A few thoughts about the things I'm thankful for in 2020

I wanted to take a few minutes while the turkey is roasting in the oven to note a few of things I am most thankful for on Thanksgiving Day 2020.

I give thanks each day for the greatest and most valued blessings in my life, my wife and my daughter. I give special thanks for the good health each enjoys. 

On the topic of health, I also give thanks for the relative good health I enjoy. I experienced a health crisis in October. It was serious, but treatable and alerted doctors to a serious condition that also can be treated without surgery.

I am blessed to have five siblings and a fairly large extended family. A few of members of my extended family had Covid-19 this year, but recovered quickly and display no serious lasting troubles. We give thanks for that. The most important thing for each of us is that we all enjoy relatively good health and everyone is still with us this holiday.

I give thanks for the essential blessings God shares with me and my family - safe shelter, food, clothing, and a job I enjoy. 

I give thanks for Otto, my dog and valued companion. Otto is there with me in the mornings, before I go to work, and he greets me when I return home at the end of my. During the lockdown, when we were confined to home, Otto sat with me during the afternoons and joined me on outdoor walks. I count Otto as a member of the family and a true blessing

I give thanks that I was born in and reside in the United States of America. The year 2020 offered us unimaginable challenges, but as we near its end, we can imagine brighter days ahead. There is no other country for me, and I am blessed to be here. 

--Thank you for reading. You comments are always welcome.

 

A few thoughts about taking a few days to get it right

 

Lots of people are calling for unity these days, and that's a good thing, I think.

Unity is important in a representative democracy. Integrity, honesty, transparency, and individual responsibility also are important in a representative democracy. I contend each is of equal value in our republic, and each is necessary to make our system of government of law succeed.

I'm a bit jaded and skeptical when the calls for unity come from many of the same individuals who four years ago were marching in the streets, refusing to acknowledge the results of a national election, simply because their candidate failed to secure victory. These same people went on to do everything they could think of to undermine the elected president, demonize his supporters, and even wish death by Covid-19 on him, his wife and his children. 

The record is well documented, well remembered and doesn't inspire one to leap aboard the unity bandwagon. 

I think integrity and honesty dictate that those who didn't display unity the last four years might at least show some tolerance and patience with those seeking clarification of how votes were counted. Democrat Al Gore challenged the voting results for 37 days in 2000. I think we can take some time now to double check the results and certify that all the legal ballots were counted, while identifying the number of illegal or disqualified ballots.

I think transparency dictates we show some patience and allow the legal process to address questions and concerns. I think we will all benefit from an evaluation that clearly, firmly affirms the voting results. We can then resolve questions about vote fraud and "stolen" elections. 

I can't imagine why those calling for unity are also many of the most vocal opponents to a process that might bring clarity and certainty to the election results. It doesn't make sense to me.

I also think individual responsibility requires the process to identify and disqualify illegitimate ballots. Follow the law. If laws were broken and those responsible can be identified, prosecute them. Enforce the law. 

Our republic is worth defending, it's worth preserving, and it is worth a few days to confirm and affirm the integrity of the ballots. 

-- Thank you for reading. Your comments are welcome. 

A few thoughts about Sean Connery's films

Sean Connery was my favorite Bond, and "From Russia With Love" (1963) was my favorite Bond film, with "You Only Live Twice" (1967) a close second. 

I was discussing Connery's work with a few friends following Sean's passing. We all talked about his work as James Bond, 007, because that's the role that made him an international star. But we also discussed the many other performances in his film career.

I enjoyed many of Connery's post-Bond roles, with his work in "The Wind and the Lion" being my favorite, followed by "The Man Who Would be King", (Both released in 1975).

Director Sidney Lumet's heist film, "The Anderson Tapes" (1971) saw Connery with a solid supporting cast that included Dyan Cannon and a young Christopher Walken. 

The overlooked "The Name of the Rose" (1986) is a good murder mystery set in a 14th century monestary. Connery won a BAFTA award for best actor for his work. Connery also won an Oscar for best supporting actor for his work opposite Kevin Costner in director Brian Depalma's "The Untouchables" (1987). 

Connery was busy throughout the 1990s. His films were popular and entertaining, but not exceptional, in my view. I enjoyed "Rising Sun" (1993), despite Wesley Snipes playing opposite Connery, and "The Rock" (1996), despite Nicholas Cage serving as Connery's co-star. 

I could add a few more titles from Connery's long film career, and I'd bet readers have a few of their favorites. However, these are the Connery movies that stand out for me. 

-- Thank you for reading. I welcome your comments.

A few thoughts on Election Day plus 1

 

It is Election Day plus 1 in America, and many contests remain undecided as of noon in Illinois. 

The day after an election is usually one of elation for some and soul-crushing disappointment for others. Not long ago most understood, whether a winner or loser, it was time to accept the results and move forward. Many had a hard time moving forward in 2016, and some never made peace with the idea that Trump was president.

And now we don't know for certain if Biden won, or if Trump earned a second term. Commentators already are comparing the 2020 election to the one conducted in 2000 and say we might not know the outcome until January. I hope not.

Like many Americans, I am ready for this election cycle to be over. I consider myself an independent and try to avoid partisan politics. All of this partisan gamesmanship is tedious to me. May it all be gone.

I'm not big on political party affiliations and labels. I like candidates who try to tell me the truth and at least give me the impression they're not looking to steal public money. Yes, my bar is set rather low, but it works for me. I admit that most of the candidates I like lose their races. That's one of the many reasons why I avoid many predictions about election results or anything else. 

I'm not big on identity politics. I like elected officials who strive to work for the common good, regardless of sex, color and all that other stuff. Those kind of candidates are hard to find these days, I think.

That stated, I also have a pretty good sense of what it is beyond my control, and the outcome of elections are generally far beyond my control. I do my part, but I try not to get emotionally invested in elections.

So if your favorite candidate won yesterday, congratulations. If your man or woman lost, sorry for the defeat and better luck next time. If the contest you are most interested in is still undecided, may patience be with you.

I find peace in the thought that the outcome is part of God's big plan, and I will look for the silver linings in whatever the days ahead offer us. 

-- Thank you for reading. Comments and questions are always welcome. Post them here or email me at kbotterman@gmail.com.