Susmarie108
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Grateful for your comments today. You point out AND make a case for the other side of the days stories – doing it with an authentic but heavy Heart. It makes what you have contributed valuable.
“What I personally find hard to imagine is that there are not more people, on whatever side, who read a very crappy obviously lying anon Atlantic story about Trump hating the military, or comments on a book that all come down to: he deliberately killed 200,000 Americans, and then still not say: that’s enough. If you don’t do that, then which part of what you call your opinion is actually yours?”
THAT’S ENOUGH! What are we using these words to defend? One-sidedness or the facts?
Does the Atlantic story = Trump hates the military? No, that goes too far. Trump says many disrespectful and ugly things (we’ve all heard him) – and so the Atlantic story true as written or not, lines up with the character of the man we call our President. That part is true and not an opinion; why not point that out? If I say “that’s enough” to anon smear pieces will you say the same to Trump’s disrespectful and ugly smears? It would be one-sided to defend Trump as not hating the military while ignoring what he has said in the opposite direction (with emphasis on the last 4 years).
Does the Woodward interview/tapes regarding Trumps early understanding of COVID = Trump killed 200,000. No, that goes too far. What we do know is that our President downplayed the severity of the crisis which gave many an unrealistic view of the risk ahead. Was he motivated to downplay the virus because he truly didn’t want to panic us or because he didn’t want to look bad and risk his reelection chances? Based on the President’s actions to date, most understand that he will keep his own personal interests in the forefront at all times. That part is true and not an opinion. So if I say “that’s enough” to Trump killing 200K will you say the same and call out Trump’s manipulation of the facts for his own gain at the expense of you and me? It would be one-sided to defend Trump for being cautious/not creating a panic without mentioning the dangerous impact of his inaccurate assessments of the disease.
René Magritte The Art of Conversation 1963: A really good conversation will move you in a new direction while taking you to a whole new level – together.
Edgar Degas Dancers in Blue 1895: In case you didn’t find yourself drawn to the center of the dancers circle, the lady in orange made sure you got there. The delicate application of lilac provided additional insurance; the lady in yellow with red-orange hair sealed the deal. Now that you have arrived, you hear them talking softly. The ladies in Blue form a flower-like cluster, their wispy skirts fluffed to perfection. The background surfaces in full impressionistic expression fade into the moment or does the moment fade into them? Only the tree knows for sure.
Pablo Picasso The Dream 1932: I love how the rounded shapes fit together, very feminine in their expression. Then there is a play of opposites, seen in the face, shoulders, breasts, arms, and in the garment. The use of such unique colors is a wonder all its own. The drama that is the orange and yellow chair and the printed tapestry. The folded hands resting firmly on the womb. Her half face in an unusual shape. What is she dreaming about?
Julian Assange is a hero. His destiny is our destiny.
Unfulfilled DESIRE, and the quest to fulfill it at any cost will always result in corruption.
Oh now it all makes sense Scott Adams! We have a comedian running the country – it doesn’t matter what he says EVER – because it’s all a joke.
Vindman as THE whistleblower is a logical conclusion. His testimony was significant, in that he reported on what he perceived as an inappropriate and disturbing policy negotiation on the part of the President. Did Vindman not have a right to do so? Is it Vindman’s fault that his”report” was mishandled? That mis-handling should not minimize the importance what he saw/heard and reported. Whistleblower Vindman = smuck. How did that happen? Guess it depends what “side” you are on.
Since we have a comedian for a president, any comments said or unsaid at any time about military vets, military heroes, military families are just plain silly. The whole darn Atlantic thing is a big fat joke. Heyyy a hoax is a joke, right? Get over it people. You all know what we pay our comedians to do – rub our faces in our own crap so we can LAUGH about it – instead of cry. Give me “moar” comedy, please.
“It’s all gone, the entire camp. Moria was meant for 3,000 people but still in 2020 there were 15,000 or so living there”. Reminds me of the fenced enclosures/camps along US borders, stuffed with moms and kids. I am sorry for the suffering of refugees and ask for forgiveness for how we are treating the least of us. We are all in the same human family. Their destiny is our destiny.
