Discouraging Political Outlook For 2022

Unlike the past couple years, I don't expect to comment on much politically in 2022. Sadly, the political environment around the country is expected to be sharply divided and perhaps violent in some areas. I would simply urge both Democrats and Republicans to vote for candidates with good character and with the intent of serving the best interests of their constituents, rather than the type of self-serving behavior we witnessed with Donald Trump and elected officials who supported his big election lie.

I am hoping Congress will pass a voting rights bill that would potentially override some of the draconian laws that were passed in a few red states. Currently, Republicans have an edge in the 2022 House and Senate races, due to redistricting in red states, and highly restrictive voting laws that will make it difficult for voters in those states who voted for Joe Biden in 2020. Fair and safe elections must be normative in all states. This is why a voting rights bill is needed at the federal level.

I worry about the future of our democracy, as GOP leaders continue to bend to the will of Donald Trump. I hope voters not wanting an autocracy in the U.S. will show up in force next November, even if red states shut down polling places they are accustomed to. It is a matter of doing whatever it takes to preserve our democracy, and this is why I pin my hopes on a federal voting rights bill.

Retiring From Ministry

Over the years, I have worn many hats: classical music, broadcasting, banking, government, politics, serving on non-profit boards, ministry, etc. I have made a decision to retire from ministry this year. It has been a privilege to be an officiant at multiple weddings, funerals and baptisms over the past 15 years. I now look forward to a quiet life, with the exception of my presence on social media.

Common Sense Gun Laws Needed

Gun violence has become an out-of-control epidemic. Defunding police departments is not the way to go. Police are currently stretched to the limit. Each shooting requires a rapid response, and lengthy investigations are needed when suspects are not immediately identified.

I propose a six-step plan toward ending escalating violence that threatens every community across America: 1.) Increase the number of counselors in our nation's schools. (Addressing violent tendencies early is important.); 2.) Increase the size of community service bureaus within police departments to meet with individuals/families and address neighborhood safety concerns; 3.) Implement a nationwide ban of assault rifles, including stiff fines and jail sentences for violations of the ban; 4.) Increase the level of investigations done by the FBI and the Bureau of Tobacco and Firearms to stop the flow of illegal gun trafficking. (Trafficking illegal guns across state lines is a federal offense.) 5.) Continue to monitor the level of lead paint in older homes. (There is a proven correlation between the presence of lead in the brain and violent tendencies.); 6.) Write letters to members of the House and Senate, urging common-sense gun laws that don't infringe upon the 2nd Amendment. (It is doubtful GOP members of the House or Senate will consider any gun laws, but giving up on legislation is not an option when lives are at risk.).

Sadly, gun violence has always been present in the U.S. However, the present numbers are unprecedented. It is almost impossible for the U.S. to be a positive influence in the world when there is so much violence on our streets. We must do better as a society.

Received Ancestry DNA Results

I received my Ancestry DNA results today. I am 50% European Jewish, 32% Irish Catholic, 7% Norwegian, 5% English, 4% Scottish, and 2% Swedish. I have over 1,000 cousins worldwide to explore. I already knew which part of Europe my paternal ancestors lived. However, I never knew until now which part of Ireland most of my maternal ancestors resided (Munster Province, Ireland, which included the counties of Clare, Limerick & Tipperary).

I wrote an extensive family history for my relatives a few years ago. I will now have other avenues to explore.

What I Would Do If I Could Travel Back In Time

I have always been intrigued with the idea of time-travel, which Albert Einstein thought was possible. If I could travel back fifty-four years, I would hit a restart button and correct mistakes I made in my late teens and twenties. Here are the changes I would make if it were possible:

If I could return to the fall of 1967, I would work harder on my studies at the Eastman School of Music. My ambition was to become a symphony orchestra conductor. However, I made the mistake of hanging out at bars designed for college crowds when I should have been practicing my instruments. As I look back, I remain appreciative that two of my professors at Eastman saw my conducting potential, namely Milford Fargo and Donald Hunsberger. (Dr. Hunsberger enrolled me in a graduate conducting course, even though I was an undergraduate.) So, my advice to my younger self would be, "stay out of bars and study hard, or your musical career will vanish."

As I moved onto my twenties, minus a musical career, I wasn't sure where I would venture next. I started exploring alternative paths, but was thwarted by an ill-fated relationship when I was 28. This particular person was convinced I would never amount to anything, and demeaned me at every opportunity. So, if I could travel back, I would avoid that relationship and the pitfalls the eventual breakup caused.

Fortunately, I was able to eventually enjoy success in such areas as broadcasting, banking, government, and ministry, as well as receiving a B.A. in Humanities and two graduate degrees in theology and ministry. My musical ambitions never came to fruition. However, having served on performing arts boards, and having been board president for the Rochester Chamber Orchestra, I at least returned to music at the administrative end.

The lesson I can pass on from all of this, now that I am in my seventies, is to follow your passions minus distractions whenever possible. It is also advisable to have a Plan B, in case Plan A doesn't work out. By the way, I am still intrigued with time travel. It would be an interesting ride.