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In previous writing, we have expressed our disapproval concerning the non-regulated and irresponsible (albeit profitable), wide-scale televised hawking of medicines and other purported curatives, to the general public. The advertised medicines are often presented, alongside attractive actors or models, and/or lovable, babies, possibly, a cuddly cat or loving puppy, to ensnare the attention and positive reaction of the targeted and vulnerable consumer.

We have, in the past, for reason of emphasis, analogized the advertising big pharma, as, “snake oil salesmen,” by reason of their apparent lust for big profits, as a sole priority, irrespective the possibility of personal dismay and disappointment, arising out of its tactical creation of unrealistic expectations, and, more significantly, the real danger, of possible harm, incident to the irresponsible and blind prescription of medication, to the persuasive and nuanced challenged viewer.

During the period of the 18^th Century, Gold Rush, many Chinese immigrants who came to California, seeking their fortune, and later, Chinese indentured laborers, who worked on the transcontinental railroad system, brought with them an ethnic “curative”, consisting of oil from certain snakes, purportedly curative of muscular aches, pains, and maladies like arthritis. It was used, with rather questionable results, as a liniment.

In the late 1800’s, American entrepreneurial tradition gave birth to a business enterprise, often conducted from a horse-drawn, wooden wagon, consisting of the sale of bottled snake oil. It was usually composed of a mildly venomous Chinese snake oil, a small quantity of beef fat, and red pepper. And was touted as a “sure-fire” remedy and cure, for blood diseases, dyspepsia, liver complaints, piles, kidney disease, muscular weakness, and numerous other maladies, reportedly, including impotence. By the 20^TH Century, pursuant to the “Pure Food and Drug Act,” the sale of such “patent” medicine was, mercifully, outlawed.

The medical practitioner brings his years of medical education and practical experience, to the care of individualized patients. It is often said that the “patient history,” is the most valuable guide to his physical health, and when applicable, diagnosis and treatment. The responsible physician or nurse practitioner, whether in primary care, in the diagnosis of pathology, or its treatment, in addition to the responsibility to provide the patient with the “gold standard” level of diagnosis and treatment, is also charged with the relevant responsibility of individual knowledge of the patient’s nuanced condition, and the possible existence of personal sensitivities. Proper and professional medical treatment, whether, prescription of medicine or other intervention, must take into consideration the known, or revealed, specifics of each patient’s personal condition and past history. The failure to do so would amount to the undeniable commission of malpractice, and could possibly result in the harm, or even the mortality of the patient. The physician can also, in this regard, compare the details and measure of the patient’s response, to other patients in his experience, or that of reported, medically, researched patients.

America is uniquely successful in the lucrative area of advertising and sales. It may be admitted, that much of its vaunted GNP is a beneficiary of that enterprising practice. However, aside from banning media advertisements for such matters as cigarettes, guns, gambling and, (for some foolhardy reason,) birth control, it has seen fit to ignore its responsibility regarding the health and well -being of its citizens. It is only when the advertised pharmaceutical, or other mass used, personal product, has been found to be poisonous, or empirically determined to be carcinogenic, that any interest in protecting the consuming public is expressed.

The public, indiscriminate prescription of medication, especially those regarding conditions, such as cancer, hepatitis, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, eczema, depression and emotional illness, herpes and the like, to an unknown, possibly gullible, persuasive and indiscriminate public, appears to us, to be bordering on criminal irresponsibility. It is a reckless and dangerous activity, practiced for material gain, is essentially, intentional, premeditative, and irresponsible to the point of blatant, indiscriminate, sociopathy; it should be regularly investigated and if so determined, legally banned.

-p.

We have, at last, decided to no longer silently, contain our disappointment and outrage, at the continual misleading and distorted treatment of our statutory and precedential law, as related by the popularly celebrated “legal experts,” regularly appearing in the mass media.

Fundamentally, there is no more vital and useful function of an attorney, than to professionally and accurately, render his best advice, on the vast compendium of the (sometimes, enigmatic) law, as decreed in our Statutes and decided by judicial precedent.

Regarding two legal subjects, selected for this writing, we would challenge any lawyer, notably including television’s, pedantically smiling, renowned and authoritative experts, borrowed from the oaken and hallowed halls of Harvard, Stamford or Columbia Law Schools, to discern any degree of error, in our following legal critique.

Non- Disclosure Agreements regarding Trump Illegal Assignations:

The public media, has, on numerous occasions, presented to the public, its fallacious view, that a great many of the paid escorts (prostitutes) with whom Donald J. Trump had illegally, paid sexual relations, were legally prohibited from the revelation of the facts and circumstances of their respective assignations, because of their previous execution of a “Nondisclosure Agreement,” executed by them. This perverse understanding of Contract Law, remarkably, has not been criticized by anyone, inclusive of the celebrated legal icons.

It has universally and eternally, been a precedential and fixed part of Anglo-American Jurisprudence, that contracts, involving criminality or immorality, are and have never been, enforceable. A written Agreement concerning prostitution, or any other, illegal or societally disapproved activity, such as, gambling, usury, and the like, is not worth the paper, on which it has been, unprofessionally and unethically, construed.

Non-disclosure Agreements, in fact, were devised and, properly have their context, in the world of trade and commerce, and purposed to prevent the unauthorized revelation, of proprietary business information, such as design, formula, process, and private customer lists.