@Maxwell Quest: Yes, Caesar had been warned by Calpurina – but destiny pulled him to the chambers anyway. Perhaps the artist was channeling the forces of feminine intuition as he painted in an unknown woman engaged in a face-to-face meeting with a male figure while being held. It is such a minor addition to a painting intensely focused elsewhere. Could this be the artist’s Way of reminding us that the potential for a different outcome was always present?
RE: Gettysburg Address. All of 272 words.
What gives these 272 words their potency?
I’m not sure. The words dedicated and devotion are used thoughtfully throughout. Dedicated to the proposition, to the unfinished work, to the great task remaining before us. Devotion to the cause. Makes me ask what meaning these words have in my life – even to look at what I am dedicated and devoted to.
The world did note and does remember the words said there. But what do they mean to a brainwashed society dedicated to American exceptionalism and devoted to the unfinished work of WINNING?
A nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal is the “root cause”. What will we risk/give to reestablish our connection?
Vincenzo Camuccini La Morte Di Cesare 1804. Drama! Shock, anger, and fear flying like daggers (before the real daggers hit their target). There is one man who is not engaged like all of the others. He appears to be with the only woman in the scene (in the far left hand corner). I am intrigued by them….who are they and what is he asking her?
A debt fueled consumer orgy (pulling demand from the future to the present), the bubble blowing in real estate (an asset for extracting unreal cash gains), the creation of pointless jobs (insurance/healthcare), the inflation of salaries (with no connection to outcome – no additional value or benefit created/contributed), and easy credit (check out the parking lots outside any major retail outlet and notice how everyone drives a new car!) – all conspired to generate a massively fragile phantom economy. What wasn’t overbuilt and or overbought? Now we pay the price for an unwinding across EVERY front.
Eating at home is good for us in so many ways.
Enjoyed every moment of the @realronburgundy movie. Will Ferrell is a funny man!
Jackson Pollock Shooting Star 1947 is wild and intense. Abstract art is so random, unsettling at first glance; it seems to be speaking in a different language. This painting has motion; emotion sneaks in through the use of technique, color, and contrast. The fierce application of splattering paint! Are we looking through the stained glass window of a cathedral? And then there is the title “Shooting Star” which anchors us to a reference point. Sometimes the clear night sky has this web effect – in particular when you are sleeping outdoors on your back “under the stars”. You are in a stationary place but the sky is not locked into a single position. Looking up multiple times over the course of the night you observe the evolution of the cosmos; it is moving and so it moves you.
“The reactions should be good.” OK I’ll bite. Those lawless mayors (and Governors) were democratically elected, so I guess that minor detail doesn’t matter? The process to harass and punish them is called elections. Threats to remove funding remind me of folks who hate paying taxes for things they don’t agree with, like public schools. There is no problem with defunding public schools but WE THE PUBLIC need to agree to go in that direction (same goes for defunding police, or defunding the Defense Department). The social contract is meant to be negotiated – until no one listens/nothing changes. In this case President Trump is leveraging a weakness in the failure of the democratic process – and he is successful at implementing this tactic.
Julian Assange is a hero. His fate is our fate.
Jubilee time – indeed! But only available if you view the pandemic as an “act of God”. Then it all ends right there and a Jubilee makes perfect sense; forgiveness from the bottom up is possible. On the other hand, when you eliminate the “act of God” option there is no place for forgiveness – only blame, and nothing ends until the least of us is broken and beaten down. We started by blaming China, the WHO, CDC and moved on to Blue v Red Governors/states, Dems v Repubs – in the end it will be the fault of all debtors, mortgagees and renters. Do not underestimate those actors who “play God”- they are out to WIN.
Leonardo da Vinci Head of a Woman 1475-80 is an amazing composition. What must it take to capture beauty in this Way? Locks of soft hair form a nest cradling an angel’s face…the light of Grace is within this space.
Julian Assange is a hero. His fate is our fate.
Jubilee time – indeed! But only available if you view the pandemic as an “act of God”. Then it all ends right there and a Jubilee makes perfect sense; forgiveness from the bottom up is possible. On the other hand, when you eliminate the “act of God” option there is no place for forgiveness – only blame, and nothing ends until the least of us is broken and beaten down. We started by blaming China, the WHO, CDC and moved on to Blue v Red Governors/states, Dems v Repubs – in the end it will be the fault of all debtors, mortgagees and renters. Do not underestimate those actors who “play God”- they are out to WIN.
