Pic of the Day

Devastated

I woke up this morning just before they called Wisconsin for Trump. I cannot convey how devastated I feel right now that the news has called the race for Donald Trump. How can so many Americans be so FUCKING STUPID? When I saw the results, a wave of nausea hit me immediately. I honestly don’t know how democracy will survive in the United States, or how the country itself will survive another Trump administration. I hate this fucking country! That’s all I can say right now.  I hate this fucking country! I am completely devastated and am going to just crawl back in bed. This is a nightmare.

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United

United
By Naomi Shihab Nye


When sleepless, it’s helpful to meditate on mottoes of the states.
South Carolina, “While I breathe I hope.” Perhaps this could be
the new flag on the empty flagpole.
Or “I Direct” from Maine—why?
Because Maine gets the first sunrise? How bossy, Maine!
Kansas, “To the Stars through Difficulties”—
clackety wagon wheels, long, long land
and the droning press of heat—cool stars, relief.
In Arkansas, “The People Rule”—lucky you.
Idaho, “Let It Be Perpetual”—now this is strange.
Idaho, what is your “it”?
Who chose these lines?
How many contenders?
What would my motto be tonight, in tangled sheets?
Texas—“Friendship”—now boasts the Open Carry law.
Wisconsin, where my mother’s parents are buried,
chose “Forward.”
New Mexico, “It Grows As It Goes”—now this is scary.
Two dangling its. This does not represent that glorious place.
West Virginia, “Mountaineers Are Always Free”—really?
Washington, you’re wise.
What could be better than “By and By”?
Oklahoma must be tired—“Labor Conquers all Things.”
Oklahoma, get together with Nevada, who chose only
“Industry” as motto. I think of Nevada as a playground
or mostly empty. How wrong we are about one another.
For Alaska to pick “North to the Future”
seems odd. Where else are they going?


About the Poem

"United" by Naomi Shihab Nye is a poignant poem that explores themes of connection, identity, and the shared experiences of humanity. The poem emphasizes the interconnectedness of people across different cultures and backgrounds in the United States. Nye often highlights how shared experiences can bridge divides, fostering a sense of community. Nye reflects on her own cultural background and how it shapes her identity. The poem suggests that our individual stories contribute to a larger narrative of humanity. The poem encourages readers to cultivate empathy for others, suggesting that understanding and compassion can lead to a more united world. I thought this poem was particularly significant for this Election Day because it’s the message I would hope people would think of when they go and vote today.

Nye’s style is characterized by its simplicity and clarity, making complex emotions accessible. The poem may utilize vivid imagery and concrete details to evoke feelings and create a sense of place. The tone is reflective and hopeful, inviting readers to consider their own connections to others. Nye’s voice often conveys warmth and sincerity, reinforcing the poem's message of unity. Nye uses rich imagery to draw readers into her experiences, making abstract concepts of connection and identity tangible. This imagery serves to create emotional resonance, allowing readers to visualize and feel the connections being described.

"United" serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing our shared humanity. Through her eloquent language and thoughtful exploration of identity and connection, Nye invites readers to reflect on their own relationships and the ways in which we can come together, despite differences.

Alabama’s State Motto

Alabama did not have a state motto until 1868 as the original seal of Alabama did not contain a state motto but features a map affixed to a living tree showing one of the state's most valuable resources—its major rivers. The first motto "Here We Rest" was adopted by the Reconstruction Era state legislature on December 29, 1868, for use on the state’s first coat of arms and second seal of Alabama. It depicted a bald eagle atop an American shield, holding a banner inscribed with the motto "Here We Rest" in its beak. This phrase was meant to convey a sense of hospitality and refuge, suggesting that Alabama was a welcoming place where travelers could rest. However, in 1939, at the request of Governor Frank M. Dixon, the original concept of a map design was returned to use, and the current official state motto changed to "Audemus jura nostra defendere," which translates to "We Dare Defend Our Rights." This reflects a strong emphasis on pride, self-determination, and resilience, and it became the formal motto to better represent Alabama’s values and spirit. Too bad, Alabama changed their motto and “Here We Rest” was still the values and spirit of Alabama. However, to be truthful, “We Dare Defend Our Rights" does reflect the current attitude of Alabama, because if you are different than the white Republican majority in the state, then you will not rest there.

