Light/Breezes

Light/Breezes
SUNRISE AT DEATH VALLEY-Photo by Tom Cochrun

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Decency and Normalcy

    Fleeting as any generation may be, we live amidst certain constancies. Confrontation, conflict, is as certain as sea and earth. Forces collide.
     The American republic is ground zero for a collision that historians tell us is the most severe test of our existence since 1860, the cusp of the Civil War.
       Last week those who paid attention saw decency, normalcy and were transported to a reality far away from the toxic bedlam of Trump world. 
     The Democratic National Convention, the virtual edition, was effective, loaded with voices, faces, expression of hope, examination of issues and powerful in message. Obama and Biden delivered the best speeches of their careers. Kamala Harris crossed an historic threshold with dignity, force and intellect. The many other speakers were passionate and pointed. Because they were not speaking to a hall full of delegates, they were able to speak more directly, more one on one, to the heart and the mind. 
     As someone who began reporting on presidential politics in the late '60's and a veteran of decades of conventions, I found the virtual presentation to be more intelligent, focused,  and in depth than the circus like exuberance of the old school. Once those conventions served a purposed, but since the 80's they've become staged productions and big parties.
     The Democrats were the first in this modern pandemic to build a structure. We were imbued with family, earnestness, purpose, commitment to equality, a vision of caring, plans for healing and rebuilding, and the normal tradition of America aspiring to greatness and competency.  
      Now the Trump party will take center stage, and those fractures that divide us, and the forces of deception and fraud that threaten us will be in the spot light.


toxic 2020
     The bad year took a turn for the worse this week as the air on California's central coast was listed as the most dangerous in the world. It happened as smoke from fires to the north and south were trapped in a heat wave. Since midweek houses have been closed, outdoor activity was a no-no, and the temperatures set new high records.
    The milky sky was acrid and full of a fine soot and ash that covered houses and cars. Most of us who live on this side of the Santa Lucia Mountains do not have air conditioning. The mountains would normally be seen in this view, but have been obscured by the bad air. 
    A local air quality expert said it is the worst he's seen in his 30 years of measurement.  We take precautions, stay inside and know that soon this will clear, an inconvenience. But we share a concern for our fellow Californians fighting the blazes, evacuating, worrying about their homes, on top of the pandemic. 
tender mercies and gentle victory
   A quick trip to the shore, where the air is at least moving, presented a couple of sights worth sharing. 
   The green patina on this outcropping is visible only during seasons when the low tide exposes it. I took delight in the artistic shading of Providence.
   I marveled at this discovery of clay figures of some composition, set atop rocks on the shore. Someone, with care, added to the tableau of the Pacific shore. A thoughtful and creative kindness.
    And there was the joy of this duo. Notice the bend in one of the rods.
   Look carefully in the frame below and you'll see a trophy of this day of fishing on the rocks. 


   So, even as we journey on in this historic passage, there are moments of the normalcy we seek.
   Stay well, take care of each other.

   See you down the trail.

11 comments:

  1. Re the Democratic Convention: "the virtual presentation to be more intelligent, focused, and in depth than the circus like exuberance of the old school." Yes, indeed, the best I've heard and seen. It will be interesting to see how the Republicans follow. And Brayden Harrington was amazing. I stuttered very much like him for many years and don't believe I would have had the guts to do what he did.
    Also,

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  2. As I was out watering the plants this morning I smelled smoke in the air. The smoky haze coming from the far-away California fires was the source. Stay safe.

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    1. We are hopeful for clearing overnight, and some fresh air.

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  3. Dear Tom, as a 70-year resident of the Sacramento Valley, cancer survivor etc., I take great comfort in your assessment of our current challenge. In the past 2 weeks I've had 2 friends drop dead next door --covid, ashy air, preexisting problems. Norma keeps me mainly indoors, but the chief problem is summoning courage in my old self to deal with the inarguable reality of it all. Yes, I know we must accept reality but we don't always have to approve of it. Your post helps me considerably.

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    1. Geo, Sorry for the loss of your friends.
      Indeed we must summon courage for the living of these days. Heed your dear Norma's advice and stay safe.
      I agree, we don't have to approve of the reality and in fact we can and should work to change it.

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  4. My Facebook memories reminded me of three years ago when we were chocked with smoke. The fires raging in California are frightening, and so many homes and livelihoods are in danger. I'm sure political conventions mean nothing to them right now.
    I agreed completely with your description of the Democratic convention. I actually found it very hopeful. Now we will watch the Republicans, because we like our news first hand. It may require some fortitude on our part, and maybe some pacing and ranting, but we will watch. I have close family members who are believers, I will try to understand why.

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    1. It is hard to understand how, after all we've seen, that friends or family can be his supporters. Exasperating!

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  5. What a great place to retire. I think a few of the far right enthusiasts are now sensing their "party" is over. Trump is the end result of the many years of influence that right wing radio has had in our society. Sounds too simple but it's true -- was glad to hear Jon Stewart say the same thing a few months back. We read. They listen. Hoping the smoke clears -- everywhere.

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    1. I think you are spot on, about the influence of right wing radio. For entirely too many it was the shaper of their world view.

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