Leonardo da Vinci Head of a Woman 1475-80 is an amazing composition. What must it take to capture beauty in this Way? Locks of soft hair form a nest cradling an angel’s face…the light of Grace within this space.
“Neither the Democratic party nor the Republican party survives a defeat this November in anything close to their current form. I think several people are starting to think about that. But here’s what’s also true: Neither the Democratic party nor the Republican party survives a victory this November. And no one is thinking about that.”
Agree. And when Trump is reelected and the Dems control Congress by taking the Senate and keeping the House – then neither party survives the loss or the victory, both parties implode?
“Trump breaks us by turning every one of our domestic political games from a coordination game – where cooperation in the national interest is at least possible – into a pure competition game where that potential cooperation is impossible.”
There is a nugget here. The cooperation vs competition Way of approaching everything is likely the root cause of all of our division/conflicts. Maybe some day more of us will realize that cooperation is WINNING.
@JohnDay: thanks. Someone put Kyle in this compromising situation. Who? And to whose benefit?
The Rembrandt is stunning. The face of a life lived. The brush strokes and highlighting on the forehead contrasted by the deep darkened eyes pull me inside this man’s heart for a glimpse beyond the body. Who he is and his story do not matter as we realize – we are that.
Iran 1964: A charming moment in time. I am appreciating the significance of choosing those high heeled shoes for a walk through the unpaved town square. Young women (am assuming they are young by the height and color of those heels) expressing their individuality, and perhaps even “pushing the envelope”. The sheep laying peacefully in one corner and a group of young men fixated on the ladies, some things never change. I admit to using a good pair of heels for the same purpose.
Moderna! Where greed and narcissism thrive. Socialize the launch/research with DARPA funds and then privatize all the profits – which will be obscene because “free market!” Why are we being trained to fear Bernie delivering Socialism and not these dishonest cheating Capitalist corporate thieves?
Mish is half right.
Julian Assange’s imprisonment and upcoming extradition hearing clearly displays the evil that is HERE NOW. Take notice of the dire consequences for those who dare reveal hidden truths. Despite your political leanings, remember what happened to Lt. Col. Vindman and his family. Law and order! This would be a good place to direct excess unsettled energy, in educating yourself about exactly what went down and what is coming.
@sumac.carol:
Excellent resource, thank you for sharing. To find the paper, go to SHB’s website, articles section, medicine/Herbs/Healing column.
As for the beautiful Picasso, I see the present self – and the future self, reflected in the mirror. Women know that we are BEcoming our Mothers with the march of time. The dropping of the womb and breasts will come. SO WILL THE COMFORT OF TIME AND WISDOM as expressed by the womb like layers surrounding the future self. The arms stretching to embrace what will BE is the magic element of this one for me.
Tucker admits (in the segment linked above) that the media coverage of this shooting event is incomplete, all though he does not say why. My guess is that reports using Kyle’s own “social media footprints” revealing connections/associations to a Trump rally and to Blue Lives Matter movement are the cause of his “angst”. We are just learning of Kyle’s community support efforts as a lifeguard and his volunteer efforts to remove graffiti. Guess that will balance out the scorecard! Look over here!! Not once in this segment does TC refer to the points of common concern and agreement: that a kid with a loaded gun was on the streets in a town he did not live in in the middle of a protest defending property he did not own.
What kind of parent let’s their minor children have free/complete access to firearms without adult supervision? And what adult business owner would make a call to kids asking for their help in protecting a commercial enterprise? That was a job for a licensed security firm who employs trained professionals.
Who is taking responsibility for allowing Kyle’s participation in this event? Who may have noticed that there were kids with guns on the scene and did nothing to discourage their involvement? An honest analysis has to start there.
I have never been on the scene of an “in-progess” shooting. But isn’t it well understood that trying to disarm the shooter, the person who has the weapon and who is NOT the police, is an important task?
So you are a hero when you disarm a schoolyard shooter and a criminal when you try to disarm a shooter in the streets of a protest?