Vermont’s State Motto

"Freedom and Unity" is the official motto of the U.S. state of Vermont. The motto was first adopted in 1788 for use on the Great Seal of the Vermont Republic. Following Vermont's admission to the United States in 1791, the legislature once more approved the use of the motto for the new state seal. Vermont's first governor, Thomas Chittenden, cited the state motto in his epitaph: "Out of storm and manifold perils rose an enduring state, the home of freedom and unity." There is general agreement that Vermont's motto is about the idea of balancing two seemingly opposite ideals: the personal freedom and independence of the individual citizen, with the common good of the larger community. By Vermont statute the motto Freedom and Unity is applied to the Great Seal, coat of arms, and flag of Vermont.


About the Poet

Naomi Shihab Nye is an acclaimed American poet, novelist, and anthologist, known for her powerful explorations of identity, culture, and the human experience. Born on March 12, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri, she is the daughter of a Palestinian father and an American mother, which deeply influences her work and perspective. Nye spent her childhood in both the United States and Jerusalem, giving her a unique cross-cultural viewpoint. This diverse background informs much of her poetry, as she navigates themes of belonging, displacement, and connection. She studied at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her degree in English and began to develop her writing career.

Nye’s poetry often reflects her experiences and observations about the world, addressing issues such as war, peace, and cultural identity. She has published numerous collections of poetry, including "Different Ways to Pray," "Words Under the Words," and "The Tiny Journalist," each showcasing her ability to capture the nuances of life with compassion and insight. In addition to poetry, Nye has written novels for young adults and essays, and she is a sought-after speaker and educator, conducting workshops and readings across the country. Her work often emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in a divided world. Throughout her career, Nye has received various awards, including the Arab American National Museum's Literature Award and the Isabella Gardner Poetry Award. She is also a two-time finalist for the National Book Award.

Nye currently resides in San Antonio, Texas, where she continues to write and teach. Her work resonates with readers of all ages, and she is celebrated for her ability to articulate the complexities of human emotions and experiences. Naomi Shihab Nye is regarded as a significant voice in contemporary poetry, championing themes of peace, diversity, and the power of language. Her writing not only connects with individual experiences but also invites broader reflections on the shared human condition.

Pic of the Day

Travel Week

I’ll be at the museum today. I have to go to the dentist first to get a permanent crown to replace the temporary crown that I got a few weeks ago. After that, I will be at the museum. I have a few meetings and a few things to wrap up before I am out of the office for the rest of the week. I leave tomorrow for a museum conference in Newport, Rhode Island. I’m looking forward to this conference because I have always wanted to go to Newport. The city is most known for its Gilded Age mansions built by many of the nation's wealthiest families as summer “cottages.” Newport is described in Edith Wharton’s novel The Age of Innocence, was featured often in the A&E Network television show America’s Castles, and most recently a summer vacation setting in the HBO series The Gilded Age. I will have tomorrow afternoon to explore the city before the conference officially begins on Wednesday. I already bought tickets to see The Breakers, a Renaissance Revival mansion, and Marble House, a Beaux Arts mansion, which were both built by the Vanderbilt family. As part of the conference, I will also be visiting a couple of museums in the area and listening to a lot of presentations.

By the way, if you are wondering, I have a neighbor coming to check on Isabella, and I have some cameras set up so I can check in on her. My neighbor checks on her food, makes sure her self-cleaning litter box is not stuck, and plays with her a little bit. I don’t have him feed her the wet food she likes because she won’t eat it if anyone besides me feeds her. I’m not sure why she is so finicky about who feeds her, but it’s a waste of the wet food to try to feed her. She’ll get wet food and lots of love when I get home. She doesn’t like being by herself and is always very happy to see me when I get home. I wish I could take her with me, but that’s not feasible. She’ll be fine, and I can check on her to make sure everything is okay.

