Category: government

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington

On By Rick McIn education, ethics, government, human rights, IslamLeave a comment

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) is the United States‘ official memorial to the Holocaust.

Adjacent to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the USHMM provides for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history. It is dedicated to helping leaders and citizens of the world confront hatred, prevent genocide, promote human dignity, and strengthen democracy. …

Since its dedication on April 22, 1993, the Museum has had nearly 40 million visitors, including more than 10 million school children, 99 heads of state, and more than 3,500 foreign officials from over 211 countries. …

On entry you are given a booklet ID card of a Jew killed in the holocaust.

I got Thomas Elek executed by Nazi firing squad on Feb 21, 1944 at the age of 20.

It’s a sobering experience to focus on just one individual of the millions murdered.

My visited reminded me of a prominent, intelligent, influential, articulate Jewish American who’s stridently right wing. Strongly anti-Muslim. Against immigration.

When I pointed out that his statements were exactly what many have said about the Jews over the past few hundred years … he told me his Islamophobia was completely different.

Tell that to these American neo-Nazis.

Chanting ‘Jews will not replace us’

First 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 for me.

German Protestant pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)

inspired by Lincoln

On By Rick McIn Art and beauty, ethics, government, human rights, travelLeave a comment

No President, not even Washington, inspires Americans more than honest Abe.

There are well over 15,000 books written about him.

Ford Theater bookstore

I visited the Lincoln Memorial twice. It’s very popular at dusk.

His statue could not be more impressive.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Gettysburg Address

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention were hosting an Out of the Darkness Walk here when I visited.

In 1963 Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his “I have a dream…” speech here.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal’.

Lincoln’s work is far from finished. He needs inspire many more for many generations to come.

Has the USA already peaked?

On By Rick McIn economics, government, human rights, things getting worse, travelLeave a comment

Some argue that the USA peaked in the 1990s.

Under Trump it certainly seems that the States now have far less world authority and moral influence. Americans consider their politicians corrupt and ineffective.

The Republican / Democrat split solidified by gerrymandering would seem to make gridlock inevitable.

But having toured Washington DC the past 3 days, I’m not so sure the USA is on permanent decline.

My favourite attraction on the mall was the Washington Monument.

Very inspiring.

It’s the world’s tallest stone structure and the world’s tallest obelisk.

George Washington is inspiring too:

If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.

My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth.

Like the USA, the Washington Monument has problems. $2-3 million is needed to modernize the elevator.

Has the USA peaked? For some reason I think the best is yet to come.

The nation will have to rally around one leader and Party. A fiscally conservative Democrat. Or moderate Republican.

Dinosaurs like Jeff Sessions will need to go extinct for the nation to move forward. Trump is the worst American leader of all time. By far. The sooner his regime ends, the better.

barely made it to Washington D.C.

On By Rick McIn government, product complaints, travelLeave a comment

I flew Air Canada 7608 from Toronto. My ticket was purchased on United because exactly the same seat cost less on United.

It’s a Code Share UA 8552S.

I booked on United online. Check the cryptic name on my ticket.

That’s the only email I got from United with my name on it. Air Canada sent me nothing.

Somehow — and I’m quite sure it was in the antiquated United Airlines computer system — my last name was still MCCHARLESRICH when I arrived at the airport.

It was flagged quickly by Air Canada. They don’t care about first or middle names, but the last name must be the same as is on the passport.

Air Canada check-in sent me to the United counter. But the United counter isn’t allowed to change last names on tickets. They sent me to a courtesy phone.

After 4 talks with United and 2 with Air Canada my boarding pass STILL said MCCHARLESRICH.

A flustered Air Canada senior staffer finally sent me off with it anyway quite sure I’d be stopped at U.S. customs.

That man was a pro. He looked over my paperwork carefully. And sent me on my way.

Have a good flight.

No doubt he’d seen United F-up that way before. Running some characters of the first name on to the last. It was obvious to any thinking person that there was no deception.

#respect for U.S. customs.

Lesson learned?

Do NOT fly @United. They suck.

related – 15 REASONS WHY FLYING UNITED AIRLINES SUCKS

neo-Nazis in southern California

On By Rick McIn ethics, government, human rights, things getting worseLeave a comment

The twist on these Nazi wannabes is that they are into inflicting physical violence.

For some reason authorities haven’t done much yet to put them in jail. Or back in jail. Many have a criminal history.

Guys like this are energized by Trump, of course.

Racist, Violent, Unpunished: A White Hate Group’s Campaign of Menace

Click PLAY or watch it on Facebook.

 

homeless downtown Montreal

On By Rick McIn anti-smoking, bad news, economics, ethics, government, travelLeave a comment

I spent a few weeks this year near the Berri-UQAM Metro station on Rue Sainte-Catherine, heart of downtown Montreal. There are a LOT of homeless people. It reminds me of a major American city in that way.

One survey (Douglas Mental Health University / 800+ volunteers) counted 3,016 homeless in the city. 10% aboriginal. 10% immigrants. Veterans 6%.

Other guesstimates have been 10 times as high.

I was there during warmer months. During winter these folks need to find someplace heated.

A harsh and boring life, seems to me. They all seem to have cigarettes. Somehow.

IMG_0114

Not sure what can be done to reduce the numbers. A guaranteed minimum income experiment — or new kinds of free housing — could be tried.

 

 

THE definitive commentary on #TakeAKnee

On By Rick McIn ethics, government, sport - pro, things getting worseLeave a comment

I think people should just stick to their profession, that is, unless they agree with me politically

Best quote:

Thinking NFL players are protesting the flag and the military is like thinking Rosa Parks was protesting public transportation

“America’s Team” — along with its famous billionaire owner Jerry Jones — kneeled BEFORE the national anthem on Monday Night Football. Good move, Cowboys. A smart compromise.