The fierce intensity of those defending this young man says something.
When we declare self defense alone – without giving equal weight to why he was in a position where he needed to defend himself – we surrender our integrity and redirect responsibility. Now it is the fault of the protester? Kyle had a role in this and he should take responsibility for it. Anyone who takes responsibility for showing up with a loaded AK gets to take responsibility for the outcome of his/her actions.
A well written and accurate summary from RT. The race has tightened, clearly victory is not in the bag for the Dems. Take nothing for granted. From today forward it will be an epic battle to the end – bring it on!
What do these two things have in common? Dems not denouncing riots/violence at rallies and Repubs not wearing masks or social distancing at rallies (political and motorcycle). Selective pretending and selective defending? Denying obvious reality. How does this insanity help anyone?
Nancy, Chuck, Mitch are all in the way. The unrest and chaos manifesting now is just the tip of the iceberg; wait until the economic reality (broken through financialization and killed by Covid) kicks in. If the Dems take the House and Senate but not the WH there could be an exciting opportunity for the next generation to step up and lead. Do you think President Trump would be willing to work with them? If Dems take both chambers, we will be seeing Bernie for one final push to shepherd next gen leaders – helping to focus their ideas, passion and purpose to into meaningful roles and goals – on the road to rethinking/reinventing/rebirthing everything.
As the BIG things continue to spiral out of control, it’s the small things that provide a path forward. Hobs and his family wondering around town and spreading joy is a beautiful example. I can find a few hours a day to engage in something nice, you?
The whole CEO “value proposition” stock strip mining compensation operation started ramping up in the late 90’s. No accountability or responsibility ever taken for results/outcomes under their “leadership”. This is one of the many ways capitalism is killing itself.
A President/CEO in today’s headlines:
Jerry Falwell, Jr., the former president of Liberty University, will receive a $10.5 million compensation package. Former Liberty University professor Karen Swallow Prior told CNN Tuesday she’s grateful that Falwell is gone and the school can move forward. “There have been red flags for a long time,” she said about Falwell’s tenure. “The kind of arrogance and authoritarian leadership that we experienced as faculty was really just a symptom of this lifestyle that obviously was one in which he thought that he could do anything and get away with it.”Job well done Jerry and Board of Directors! And yeah American Airlines executive leadership team!!
Cutting myself off…out the door to share some joy in my small town.
Good article teri.
It clearly explains what I have been saying – the “universal” mailing situation that our President is screaming about is false news. His idea of “universal” mailing is NOT what States are doing – no State would do this! Mailing ballots to ALL registered voters, including to those who have not requested one, is a different strategy.
The President’s quote shows me he has zero understanding. No one is promoting the mailing of ballots to everyone. This is about the mailing of ballots to all REGISTERED VOTERS – Dems and Repubs – without them having to request it. Ballots would be directed to named recipients – there would be no stacks for people to grab.
The REAL huge job numbers are heart-stopping…who is sounding the alarm?
Since the system is not built to serve the people, we are going to have to wait until the unraveling shows up in the streets. “What’s going to happen to these people in the meantime”? They will struggle and suffer, they will get desperate and angry, they will fight before they break, and they will lose everything.
This is the Mother of all tsunamis – compliments of the financialization of everything and COVID. None of us will escape the hit from this one.
It makes all else seem trivial and small. The only exception being what Mother Nature conjures up – from lightning storms to blazing infernos. The morning sun in Northern CA is a giant red ball and our skies are dark with smoke. Thankfully we are not on fire, but one never takes that for granted as the danger is real until the temperatures drop and rain is in the forecast (late September?).
The Wassily Kandinsky Autumn Landscape with Boats 1908 (from earlier this week) with its magnificent and intense color pallet has put me in a lasting state of grace and LOVE. Grateful for the treasure Raul.
“With universal mail-in voting, the government would mail ballots to everyone, regardless of whether they request them.”
Good summary by Patel, thanks for posting it. The question that still needs to be answered is who is universal mail-in mail directed to?
Data is required for any mailing to occur. Will universal mailing include only voter registration data? If so, then it is not truly “universal”. In my mind, universal mailing (as it is being misunderstood) would be like sending 3 ballots to a Resident or a Voter at 123 Main Street, CA, 12345. It is a GENERIC mailer, not directed to a named receiver. In that case, fraud would very likely be an issue – who would support that?
