New York City becomes another Chicago.
Author: Henry Barnard
I am a voracious reader and also enjoy writing. I often have a very different point of view than the popular one. I do see value in debate, and thought it might add to the public debate on controversial issues if I were to express my contrarian opinions. I also started keeping my poems recently (I've written little pieces my whole adult life but never kept any); and I've been a photographer now for over 25 years. So I will be adding an occasional poem and hopefully interesting photograph to the blog along the way, just to spice things up.
Trash Talk
The trash talking in American politics is so over the top that it’s not worth listening to. The goal is not truth but how outrageous one can be. Trouble is so many people take it seriously and so get riled by it — a big reason why there is so much conflict in America today, why so many are so angry. And of course the media is fundamentally at fault here — yellow journalism run amuk. Back in the 80’s and 90’s in New York City, it was the New York Post that had the outrageous headline and stories, that either bordered on the preposterous and went way over the edge. Now it’s every newspaper and “news” media.
In my opinion, one should always keep in mind, when reading or hearing a political opinion, what that individual’s agenda is. Their statements tell you more about the authors than who or what they are addressing. Witness the ridiculous statements made by so many liberal celebrities — doesn’t tell you anything about the subjects they are addressing but tells you boatloads about them. I can’t tell you how many such celebrities I consider to be silly individuals now that I’ve heard their political opinions, which were baseless and foolish but predictably extreme.
Norsemen
If you are in the mood for some belly laughs, check out Norsemen on Netflix. Monty Python meets the Vikings. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
President
First time we’ve had a truly forceful president since Reagan. Trump is not going to tolerate rioting in cities — period. A less forceful president would have caved on this issue, particularly in an election year. Not Trump.
Portland
The riots in Portland and Trump’s response. Ann Coulter nails it again. She’s probably the best real journalist in American today.
Antifa
What is there to like about Antifa? Nothing.
King
Trump would probably identify with the ancient and ironic comment about the good king: “A king’s lot: to do good and be damned.” Trump does good work and is damned for his efforts.
Anne Frank
Netflix has an interesting documentary about Anne Frank and the Holocaust. If you ever find yourself in Amsterdam, take the time to visit the annex where they hid.
Anne Frank’s Diary is one of the few books I’ve actually read twice. It’s one of those remarkable books where you can hear the voice of the writer behind the words.
BLM
Blue lives matter.
Romans and the Plague
Have been reading about the reign of Marcus Aurelius in the 2nd century AD. During his reign, the plague came to Rome from the East, brought back by Roman soldiers. It was devastating to the city. But it didn’t just go away after a year. The ominous note that I read was that it lingered for many years, and now and then came back with a vengeance.
I wonder if that’s going to be our fate as well? It’s a bit of an assumption that this virus doesn’t have staying power.
Henry's Views 