Category Archives: Current Events

I WILL post some items in this category, when I have the guts to do so. I anticipate some non politically correct stuff being posted here that might pith some people off.

White Privilege 2020-02

Posted in Current Events by

White Privilege     6-6-2020

I am a white male individual. I am not black; I never considered myself a privileged person from my childhood growing up, but perhaps I was at the time or even since then.  I was an ignorant white guy, that did NOT know of the plight of the black man. I did NOT know any black individuals as a child in Penna. I had one instance of interacting with a black person in high school, who wanted to kick my butt to the moon and that is another story; not for now.  It wasn’t until I joined the U.S. Marines that I was exposed to many black people as a norm. I did not associate myself with any then, because it was not something anybody did then per both sides of the equation.

I think it was in 1991 that I recall the Rodney King episode that brought my awareness to the light. To see that man being abused by the police was enlightening to say the least. Could that happen in America? YES it could and did!  I did not consider myself a racist then or now, or even prejudicial in any way, just did not understand their predicament of life.

How many whites do understand those of color and what they go through? Not enough I would think. Those whites,  I know closely. probably are of the same ilk as I am, Ignorant and uninformed of the life of black people in any knowledgeable way. That is sad and I can only say that is the way of life for many today.

I love to see the commercials on TV showing white and black actors portraying closeness in life, as they film a scenario of living, promoting a product they are shown in the advertisement. Another plus is when, in another commercial, a white and black are shown as man and wife. One more is when a gay couple are depicted as being married as they show another scene of life. We need more of this type of characterizations.

I know of only one person who is proud to claim being a racist in life, and he bragged or stated with pride that he was one to me, and that is sad.  Till this day I have not communicated with this person, for that fact only, I guess. Pride in being a racist is disgusting!!!!   He is also a believer of the current non-leader in the WH in Washington, so I can only think it tells us something; don’t know.

The death of Mr. Floyd in Minneapolis hopefully will be an honest wake up call to all of us. My question for the aftermath of the protestors and to our leaders of government is – WHAT NOW? Will we just revert to the same old, same old, past of indifference or can we make a change in some way? Is it time to make different rules in police procedure and follow up with them? Is it time for black people to stand up and be progressive for their rights and also be responsible to each other in their actions?

If our leader or leaders cannot push for change then we must, as voters, elect new leaders. It is too long overdue to just let things go on the way they were in the past. it is time to do something, to change our ways, and to go further on to a better way of life.

I guess I am still a white privileged person in comparison to the average black person. A recent news statement said that it is an average $17l,000 to  $17,000 ratio of white verses black family wealth in the United States; I guess in assets; not saying I fit in that high end though.  That alone will make privilege a factor in life.

So, time for change, time for admission, time for a new way of life. Are we up to it?  It is overdue in the United States and in the World.

Masks and the Virus 2020-01

Posted in Current Events, Statement by

Masks and the Virus  2020-01

I must be stupid, because of many reasons.  My being older than 75 makes me vulnerable to the virus, so I do things to prevent getting this disease. BUT, being, at risk, I must contend with others that do not care about my wellbeing.

Going to the grocery store and mingling with those that don’t wear masks, for whatever reason, is a chore. It is a little exhausting to be aware of my being at risk and trying to do the right thing.  Those that do not wear masks are putting ME at risk and I resent it.

I confronted a woman who was blocking my way in an aisle and we did the right left with our carts for a moment or so and since the aisles were marked enter or no entry at the end of the aisle I knew I was going the correct way.  She looked at me and I had to ask why she did not have a mask as I pulled a spare out of my pocket. She shook her head no and said, “I do not wear masks.”

I told her I wear my mask to protect her in case I had the virus and she should do so also. She again, shook her head and barged past me. I guess she did not care.

The activists that are protesting against the lockdowns across the country, which are now being relaxed, that appear on state building front steps, armed to the teeth with AK-47’s, etc., usually do not wear masks either, but some do, I admit.  They also irk me, for they appear to be “loyal Americans” wanting their Amendment rights to be uphold somehow, but some have Confederate flags, swastika flags, etc., for some reason, at the same time and that is beyond understanding .

I was in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years, and, as a veteran, feel disgust for these individuals that want something they feel is theirs to have today.  Another matter, I guess.

Anyhow, I wear masks to protect others, to give myself some protection to a degree, and those that feel they have the right to NOT wear masks, can do so, but my feelings for them are negative. This is long, this is somewhat mild for me to state how I feel, but that is life…………………

Mirror of Self 2019-026

Posted in Contemplation, Current Events by

Mirror of Self  2019-026

 

Look in a mirror and what do you see? Another YOU!!!!!!

The mirror image shows you things you cannot see yourself in life, but does give you insights as to how you really are to others. No lies or exaggerations; just plain truth for all to see, hear and know about you.

It is difficult to hide the truth from others, even if we try. l We are what we are, and an actuality of self will prevail.
We can make false claims about ourselves and deny, deny and deny, but people with insight can tell, because facts are truth and lies are lies, ALWAYS.

Those that want to believe the opposite of truth, may do so, but it could be for reasons even they do not understand.
If we make claims of the truth being fake, we are deceiving ourselves or others that we want to sway our way, but it is still wrong and a lie to everyone.

Th mirror knows all, for it does not change what we are, but simply shows us as we are in reality.

Peace
Den Betts

National Debt 2019-015

Posted in Contemplation, Current Events by

The national debt clock (at usdebtclock.org) shows an updated figure and is continual, based on spending and also includes revenue and other neat facts to know. I encourage anyone to go there and see for yourself, what our leaders have done, good or bad, for our grandchildren to try and pay for and is theirs to ponder in the future.