Note that voter data files are not perfect and that marketplace utilizes many tools to groom data (update, clean, address change). Accurate Voter registration data is a hot commodity!
Like everything else, the President is unable to discern the difference between a circus (universal mailing to the millions) and a targeted mailer to all on the registered voter roles – which would include BOTH Dems and Repubs. It is far more fun to whip up the uninformed over a charge of fraud before it happens.
More critical infrastructure jobs:
Meeting the promise of clean drinking water: Re-piping water systems in aging communities all over America (the disgrace in Flint MI is on-going, been 6 years). Water piping projects could take tens of 1000’s of workers decades to complete.
Forest management and restoration support. Tree and brush removal would keep many employed for years. Working outdoors is so healthy for the soul. Firefighting in rural areas – good enough for CA prisoners – good for you too.
Side Note: I live in the mountains of rural Northern CA (4 + hours north of Bay area) in Trinity County. We are mostly conifer/fir forest and oak woodlands. Bone dry – down 10 inches of rain this year, over supply of beetle infested trees. We work our tails off on remediation – especially this past winter into spring as “The Great Pause” kept me focused on my 5 acres. Chain saws roaring and burn piles blazing for days, mighty old friends (trees over 100 years) bit the dust. As 100 degree summer heat rolls on, our early remediation efforts provide some level of security. What are we supposed to do – mow down the entire freeking forest? Despite our President’s ignorance there is opportunity in this! No time for blame and finger pointing games to score points. Come on now…..
“And I see again, the forest fires are starting,” Trump said. “They’re starting again in California. And I said, you’ve got to clean your floors. You’ve got to clean your floors.” The president blamed the “years” of leaves and broken trees, claiming “they’re like, like so flammable.” During his speech in Scranton, Pa., Trump said, “I’ve been telling them this now for three years, but they don’t want to listen,” referencing California.
Also in my small town (3,800 pop.) there are other key infrastructure jobs. Skilled hands-on labor deserves to be respected and encouraged. Some of these businesses are perpetuated by family/generations stepping up to carry on. Some are not as fortunate: Dave’s small engine repair – too busy to take my saws in for off season tune-up (LOL gotta make appointment) is too slammed to train and mentor help. Others include the glass and screen business, upholstery shop, woodworking shops, plumbers, electricians. The 2 welding shops here are always packed. We need to preserve and protect the pipeline for these meaningful opportunities with community focused initiatives that attract candidates to our rural areas.
“So what’s the plan, guys? Green jobs?”
The old jobs are never coming back; there are many more losses to come. With so many people displaced (permanently, they can feel it but aren’t ready to face the truth, yet), there will be a need to redirect and refocus human potential into more meaningful pursuits.
The plan should include traditional infrastructure jobs (which involve good paying positions such as welders, construction workers, and engineers) and green jobs which could expand to include all kinds of interesting things – like a career path that solves the recycling problems – why not elevate waste management to a higher status by assigning greater responsibility designed to conquer the challenges! Stop the plastic before it reaches the oceans.
We should include NEW areas of work development. How about rebuilding the Social Infrastructure? This would include creating/building essential human infrastructure to support joyful, kind and loving: elder care, child care, distance learning backup for kids with working parents (both remote in-home workers and those who still have office jobs), people (adults and kids) with disabilities, Veterans, Hospice (non medical end of life care and coaching), alternative education and homeschooling just to name a few.
Imagine how much better we will feel pursuing meaningful work that uplifts the least among us including ourselves.
RE: “Sirota is sticking out his neck, and it won’t be appreciated that he tears into his own party, but he’s also still stuck in “but Trump is so much worse” mode.”
Sirota sums it up all right – and he is appreciated. This kind of conversation needs to happen as he speaks for the many disgusted Dems out there. Yes, everyone senses the fraudulence at hand. It is possible to view this Presidential election and its pathetic candidates as a “placeholder” for the development of future potential. It doesn’t matter who is the President – as long as the Dems take the Senate and the House.