Advance Written Waiver of Liability, for Trump’s June rally:

Every freshman law student is taught, and knows, that Releases from liability, executed in advance, are voidable (“unenforceable”). As illustration, A, intending to take B, as a passenger in his automobile, in A’s trip from NYC to Albany, requests of B a General Release from liability, should they be involved in an auto accident. Should there actually be an accident, the executed and notarized, Release, is of absolutely no legal consequence. The same legal impediment applies, for reasons of sane public policy, to advance Releases of liability for any tort or negligent liability.

Why is the public being knowingly, misled?  Is it an unrelated circumstance, that the above two misadvised, matters concern Trump? Why no critical comment from the (non-partisan) media established, legal gurus?

Additionally, does it seem at all appropriate, to mislead the (already misguided) Trump partisans, into the risk of danger, of a potentially lethal illness (without legal remedy), at his ill-timed rally?

We welcome and would sincerely appreciate, explanatory or critical comment.

-p.

Writers, in the print media, have all but, uniformly, conferred upon President Donald J, Trump, the following descriptions, sexual predator, self-identified sexual assaulter, draft dodger, non-taxpayer, illiterate reductionist, ignorant, snake-oil demagogue, misogynist, bigot, compulsive liar, sociopath, bully, mocker of the disabled and needy, briber, cheat, anti-science and denier of climate change, insecure, childish, neurotic and delusional egomaniac, self-glorifier,  cruel and completely lacking in empathy, inept and incapable, grossly negligent and other like attributions.

Such references to this, loathsome, orangutan despot, are unfortunately, all too accurate, and empirically, confirmed by his noxious acts and statements; which, to our chagrin, have caused inestimable damage to the historic, universal perception of American strength, and standing among nations, founded in its moral rectitude.

Among the infinite plethora of reprehensible acts, there are two, particularly, shocking and unmistakably revealing, that, in our view, are the most descriptive of his complete lack of moral compass, sense of human morality and basic decency.

The first, and to us, the most unforgettable and defining act, was Trump’s cruel public burlesque, performed by him, on prime time television, in which he physically mimicked, in a shameless and tawdry, mocking performance, at a press conference, a questioning, newspaper reporter, who sadly, displayed the unattractive and extreme, symptoms of cerebral palsy. Trump’s ugly, and insensitive, caricatured, performance, of the disabled reporter, resembles the repulsive and primitively, cruel act, of an obnoxious, neighborhood  bullying, street urchin. In addition to all the representative and repulsive, adjectival disgrace, set forth, above, to continue to speak, grammatically, this American icon, lacks even a modicum of the most basic civilized, noun, decency.

The second most revealing and reprehensible act, was his recent command, issued to the capitol police, to forcibly clear the path to a Washington D.C. Church, in order that he might shamefully, pose, brandishing a copy of the Christian Bible (upside down) like an admonishing prophet from the “Book of Lamentations” to a penitent and remorseful assemblage or congregation.

We will not expend time in reference to the Constitutional inappropriateness of the ignorant and indecent act, as chief executive of a Nation where the absolute separation of Church and State, is Constitutionally and philosophically, sacrosanct. We would prefer, at present, to refer to the ignorant act as, yet one more of his, attempted, deceitful, snake-oil salesman, misrepresentations.

The Bible, even considering all of its flaws, does not, to any degree, condone womanizing and adultery, bribery, cheating, mendacity, lack of empathy, cruelty, selfishness, dishonesty, lack of respect for the elderly and handicapped, disrespect for learning, ignorance, egotism, sociopathy, rejection of strangers, family separations, mistreatment of the planet and its natural resources, disloyalty, arbitrary rule and the many Trump malevolent qualities.

If it were not so monstrously, misrepresentative and supremely, fraudulent, it would be farcical. The Dean of miscreants, and cheats, holding in the manner, like a Prophet of Old, the elevated (purported) Guide, or Field Book for moral, or Christian living, and personally, showing the way to the ultimate Providence.

So many deluded Americans, in the past, reportedly, voted for him, based on their personal disappointment with their life (as subjectively, projected, “with the establishment”). We are hopeful that these unhappy folk, will seek their betterment, hereafter, in an alternative fashion, then their support of the demonstrated, Nation damaging, experience of that egotistic, icon of pretentious worthlessness, Mr. Donald J. Trump.

-p.

 

With the most abject apologies to the great Victorian novelist, Charles Dickens, we cannot conjure up a more apt, or cogent, simile for our American Nation, past and present, than by the present use, of this title of one of his great novels.

As known, a curiosity shop, or antique mart, is a business establishment, in which a wide variety of commodities, antique and contemporary, valuable, as well as those whose desirability resides solely in nuanced sentimentality, are offered for sale. The predictably salient feature of such shops is the unpredictable, mixed, variety of sale merchandise, commonly unsorted, occasionally, chaotic, among which some cunningly, optimistic patron, may keenly, and covertly, search for a previously, undiscovered, “find.’

The establishment of our Country, the end product of the founders’ creative idea of a radically new, Nation, free of the European style, class system, and populated by responsible citizens of equal status and entitlement, was certainly an admirable undertaking, even, if a bit optimistic. History seems to show that, the evil despot with whom those idealistic prophets, in reality, needed to contend, was not, at all, the evil presumption of a King, but, rather, the perverse nature of man, himself. Stated otherwise, as we see it, the optimistic, Founders of our Democratic Republic, were, commendably, on the right track, insofar as their zealous elimination of royalty and privilege, but were completely incognizant as to the varied persona of man, by virtue of their own, self-projected merit.