* * * * *

Also, please go vote BLUE tomorrow if you haven’t voted already. I cast my ballot last week since I would not be here to vote tomorrow in person. Even if you are in a state where the result is a foregone conclusion Kamala Harris needs every vote she can get. She not only needs to win the Electoral College but also enough individual votes to provide definitive proof that she won. Trump will declare victory regardless, but the proof needs to be indisputable. We cannot let a wannabe fascist back in the White House. It’s also not enough to just vote BLUE for president, but we need to win majorities in both houses of Congress.

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Be Vigilant

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

—1 Peter 5:8-9

First Peter 5:8-9 is a call for vigilance and spiritual resilience for followers of Christ. Peter urges believers to maintain a clear mind and stay alert. This isn’t just about avoiding distractions but being spiritually and mentally vigilant. Being “sober-minded” means exercising self-control and discernment, especially regarding spiritual matters. Peter compares the devil to a lion on the hunt, emphasizing his predatory nature. The “roaring” indicates an active threat, meant to instill fear or panic. Here, the devil represents anything that draws believers away from God — whether temptation, discouragement, or other trials. Peter encourages believers to actively resist these attacks by standing firm in their faith. This resistance comes not from human strength but from grounding oneself in faith, which provides a foundation against spiritual challenges. Finally, Peter reminds readers that they’re not alone in their struggles. This shared experience is meant to comfort and strengthen believers, reminding them of a global community that faces similar trials. However, too many people who call themselves Christians are not turning against evil and falsehoods but instead are excusing or turning a blind eye to evil and falsehoods.

Norms and civil discourse are no longer common in American politics, which reached a new low point last Sunday with a disgusting racist, sexist, and xenophobic display from former President Donald Trump, the man whom billionaires, bigots, and most Republicans covet through their acquiescence of the MAGA rhetoric and actions. The Bible urges believers to be alert, discerning, and grounded in truth, recognizing that spiritual dangers and deceptions are present in the world. John tells us in 1 John 4:1 that “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” And in 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, Paul instructs, “But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”

Anyone who is a Christian should realize that Donald Trump is not qualified to return to the Oval Office. He was not qualified to be elected in the first place. The health, happiness, and safety of all Americans are under threat in a Trump presidency. The mere fact that Trump allowed more than a million Americans to die of COVID-19 on his watch should be disqualifying enough, but for many, it hasn’t been. In fact, none of “it” has been. And there’s a lot of “it.” The blatant racism; the hatred of immigrants in a country of immigrants; the sexual assault accusations; the mocking and denigration of our military and veterans; the collapse of his COVID economy; the lies and demagoguery that led to the assault on our nation’s Capitol and the loss of life on Jan. 6, 2021; his praise of Adolf Hitler; the list seems neverending. None of these things, plus countless more, have been disqualifying for nearly half the country as the race has remained deadlocked. And they’ve been particularly not disqualifying for those poised to benefit the most from Trump’s return to power: the billionaire elites. We need to remember what Jesus said in Matthew 19:24, “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

The neglect and betrayal from the ultra-wealthy are not for ideological or emotional reasons. This has little to do with policy or lawmaking and everything to do with convenience, cowardice, and quid pro quo. They know of profits — often engineered on the backs of underpaid and under-protected labor. They know of influence — in the form of turning platforms like the social network formerly known as Twitter into megaphones for racists and unfettered hate. Matthew 7:15 warns us, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Second Peter 2:1 also warns, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.”

MAGA followers and the billionaire who enable them know nothing of ethics, specifically the belief in a “separation of church and state.” Jesus and the apostles warn that false teachers can appear harmless or even godly, but their influence can be spiritually destructive. Vigilance requires knowing Scripture well to identify teachings that do not align with it. In 2 Peter 2:1-3, Peter warns, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you… And in their greed, they will exploit you with false words.” The ultra-wealthy are not even thinking of us. Instead, their mind is on their profits, their pockets, their shareholders and their ever-inflated sense of worth. These are not the macho, stalwart champions of the people; they are little children afraid of a feebleminded racist, sexist, xenophobic, homophobic, antisemitic, fascist, deranged megalomaniac bent on “destroying” his enemies with nothing but contempt for our political process, our military, our Constitution, our diverse population and our way of life, which nearly half the country is enabling and encouraging.