The “fresh-faced” Dems (like Katie Porter) are the key; they are skilled, smart, prepared, focused – and are now exploring/expanding into their roles (in Congress, Governorships and Cities). Many are women (just sayin’ JHK). They won’t be stopped because they cut deep into the myth. They disable propaganda with courage, expertise and facts. They work together despite coming from many points of view.
Both parties are afraid of the future. The status quo can’t let go of themselves or get out of the way. Compare the future strength of the two parties. The Dems “fresh-faced” bench is diverse, complex, outspoken (is this not what you need in times of chaos/change?). Despite which candidate wins the WH, this bench will prevail in turning things under/over/sideways/down/backwards/forward/inside out. We will be around to engage with them, guide and argue with them. The hand off to the next generation must continue.
Amazon adds 3,500 white collar jobs and cuts 1,500 delivery/driving positions. Amazon expects record-breaking growth to continue. So who will deliver all those packages?
Is Amazon giving the USPS an opening to raise parcel rates?
Bernie never recovered from the DNC theft of 2016. His recent run lacked Heart as the truth became obvious. The next genuine progressive wave is fermenting but not ready for kegging. Bernie opened doors for AOC, KATIE PORTER and more while Covid opened doors for Mayor Lance-Bottoms, Governors Whitmer, Grisham and more. Bernie still has a role in the next phase; his patience will pay off.
Who is angrier? In 2016 it was those angry folks who pushed Trump to victory. I disagree with the logic in the Greene article that the angry factor will prevail and deliver the knockout punch to Biden. In this moment, it is the disgusted vote that will deliver Biden the win. Same theory just a different source.
Who is disgusted with President Trump? How can this disgust be focused, clarified and channeled, the facts collected and documented? Use Trumps own WORDS – everything you need is there. Depending on how effective the disgust campaign will be – and the campaign’s ability to translate disgust into taking the only possible meaningful action (which is run from the source of the disgust) – will determine the margin of victory.
How is being disgusted different from being angry? Why would that make a difference? Does one move from anger to disgust? Hummm.
Of course the Biden campaign must simultaneously build the case for their path forward. There has to be a vision that all, including the disgusted can hold on to.
The album “All Things Must Pass” is George’s best work. Each and every song. In these times, as accurately summed up by John Day and Raul, beautiful music is medicine.
FREE Julian Assange. Pardon Snowden Mr. President – you have no clue – just do it baby!
John Day…regarding the poison pill (from inthepublicinterest.org):
The agency (USPS) would be in a much stronger financial position had Congress not passed the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA) in 2006, which “requires the Postal Service, which receives no taxpayer subsidies, to prefund its retirees’ health benefits up to the year 2056,” on a 50-year basis. According to the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) in 2019: “If the costs of this retiree health care mandate were removed from the USPS financial statements, the Post Office would have reported operating profits in each of the last six years.”“[N]o other entity, private or public, has to make” such provision for future health benefits of current and future retirees so far in advance. Private companies also can change their health benefits without an act of Congress, unlike the Postal Service. “Current reserves of $47.5 billion could be used to pay expected pay-as-you-go retiree health care costs 10-15 years into the future,” IPS noted.https://www.inthepublicinterest.org/wp-content/uploads/ITPI_USPSPrivatization_July2020.pdf
Hello Raul,
I am not fond of the accuse/blame game – and don’t believe that is ever an effective strategy. People who routinely accuse/blame others and use it as a tool for diversion/division are the same folks who refuse to take responsibility for anything.
The President is not responsible everything that is wrong with the USPS. However he is responsible for his role in communicating to the American people on issues that impact their daily lives. By accusing the American people of mail/voter fraud and blaming the USPS for not doing their job in delivering the mail he sets the scene for future chaos. Through his own words, he has helped bring fresh new attention to the USPS. This is not the Dems trying to take the President down (yes, there will be some with that in mind). I know that may be hard to believe after the Russia/Russia/Russia push. I understand why the American people are weary; it’s hard to find anyone who wants to be responsible for making things better and for getting to the truth of anything.
Glad to know we both read and appreciate the Martens. Thank you for the daily dose of art; I come here every day just to drink from the fountain. Grateful for your work (and am a Patreon).
ezlxa1949:
Good of them to be upfront on current conditions and communicate the revised delivery strategy for letter mail. If folks know what to expect they can adapt.