The ultimate result was a potpourri of mixed, and unpredictable, “curiosity shop,” performance, by the newly created Nation, which, at various times, evinced either a good, bad, admirable or inconsistent, history. Had the new Nation been composed of a well-educated, informed (Jeffersonian) right-thinking citizenry, the mélange of reprehensible events, which punctuate our brief history of approximately 300 years, conceivably, would have been mitigated; in favor of a consistent record of rectitude and equality, as originally prophesized, and as enshrined in our foundational Constitution.

Despite our Nation’s historically, and proudly, professed identification, with the admirable mantras of equality for all, justice, freedom of speech and thought, we have, in sad reality, incurred a mixed history, inclusive of slavery, perennial race, as well as religious, ethnic and sexual prejudice, vast economic disparities (akin, by analogy to historic “privilege”) and a governmental infrastructure, at various times, consisting of ignorant and corrupt officials, perpetuating such despicable features. Since our Constitution and the original intent was otherwise, how could this be, except for the innate nature of man (our citizenry).

Every man, presumably, is born, with similar needs for continued life, security, love, respect, and acceptance from his society. Essentially, it is the empirical means chosen by him, in pursuit of the acquisition of such ends, that calibrates the morality of the citizen.

While parents admittedly differ, they all appear to teach their young offspring, well-intentioned lessons in personal identification with their born ethnos and religion, employing the words, “we” and “they,” for the positive purposes of the child’s self- identification and his secure feeling of belonging. We have remonstrated, in a number of past essays, on how that very, “we” and “they” teaching, all too often eventuates to a fantasized demonization of the “they,” and subsequent conflict; that it is far better to, simultaneously, teach parallel respect for divergent beliefs and variant physical characteristics. The traditional, biblically confirmed, teachings of parents, of value and worth as relevant to divergent racial and religious differences, are responsible for a long American, institutional history of despicable racial prejudice, from the period of American colonial slavery, to the present, continuing devaluation of black personhood, leading up to today’s appropriate demonstrations for justice and equity.

The identical, sad and eventually, dangerous agenda, applies to the etiology of religious, gender and ethnic bigotry. It is not a stretch to universally declare, that the concept of prejudice (like everything else) is taught and instilled (like a pathogen) and then, fatally, metastasizes. So many of the German population, in the 1930’s, enthusiastically, signed on to Hitler’s program to exterminate the Jewish population from the face of the earth. It is also, a part of our curiosity shop history, that Franklin D. Roosevelt, revered, among America’s greatest Presidents, responsive, to the perceived, anti-Semitic sentiment of the time, rejected a ship, loaded with European Jews, desperately, escaping Hitler’s gas chambers, and sent them back to their fate.

America, generally, touted as the “land of the free,” can, in comparison to most other nations, boast a progressive record (albeit inconsistent) of recognized and protected, democratic ideals. In its favor, it has properly, and as necessary, promulgated statutes of every kind, providing for equal opportunity and universally applicable, civil rights. Its known constitutional mandate, without question, is freedom and universal equality.

The Founding Fathers of our Democratic Republic, it seems, did not construe a facility for the elimination of ignorance and bias, the omitted impediment to the intended and foreseen, avatar of citizen, of the new Republic.  Their antidote to tyranny, prejudice, and threat of inappropriate sovereign action, appears to be the theory, that if the citizen were free from control by the government, he would thereby, be enabled to strive toward his goals; such freedom of opportunity, together with his other assured freedoms, would result in a successful and fulfilled, citizen and, ultimately, by extension, a successful Nation.

We, at plinyblog, have exclusively, dedicated ourselves, to the promotion of human advancement and learning, through life-affirming activities, such as, reading good literature, engagement in elective subjects of personal interest, music, art, theater, and other self-enriching activities. These ineluctably, lead to the advancement and growth of understanding of oneself and his environment, and the development of a mature perspective. The latter comprehends an awareness of the existence of other people of diverse culture, beliefs, and physical appearance, and an appreciation that all of whom, constitute equal members, of the family of man. Respect, empathy, and the potential for friendship would seem to be predictable outcomes of such acquired awareness.

Our Nation’s population, at present, however, resembles, in many respects, the miscellany of merchandise of a curiosity shop. In addition to a mainstream of literate, reasonably (and well) educated, reliably informed, people of goodwill, there are others, possibly not sufficiently contemplated, by the saintly, Founding Fathers, who are otherwise. Right thinking American citizens are frustrated by a large, ignorant, unschooled, flat earth portion of the population, which denigrates learning and education, scientific research (regarding climate change, vaccines, genetics, etc.) governmental social responsibility, and the existential importance of continued human advancement.

The latter are a corrosive blight on liberal democracy, and a veritable roadblock to the realization of the Nation, envisioned by its founders. It was, in fact, a coalition of such people, with the financial assistance of many sociopathic, industrial polluters, valuing profits over regulations which protect mankind’s health, that put in office, our current, inept, disgraceful and impeached,  but unfortunately, not removed, Chief of State.

Certainly, the most equitable and foresighted legislation is, as a practical matter, inadequate, without a morally, and willingly compliant, citizenry.

-p.

