My Prediction for 2026

 Having posted my New Year's resolution for 2026 (living life to the fullest as long as possible), I also have a prediction I would like to share.

Concerning my frequent criticisms of Donald Trump over the past few years, I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel. So, my prediction for this year is that we will begin to see the end of Trump's autocracy and the demise of MAGA as a major political force. I base this on the fact that we have midterm elections in November. I not only predict Democratic victories in House and Senate races. I also envision MAGA folks growing increasingly frustrated over broken promises from the Trump Administration.

From what I have analyzed, most adherents to MAGA are low to middle-class Americans, with a few wealthy individuals stirring the pot. I have to believe that MAGA folks are feeling the economic pinch at grocery stores, and they are seeing their health insurance rates skyrocket. In consideration of these factors, in addition to Trump's broken promises and pattern of lies, I strongly believe most Americans will be voting for a different path in Novemer. Concerning the 2028 presidential election, I am confident most Americans will be fed up with the Trump Administration by then, and the GOP heir apparent candidate, JD Vance, would simply be an extension of Trump. So, there is a basis of hope in November and in 2028.

We are living in dark times both in the U.S. and around the world. However, I have reason to hope, at least for a strong possibility of change in the political climate in the U.S. I have to compare Donald Trump to a locomotive running out of steam. Hopefully, JD Vance is the caboose on this train, with no path to move forward in 2028.

Hope for 2026 and Future Generations

 As the ball dropped in Times Square at midnight, I was heartened by the multitudes of young people caught on camera. The first thought that came to mind is these are our future voters, and I asked myself what type of country will they envision as they grow older.

The general atmosphere in the U.S. and throughout the world is rather dark right now, but perhaps 2026 will spur the imaginations of people who will be responsible for what occurs within the next two generations. It is sad to think that some young people will follow JD Vance, since he has picked up the mantle from the late Charlie Kirk. Yet, there is hope. Perhaps once Trump is gone, young people will develop an interest in the good things politics can produce under the right conditions, as opposed to following the path of MAGA.

It is perhaps too late for people in my generation to change direction in the United States, with the exception of seniors showing up in force to vote in the 2026 midterms. However, young people have an opportunity to implement change for the betterment of society. This means studying the Constitution thoroughly, in addition to having a full grasp of world and U.S. history. Engaging with one another in a civil manner is another virtue that will be important as the future is contemplated.

2025 is now behind us. Let's hope that our future generations will learn from the mistakes made in 2025, and begin to craft a brighter future.

Remembering Chuck Brucato

 It was sad to learn today that one of my good friends, Chuck Brucato, died. Chuck was a well-known musician/singer in the Rochester, NY area and beyond. He achieved prominence in the 1960's with his popular group, The Rustix. They recorded albums on the Rare Earth label, which was part of Motown. Following the breakup of the Rustix, Chuck went on to a lucrative career as a producer, writer, and singer for TV and radio commercials. Much of his work was in collaboration with Jay, Inc. In recent years, he often sang with his well-known musician son, Joe Brucato. Chuck and I stayed in touch over the years. It was a delight for me to attend the Rochester Music Hall of Fame presentations a few years ago, during which The Rustix was one of the inductees. It was also a pleasure for me to attend a reunion for members of the Rustix and friends at the home of one of the musicians.

I am posting a photo of Chuck Brucato receiving his award during the Rochester Music Hall of Fame presentations. The second is a promotional photo for The Rustix. The third photo was taken at a reunion of band members and friends. (Chuck is on the far left in the front row; I am on the far right in the second row.) My sympathies are with Chuck's family members and many friends. R.I.P Chuck. You will be missed.

The Day The Earth Stood Still: Relevant for Our Times

 The Day The Earth Stood Still is a movie that stands the test of time. I am referring to the original version that was made in 1951, as opposed to the remake. The film is especially relevant for today's world.

I have seen The Day The Earth Stood Still several times. While it is classified in the science fiction genre, there is much in it that reflects the accuracy of both the cold war era and our present situation in the U.S. and throughout the world. If you have never seen the film, I highly recommend it.

Michael Rennie portrayed Klaatu, a visitor from outer space who came to Washington D.C. with a message of peace. The immediate response of the U.S. military was to fire on Klaatu. This action was thwarted by Gort, a highly intelligent robot capable of much harm, but restrained when given instructions by Klaatu.

Klaatu came to the U.S. to speak first with the world's leading scientists, and then to political leaders. His primary mission was to urge our nations to live in peace or face unimaginable peril. At the end of the film, Klaatu delivered a powerful message that is highly significant for our fractured country and world. He indicated that he is not concerned with petty arguments between nations of the world, but warned if any conflicts threaten life beyond earth, we would be reduced to a "burned out cinder." His final challenge to earthlings was to live in peace or else......., and concluded, "I await your answer."

The Day The Earth Stood Still was made during the cold war, a time when the U.S. was precariously close to a war with Russia that could have wiped out civilization if there had been a nuclear exchange. We are in similar circumstances today. We need to heed Klaatu's challenge and learn to live in peace. We must do our part in the U.S., and that means saying NO to autocracy in a country that prides itself on democracy.

