Morning Open Thread is a daily, copyrighted post from a host of editors and guest writers. We support our community, invite and share ideas, and encourage thoughtful, respectful dialogue in an open forum.
I’ve come to think of this post as one where you come for the music and stay for the conversation—so feel free to drop a note. The diarist gets to sleep in if she so desires and can show up long after the post is published. So you know, it's a feature, not a bug.
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Notes from Below Sea Level
1. It’s been one hell of a week, I’d say, and not one I’m particularly interested in repeating: though given the strong-armed responses to peaceful protests and the inter-fighting among the Republicans, there’s no doubt that this will continue for a while. The protests are serving a purpose and are—because of the pandemic rather than in spite of it—bringing attention to the widespread problem of police brutality. I pray that this attention on one friction point in the justice system (contact between police authorities and minority populations) will permeate and eventually reveal the deep and deadly nature of our entire justice system in how it treats people of color.
2. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has woken up from her three-year nap to tepidly observe that she’s sort of troubled by President Trump’s behavior. The President’s response was to immediately attack her and threaten to endorse her opponent—whomever that may be. Now I feel sorry for whoever is running against Mukowski. On a related note, Generals Mattis and Kelly have decided to say something about the administration’s lawlessness. To me, honestly, when the slogan—“if you see something, say something—was developed, I’m pretty sure it didn’t mean a couple years later.
3. Piers Morgan and Rudi Giuliani got into a shouting match over which is the crazier. I haven’t been able to find an update on this one, but last I heard the match was a dead-heat.
4. The Buffalo Police seem to be working diligently on their “Mini-Me Evil” Boy Scout badges as they take center stage in the competition for most inhumane and lawless police force in the country. Kudos for beating up an old man, but I don’t think they’ll be in first place for long.
5. The administration (and even some of the media) have taken a page out of the NRA playbook on Reasonable Responses to Random Violence and Unusual Solutions You Didn’t Realize are Household Cleaners. No one is allowed to comment on gun violence unless you get the nomenclature exactly correct according to their moving and changing definitions. Now apparently you can’t report that teargas was used unless the canisters have the registered trademark of the TearGas company clearly stamped, in red, on the side. It doesn’t matter that the terroristic effects are the same, we have a duty here to make those fine distinctions. Don’t make the mistake of calling it Vaseline or Coke or Kleenex.
6. Tripical Storm Cristobal continues to pound southern Mexico and will be moving into the Bay of Campeche today and then toward the gulf coast. Some are predicting it will be a hurricane by the time it reaches the US and others are standing by their estimation that it will remain a tropical storm. Let me settle this one for the experts. When you’re in the crosshairs of a storm coming off the gulf bringing storm surge and inordinate amounts of rain and wind, the difference between 70 mph winds and 74 mph winds is not something we spend even a few minutes arguing about—and we love a good argument.
7. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas published a op-ed in the New York Times that advanced the idea that fascism is a reasonable response to protests otherwise protected by the First Amendment and that our military should be given the authority to kill fellow citizens in our quest for restored order. Predictably, some people (particularly those of color and sense) objected to its publication. Turns out, the various justifications for printing that tripe came down to, “oh, hell, we didn’t even read that thing before hitting the print button.” I’m no journalist or newspaper magnate, but I think these times call for a bit of caution and extra fact-checking. Just saying.
8. Defense Secretary Mark Esper should probably update his resume and brush up on his shorthand. Given the abysmal (and worsening) unemployment numbers, even secretary positions are hard to pick up these days—though being a white guy no doubt will at least get him an interview.
9. I’m not sure exactly what’s going on with the pandemic. Once we surpassed 100,000 dead it’s like people lost interest. I guess that for those of us in a high-risk class will be waiting for another milestone to be announced so we can get back to taking it seriously.
10. And if you were wondering, the Obamagate Hearings are proceeding as planned. Personally, I think this is a huge, government-funded performance art piece and am somewhat surprised that Republicans are finally waking up to the importance of art in this country. Silver linings and all that, I guess.
On a personal note, work is fine, the fact that I’m considered “essential” is getting a bit worn, summer is most definitely here on the gulf coast, and this cup of coffee I’m enjoying on my patio this morning is the best I’ve ever had (which tops yesterday’s best-cup-I’ve-ever-had). Good morning everyone and happy Friday. I hope you are safe and well and fighting the good fight.
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Friday’s Lagniappe
This week’s highlight from The Bitter Southerner is “Healing Through Wet Paint” by Marianne Leek .
“Students in Ellen Engelmann’s art classes at Hayesville High School found belonging, healing, and perspective that took their hearts and minds beyond the confines of rural, homogenous western North Carolina. As schools across the country make massive budget cuts, arts education might well be among the first casualties. A retired English teacher and former colleague of Engelmann’s makes the case for art as an essential element in a quality education, mental health, and preparing people to participate in a more just and equitable society.”
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Grab your coffee or tea and join us, please.
What's on your mind this morning?