 

The reader is clearly due a brief explanation of the title of this mini-essay and we will discharge that responsibility, prior to addressing its content. We are cat lovers and were desirous of obtaining a sibling for our cat, Cicero. We prefer the breed of felis domesticus, called, “Devon Rex,” for the reason that they lack the common sub-layer of dander, and so, are hypoallergenic. We decided on a name for the second cat prior to its acquisition (from a Devon Rex cat farm) and desired to give it one, not usually given to cats, one which we felt assured, was not replicated previously. The name selected, in anticipation of the newborn kitty, was “Anchovy,” which, for further assurance of novelty, spelled “Anchovie.”

Anchovie is cute, tiny, an all-white oddball in appearance. She is quite small, having only grown to one-half the size of her (normal size) older brother but, eerily, even as a full grown cat, still retains the petite face of a kitten, (as well as a “mew,” as opposed to a, more mature, “meow”).  Cicero, tragically, passed away last year, from a combination of old age and cancer, after demonstrating himself to be an affectionate, calm, intelligent, and child-like addition to our household. We are still adjusting to his loss, and still truthfully, in mourning. When they were together, the two cats, anthropomorphically, resembled a guiding elder, and a loving younger, pair of siblings. They would often be seen, sleeping together, Ying and Yang style. To complete the household roster, we have another, normal size, Devon Rex, named, “Koodoo,” after a beautiful antelope-type animal, seen on Safari. Koodoo is by some feline-nuanced persona, a loner.

In contrast to Koodoo, Anchovie’s avid thirst for being petted and fondled is literally, unquenchable. Unless she is eating or sleeping, her self-legislated, legal demand to be cuddled is ever presented. Going to bed in the evening is always accompanied by this mewing, kitten-like feline, purring and impatiently waiting, on the pillow, for the night’s somnambulant snuggle.  But more on this subject, in relation our more serious theme, later, in this writing.

We, as stated in the previous writing, are in quarantine, in Kingston, New York, yet, remain up to date on the horrific epidemic, it’s the dislocation of society, frightening numbers of infected, and concerning those, who have succumbed to the virulent pathogen, “Covid-19.” Together with a great many Americans, we are horrified and angered by the shocking extent of gross malpractice and verbal deception, practiced by our incapable and dishonest President; which exacerbated the impact of the viral outbreak, causing greater morbidity, in terms of infection, and a tragically immense number of preventable deaths

Neither are we, disturbingly unaware of the contagion of the virulent police epidemic, whose etiology resides in the unspeakable bigoted criminality of the great number of police unjustified, killings, of black unarmed, citizens, which, similar to the epidemic, has grown to pandemic size, [please also refer to blogpost # 511]. This holocaust- like experience was, also exacerbated, if not caused, by our ignorant and bigoted President, whose indirect statements and, all-too-subtle cues are seen as encouraging signals, to white nationalists (a loyal portion of his base).  We are aware of no responsible, statements of Presidential disapproval, of the behavior of the many police, who seemingly, feel protected and enfranchised by their Municipal badges, to commit random, racial murder against our fellow black citizens. On the contrary, we see only his devious propaganda, falsely seeking to avoid blame, by his attempts to deceitfully and pathologically misrepresent the issue as a conflict, between law and order and criminal behavior, and to cynically portray, the hateful bigoted, police murder of black Americans, as leftist inspired violence; perceived by this master of mendacity, as salutary for his errant political agenda.

It is difficult to contain our outrage at a miscreant President, who exacerbates the tragic experience of a potentially lethal epidemic, by his ignorant, gross negligence, compounded by his additional, refusal to responsibly and morally, condemn homicidal behavior towards black Americans (for which he is indirectly to blame); and instead, attempts to divert the true causes, pursuant to his fascistic agenda, to a false, attributive scapegoat.  Like a modern day Mussolini, he has encouraged the military use of metropolitan police and the National Guard, to engage the peacefully protesting crowds, with the autocratic tactics of clubs, rubber bullets, pepper spray, clubs, and beatings. This is illegal, un-American, and extremely dangerous to the recipients of such autocratic behavior, and, on an existential basis, to the very existence of our American Democracy. [In case the reader has not already done so, we recommend the disturbing and thought-provoking, novel “It Can’t Happen Here” by Sinclair Lewis.

We now, as previously, promised, return to an explanation of the title of this writing and to the overly cute, cuddly, and curious subject of amorous, little Anchovie. As previously stated, each evening, at bedtime, she mews and impatiently sits on the pillow, awaiting her nighty cuddled sleep, softly, steadily, and audibly, purring, like a tiny motor, in her advance, amorous, contemplation of our regular nighttime interaction

We then retire to bed, heavily bearing in mind, the daily, accumulated and profound, feelings of alarm and dismay at two epidemics, coronavirus and the ongoing, (justified), demonstrations against the evils of empowerment of armed and homicidal, bigoted police.

Anchovie, by contrast, with a full belly, and available warm human company, against which she nestles, purrs, completely care-free and comfortably, in her mini-pussy cat sleep. It’s a cat’s life, and just another one of our “Anchovie Nights.”

-p.

The foundational American testament, that all men are created equal, was a radical expression of the Founders’ intent in the elimination of the age-old institution of privileged classes. It has been eternally understood by most Americans, however, to amount to a   Constitutional assurance of equity to all citizens; any and all relevant doubts resolved by recent U.S. Supreme Court cases and by Statutes, including, the Civil Rights Act.

