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.