The great off-loading

 What we are seeing now in America is the great unburdening. This much-needed unloading of hate and its associated guilt, is bringing a sense of relief and satisfaction. This is evident in the campaign of James Tallarico in the race for US senator from Texas. In watching a couple of his recent speeches, you can see this relaxation of tension in people’s bodies, and in their smiles.

People are sick nigh unto death of the politics of hatred and recrimination. Whether it be a female reporter from CNN, an innocent and hard-working immigrant, or the entire Democratic Party, Americans have had enough of the brutalization of politics. They are crying out for something different. A critical mass is being reached. Soon, the balancing force of justice will have its way. On that day America will begin to be truly herself — the land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. 

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.