There has been considerable difference, unfortunately, between societally imposed law and human behavior. Three, very recent, illustrative, shocking and shameful incidents, of illegal, bigoted, police brutality involving black citizens, were those concerning, unarmed and peaceful black Americans, George Floyd, Armand Aubrey, and Breonna Taylor (the latter was shot dead, merely sitting indoors on her couch).  These are the most recent demonstrations of illegal and hateful, known, police brutality against black citizens. Many examples of the same have come to public notice, only by virtue of new regulations concerning, digital cameras, brought about by the pandemic of innumerable, unreported, murders of innocent and unarmed black people by the police.

The most egregious expression of hatred and despicable bigotry, are those of the police, whose immoral acts are seen by many as indicative of a nation, which, if not composed of bigots, tolerates, perhaps, even encourages, such felonious inhumanity. Police, as such, for better and for worse, are functionally seen as representative of municipal governmental policy. We are truly ashamed, on behalf of our Nation and its municipalities for this consistent and regrettable history, and will have a few policy recommendations, to suggest, at the conclusion of this mini-essay.

There is no effective detergent, to wash this Nation’s hands clean (like Lady Macbeth’s) from its past, shameful, and immoral institution of black slavery. The larceny of human life, breaking up of families for convenience of sale, the hangings, beatings, and mistreatment, of black people, by self -designated, religious, Bible loving people can never be erased from the American blackboard of history. The shame and inhumanity of the Nation are emblematically demonstrated by the famous decision of its highest and most revered, Court, The Supreme Court of the United States, when its panel of the Nation’s most prominent Justices, in the 19^th Century case, (Dred Scott) decided, that a runaway black slave should be returned to “its owner,” because he (a Negro) was merely, proprietary agricultural equipment. (J. Taney)

For Centuries, black people, (and many decent white people, in their behalf) have sacrificed and striven, in the aspiration for racial equality, and have made good progress in obtaining laws, at long last, protecting the right of equality of black citizens. Much progress has been made since the era of theatrical, public hangings of men, whose apparent guilt consisted in their having, with premeditation and deliberation, been born black; however, there is a long way for our Nation to go, in the equalization of opportunity and social status, before it can assert itself as a Nation of equality of rights and opportunity.

We will always need effective and energetically enforced laws, to protect minorities,  for as long as there are people, who believe that the percentage of melanin in the human outer tissue determines worth and character. But even Statutes cannot alter private thoughts and opinions. We need to examine the root of the problem. In earlier posts, we have determined that the seeds of discord are planted very early in life, and, accordingly (shamefully) are part of our individual perception.

We are followers of John Locke and accordingly, believe that all of man’s knowledge is acquired by learned experience (rather than inspired). We are thus, of the opinion (and have so written) that the errant perception of others (prejudice) is taught to children at a young age, by a parent, or guardian who, for possibly, well-intended, reasons of encouragement of security and identity, invests the child with the concept of “we” and “they.” We believe that this (eventually, dangerous) lesson, eventuates in the mind of the child, to a demonizing of the “other.” We urgently need to construe an alternate lesson, consisting in the encouragement of identity, as one, among other identities; instead of a “we” as distinguished from a “they.” Until that time, we must, patiently and sincerely, pursue our challenging work, towards the goal of universal equity in educational opportunities, employment, housing, and social acceptance.

The public image of the policeman has demonstrably changed since we were young. The stereotype, then, in reality, and therefore in movies, was a usually middle aged, paternal personality, who knew the people, especially their children, on his beat. He was dutiful, familiar and certainly, trusted. He represented the idealized qualities of our free country and the significance of family. We saw him as a positive symbol of rectitude and prideful duty. This symbol of just and loving paternity was available to help old ladies with their heavy shopping bags, and young mothers, in an emergency, to deliver a baby.

We saw the character and stereotype of the policeman markedly change, in the era when the very profitable, sale, and distribution of drugs become a significant wholesale and retail enterprise. There appeared to be an unlimited amount of money, now floating around, and the title of “dirty cop” became a media and cinema regular. The image of the friendly neighborhood policeman seemed to completely, disappear, and after a while, people felt only a little less safe, talking to a policeman, than taking to a criminal. If we were fortunate enough to have police who emulate the stereotype of the neighborhood patrolman of old, the justice system, undoubtedly, would be less busy, and more admirable.

The image and stereotype of the policeman, having altered for the worse, it follows that the applicants for the job would also have a different anticipation regarding their duties and loyalties. The altered image of the cop accounts for much of the negative change. But this note is on a somewhat different subject, the unjustified violence practiced by police against unarmed black Americans.

The problem is four-fold, the change in the image of the police, the unpredictable inclination of the individual policeman, toward objectivity or bias, his mental health, and above all, the issuance of guns. The State must not condone the delivery of death-dealing weapons to individuals who are not certified as mentally healthy, and objective. As known, there has been, among the photographed events, far too many instances of unarmed black people, murdered by these State empowered criminals, under the false shield of police authority. There are accounts of white supremacists who have, for their own, un-American and immoral designs, infiltrated the police department.

The only solution we can offer is the professional administration of mental tests by competent, non-police, non -civil service or political agencies, on a regular basis to all police department hires, who will be authorized to carry a weapon, prior to initially entering into constabulary employment, as well, on a regular basis to all gun-toting police thereafter. [It would be societally appropriate, and prudent, additionally, to undertake such programs for all citizens, licensed to bear arms.]

