or abuse of power, institutions are at risk. Like individuals, societies sicken. People become numb, develop a sense of futility, and a downward spiral ensues that allows the worst in human nature.

How to change

Change requires courage and a desire to live in truth. We often need support, especially when the fear of facing something or someone is great. Fear of shame causes needless anxiety. It’s not a good reason to delay, because we can overcome shame.

* Become more mindful through meditating and journaling.

* When you have a knee-jerk reaction to opposing views, take a breath.

Get all the facts. You don’t have to agree, but listen to alternative opinions

and interpretations of facts.

* Challenge your underlying assumptions. Where do your beliefs come from?

Are they helpful? Might reasonable people disagree?

* Are you having wishful thinking about a problem when the facts prove otherwise?

* Do you excuse, rationalize, or minimize a problem or conceal it from others?

* Don’t bury problems, and assume no one notices. Instead, be willing to initiate

difficult conversations about uncomfortable subjects.

* Take constructive action to reduce worry and stress.

* Don’t procrastinate. Talk to a professional about your concerns.

©DarleneLancer 2018