A friend of mine in a suburb of Reno (Cold Springs) NV reports that her mailperson make 3 trips per day to their “gang” mailboxes. The first two trips are all parcels/packages. The third trip is the First Class stamped and letter sized (non parcel) mail – which is rarely delivered before 6 PM.
The USPS knows what the letter and the parcel mail volume is. What if they published these stats weekly or monthly? Do parcels take more or less time for a carrier to sort and deliver to the consumer? If parcel volume is up and letter volume is down how does that impact the mailcarrier? Clearly their mail trucks were not built to deliver large volumes of parcels to densely populated areas.
Regarding the USPS.
This gives additional insight. From a highly recommended source:
Pull Back the Curtain on Efforts to Kill the U.S. Postal Service and Out Pops Koch Money
Being in the COMMMERCIAL advertising/direct mailing business for 28+ years I feel the need to comment. My clients primarily send letter sized mail (up to 6 x 9 inch size) which is prepared in a commercial facility and delivered to the USPS with addresses verified and presorted for carrier efficiency – 100% ready to go. We do 100’s of millions of pieces per year – with great success. Believe me, we know when there are delivery issues as the responder checks $$$ stop coming.
All of my commercial mailing came to a halt in March as it became obvious that fundraising during Covid was not appropriate. My clients have recently restarted their campaigns; they have not reported issues with response rates and timing (which are directly impacted by delivery). The commercial mailing business seems to be working due to the advanced preparation that direct mailers are incentivized to do in exchange for lower postage rates.
However, I believe that something is happening on the CONSUMER side which includes the handling of hand addressed, First Class stamped mail. I think it is taking a “back seat” to commercial mail with emphasis on packages. Note that Covid has impacted commercial mail volumes dramatically.
How is it that in the middle of a pandemic, the USPS is looking at efficiencies? The marketplace is under massive pressure and in my estimation will not be going back to “normal”. Do you see Amazon package volumes going down in the near future? Why not be asking – what is the marketplace now and what is it going to be – and how should the USPS respond to meet the needs of consumers/customers?
Why make any structural changes at the USPS when the marketplace challenges/changes are still playing out? Why pull postal sorting equipment now (see link)? Why remove mail boxes now? Why reduce overtime pay for postal workers now? Why continue the effort to close USPS offices on Saturday?
Are we to believe it is a coincidence that the USPS is warning states about mailing/delivery challenges – with a stealth pandemic uncontrolled and an election coming up? Look at President Trump’s uninformed dialogue on the issues of mailing, mailing competency, mailing effectiveness. His hiring of a new crony Postmaster General. The USPS Governors Board all selected by this administration.
Screamers will claim fake news! The issue of postal sabotage vs. postal efficiency should be understood and investigated. The USPS has a role in this economy. How can the USPS best serve the county in this time of Covid?https://www.21cpw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/mail-processing-equipment-reduction_6-17-2020.pdf
Thank you for all of the beautiful art. I visit every day just to see it.
A few thoughts:
The “seeds” – pure potentiality – have always been there; they include all possibilities. All life is pure potential. We have not recently planted seeds for anything, including civil war.
It is the conditions that determine which seeds are supported for development/growth – in individuals, in households, communities, states, countries, the world.
The condition called Russiagate was merely another Hopper wave; note that there are many other waves in the set/series that may have less, more, and or a cumulative impact. By keeping so much focus on the Russiagate wave without expanding the reference point (say from 2000 – present) you perpetuate the current civil war condition known as the left vs right. The set/series beginning around 2000 includes the Bush V Gore moment, 9-11, the WMD Iraq tragedy, 2008 financial catastrophe, failed Hope/Change, wildfires/floods, deplorables/murderers and rapists, DJT. All of these conditions have battered folks in various ways.
What we lack is a translation of the impact of the conditions. That would involve a hearing from/on all sides + empathy. “First seek to understand, then be understood” (Covey). Then what about the process of finding a Way forward? And supporting ONE Another on the journey. So much we can do.
We’re all in this boat TOGETHER. Now that’s one condition we can work with!