It would also be of great utility and academically appropriate, to eliminate the word,  “race” from the lexicon, since it is scientifically, undefinable, and only used to create mischief. (see our early plinyblog: “The Dirtiest Word.”)

-p.

A period of solitude necessarily, implicit in the present prophylactic practice of quarantine, affords ample undistracted time for free-floating and undisciplined thought. In such a context, the other day, we seemed to perseverate on our early childhood thoughts and experiences. In that antediluvian era, as recalled, “telling a joke,” for some childish reason, meant, to pose a riddle, the intended humor apparently, consisting of the revelation of the solution. The inventory of such “jokes,” however, was necessarily limited, as a result of their familiarized, local repetition; so their utility was usually employed, in the unkind challenge to outsiders, such as newcomers to the neighborhood and strangers.

Many of these problematic riddles, (read, “jokes”) still linger in our long-ago memories: Examples: “Why did the chicken cross the road? (To get to the other side); why do firemen wear red suspenders? (To hold their trousers up); What can you catch, but not throw? (a cold); What month has 28 days? (All of them); What comes but never arrives? (Tomorrow).

One riddle which, seems to persist, universally, for some unknown reason, was actually answered by us in our high school years. The so-called conundrum was: “What came first, the chicken or the egg?” This problem, strange to relate, is still utilized, today to signify unanswerable questions. Truthfully, and with the greatest modesty, we (viz., pliny) easily solved the age-old issue, when a High School sophomore, to earn the offered prize, of two chunky bars (the then contemporary, medium of exchange). We saw that the solution of the traditionally, unsolvable dilemma, was elementary if you are a believer in Darwinian evolution. (The egg came first, which was laid by a creature [bird], one step before the chicken in the evolutionary process). These facts have been set forth in an earlier, pliny blogpost). Understandably, we have been, for many decades, surprised and greatly disappointed, by the felt lack of due recognition and absence of well deserved, tribute, given to our singular break-through.

We presently are beset by an irritatingly, unanswerable question, which we ourselves have posed, regarding the well-known baked item, called the “bagel.” We will attempt to justify the use of the adjective, “irritatingly,” as well as setting forth the difficult question, following a very brief note on the iconic bagel, itself.

The Yiddish word, and item, “bagel,” had their modest origins within the Jewish community of Poland. Wheaten dough is shaped by hand, into the form of a small circle (approximately, medium hand size) boiled and thereafter baked. Bagels, in all their many present iterations, plain, sesame seed, pumpernickel, onion, garlic, and the like, have, universally, become extremely popular and profitable items. Our unsolved issue “revolves” (sorry!) about that delicious product.

Prior to the actual recitation of our bagel conundrum, we would earnestly request the reader to reserve his predictable, reaction, outrage, or immediately, proffered response, to the same. If the solution to this problem, were as simplistic as its statement would, on its face, appear to be, we (who are discerning enough to have finally solved the age-old, chicken-egg, conundrum) would not feel so distressed and frustrated at its elusive answer.

As set forth above, the quintessential bagel is hand-formed into a circle, boiled and then baked. The excruciatingly difficult- perhaps unanswerable, the question relates to its circular configuration, and is an empirical, or factual, one: CAN A BAGEL HAVE A HOLE IN IT? Please, as earnestly requested above, withhold your response, derisive or factual, until we have the opportunity to elucidate.

It is a simple matter to determine whether one’s sock, shirt, shoe, or watering can, has a hole in it. This ultra-simple question can be readily answered by reference to its appearance or performance.

Getting down to the basics, we would describe the simple concept of “hole,” as an opening, tear, space gap, or perhaps, a cavity. In view of the fact that a bagel is circular shaped, i.e., a 360 -degree arc, like all circles is especially identified by the void, occupying the interior of the baked circle. This means that for a bagel to satisfy its mandatory and existential essence, and qualify under applicable definition and established standard, it must be baked in a circle (viz., a baked item, whose essentially, identifying feature is its shape, which, in its intrinsic, circular form, surrounds an interior empty space).

Since it is the fact, that, both empirically, and by universally, established definition, a bagel is circular and contains an empty space, within its wheaten baked circle, can it be correctly said that a bagel has a “hole” in it? Stated otherwise, if membership, as a bagel, in the class of baked goods, requires an empty center, how, in the name of reason, can a legitimately, qualified bagel, be said to contain a hole?

Before we hazard our, personally considered view, on this erudite, philosophical and definitional conundrum, we are duty-bound to refer to the historically, divisive and bitter feelings as between the divergent points of view on the subject. Since the relatively recent creative, and universally, life-enhancing, phenomenon, the bagel, was creatively, inspired and miraculously, effectuated, the contentious “hole” issue, has been compared, in intensity, and time to the 30 Year’s War in Europe, in philosophical and World significance, to the Protestant Reformation, and in its extent of great excitement, to the year the Boston Red Socks, at long last, triumphed over the New York Yankees, in Finley Park. Unfortunately, there have been some street riots and a few general strikes, ignited by the differing and contentious feelings on the issue, but fortunately to date, no deaths.

Based upon our intensive researches, both academic and social, on all sides of the contested issue, the disputants line up as follows. The adherents to the theory that a bagel, defined by its circular shape, has no opportunity, or space for a hole, that the empty center, classically, and by definition “is” what defines it as a bagel; others, beg the question, by arguing that a bagel is a bakery item with a hole already in it; still others, also say, that the open space is a definitional part of the bagel and, sneeringly, that you cannot have a second hole in an empty space.

