Well, here we go again! The break for the holiday many did not celebrate in the traditional way has passed, and we are back to the tumult of the campaign that has never ceased. This, as you know, is laid across the lives that we have to live anyway, which in the best of times is complex and filled with some stark and unsettling events.

News yesterday was that Justice Ginsberg of the Supreme Court was admitted to the hospital for what the press claims is a possible “minor infection.” Should she need replacement, a cacophony of events will transpire, probably as colorful as those that accompanied the last nomination.

I admire the Justice and her determination to stay her course, whatever that might be. The importance of the Court is apparent in the events emerging this session that are frankly quite amazing. They betray the widely held view that Mr. Trump’s appointments have changed anything in the SCOTUS. There have been some momentous opinions delivered this month, including one giving half of the state of Oklahoma back to an indigenous tribe.

I don’t know what to think of it, at least in a unified manner. I am pleased an ancient injustice may be righted, and I am equally delighted not to own property there. But that is part of what is swimming along below the promises of trillion dollar investments in green technology. Regrettably, most of it is not ready for prime time to replace a system that works just fine at present, and beats anything for goals in the Paris Accords. It strikes me that the agreement was forged by a West that seems intent on self-destruction.

Take the litany of other woes under the canopy of chaos. The ongoing Naval disaster onboard USS Bonhomme Richard in San Diego is only the latest in a series of appalling mistakes that point to an institution in trouble. Throw in the burgeoning economic and military confrontation with the Chinese. that Henry Kissinger termed a “New Cold War.” He is old enough to be one of the statues that were merrily falling across the country just a few weeks ago. Our Anthem, national monuments and the other firmament of the proud nation we served are all now in question. Even commenting on them brings the Cancel Culture on in full manic baying force.

My former shipmates are in a high state of alert over the ordinary disasters and programs that are part of the way we used to live. Add the rest, and the electoral hyperbole atop the pile, and it makes every sensor in my remaining inventory slide to “red.” By that, of course, I do not parrot the talking points of today’s red and blue. I do worry about the grandkids, and the world they will have to live in.

The term “insurance policy” achieved a new definition after the 2016 election. What is happening now in the nation reflects the formation of an updated policy for future events. I am confident that there are several created already, and will be fascinated to see the final versions as they are deployed around the Third of November, which is likely to be one of those “for all the marbles” contests.

Forgive my age. I actually remember trying to puzzle though the implications of Civil Rights legislation in 1964. And a Presidential election that was decided by vote fraud in Mayor Dailey’s Chicago. One has to marvel at the Swamp Theater, and it will only get better. I wish there was a policy I could take out against what is coming. Still, there is a splendor in the Swamp, sordid though it might be.

Having a wonderful time. Wish you were here!

Copyright 2020 Vic Socotra
http://www.vicsocotra.com