I was tempted to write about Joe-mentum or the most recent Fearless leader non sense quotes, the real threat of Coronavirus, why I don’t know about Facebook groups, or the stock market “correction.” It is difficult to get ahead of the news or find any opinion that has not been expressed from multiple angles.
So, I am going to share a day in the life of a retired person and his friend by the numbers. Up early and walk the dogs, have breakfast with the grandchildren, get ready to go skiing. It is 3-5 and we should be watching the weather for the next snow storm. The snow is not falling because it is a record setting 70 degrees today in Boise. It has been warm each day and it makes the ski slopes a bit bullet proof – another way of saying icy. It is skier’s humor to say they groomed the runs with a zamboni. Early in the day it allows for a quick trip down the runs if you can hold an edge and stay on your skis. Mission accomplished – today in less than 2 hours we made 12 runs, over 18,000 vertical feet and remained upright. A quick lunch and a beer and we hurried down the hill to get to the golf course.Not many days you can snow ski and golf but it does happen in Boise. Nine holes was enough for us and it gave me a chance to catch the end of Hank’s tennis lesson. I feel a bit guilty for the life I live and thankful for the opportunities I have had that made it possible.
You are likely aware that there are now, practically speaking, only 2 Democratic candidates for President. I am ok with old white guys as a rule but it is unfortunate there are now 0 women in the race. Our country desperately needs new leadership. In a letter to her students at Georgetown University, former U S Secretary of State Madaleine Albright quoted Robert Frost, “now that I am old my teachers are the young.” Albright is inspired by the younger generation who have spoken out about the environment, racial justice, and the rights and dignity of women, immigrants and refugees.” She warns that they must get louder to make needed changes and “ truth must be defended and intolerance cannot be allowed to hide behind a mask of national pride.” Albright reminds us that we all need to be involved, “democracy is not a spectator sport.”
Sanna Marin is the 35 year old Prime Minister of Finland and youngest female leader in the world. The Finnish cabinet is led by four young women. Marin sees her job as building consensus rather than inflaming passions. Marin is focused on the future and believes in equality and not celebrity. Her government is under pressure from those who prefer the status quo. I wish her well.
Enjoy the weekend. Mike