After much consultation on the issue, with recognized experts in Geometry (Euclidian and Spherical), Trigonometry, Metaphysical Philosophers, Designers and Food experts, and after due consideration and deliberation, we have come to the answer to this obtuse and heavily contested question, and can confidently conclude that the reader will be entirely correct if he chooses to select, any one, of the following answers, to the thorny question: Does a bagel have a hole in it?

• A Bagel is a “Bagel”, because of the signature hole,
• You cannot poke a hole in empty space,
• But you can make one on its baked portion or,
• Who cares? We have conundrums enough, in dealing with Trump and COVID-19.

Well, we hope that you at least smiled!

-p.

The surprise attack and degree of ensuing success of the novel, and potentially fatal, 2019-2020, coronavirus pandemic has been, in no small part, the beneficiary of America’s misplaced priorities, and lack of responsible official oversight. The ignorance, egotism and total incapacity of the Trump Administration, provided in decisive effect, the same pernicious and disabling impact, as would a cadre of enemy fifth columnists; in its senseless dismissal of a special watchdog agency, tasked with the responsibility of advance notification of worldwide epidemics, in tandem with its generally, ignorant denigration of scientific (and other, academic) research.

The subject pandemic, as of the date of this writing, reportedly, has steadily increased in our Nation, to the ((known) alarming amount of 1,655, 691 deaths, and 97,812, infected. It has been officially reported that to date, the figures of infected people in New York State, is 362,764. (however, due to the gross malpractice of the Trump administration, there are serious shortages of testing equipment (among other things) accordingly, the figures of the infected may be understated.) We read today, that the number of cases of coronavirus is alarmingly rising in five Southern States. The World Health Organization has publically declared, that we need to be cognizant, that simply because the numbers may appear to indicate, in some areas, that the virus is on the way down, it is vitally necessary to continue to maintain our protective protocols, (sheltering in place, masks, distancing, sanitary practices).

It is our disconcerting observation, that, despite the advertised dangers of contracting the virus, and its known potential for lethality, a reckless, impatient portion of our population, has irresponsibly chosen to defy the mandatorily essential, prophylactic admonitions, by closely socializing at the shore on Memorial Day, and in attendance at crowded bars, barbeques, and other public events. It is to be realized, that such impatient and reckless noncompliance, with the medically, prescribed procedures, is a danger, as well, to the general public, by the further thoughtless, transmission of the viral infection, to the general population. It is not, merely a private choice and could, unjustly result, in the communication of the dreaded disease to others, also impatient, but more responsible [ in their compliance with the prescribed medical strictures.] No individual ever has the elective freedom, or moral authority, to “throw caution to the winds,” when it is at the risk of others.

Those who have raised children have predictably experienced the occasion, when their child incurs a minor wound to the knee or elbow, which, in the normal healing process, develops a protectively, covering scab. It is not uncommon for the young child, to want to pick at the scab, in an effort to remove it, because it feels itchy and uncomfortable. It is appropriate to discourage the child from doing so, by candidly, explaining that picking off of the scab may provide at first, a brief feeling of relief, but will delay the healing process of the wound, and may lead to further damage, or infection, and possibly, result in an unwanted scar.

For the present, by applicable and instructive analogy, patient endurance and compliance, with the prophylactic measures prescribed by the medical authorities, is the only safe, and societally responsible, course of action. The medical scientists, reportedly, are working feverously, to discover more about this novel virus, and to ultimately, produce a preventative vaccine. The small business interests who have been experiencing severe financial straits, understandably, would prefer to relax the protective restrictions; but in the end, are, logically and empirically, foolhardy, in seeking such premature relief, at the empirical risk, of an extension, or, perhaps, an exacerbation, of the problem.  Now is certainly not the pragmatic time, for “picking at the uncomfortably, itchy scab”.

Were the Trump Administration a capable, empathetic, and responsible one, desperately needed temporary financial relief, pending the arrival of the appropriate time to relax the restrictions, would be of major assistance, in the resolution of the current dilemma. However, the non- empathic, and pre-occupied, D.J. Trump, is far too engaged, in his golf scores, which are resolutely played, unmasked.

-p.

Mankind has historically venerated strength and athletic ability. The Roman Coliseum, perhaps, the best known of ancient stadia, was, like the Greek Amphitheater, dedicated to the Gods, and erected for the huge public spectatorship of regularly scheduled, athletic tournaments, known as the Olympics, or the “Games.” Research indicates, that contests and feats of exhibited strength and athletic performance, date back to the early days of man, and testifies to the eternal nature of man’s high regard for physical prowess. Modern society reprises this tradition, by its idolization of outstanding athletes, such as Babe Ruth, Joe Louis, Michael Jordan, Pele, LeBron James, and a full myriad of others. Vast numbers of sports stadia have been erected, in which multiple thousands of fans cheer for high performing, professional and college athletes, who are later, lionized on television, radio, and throughout the written media.

Although we include ourselves, among the many fans, and do share the admiration for the idolized (and magnificently rewarded) athletes, we nevertheless, are of the view that our Nation evinces a populist imbalance of priorities, in its extreme degree of adulation of athletic talent, as compared with its relatively understated, response to scientific and literary accomplishment; but this is another subject appropriately, reserved for a separate writing. The present writing concerns aging, rationally, and happily.