The Wizard of Oz in Washington

 For some reason, I was thinking about the Wizard of Oz yesterday. Let us assume that Donald Trump is the Wizard. His followers assume he is all-powerful and assume only he has solutions to their problems. I am waiting for the day when his minions in Washington proclaim, "Ignore the man behind the curtain."

In the movie, the scarecrow, tin man, lion and Dorothy visit the Wizard in hopes of obtaining a brain, heart, courage and a return home. When the Wizard is exposed as not being able to deliver their wishes, they learn they have it within themselves to achieve their goals. As we fast forward to Washington, the curtain has been opened and Trump is being exposed as a fraud.

Rather than admit his shortcomings, Trump has released the Wicked Witch, who in this case is Pam Bondi. She is going after anyone Trump perceives as a threat to his dictatorship. The flying monkeys, led by Stephen Miller in this case, are everyone Bondi sends after Trump's opponents. Unlike the witch in the movie, we can't throw a pail of water on Bondi and expect her to melt. Her unwavering support of Trump will eventually be her undoing, whether it be via the courts or impeachment.

In the movie, Dorothy returns to the peace and tranquility of her home, and the scarecrow, tin man and lion discover that they already have what they seek. In our present situation, my hope is that the flying monkeys that are terrifying our population give way to the goals and aspirations of the millions of people who showed up for the NO KINGS demonstrations two days ago.

If voters show up in force for the midterms in 2026 and change the direction of our legislative branch of government, we will be able to look forward to the day when the man behind the curtain is exposed for all he is, and we will instead elect a Democratic president in 2028 who will restore our republic to a beacon of democracy and hope.

Remembering Bessie (Betty) Fleetwood

 As I continue to advance in my senior years, I find I often reflect on my formative years and realize that I wish I had thanked a multitude of people who were important parts of my life. Most of these people have died, but whenever an opportunity presents itself, I like to reach back and extend gratitude to persons who helped to steer me on a proper path when I was headed in a wrong direction. Such an opportunity presented itself yesterday.

My seventh grade teacher (1961 & 1962) at Rochester's #8 School, Bessie Fleetwood (nicknamed Betty), died in 2017 at age 95. I was able to reach out to her surviving family members yesterday and expressed how Mrs. Fleetwood was instrumental in helping me to become a better focused person. She was admittedly strict, but looking back, I must say that her discipline was well placed.

Betty Fleetwood (maiden name Plummer) had a very distinguished life. She served with distinction in World War II, and then went on to earn her college and graduate school degrees, becoming an elementary school teacher. Much of her career was spent in Rochester, New York and the New York State Department of Education, and upon retiring, she lived many of her years in Kennebunkport, Maine, and Jacksonville Florida where she died. She was very active in veteran organizations, especially during her time in Kennebunkport.

As I write this tribute, I realize I have to thank Betty Fleetwood for my writing skills, which were rather dismal before she worked with me on grammar, spelling and diagramming sentences. I was certainly a handful for some of my elementary school teachers, but am grateful that Betty Fleetwood took the time to set me on a better path.

Remembering David Fetler

 David Fetler passed away yesterday afternoon at the age of 96. He was a prominent figure in the classical music world both locally and nationally. He, his siblings, and his parents were predecessors of the famous Von Trapp Family Singers. The Fetler Family Band began performing concerts in their native Latvia and later throughout Europe. The photos I am providing of the Fetlers are from 1934, where you can see David on the conducting podium at age 7 (one photo has been colorized).

Locally, David Fetler was a legend. He spent many decades as a conductor and teacher. His teaching years were at the Eastman School of Music. He was most prominently known locally as long-time music director at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and as music director of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra for over fifty years. (I was privileged to serve as the orchestra's board president and treasurer during its final stretch.) In addition, David was music director of the Greece Symphony Orchestra for many years. For many performances by both the RCO and GSO, David collaborated with the Bach Children's Chorus, directed by Karla Krogstad. They added a special touch to the annual Messiah performance with the RCO.

Dr. Fetler had a unique knack for discovering new talent, and many musicians nationally and internationally can trace their first big break to him. David liked to roam the halls while Eastman students practiced their instruments. If he heard a student showing promise, he would occasionally ask him or her to perform as a soloist with the Rochester Chamber Orchestra. He also had a keen ear for promising talent around the country. On several occasions, he would listen to recordings of potential soloists and then ask me to look up corresponding performances by these soloists on-line and ask for my input. He would then contact them about playing with the RCO.

When David Fetler and I appeared on WXXI for an interview in 2014, it was for the occasion of the Rochester Chamber Orchestra's 50th anniversary. I had done some research beforehand and discovered that David had reached the milestone of being the longest serving music director of an orchestra. The previous conductor with such distinction was the late Arthur Fiedler, who had led the Boston Pops for 49 years.

R.I.P. David Fetler. Your musical legacy will be remembered for many decades to come.

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