The Presence of the Grim Reaper

 The Grim Reaper has been busy in my circle in recent years. My best estimate is that around three-quarters of my friends, relatives, former classmates and co-workers are now in cemeteries. It seems that each week I am receiving notice of yet another death. At age 76, I should not be surprised by this. However, it serves as a reminder that despite my good health, we never know when the Grim Reaper is going to visit.

I have come to realize that I have perhaps wasted much of the past ten years issuing warnings about Donald Trump. In some respects, I have been preaching to the choir, in that MAGA remains a strong force, despite warnings from myself and like-minded persons. I would like to leave this world knowing that the next generation can look forward to a brighter future than what we have experienced with Trump and his entourage. This is why it is important for potential candidates for public office to run for the right reasons, placing constituents ahead of themselves.

I will most likely continue to issue occasional warnings about Donald Trump. However, I have also increasingly immersed myself in the world of classical music, which was a huge part of my past. I also hope to write a book about people who were important in my life, and how my life was shaped for better or worse by my experiences and interactions. If I can pass some life lessons onto the next generation, I will have done my part in countering the dark place we are currently in.

A President from Modest Means Needed

 I am beginning to think that perhaps we need a president who comes from modest means, perhaps similar to Abraham Lincoln or Jimmy Carter. We have witnessed, with much disdain, what happens when a person of wealth, and greed to match, comes to the White House. Once money becomes an addiction, even the presidency won't stop a person like Donald Trump from pursuing ways of lining his pockets.

A president's salary is currently $400,000 annually, in addition to some perks that come with the office. Most presidents have adhered to the stipulations in the Emoluments Clause, which restrict gifts and financial gains directly related to the presidency. Donald Trump has used every opportunity to enrich himself financially, and his family members have benefited greatly as well.

After enduring almost 1-1/2 terms of Trump's presidency, I am inclined to vote for someone from modest means. Just because a candidate is a multi-millionaire, even if successful in business ventures, doesn't mean that such a person will be empathetic toward persons with meager existences. Trump, for example, doesn't understand what it means to carefully budget to account for rising grocery or gas prices. He has never shopped in a grocery store, nor has he ever filled his own gas tank.

The next presidential primary races will soon be upon us. We don't want another wealthy narcissist in the White House. We rather need someone who places others before himself/herself. Empathy also needs to be a primary characteristic of anyone serving in the Oval Office. This means that anyone like Donald Trump need not apply.

Tribute to the Late Gustav Mahler

During the past few weeks, I have been spending much time with the music of one of my all-time favorite composers, Gustav Mahler. If it had not been for the persistence of Leonard Bernstein, Mahler's musical scores may have never been retrieved and played by multiple orchestras.

Gustav Mahler died in 1911 at the age of 50. During his lifetime, he found it challenging to balance his composing and conducting talents. His efforts were further complicated by anti-Semitism that was prevalent throughout much of Eastern Europe. In order to be appointed to sought-after positions, he found it necessary to convert from Judaism to Christianity. While his talents were received with much acclaim during his lifetime, Hitler banned Mahler's music because of his Jewish roots. His scores might have been lost forever, if it had not been for the tireless efforts of Leonard Bernstein.

Following his long tenure with the New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein became the music director of the Vienna Philharmonic. Some members of the orchestra were holdovers from the Hitler era, so there was some resistance when Bernstein insisted upon the orchestra performing Mahler's music. Bernstein's persistence worked, and the music of Gustav Mahler was not only played in Vienna, but was quickly embraced by worldwide orchestras and audiences.

My personal favorite Mahler symphonies are his #1, 2, 3, 5, 8 & 9. His symphonies and song-cycles are masterpieces. My favorite interpreters of Mahler's symphonies were the late Leonard Bernstein and Claudio Abbado. My favorite current conductors of his music are Andreas Delfs and Gustavo Dudamel.

While many of my recent Facebook posts have been political, it is a joy for me to occasionally share my love of classical music. Brenda and I have been spending a lot of time in recent weeks watching videos of Mahler symphonies and have come to appreciate the genius of each music phrase composed by this remarkable man.

Vance and the Pope

There are very good reasons to dismiss JD Vance as a credible candidate for President of the United States in 2028. First and foremost, there is the trust factor. There have certainly been many inconsistencies with his political opinions over the course of only a few years. I am also puzzled by why he changed his name three times. Over the past week, he created headlines with remarks about the Pope.

Vance became a Roman Catholic in 2019, and he recently wrote a book about his conversion. However, he now feels he has a better grasp on both theology and morality than Pope Leo XIV. This bizarre twist came about after Donald Trump criticized the Pope for his position on our war with Iran.

I have criticized the Catholic Church on policy matters, such as my advocating for the ordination of women and married men. However, it is problematic for our Vice President to openly criticize the Pope on matters of theology and morality, simply because Leo XIV chooses the Gospel message of peace over war.

The long-standing tradition of the separation of church and state carries special credence now, when we consider that Trump and Vance seem to place themselves above religious institutions. In this context, I continue to be puzzled over why evangelicals treat Trump as a messianic figure.

I believe that both Donald Trump and JD Vance owe Pope Leo XIV an apology. However, we know the sad reality that Trump has never apologized to anyone, and it seems unlikely Vance will issue an apology. We deserve better leadership, and there is reason to hope for change via the November midterm elections.

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.