It feels like the prophet Jeremiah, who often warned of the consequences of the people's unfaithfulness to God and urged repentance and faithfulness, is speaking to us today. In Jeremiah 23:16, he says, “The Lord says, ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.’” Jeremiah points out that false prophets often tell people what they want to hear, giving false hope and ignoring God’s true message. False teachers may alter core teachings of the faith to make them more appealing or misleadingly persuasive. This can create confusion, division, and lead people away from God’s truth. In Galatians 1:6-7, Paul expresses concern that some are “turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” Paul is very clear that any alteration of the gospel is dangerous and not truly from God. In 2 Timothy 4:3, Paul warns, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching… and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” False teachers often offer messages that appeal to people’s desires rather than challenging them with the truth.

Jesus taught that people could identify false prophets by their actions and the results of their teachings. True teachers of God bear good, lasting fruit, while false ones may lead to confusion, division, or sin. We can clearly see the chaos and confusion created by the actions and rhetoric of Donald Trump. In Matthew 7:16-20, Jesus says, “You will recognize them by their fruits… every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.” Jesus is encouraging discernment and emphasizing that actions and outcomes reveal a teacher’s authenticity. The Bible’s message about false prophets and teachers is clear: they are a serious threat to spiritual health, often appearing convincing but ultimately leading people away from God. Believers are encouraged to be discerning, test teachings against Scripture, and remain grounded in God’s truth. Although they may seem influential or powerful, false prophets and teachers will face God’s judgment, as He defends and preserves His truth.

I hate to sound dire about this election, but our ways of life are on the line Tuesday when we vote. Democracy isn’t dying in darkness; it’s dying in broad daylight. The same is true of Christianity. The hateful, mean-spirited, and unchristian rhetoric of Christian nationalists is not only destroying democracy but also destroying Christianity. More Americans today are non-believers than are believers. Why is that? It’s because most churches in America are teaching hate and prejudice instead of the love and acceptance preached by Christ. America has often been referred to as “A City upon a Hill.” The phrase originated in the parable of Salt and Light in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:14, he tells his listeners, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” The phrase entered the American lexicon early in its history, in the Puritan John Winthrop’s 1630 sermon “A Model of Christian Charity.”

The concept of America as a “city upon a hill” gained traction as the U.S. expanded its borders and developed a sense of national identity. The phrase became associated with the idea of American exceptionalism, the belief that the U.S. has a unique role and destiny to lead and inspire other nations. During the Cold War, the phrase became a rallying point for American leaders who wanted to emphasize the U.S. as a democratic alternative to Soviet communism. President Reagan famously invoked the phrase during his presidency, framing the U.S. as a “shining city upon a hill” in his farewell address. To Reagan, the phrase symbolized a hopeful, optimistic America — a place of liberty, opportunity, and moral clarity. His use of the phrase cemented it as a defining symbol of American values in the late 20th century.

In recent years, the description of “city upon a hill” has been used more critically by some leaders and commentators to question whether America is living up to its ideals. It has become a reminder of the country’s responsibilities and a prompt for introspection on issues like inequality, justice, and America’s role on the global stage. If the United States could have ever been described as in Jesus’s words, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden,” then the Christian right and the Trumpists are exstinguishing that light. The United States in the politics of the Trump era is not a place of liberty, opportunity, and moral clarity. If Trump is elected to a second term, liberty in the United States will die, opportunities for the average person will cease to exist, and moral clarity will continue to fade away. Half the country has forfeited moral clarity for bigotry, sexism, vengeance, xenophobia, and control. It’s not about free thought or liberty, it’s about indoctrination and oppression.

Please, if you are an American and you have not voted already, vote to save our country, not to destroy it. In 1946, the German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller spoke about the silence of German intellectuals and clergy following the Nazis' rise to power and subsequent incremental purging of their chosen targets, group after group. The best-known versions of Niemöller’s confession in English are edited versions in poetic form that began circulating by the 1950s which are usually some variations of:

First, they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew

Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me.

