THE INTEGRITY OF DEMOCRACY: BLESSED OR CURSED?

 A series of essays.....

THE PERSISTENCE OF MEMORY
BY SALVADOR DALI

Courtesy of: Artsy

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

The world has officially turned topsy-turvy in my lifetime and what I once considered to be an ordered life has turned into a state of utter disorder and confusion; it has turned upside down and infused with a bitter anger that leaves a sharp, pungent taste on the palate of our existence.

By virtue of applied math and science, the average American citizen could or should be on the verge of either a mental breakdown, experiencing heart disease, stomach ulcers, or, at the very least, mired (become stuck in swamp mud?) in a state of total confusion!

Others opt to exist within a ‘state of oblivious bliss’ and completely ignore the chaos that describes the state of our nation, which may include the fate of hundreds of children caught-up in the right wing politics of the Family Separation Policy issued by the Trump administration. Innocent children who have been separated from their parents at our border are being placed at risk and used as pawns to create anxiety and fear in the hope of deterring future immigrants from crossing our borders to seek refuge from the unfiltered chaos they leave behind in their own country. 

Through her tears, Digna, an immigrant mother from El Salvador, who had her young son and daughter taken away from her over a month ago, asked, “Why was it so easy for them to take my children away from me and so difficult to have them returned?” My heart aches for her.  

Until a California judge decreed that these vulnerable families needed to be reunited, immediately, these children had slipped through the political cracks with no hope of ever being cared about or heard from again; lost between heartless leadership and a policy that should be totally disconcerting for all of us who care about the health and well-being of one another. 

If ignorance is indeed a form of bliss, then those of us who refuse to react to this hatred or even acknowledge that this hatred exists among us, will suffer a rude awakening in the near future. While this administration chips away at every conceivable program designed to enhance and protect people and the land we hold so dear, it is unfathomable to think that there are those who would not react to this form of governmental terror that exists in Washington D.C. today! 

We’ve already seen a popular response via organized, massive marches and instant protests where the voices of the people can be heard loud and clear, day and night. Organizations have been instantly established, such as INDIVISIBLE, whose mission is to cultivate and lift up a grassroots movement of local groups to defeat the Trump agenda.

Internal terror attacks are happening around us all of the time. The very people we’ve chosen to represent us in Washington have elected to place their personal needs of Money, Power, and Politics before the needs and desires of the people who elected them. 

When was the last time the word ‘ISIS’ rolled off your tongue? Instead, our fear concentrates around mass shootings initiated by fellow citizens armed with guns, the stronghold of foreign political influences that have wrapped their emboldened fingers around the neck of democracy itself, and the lack of leadership by a narcissistic and heartless president whose agenda seems to be working on weakening or abolishing our democratic government and ideals.

It should concern us that there is what we call this president’s ‘small base of supporters’ who, unflinchingly, uphold every move he makes....even to the point of harming themselves and their families in the process. I am speaking about the loss of affordable health care, shared values, and of monetary growth and security due to the lack of jobs based on the destruction of healthy trade relationships with friendly foreign nations. Not only does his ‘base’ support his constant flow of manipulative lies, they seem to bask in them to the extent that the lies become the truths they are searching for under the influence of this shallow, harmful man.

If you have become familiar with the many terms that have surfaced due to the political unrest and divisiveness of our country within the past several years, you will recognize the phrases ‘Nuclear Options’ and ‘Collusion,’ as well as the two men who own them: Kentucky Senator, Mitch McConnell and Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, respectively. I’m uncertain as to which man should frighten us more; the manipulator from within our government or the powerful foreign manipulator outside of it!

We now live in a world where the sky is green, the grass is blue and just about ‘anything goes!’ Suddenly, the rules and ideals that reflected an order of normalcy have been thrown out the window and are melting away like the clocks in Salvador Dali’s painting, The Persistence of Memory. 

Will we choose to throw the Integrity of our Democracy out with the dirty bath water or, if time remains on our side, decide to experience a profound sense of vigor and change growing within us as a nation that cares enough to believe in a new sense of hope for all people? It’s not too late to move out of ‘Topsy-turvyland’ (Trumpnation). We just have to want to badly enough.

If we do not work together to make positive change happen...time, the American Dream, and the Integrity of our Democracy could be melting away, forever!

            

Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

HUMANITY WITH A GENEROUS DOSE OF CIVILITY, PLEASE!

 A series of essays....