The popularly subscribed medium of television, (presumably, for commercial reasons) consistently links strength and physical capability, with success, pride and self -respect; and, contrariwise, fatigue and aging, with express or implied failure. This priority, may be savvy marketing, but in its biased fashion, demonstrates a tactical and insensitive, failure of awareness and respect, for the natural stages of man, who, with the immutable passage of time, by predictable and normal degrees, progresses, to naturally, a loss of physical strength and prowess. This intentional bias, demeans a very substantial portion of our population, inclusive of those fortunate enough to enjoy relative good, health, and those who do not. The criteria for manliness or femininity, instructively illustrated, by the, commercially motivated media, if realistic, at all, are in essence, ephemeral, fleeting, and temporary, being necessarily dependent, upon the stage of the aging process.

Admittedly, with aging, physical performance declines in ease and efficiency, recent memories may be challenged, and physical appearance often reveals cogent evidence of many years of living. On the emotional and intellectual side, however, many seniors enjoy certain substantial and profound advantages over younger people. We will elucidate on this phenomenon.

The acquisition of a mature perspective, we are certain, is not only a major stepping stone in the path to the achievement of wisdom but an essential factor in one’s happiness and self –fulfillment. We can see little achieved learning more necessary to the progress of life, or to the exercise of right reason, then the ability to seasonably, evaluate oneself, in relation to his environment and situation. Rational and realistic perception may be among the most vital criteria for emotional health, and the acceptable exercise of judgment.

If the inclination for personal comparison is, ultimately useful at all, basic reason prescribes that the relevant examples have comparable similarity. No one compares size, as between a rabbit and a giraffe. The criteria, applicable to physical fitness, strength, and athletic ability, is one which, as a matter of reason, empirically varies with age and health. A grandfather in his 80’s cannot, usefully, measure his strength and virility with a 20 year- old Olympic athlete, nor should the average, or aging, sports fan, measure his personal prowess, by comparison with the young, professional athlete. The reverence by the advertising agencies, for beautiful bodies, is an expression of their mission, to sell merchandise, and not necessarily, an appropriate reflection of the community’s expectation of its own attainment of that unrealistic criterion. Rational comparison depends upon the commonality of the relevant subjects.

We would be remiss in candor and our sense of fairness, if we omitted a brief comment on the benefits, of being older. Gone and done with, by such age, are life stresses, such as, school and grades, choice of career, marriage and family stresses, including the issues implicit in raising children, fantasized success, competition, earnings, and employment. For the healthy elder, what comfortably remains is peace. Those who have developed sufficient internal resources additionally, have the life-affirming opportunity to pursue their life-long interests such as literature, art, gardening, collection, and travel.

Contrary to certain immature, ego-centric opinion, aging is not a disease; to the contrary, for those elders with relatively good health, it constitutes an undisturbed and continuing opportunity, for growth, advancement, and the fulfillment of postponed, lifetime aspirations.

-p.

The seemingly inexorable continuance, of the medically compliant, prophylactic quarantine, additionally, brings with it, the collateral benefit of a unique opportunity for the undisturbed, exercise of the phenomenon, described, in earlier writings, as “the life-long conversation with oneself.” The benefits to be derived, from this unique opportunity for inner analytical thought, however, are materially dependent upon the nature of such ruminative activity, the degree of objectivity, and the presence of a realistically established, self- image. The myriad distractions, in more normal times, provide requisite cover and opportunity to divert from those uncomfortable thoughts; which, conceivably, may be relevant to our conceptual route to happiness and ultimate, self-fulfillment. This valuable opportunity for reflection, for our wading, in the waters, of our private and consequential, stream of consciousness, should not be casually, overlooked.

Thoughtful considerations, may  well include, the passage of time, alteration of circumstances, experiential learning,  realization of mitigating circumstance regarding judgments of self and others, recognized irrationality or error in certain persistent,  disturbing, thoughts, re-evaluation of previous opinions, both personal or factually based, the unreality of certain expectations, personal or professional, the evolution of changes in social expectations or mores, the sudden realization of the true intention of another’s act, the acceptance of aging, the realization of errors, and the corrective solutions, if possible, the  positive recognition of sincere effort, expended by others on failed enterprises, the existence of mitigation of others in blameworthy actions, the acceptance of points of view or importantly, of people, previously rejected  offhand, the reevaluation of past events, the sudden realization of poor judgement, and so very many others, dependent upon the life experience of the individual and his ability, and willingness, to objectively recall and reevaluate.

There are, doubtless, at least as many diverse subjects, suitable for private reevaluation and appraisal, as there are thoughtful people, willing to wade into their personal (and ultimately) invigorating, stream of consciousness, during the opportunity afforded by this unusual down period. However, we would be thoughtless and remiss, in our desire to express something useful on the subject, without mention of the all-important and life-enhancing, ability, and willingness, for the generous and compassionate, forgiveness of oneself, for perceived, or actual, past mistakes and errors of judgment. Available comforting balm, for such possibly painful enterprise, is permissibly available, with ample applications of the consideration and appraisal of mitigating circumstances,  of good intention, or, as applicable, of the causative element of inexperience.

This fortuitous, luxury, of time, and opportunity, to advance to a more mature and useful knowledge of yourself, by private monologue, should not be irresponsibly, undervalued, or regrettably, squandered. It may be noted, that it is perfectly acceptable to leave on shoes and socks (or stockings), as may be desired when wading in the enlightening and emotionally useful, stream of consciousness.

-p.