Tribute to Leonard Bernstein

 Whenever I want to get away from the ugliness of today's politics, I retreat to my favorite endeavor, which is classical music. Both Brenda and I were trained musicians. She was a church organist for many years, and I played trumpet in several ensembles, in addition to studying piano, violin, viola, voice, and conducting.

Most recently, Brenda and I have been spending many nights with Lenny. I am speaking of Leonard Bernstein. In my list of most respected persons of stature, Bernstein tops the list. We are fortunate to have a treasure trove of concerts he conducted, most with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. His concerts were recently remastered and are available for streaming on the Carnegie Hall+ channel.

What I admired most about Leonard Bernstein was his conducting style and his ability to compose music of multi genres. He was admittedly frustrated during much of his long career, which was a consequence of his genius. Quite often, when he was on conducting tours, he felt he should be composing. Alternately, when he was composing, he felt he should be conducting. He accomplished both endeavors admirably.

In addition to concerts Brenda and I have been watching, there were some of his lectures preserved as well. I wish I could go back in time to urge him to stop smoking, which was evident during his lectures, rehearsals, and while he was composing. It was estimated that he smoked between two and three packs per day. This was a contributing factor to his dying at the relatively young age of 72 in 1990.

Bradley Cooper did an admirable job with his movie, MAESTRO, focusing on the life of Leonard Bernstein. However, it focused more on his personal life than his musical genius. I continue to see Bernstein as a master conductor and composer. In a way, I feel as though he has been resurrected via the restored videos of many of his concerts. I especially enjoyed watching Bernstein conduct all the symphonies of Mahler, Beethoven and Brahms. Bernstein is credited with rediscovering Gustav Mahler's symphonies, and they are now being played by major orchestras around the world.

Many thanks to Leonard Bernstein for his many contributions to the world of music.

Recommended Time Limit for State of the Union Speeches

 I am convinced there should be a time limit on State of the Union speeches. I didn't watch last night's speech. However, I tuned in for the local news at 11:00. Donald Trump had just completed his speech, and I couldn't help noticing that the chamber emptied very quickly. I have no doubt that after two hours, many members of Congress had to make a mad dash to the bathroom.

Concerning a time limit for State of the Union Speeches, I don't think it is unreasonable for the House Speaker to impose a 45-minute time limit.

When I was in college, I took a public speaking course. As part of my theological studies in graduate school, I took a preaching course. Both courses emphasized content over length. In the preaching course, the professor held up a stop watch after ten minutes. The rationale was that if you were unable to stress your important points in the allotted time, the sermon/homily was not worth delivering. The same rule should apply to presidents giving the State of the Union speech. I think a 30-45 minute time slot is reasonable for the speech.

Donald Trump loves to hear himself talk. I wonder if he ever stops to think that if he delivered shorter speeches with more substance, both supporters and detractors might take the time to listen. When he is present at an occasion and another speaker gives a long speech, he falls asleep.

I have no doubt that Trump will falsely boast that last night's speech had the highest ratings ever. I will wait and see what the official ratings are.

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.