LYCHEE FRUIT, AN UNEXPECTED GIFT FROM A GOOD FRIEND AND
MY FIRST TASTE OF THIS UNUSUAL AND VERY BEAUTIFUL FRUIT
GROWN IN HER VIETNAMESE, BACKYARD GARDEN
 

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

The current world population is 7.6 billion as of July 2018 according to the most recent United Nations estimates elaborated by Worldometers:

Current World Population

7,633,330,615

TODAY

Births today

132,205

Deaths today

54,758

Population Growth today

77,447

THIS YEAR

Births this year

70,725,785

Deaths this year

29,295,142

The world population is expected to reach 8.6 billion by 2030.

I captured this rolling meter at a specific moment in time: 8:18:27, Tuesday morning, July 3, 2018. Later, I will post the active meter once again and give you the current stats,  captured in real time, as a point of comparison. 

KINDNESS AMONG OUR YOUTH;
SHARING LOVE AND RESPONSIBILITY!

HUMANITY

Humans considered as a group are referred to as the human race: Living, breathing, walking figures of intelligence and members of the primate genus Homo, species Homo sapiens, distinguished from other apes by a large brain and the capacity for speech. Humans have developed far beyond the use of sign language and due to our exceptional communication skills have advanced in the fields of writing, progressive thought, philosophy, Renaissance (revival of intellectual or artistic achievement and enthusiasm), invention and mass production during the Industrial Revolution, Space Frontier (from its beginnings in the 1940’s to manned flights in 1961 and beyond), and lastly....Technology, the branch of knowledge dealing with engineering and applied sciences. 

We humans certainly did not allow the grass to grow too tall beneath our feet while discovering our own valuable capabilities throughout the years! As more and more and more of us continue to populate Earth, we tend to forget that our planet, our number one life support system, never changes in size or quantity of natural elements that serve to maintain our well-being and future on the Big Blue Planet. Many of us take it for granted that the forests, water supply, soil to grow crops, sunlight and rain, the basics of existence, will always be there and ours no matter what we do or how many of us we have sharing these basic necessities together.

Recalling Humanities 101 in college, freshman year, our young, hormonally driven selves studied the classics, the languages and literature of Ancient Greece and Rome. We familiarized ourselves with those branches of knowledge such as philosophy, literature, and art that are concerned with human thought and culture. Being a required course, Humanities 101, you might say, gave us a chance to reevaluate our own lives in such a way that we were better able to choose which path our journey might take us in this world. Also, we socialized and, hopefully, put into practice the quality of being humane and benevolent that had been taught to us by our parents and closest mentors within the first eighteen years of life.

MY SISTER-IN-LAW, SUSIE,
VOLUNTEERING CLEAN-UP DUTIES!

CIVILITY

If you still believe that having your date open the car door or politely pull-out a chair for you to be conveniently seated at the table are very good things...than courtesy and politeness are NOT dead after all! There is a distinction between civility and chivalry. The quality of being humane (civil) extends to demonstrating compassion or benevolence within all forms of our daily life and includes all living beings, as well. As humans, we should be characterized by the tenderness, compassion, and sympathy we have for other beings. This  includes regulations ensuring the humane treatment of animals, whether they be our food source, faithful companions, or those animals that help to balance the delicate ecosystem we humans thrive in.

The French express their civility by the simple act of saying 'bonjour' to everyone they meet along their day’s journey. This small, courteous action or expression displays their affirmation of politeness towards their fellow man and allows everyone they meet to feel special and important within that moment in time. To be civil on a small scale, it may be the direct interaction between two individuals. On a grander and more comprehensive level, what makes a society civil can be our attitudes towards all other members of society, “Especially those with whom we have no direct interactions or much in the way of common interests, as well as interactions between individuals and groups, organizations, institutions, and all levels of government and business, as well,” as written in the paper, What is a Civil Society, by Jack Krupansky.

GRANDCHILDREN BEING KIND
AND HELPING ONE ANOTHER LEARN

We must ask if we consider ourselves civil human beings within the true perimeters of the meaning of civility itself. Do we show and feel compassion for others on a daily basis? If we can truthfully answer yes, than holding a door open for someone else, encouraging thoughtfulness, successfully connecting with others, and incorporating mutual respect, good manners, and being polite to all of our fellow life travelers are the gifts we should generously bestow upon the billions of people we share this planet called Earth with each day. I can’t help but worry about the country we live in today and how it is swiftly losing the adaptation of civility in our daily life. I never would have imagined as a young child growing-up in one of the most liberal and democratic societies that the simple act of kindness could and would evaporate like raindrops on a hot summer’s day because the greatest example of the lack of civility and deep, profound respect for others lives in the White House in Washington D.C.!