In the era of bigotry emboldened by Trump’s rhetoric, MAGA first came for the Mexicans; then they came for the drag queens; then they came for people who are transgender; then they came for our books; then they came for free speech; then they came for personal freedoms; then they came for democracy itself; and the list goes on and on. Eventually, no matter who you are, they will come for you, and who will be left to speak out for you? If Trump wins, if his supporters gain control of Congress, they will come for us. They will come for immigrants, no matter their race. They’ll come for Christians who follow the Bible and do not twist the Word of God to fit their hateful rhetoric. They’ll come for the LGBTQ+ population of America. They will come for women, our mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, etc. They will not stop until they have destroyed all they do not agree with. As my friend Casey recently said of the Donald Trump and the election, “I think Tuesday will be a dark day either way. If he loses, he's not going away. And if he wins, he's not leaving office.” By never admitting defeat, he will keep his base going, and they will always believe the election was rigged. The sad thing is, they will keep on until they rig the elections in a way to secure their victory. Republican controlled state legislatures are already gerrymandering districts and passing more and more restrictive voting laws to cement their hold on power.

We must be vigilant. We must stop the attack on our very lives. Vote BLUE and save democracy!

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Moment of Zen: Briefs

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Busy Start

Today is going to be a busy day. I have a class to teach first thing this morning, then a meeting shortly afterwards about a class I will be teaching in the Spring, a going away party for a coworker who will be leaving our department for another across campus, and this afternoon, I have an appointment to be fitted for my hearing aids. Tomorrow, I have a luncheon for an organization that I am on their board. Sunday, the time changes as Daylight Savings Time ends, so don’t forget to set back your clocks. Then on Monday, I have a dentist appointment first thing. From Tuesday through Friday, I will be at a museum conference. 

Happy November! It’s off to a busy start.

Pic of the Day 👻

Happy Halloween! 🎃

Halloween is one of the holidays I most enjoy. I don’t have trick or treaters where I live, but I used to at my previous apartment. I always enjoyed seeing the little kids in their costumes. As an adult, I’ve gone to my fair share of adult Halloween parties (and by that I do not mean it in an adult movie kind of way. I merely mean a Halloween party with all adults in attendance. I used to regularly visit a friend of mine who lived in Thibodaux, Louisiana, at Halloween. She always hosted a fun Halloween costume party. A few times we went out to bars in Thibodaux where everyone would be dressed in costumes. Thibodaux is a college town, so there were a lot of hot college guys, usually in sex costumes that were a lot of fun to watch. I haven’t been, nor am I going to any Halloween parties this year because I’ve had a lot of other stuff going on, and I did not want to have to find a costume. Still, I enjoy Halloween.

This guy seems to be preforming a trick that is also quite the treat. 

Halloween is an institution in the LGBTQ+ community and is occasionally referred to as “Gay Christmas.” Halloween has risen from its roots as a pagan fire festival about celebrating harvest and warding off spirits, to a day of celebrating everything spooky, transgressive, and fabulous. Halloween though plays a special role in the LGBTQ+ community not only because it can be a lot of fun, but also because LGBTQ+ people spend large parts of their lives hiding their true selves and presenting in a way that is at odds with their desires and identity. Halloween’s emphasis on dressing up as something you are typically not ends up being a powerful outlet to present ourselves in a way that expresses who you really are.

Each year, my friend Susan send me a Halloween card. This year she sent two. The Hello Kitty cards are always cute no matter what occasion they are for, but I think they are especially cute when they are Halloween cards. The other card she sent looks a lot like Isabella. Black cats get a bad reputation for being bad luck, though they are not seen as bad luck all over the world, but it's a persisting superstition in the United States. One of the joys of having a black cat is that I have a natural decoration for Halloween, especially when she stands in the window and stares out at people.

I did not have a picture of Isabella in the same pose as the cat on the card, but the look in her eyes is similar to those of the cat on the card.

However you think of black cats, my Isabella is a beautiful, kind, and loving cat who brings me a lot of joy and is most certainly not bad luck.