I mentioned mental health concerns in my last post – mostly I was concerned about young children and teenagers without adequate support systems. This week it dawned on me that Karen and I and other boomers may be living on the edge of mental stability. Basically, watching the news poses a significant hazard to your mental well being. Idahoan’s are considering repealing a law that bans private militias. Laughable you might think, because you are a rational citizen with beliefs based in reality. No joke, the House committee has moved the bill for a vote. The Idaho Senate has cleared the way for a vote on a Texas style abortion bill. This likely will pass and then be the start of a legal process. I can’t think of a single more troubling thing than following Texas. Remember their electrical grid disaster last year that can arguably be tied to a lack of regulation of that industry? Texas is a leader in Covid deaths in the most recent variant outbreak. Critical race theory, indoctrination task force, our Lt. Governor threatening to lock up of Dr. Fauci while preaching MAGA nonsense, defunding universities who provide diversity information, a legislature and individuals influenced by Idaho Freedom Foundation misinformation…..the list could continue. I have a two drink limit that may need to expand to match the mania or I need a psychologist.
On the lighter side, Karen and I had a discussion about the ears and noses of older humans. Karen asserted, after a haircut that her ears were growing. She went on to let me know that it was common knowledge and the same fact held true for noses. I was intrigued and invested a little time on research, could she be correct? The truth, according to Health Beat, is kinda Yes. As we age, the aforementioned appendages are affected by a force called Gravity. The appendages are made of cartilage which, contrary to other beliefs, does stop growing, allowing the collagen and other fibers to begin to break down. I am sorry to report, the result of this cartilage deterioration is drooping. Noses and ear lobes give in to gravity and they do become larger. To add insult to injury, our cheeks and lips actually lose volume, making everything else look comparatively larger. I hope you can put yourselves in our discussion and that it gives you a chance to enjoy a good laugh.
The political and social divide that are outlined in the opening paragraph many never be resolved. People are too entrenched in their own perspective and beliefs, even though the conviction may be based largely on fear driven by misinformation. A friend of mine felt that perhaps everyone in our country could agree that we need to stop “spam” calls. I am not so certain of that assertion when I would have thought we could all agree on defending the rule of law.
I leave you with a thought from Confucius that most of us can agree with “To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue: these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.”
I am hopeful we can save and strengthen our republic but it will take all of working toward that goal. Stay safe. Mike
Gravity