BEAUTY...SOFTNESS...KINDNESS

QUOTES TO LEARN FROM

“We have a choice about how we behave, and that means we have the choice to opt for civility and grace.”

– Dwight Currie

"A generous friend 

gives life for a friend 

let's rise above this

animalistic behavior

and be kind to one another"

– Mevlana Rumi

“Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind.” 

– Henry James

As promised above, I captured this rolling meter at a specific moment in time: 8:18:00, Wednesday morning, July 4, 2018. I am posting the active meter once again to give you the current stats, captured in real time, as a point of comparison. What a huge difference twenty-four hours can make! 

Current World Population

7,633,571,610

TODAY

Births today

157,751

Deaths today

65,339

Population Growth today

92,412

THIS YEAR

Births this year

71,137,176

Deaths this year

29,464,471

Population Growth this year

41,672

As the earth's population continues to grow, remember to Love one another as humane beings, as well as to, always, incorporate civility into your daily life. With this power we can make our world, our planet, kind and healthy for everyone! 

THANK YOU

Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

THIS HOUSE SELLING GIG IS WAY TOO INTENSE...!

A series of essays....

A BRIGHT SPOT BETWEEN THE 
EVENING STORMS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

“It’s absolutely true, listening is an art. And sadly, it has become a lost art,” writes Glenna Fulks, Chief Connection Officer & Curator of Memorable Experiences. “I make my living organizing and producing corporate conferences and special events. When a client calls and tells me they want to discuss a new project, I listen. I want to hear every word, pick up on each nuance, and watch their non-verbal body language.”

You may be asking yourself what in the world has the above quote got to do with selling our house? Well, as with many stories that are told, the answer to this question comes in through the ‘backdoor’ (by the means of a secret or indirect method). 

Simple acts can be triggers such as packing the boxes with all of our accumulated ‘stuff’ or, shining the granite counter tops so often you might assert that the stone is visibly becoming thinner by the day. Sometimes it’s a matter of wanting to believe that there are certain ‘someones’ (I apologize) out there who might feel a similar love for your home as you do. You just hope to find them, as soon as possible. These trigger points are meant to feature or pinpoint what we are feeling or going through at any given moment. 

So, this ‘backdoor’ philosophy for my current brain wave was triggered by the same article that was shared by a friend via social media and it tapped into not one, but two points that describe my mindset, perfectly. My subconscious is constantly looking for a creative story to tell. That is one example as to why the mind can influence or affect our behavior without us even being aware of it. And, my research led me to Ms. Fulks’ article, The Art of Active Listening, which featured the photo I present below. 

Credit: Words by Stephen R. Covey/Image: Marc Wathieu

This image brought me back down to reality, made me smile a bit, and tapped into the nitty-gritty of what life has been like for us these past few weeks.

This image captures and represents a mixture of subtle understatement, an abundance of physical labor (represented by the cardboard backdrop), and an attempt to relearn the importance of being patient. We would be the first to tell you that this house selling gig is way too intense and we can hardly wait to be looking back at it via the rear view mirror!

Since writing, doing research, and cleaning-up the house for another showing has been my basic plan du jour, this opinion, based on my own personal philosophy that has been a mantra of mine for years, triggered my thought process and complemented a research project I happen to be currently working on.

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” 

Think about what we are missing out on when we don’t listen to others; when we don’t hear or understand what they say because we are too busy formulating our own reply based on what they might say. I have had a good friend, literally, repeat my words a split second after I speak them, overlapping the conversation and creating what I call an ‘echo conversation.’ Is he afraid he’ll forget what I’ve said, or waiting for his opportunity to jump in? 

Others, subconsciously or not, have ‘one-upped’ my answer to their own question directed at me and proceeded to relate their personal, more adventurous, story even before my last words had been uttered. I know they didn't have time to focus on or even attempt to understand what I just had to say.

Pet peeves? No, it goes much deeper than that, especially when we live in a world today that is so opinionated and emotionally raw. It’s particularly important for us to know that people close to us listen and understand what we have to say. And, quite healthy to believe that conversations among strangers is a matter of listening with an earnest attempt to comprehend what is being said...even if they happen to disagree with it. Common courtesy on both sides can stretch a very, very long way.

