Socialism Now?

I have heard from two different sources that according to polling, 62% of those in the so-called millennial generation favor socialism over capitalism in the US. Citizens of New York City have elected a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist for mayor, as well as a United States representative who places herself under the same banner.

Whatever we may think of socialism, one thing that we can be sure of is that it is not capitalism.  In fact, these two systems are incompatible.

As for myself, I have advocated what could be called a mixed system, such as has been organized in Sweden, and also Norway. However, as events have developed, and world history has proceeded on its inexorable course, I now see a socialism analog as the most likely alternative to capitalism. By this I mean a just economy which truly serves the people. We need not label this as any kind of  “ism.”  We simply need to decide that we will live up to the meaning of the phrase, “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. “This is the true American way, not this hijacking of democracy which we are suffering under now. We can have this just economy that we so desperately need. The millennials are leading the way. 

Returning soon

 Vacation having come to an end, I will be returning to posting soon. I appreciate your patience as I got some much-needed rest.

I want to continue focusing on the larger picture, while filling in the details. And details there are aplenty.  I want to continue focusing on the larger picture, while filling in the details. And details there are aplenty.  Most important to me is the direction the world and the United States are going in. It seems to me we are on a dark and bumpy road much of the time. However, there is increasing evidence that the road is progressing toward a brighter future, one with more justice, and with truth valued exceedingly more. 

A criminal piano tuner and 40 pages of sheet music

 [rough draft]

This is what is promised in pianist magazine laying beside me now. Being that $25 plus tax for a magazine is a bit out of my range at the moment, I will have to be satisfied with a fairly quick perusal of the magazine, with the hope that it will be mine soon.

There certainly is no problem with the quality of the magazine itself. It compares favorably with the most expensive magazines I have ever seen.

First step is a review of the movie “Tuner,” Starring Dustin Hoffman, and Leo would all in the title role. I have not seen this movie yet, so the promise of the author or not to spoil the ending is just fine with me.

Movie promises to be about a piano tuner with a highly attenuated ear. What happens to him apparently, is a bit hard to swallow, but I will go along with it. In the midst of a very successful career tuning grand pianos, Niki Woodall Gets drawn into a ring of criminals he recognize that his highly trained ear makes him perfect as a safe cracker. This almost sounds like the kickoff of a comedy movie. But evidently it is a serious film.

I can say more later, but the article is interesting enough that I am encouraged to see the film.

Next up are the 40 pages of sheet music from beginner level to advanced. Without getting technical, the paper and printing here is absolutely first rate, and it is a good selection of pieces largely by lesser known – but still respected – composers such as Gabrielle Farre, Cecile Chaminade, François Couperin and Fanny Hensel, and even Satie and Mendelssohn.  

In short, the magazine is a delight, even if the price decidedly is not. But with Barnes & Noble being owned by a British, this seems to be what we are now expected to pay you read it here first.

Dolly Parton, country music icon, dies at 80

 Legendary country singer, movie actress, and philanthropist, Miss Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80. She leaves a legacy of over 60 years of work, and 50 albums.

She lent her voice and relatively hidden acting ability to the 1980 hit movie, “9 to 5,”  which celebrated unheralded and suffering office women everywhere. The movie also starred Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda, who conceived the story.

Though known for her country hits, country music fans were far from the only type of fans Miss Parton was adored by. Trained musicians, even classical musicians, admired her sincerity, strength, and sparkle, as well as a sweet and sometimes vulnerable voice. It is certain she will be mourned deeply and remembered fondly.

August vacation

 Notice to readers:

The Musical Patriot is currently on summer vacation and will be posting when the opportunity arises. He will return soon and wishes all a happy August.

Happy blogger day!

 It may seem a trifle strange for a day to celebrate bloggers. But if they want to have a day to celebrate me and other bloggers, I say bring it on.

According to information from Holiday Today, blogs are not as popular as they once were.  But they are still around and serving a purpose.  I know this blog has seen an upsurge in leadership over the last months.  I am certainly grateful for the increasing interest. I believe it represents a new interest in honest information and truth.

If that sounds lofty, that’s because it is. Be that as it may, I wish everyone around the world improved circumstances, a deeper pursuit of happiness, and much success.

With love,

Your Musical Patriot 

Mary Tyler Moore and life at home

 Life at home is a good life for the most part. Friends and pets, and books and news of the outside world,  have kept me going. That and Music and a religious belief. Well all of that other arts, and other events, and other people come into my life, and I make way for them, make room for them in my heart.

One such person in the last couple of days has been Mary Tyler Moore through the vehicle of a fine documentary, “Being Mary Tyler Moore.”  In the world of film, and entertainment more generally, it can sometimes be difficult to know what is more meaningful at the moment — the person being featured, or the film itself. For this particular film itself is beautiful – thoughtful, thorough, eliciting both the joy and the sorrow in the life of its central figure. So much can be said about the dancer, actress, and singer, Mary Tyler Moore, who passed away in 2017. We thought she would never die. We thought she *could* never die. But eventually, due to a long standing disease, she did pass away.

