Editorial Opinion: Upside Down

Upside Down

I've been using this phrase for years now. It seems to be catching on. I just hope that people using it truly understand the impact of utilizing this phrase.

It has come to my attention that I missed having, at the very least, a single entry for March.

So, today's task is to start setting a pattern for entering words and thoughts for this storytelling journey that I have put myself on.

Don't know about you but, if you live in a neighborhood or city that markets using any of these phrases:

• It is so, beautiful here. You'll love it.
• The wildlife is abundant, here.
• It is so, cheap to live here.
• Welcome! Glad you made it. What's your address so, we can bring you a welcome basket.
• Lots of things to do. Volunteers needed!

Where is it not beautiful? On the edge of an industrial road?

Where is there no wildlife? Birds have no boundaries.

Cheap? Who is that audience you are trying to pull-in?

Welcome? Who would say anything other than welcome?

Volunteers needed? We'll take your money and your time, too.

These types of statements kept me away from writing. Attempting to let-go and clear my head, obviously. 

Watched a viral video on upside down lightning. Have you seen it? 
This science moment opens up a huge discussion for meteorologists.

Have you talked with you friends? 

I have one that is South of me and she has snow when I don't. 
I do watch those jet streams that are shown more now than ever: The Wind.

Maybe it is trash service and haulers. I'm older and the children brought home from school nearly 40-years-ago the need to recycle. Now, what one participated in "doing the right thing" has diminished. It isn't talked about much in the moment. People were too involved in so much stuff that they missed the moment China said they would not take the USA recyclables or waste. That did happen during the Trump administration. Some entrepreneurs began companies that utilized some of the glass or plastics, which is a very good thing but, no one picked up on this point. Small business can only help in a more local way. Now, I sit in a local community that just says, only taking "this" and the rest; will go to the landfill. A return to upside down.

Just going to save the rest of today's frustration and save it for another April post.

Update editing March 9, 2023

Editorial Opinion: Consider the Options

Condider the Options

Filling a day with positive thoughts and achievements recquires effort these days. 

With a global pandemic, political unrest from the bottom (local) and all the way up (federal), plus holidays; simple is no longer simple.

So, what is the simple? For today, it began with coffee. 

A few necessary business moments, such as what bills to pay?

Remembered that I had another global account with LinkedIn.

Looked around, fixed a few items and then another Now What to consider.

Filled the birdfeeder with sunflower seeds. Opened the curtain so, I can watch the birds while typing.

Every now and then a newbie arrives and then I have something new to learn: Who are you?

The woodpecker population is increasing. The predators are soaring on the wind and keep the ground area under control. Even have two bald eagles that have appeared. 

Guess I need to get my cameras out of storage. 

Excitement here for yesterday. I heard something rustling in the leaves when walking out to the roadside mailbox. Staying focused on the sound and where was that sound? I saw it; An armadillo.

It had been at least twenty-years since an armadillo forged through here. 

Brought a smile to my face to see the young-one focused on its forging with no concern for my presence.

rls

Update editing March 8, 2023

Editorial Opinion: What?

What?

It is such a small word that is a question waiting for an answer.

When the Women's March took place this year, I appreciated the sign I saw that said, "I can't believe I am still doing this shit." She was referring to marching for women.

I relate.

Then to the mother in Charlottesville, Virginia; Nope, I wouldn't talk to that guy either.

Everyone seems so surprised but, this has been an erosion occurring for a rather long time.

Does not matter if it is about gender, race, demographics, wages, health, environment, faith, religion and a few more topics - you hopefully get the point.

To think that I thought I could enjoy doing what I am good at and succeed for myself, my family and my community but, the group that Wants What They Want When They Want It is a powerful group.

They break rules to get What They Want in order to prosper in the manner they vision for themselves.

When they do; WHAT is no longer a question.

WHAT is now the IT. The defining selfish moment that the group will undertake in order to survive in whatever that comfort zone is for them. People outside their group do not matter.

IT is dangerous.

Update editing March 8, 2023

Editorial Opinion: Short Topic 1 - Legal

Short Topic 1 - Legal

Blogging has been a part of my personal marketing and branding arsenal of tools for years. 

There are National and International lawsuits that I consider important issues. These lawsuits are noted in my Pinterest board under the topic;  Law Cases to Follow. Some of these lawsuits have been settled. The others have legal teams and they are filed in courts.

One of the legal topics that has been discussed since USA President Trump was sworn into office is The Foreign Emoluments Clause: Article 1, Section 9, Clause 8.

The Constitution also contains a “domestic emoluments clause” (Article II, Section 1, Paragraph 7), which prohibits the president from receiving any “Emolument” from the federal government or the states beyond “a Compensation” for his “Services” as chief executive. 

Duignan, B. (2017, May 17). What Is the Emoluments Clause?. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/what-is-the-emoluments-clause

This is a very serious topic that several elected government politicians fail to grasp.

As a result, they find themselves in lawsuits.

It is not only at a National and International level that gifts stowed upon elected political officials is addressed in legal terms.

Individual States have legal definitions for elected officials in regards to accepting gifts. 

The State  definition applies to all officials located in the State; from the highest State level down to the County, City and even community commissioners.

When one runs for an office and is sworn into office then the rule applies.

A.C.A. § 21-7-210 

Records kept by officers

(1) It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State, the Auditor of State, the Treasurer of State, and the Commissioner of State Lands, and of each officer of any county, city, town, or village receiving fees or emoluments of office to keep a record book in which shall be entered on each day an account of all moneys or other funds received by him or her in payment of fees or by way of emolument pertaining to his or her office.

(2) The record shall show in each instance by whom, on what account, and in what funds such payment was made.

(b)

(1) The record book of fees of each of the state officers, as set forth in subsection (a) of this section, shall be open at all times to the inspection of the Governor and other state officers.

(2) The record book of each of the county officers proper shall be open at all times to the inspection of the judges of the circuit and county courts of the county.

(3) The record book of justices of the peace and constables shall be open at all times to the inspection of the judge of the county court of the county.

(4) The record book of each officer of any city, town, or village shall be open at all times to the inspection of the mayor or other chief officer of such city, town, or village.

In the State of Arkansas, violations can be filed with the State's ethics board.

Update editing March 9, 2023