The creative meaning behind the image above conjures up the constant use of cardboard products that have become quite prevalent in my life. The sight, feel, and construction of cardboard boxes and corrugated glass divider kits will forever haunt me, I’m afraid. This undiluted image happened to combine my beliefs and my current actions in a personal manner and give me something lighthearted to smile about. What a simple respite from what’s happening outside the front door these days!

So, in traveling from the ‘backdoor philosophy’ and simple triggers stated above around to the sadness (the lost children pulled from their parent’s arms) and evil (the extremists running the government) that lurks just outside the ‘front door,’ I have, conveniently, placed you within my quirky, day-to-day lifestyle. I apologize for this. Life (the mind) is based on an intricate and delicate balance of emotions. We latch on to the things that relieve tension and make us smile for a very good reason. The image above did just that for me.

Distractions have their place, thank goodness. However, I can’t emphasize enough how this house selling gig is way too intense for me! (Did I happen to mention this before?) For now....I promise to try not to stress over things I cannot control and concentrate on ones that I feel I may have a shot of, at least, understanding. I’ll get there, one day....!

I KEEP TRYING....

Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

COFFEEHOUSE CHATTER: FAMILY

 A series of essays....

THERE IS A MACHINE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE;
YOU JUST HAVE TO OPEN YOUR EYES AND FIND IT.

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

From time to time, our neighborhood friends meet at the corner coffeehouse to relax, sip their favorite brew or concoction, and warm-up their hands and hearts...together!

Some might think of their meeting as a 'cleansing' or 'purification of the soul.' Even though they may share similar backgrounds and values, their ideas and opinions are as diverse and variable as the weather outside of the little shop. 

Let's grab a cup of our own, take a comfortable seat, sit back and listen to what today's chapter of 'Coffeehouse Chatter' has to offer....

Ben and Carl, high school buddies who have, recently, renewed their friendship after over forty years of living, sip their coffee while awaiting the arrival of their mutual friend and neighbor, Jack. Jack’s younger cousin, Tyler, makes a surprise entrance by accompanying his cousin to the corner coffeehouse this morning. This makes for some lively and interesting conversation. Let’s listen in....

BEN: So, Carl, how was your Father’s Day yesterday? Lots of love from your girls?

CARL: Aw, Ben...you know the deal. One daughter tries to be loving and caring and the other, well, I have no rational explanation for what goes on in her head these days!

BEN: Connie still giving you and Jill grief these days? This has been going on way too long, you know!

CARL: Since right around mid-January, soon after Jill and I went up to see our vacant land up north to try and generate some interest in its sale. With retirement this year and trying to sell our home down here, we need that piece of mountainside real estate to sell, ASAP! The money would surely come in handy right about now.

(Long pause....)

CARL: And, before you ask....no, we haven’t seen our precious grandkids since then, either. 

BEN: No Skype or FaceTime? Not even a phone call?

CARL: (Deep sadness spreads across his face) Nope. Didn’t hear from Connie or the kids on Father’s Day yesterday, either. Not a word. She wrote us in February and said she needed time away from us and that we were most of the problem behind her not feeling well lately. So, we are giving her space and hoping she is able to work out whatever’s wrong in her head and in her heart. What the hell, Ben....we live over 2,000 miles away from her and she sees us as her enemy?

BEN: Wow! (Eyes narrowed and forehead deeply expressive with multiple wrinkles)

CARL: We’re giving her as much time as needed. But, after asking her a million times what's wrong and receiving absolutely nothing in return in terms of any form of an answer....it’s been one of the most confusing and frustrating times in our lives. Jill and I can only sit back and wait for a reason and a sliver of light to shine through the darkness. Jill has even asked Connie’s mother-in-law to help us understand. She has never gotten back with us. If it wasn’t so damn heartbreaking and serious for us, I’d say it was almost like playing high school games with teenagers.

(Ben shakes his head in total disbelief and utter confusion. He looks up to see Jack wave at them from the front door as Jack points over at the short line at the counter.)

BEN: Well, Jack just walked in and I’m not sure who that is with him? Do you recognize him, Carl?

CARL: No, can’t say that I do. (Attempts to lift himself up out of the doldrums) Jack doesn’t have a younger brother, does he?

BEN: No, he’s an only child as far as I know. Listen, Carl...I would never dismiss your concerns about Connie and, you know that. Let’s talk about it again later, if it would help make you feel better. You know I can be a listening ear, right? I don’t like seeing you like this, man.