— more to come

Not your father’s weed

 For many years now on this blog I have advocated against ordinary use of marijuana. I have been concerned about lung issues, reproductive issues, and other physical and mental problems relating to marijuana. It seems that new concerns keep popping up. The referenced article here tells one person‘s story.

Subscription may be required.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/07/14/i-smoked-cannabis-nearly-20-years-heres-what-i-wish-i-knew-13/

Wearing out its welcome

 Is it not true that the profit system, that long-lasting albatross long weighing down society, has worn out its welcome?  The high prices, the low wages;  the steadfast propper--uppers, the long-suffering workers;  these have been the markers of an engine of wealth production for the super-wealthy.  

But what of the future? Will there be another collapse? All one has to do is read a book like “1929,“ by Sorkin. As for a final collapse, that is a bit more difficult to see. But that is only because of the huge public relations fog of war which obscures our vision. However, even fog eventually dissipates. As the sun begins to come up on the gloom, a proverbial light at the end of the tunnel begins to come into view. 

The Ethos

 

Today, the ethos, or the environment, of the United States is energetic, though worried, slightly morose, sometimes irritated, and yet darkly hopeful.  Individual citizens may be in better shape, but this is the overall tendency in our country now — uncertainty and dissatisfaction.  

The matter of what to do tirs people together in a similar attitude. There is cynicism about the ability of the average person to do anything about the sorry state of the economy. And yet, there is discomfort with the cynicism, too.

Cynicism is the lowest form of apathy. A step above cynicism is pessimism. A step above pessimism is being noncommittal – not caring one way or the other. Beyond that, as we travel up, we get to the happier states. But most people are Lower than the happier states, and with reason.

And yet there is in the American spirit a drive toward excellence, a desire for what is right and just. At this point in history, it is firmly embedded in our DNA. As we begin the week of the 250th anniversary of the declaration of independence, America is in process– increasingly, in process.

Like a wheel on a Conestoga wagon, things go, and the country eventually comes around. We will see this again, surely. But before arriving at our destination, there must be many turns of the wheel.  For as the road turns, the wheel turns with it. Happy journeying, America.

Moment for humor

 Who is Al? Is it Al Bundy? Is it Al from Al’s hardware store?Allen Funt?  Funt and Fontaine?

Whoever “Al is, my e-mail tells me his “voice scams are spreading.”  I’m not surprised;  his voice always sounded like he had some sort of a contagious disease. 

Conspiracy

 (Edited)

Last evening, I watched 2/3 of the movie “Conspiracy,“ starring Kenneth Branaugh.  This movie chronicles the progress of a meeting by some of the highest officials of the Nazi regime.   The purpose of the meeting as shared by the head of the SS (Branaugh), was a discussion of  how to exterminate the Jewish people. Even now as I write this, I am almost shuddering.   Several times during the movie I dipped my head in shame and horror.

As the movie depicts it, there was far from unanimity in the room during the first half of the meeting. But after a lunch break, Branaugh’s character through relentless cunning and verbal arm-twisting, brought persons (all men) around to his point of view. 

Sadly, I had to leave the movie because of schedule. I am anxious to get back to it tonight. But what I have seen so far is a film about a meeting. One would think this would be as dry as corn biscuits in the desert. That is certainly not the case! This is due to the sublime performances by the actors. This is surely the best movie of its type since “Twelve Angry Men.”

Message to all who are reading this

Let it hereby be known that your Musical Patriot decries the attack by the United States executive on the sovereign nation of Iran. Certainly there are complex issues involved, and serious concerns. But when innocent children, and others, are bombed, I must draw a line. This attack has violated not just human rights, but international law, and common decency. 

This is not to point fingers. It is, however, a warning that any injustice will be addressed, according to my understanding the Bible. Nevertheless, this is not my concern, duty, or responsibility. I leave any such action, if there is to be any action at all, to the Higher Authority. Meanwhile, may all those suffering be comforted.  

🕊🕊🕊🕊

U.S. Department of Justice Crashing

 Your Musical Patriot does not approve of what is known as click-bait. Thus, the kind of title which you see above doesn’t arise on my blog often.   However, the headline today does not seem to be radical, or particularly over-stated.

For news coming out of the court system in the last days, is showing extreme frustration with the tactics of Justice Department lawyers in Social-issue suits they have been bringing in front of judges.  In fact, one judge has referred department lawyers to the oversight board which handles such things. The reason is essentially lying to the judge about the circumstances of on-going negotiations with perspective defendants.

With developments such as these, it is going to take a long time to restore confidence in the US justice system. The longer this goes on, the longer it is going to take to bring back a suitable level of trust. This is most unfortunate for the country. 

It is, however, not unprecedented in world history.  This is what happens in the lead-up to massive changes. I will say no more for now. But we can expect even more turmoil as the country turns away from systems of exploitation and injustice.

Link coming soon

20TH ANNIVERSARY!

More coming later