The Day Has Come

The day has come. 

February has finally arrived.

Great Britain is no longer a member of the European Union.

The ZAGS will play again today, both men and women.

We'll be watching. 

There is also much sadness among millions of Americans today as we move closer and closer to a authoritarian form of government aka dictatorship. 

Others may not see it the same as I do.

That is their right. 

It is my right, however, to reflect upon the American democracy I have known and trusted---even with the occasional flaws we encounter with the democratic system of government.  

They say it is a messy business.  

I'll agree with that, all the way from the top down to the local level. 

Democracy is complex and sometimes difficult, but historically,  a blend of values, trust, relative honesty, decency, a commitment for what's good for the people, leadership, compassion and conviction----regardless of political party---has served as a common denominator in the success and respect for our nation, both home and abroad.

Watching recent events unfold, it almost seems, in this toxic atmosphere, that all of the above is "so yesterday."  

Since the first time I voted in 1968, I have seldom cared about political party when voting for my Presidents and for candidates at all levels, for that matter.  

It's always been important to me that the individual I choose serves as a role model and an ambassador for all and an individual who respects our history, our values and their constituents.

Often, our leaders support and enact issues with which I don't necessarily agree.  

That's okay. 

After all, we Americans have always represented a blend of beliefs.  It would be boring if we all thought exactly the same. 

So, it's understandable and expected that we will often disagree.

What happened yesterday in the United State Senate, however, blatantly defied all beliefs about our government, our checks and balances and about individual integrity which have guided many of us throughout our lifetimes. 

We are headed to Authoritarian government, if not already there.  

Sometimes we hear, "Be careful what you wish for." 

I hope that all those who believe yesterday was a good day for this nation will remain eternally happy and satisfied with what's to come and that, some day, I will understand why and how it came to this. 

For now, I am sad and disappointed in our governing powers, just like my daughter and a few million other Americans. 

On the plus side, today marks the eve of the Super Bowl.

I went to town yesterday and gathered up more ingredients for homemade pizza, the main dish on our Super Sunday party. 

Later, I looked at Facebook and was shocked to learn that I cannot host the Super Bowl party tomorrow. 

As of couple of weeks ago, our DISH network does not have Fox 28 sports. 

Certainly, the Super Bowl will be on one of the major stations, I had thought until that very moment. 

So, we'll have homemade pizza for the ZAGS game today. 

It was fun this morning to see the painting and the explanation below.

I am very happy for my friend, Mow, who has deep Kansas City roots, and, yes, Mow and her parrot Bob are probably singing "Hallelujah's" that their team is competing for the first time in 50 years. 

Personally, I like either team, giving a slight edge to Kansas City, cuz I like their quarterback. 

We'll find some way to watch the Super Bowl, and that pizza should be good regardless of what game is on the TV.

Mary J Mullin‎ to Things and places we loved in Greater KC when we were much younger!

23 hrs

Thomas Hart Benton's “Forward Pass” depicts quarterback Len Dawson heaving a pass downfield during the Kansas City Chiefs' only Super Bowl victory in 1970, in which they defeated the Minnesota Vikings.

During the 1968 NFL season, Thomas Hart Benton became a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. He went to several of the games that year, and by the next season was down by the team bench during practice and pre-game warm-ups (with coach Hank Stram’s permission). 

We believe Tom was able to attend Super Bowl IV in New Orleans, when the Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings 23-7.

Benton planned to create a couple of artworks to celebrate this championship. But he needed to make some sketches of the players in action. 

He said, “The human figure in motion. There’s nothing like it.” Here are his quick drawings of the tackling of a running ball carrier. The simple lines show the twisting of the bodies, the outstretched limbs, and the force of impact.

Fifty years later, we are rooting for the Chiefs defense to make these same sort of tackles on the 49ers during Sunday’s game in Miami, and bring the Lombardi Trophy back to KC. 

Hopefully QB Patrick Mahomes can “keep matriculating the ball down the field” and be the game’s MVP just like the great Len Dawson.

This morning, I am very proud to include my daughter's thoughts.  

She is 41 years-old.  She travels the world.  She embraces and appreciates its peoples.

She cares about right and wrong.

Like so many, she also deeply cares about our nation and where it is headed. 

~~~~~

Annie Love is feeling disappointed.

10 hrs ·

History will remember this dark day. 

History will remember when our elected officials chose to protect corruption over making the simple decision to hear the truth. 

No one person should be above the law and today, this country’s leaders decided that one person gets to be above the law. I am not ok with that. 

No one in this country should be ok with that no matter their party affiliation. 

I am not ok with the division a corrupt President is causing this nation and no one that lives here, again regardless of their political leanings, should be ok with it. 

Today our political system was broken by a group cowards that are ok with ignoring the truth. 

This coming Fall, the citizens of this country need to fight each and every one of these cowards with their votes. 

We need to fight to preserve our democracy and the dignity of our political system. As Americans we always deserve to hear the truth. 

We deserve to expect that our elected officials will demand to seek out the truth and stand up to corruption. 

Today is a sad sad day. 😞