CARL: Sure. Thanks. 

(Jack and his younger companion join Ben and Carl at their corner table...large, steaming, white coffee cups in their hands)

BEN: (Standing) Hey, set those cups down, gentlemen, and have a seat! Well, Jack, introductions, please. 

(Spring sunlight shines in from the corner window and places all four men in its spotlight as they seat themselves at the cozy table)

JACK: I know. I know. I’m late, as usual. My cousin, Tyler, here just flew in from the West Coast last night and we’ve been reliving our younger, less complicated childhood days together this morning. It’s been quite therapeutic, actually.

(Ben and Carl take turns shaking Tyler’s hand and welcome him into the fold)

CARL: Man, you guys could have called off coffee with us this morning. We would have understood. (As Ben shakes his head up and down in unison)

TYLER: Nice meeting you guys! Skip my morning brew? Not a chance. My coffee is my morning courage, my wake-up juice, my main reason for crawling out of bed in the morning!! Well, you get the idea.... (A huge smile spreads across his handsome face) Besides, Jack has often spoken to me about you both and I was looking forward to meeting you guys.

JACK: Tyler has a new job position with Lockheed Martin over in Titusville. Just when we old fogies are wrapping it up on the job scene, this guy is still focusing on our future!

BEN: Tell us more, Tyler.

TYLER: Well, it’s kind of boring but, I began working for Lockheed Martin in Portland quite a few years ago and have been waiting for the right position to come along here at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company on the coast. Yep, think of me as the Big Geek from Oregon. I’ll understand.

CARL: Interesting. Geeks are important elements of our society today....certainly not boring!

TYLER: With my background in engineering and love of space and uncovering the positive aspects that bode well for the future of mankind....I always knew that my new position would allow me to expand on all of the above. As one of their many slogans goes, “Lockheed Martin builds the technology that gets things done in space.” I always wanted to be a part of that team. Besides, living in Florida isn’t all that bad either!

JACK: That’s little Tyler in a nutshell. (He grins after taking a long sip of his cooling latte)

BEN: Married, Tyler? Any kids?

TYLER: Yep! Been married to the most beautiful and gracious woman for going on twenty years now. Children....well, no. We weren’t blessed with any of our own, unfortunately. With Claire’s job as a graphic artist keeping her busy, we’ve just allowed life to run its course. 

CARL: (He bears a kind yet quizzical look as he stares at Tyler) Brilliant! I have been introduced to my first bona fide rocket scientist after all these years living near the Space Coast of Florida. Are you over here looking for a new house by any chance, Tyler? 

TYLER: That’s certainly on my list of ‘To Do’s’ this trip, Carl. I wish Claire had been able to join me, though. Oh, well....glad she likes my taste, guys!! 

CARL: Maybe you wouldn’t mind a forty-five minute drive to Titusville because our home is available right now and not too far from Jack’s. Being on the east side of Orlando with the Beachline Expressway, the 528, right out our door, the commute wouldn’t be all that bad. 

JACK: I told him about your beautiful house this morning and we drove by it on the way over here. 

TYLER: I will have to check it out, Carl. It’s a nice place and having a pool sounds very inviting. Claire does have a pool on her ‘want list.’ And, living near my favorite cousin...

JACK: (Smiling) Only cousin!

TYLER: ...and his kids would be a huge bonus! Claire would enjoy learning about what the area has to offer with Lauren as her guide, Jack. Theme Parks, maybe. Best shopping malls, definitely! Come to think about it, this job change could be extra costly for me in the long run! 

(The small party of old friends and new finish their coffee and offer best wishes to Tyler for his new job and life experiences while shaking hands. Jack and Tyler say their good-byes and head toward the front door of the little coffeehouse after Tyler assures Carl he'll be giving his realtor a call, soon.)

BEN: (Gently places his hand on Carl’s arm) My friend....let’s get another cuppa joe for ourselves and sit and talk for a while longer. Well, you talk and I promise to listen. You, Jill, and your girls all mean the world to me and I can only imagine what you and Jill are going through right now.

CARL: Your friendship means a lot, Ben. Thanks for being here for me. Guys always want to think of themselves as macho and won’t allow themselves to show their vulnerable side. But, even we can be prone to the misery of Family relationships.

BEN: Serious stuff. (Pushing his open palm out towards his friend) Sit still. This one’s on me. I’ll be back with a steaming hot, jolt of courage in a few minutes and we’ll talk....

Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved