New Randy Rainbow Video-“The CORONAVIRUS Lament – A Randy Rainbow Song Parody”

It has been said that in challenging times, how one responds to that challenge speaks volumes.

Last night, Randy Rainbow released his newest video, The CORONAVIRUS Lament – A Randy Rainbow Song Parody.

Based on the song Adelaide’s Lament from the 1950’s musical, Guys and Dolls, Rainbow paints a picture as only he can of a President and a Presidential administration whose head is in the literal sand.

I read somewhere (though I don’t recall where and I cannot find a link) that the comparisons between for President Jimmy Carter and his handling of the Iranian hostage crisis and the way you know who is not reacting as he should to this crisis. The writer predicted that like Jimmy Carter, you know who will be a one term President.

From this person’s mouth to G-d and the voter’s ears.

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Our Damaged Democracy: We the People Must Act Book Review

Democracy, as an ideal is one thing. But for it to thrive and grow in a real world manner requires deeds, not words.

Joseph A. Califano Jr., spent his career in politics. Part of his career included working for former Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Jimmy Carter.

Earlier this year, Mr. Califano published a book entitled, Our Damaged Democracy: We the People Must Act. Pulling on his decades in the professional political arena, he explains why the American democracy is failing and what we, the voting public can and must do to fix the problem.

I think this one of the best books on politics I have read in a long time and a must read for any American citizen who feels powerless against those in power. While Mr. Califano speaks from the perspective of bipartisanship, he is not afraid to call out all politicians on both sides of the aisle (including you know who) to do what is right for the country and her citizens. But the one point that he makes several times over the course of the book is that for the American democracy to succeed and continue into the future, her citizens have to trust each other, even if they don’t see eye to eye on every issue.

I absolutely recommend it.

Old, But Not Learned

Old age, as common wisdom suggests, represents knowledge and education. After many decades on Earth, we should have learned a thing or two.

Jimmy Carter is old. That does not mean he is wise or learned.

News outlets around the world reported that he met with Palestinian leaders. He has become outspoken in his criticism of Israel in recent years.

As I stated, old age does not always mean that he is wise or learned.

His statements are ludicrous. It’s no wonder why no one in the Israeli government has reached out to him. Considering his track record while in office (Iran hostage crisis anyone?), I don’t think that he is capable of meeting any government leader from any country.

In his case, the retirement home is the best place for him to be. One where he is medicated and not allowed  to speak to anyone, especially members of press or any government official, especially government officials from foreign countries.

 

Bella Abzug: A Real Broad

Bella Abzug is a political and feminist icon. Not just among her New York City constituents whom she  represented in the 1970’s, but the world over. Bella was a true politician, unlike many of those who are in the government today. She meant what she said and said what she meant. She stood behind her convictions, even if they made her unpopular.

The 2008 biography by Suzanne Braun Levine and Mary Thom, Bella Abzug: How One Tough Broad from the Bronx Fought Jim Crow and Joe McCarthy, Pissed Off Jimmy Carter, Battled for the Rights of Women and … Planet, and Shook Up Politics Along the Way, is not the standard biography.

Born in 1920 to Russian Jewish immigrants, Bella Abzug (nee Savitsky) was a born fighter. Her first brush with feminism when was her father died when she was a young girl. Traditional Judaism dictates that a son should say kaddish (prayers for mourning) for his father. But Bella, the youngest of two girls, had no brothers. So she said kaddish for her father.

Most biographies have a typical cut and dry style. The person profiled was born on this date, accomplished x,y and z during their lifetime and died on this date.  But not this biography. What I enjoy about this book is that instead of being just another impersonal and historical biography, is the interviews. Not just with the subject herself, but with the those who knew her best. Her family, her friends, her colleagues. I feel like, as a reader, that even though I never met her, that I knew who she was, as a human being, warts and all.

I recommend this book.