 

National Debt  2019-015

 

An obscene figure

I can tell you for sure,

One that will stay

with us, forever more.

Our lawmakers have taught us

spending’s not hard.

We even do it now

with our own credit cards.

It is a law, I’m told

that it must be paid back

But, by whom though, and

in what year, in fact?

 

They, in Congress, deserve the barbs,

the cruel cartoons, and other such.

For being so very irresponsible

and careless, so much.

The money we earn

and send to Uncle Sam

Is spent so very fast

With a “I don’t give a damn”

The National Debt is

a disgrace and a shame,

But, look in the mirror

and take part of the blame.

 

You keep re-electing the

same people – over and over

Isn’t it about time to

send some –out to the clover.

It is time for a change

and to get some new blood

Before the monster debt

buts us in a quagmire of mud

Do something about it

and take some credit

For being a person

who hates the national dept.

 

In January 2019 it stood at $21,966,016,300,

an obscene number, that keeps growing daily.

 

 

Den Betts     bettsden@gmail.com   Email

thebettsden.com         Blog Site

Real World 2019-010

Posted in Contemplation, Current Events by

We ALL like to watch the shows on NETFLEX, or cable TV where we are taken to a near or far away place to watch actors portray their heroes or villains. We are given time to get snacks, go to the bathroom, etc., during the commercials. It is all made up, and we are released to go back to reality again afterwards. Not so, for the real stories that take place across America and the world.   There is no pausing, no end, no release from the turmoil’s that are a daily life of living.  It   IS   the Real World

Real World     2010-010

 

The world of make believe

as shown on magic screens

belies the life outside

in the real scope of things

 

The good in white and bad in black

speaking lines from written script

made to look and sound sincere

as they are in life

 

So much violence, death

and destruction, shown in

neat packages ending in the

hour or the half

 

Streets with the true villains

anguish and hardship, tells

the real stories that can’t

be shown in depth or time

 

Den Betts

bettsden@gmail.com  =  Email address

thebettsden.com           =  Blog Site

Ethics, Character, Integrity 2019-009

Posted in Contemplation, Current Events by

Ethics, Character, Integrity       2019-009

This title is NOT about the political arena that was foremost in people’s minds in November of 2016? It  could be about something or someone currently in the spotlight or not…. Or is it?

No, I refer to the overall lack of the 3 words in the subject title, by some people, that ignore them and instead have other agenda’s they desire and want and live by today.

When did we start to ignore or discount things or feelings of belief, faith, and that hard word, righteousness, which counteracts the title 3 words?  I ask, have we relegated our beliefs of decency and redrawn our standards of living to appease our desires to fit our lifestyles today?  I hope not!

Is it time to restructure our thinking to where we change ourselves to return to a life of where we can live with ourselves in a better way internally, involving ethics, character and having integrity?

Today, a law should not be made to fit the moment, but to last a goodly period of time, and to address the subject at hand.   We could, instead of rushing to appease, make them to be fair and decent, after discussion by all parties.  Bi-partisan agreements are good generally, but unfair dictates are not good for anyone.

The masses are sometimes led by the minority, which is fine, but the overall “good for all” is still a factor to be considered.  The minority are sometimes forgotten about in the scope of things but have to be included in the final outcome in some cases. A complex quandary at times, but one that needs to be addressed.

The character of people is challenged by events and situations at times, but those moral or mental qualities are most distinctive to the individual in almost ALL cases. It is what becomes our nature, our temperament, our distinctive makeup of who we are in life. Our essence of who we are comprises our character and it is usually for all to see and hard to hide from in life. We will be found out eventually, where our identity will be seen by all. The truth will prevail, always……

Therefore, our integrity is or could be at question.  The old saying of integrity has to be earned not given to one is still a factor today. If we are a continual liar in life, doing things that are not good, and our character becomes questionable, our integrity will suffer.

Being good at something, or at least getting credit for it, does NOT mean you would be a person involving the subjects three attributes.  Perhaps these words could be the judging words of those we have as leaders in this great country of the United States of America!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Peace,

Den Betts            bettsden@gmail.com    = email

                                thebettsden.com             = Blog site

Empathy 2019-001

Posted in Contemplation, Current Events by

Empathy        2019-001

Not enough of us have enough empathy for others. We can say we do, but in closer inspection, our nature is not in having enough. We live in a world of “ME” at times. What do I get, want, desire, without any feeling about anyone else, other than ourselves?

Our aches, and pains, our job situation, our pleasures and nothing about the other guy prevails, and what he desires or NEEDS. This is NOT unusual, quite common, and defiantly not an exceptional trait life choice of acting.
How do I allow myself, yourself or ourselves to get into this mode of thinking of Self and not of others? You say you have never thought this, or do not do so, ever???? I doubt it. It is a human condition of life to think of ourselves before we do so toward others.

Or first goal upon awakening is to do something for ourselves, and that is normal…. But where do we take some time to have feelings for others and not ourselves? Many organizations try to tug at our heartstrings and play upon our sympathy for those issues they are promoting. They want a donation to go to them to hopefully address the needs that they show us. That’s nice, but not what I am referring to now. For I have listed below those that I feel could use our empathy, sympathy and money.

Migrants, the Sudan starving people, Human trafficked people, sex slaves, homeless, returning vets, coal miners that are unemployed, factory people replaced by robots, prejudiced people of all sorts, and the multitude living in hunger daily. This is just part of a list, actually.

So, what to do? Some of these above issues can be helped with money, but many if not all sometimes requires action of some party with power to do something; such as our leaders. If we do nothing as individuals, we are nothing ourselves. We do not deserve to be recognized as caring people for others.

We cannot get on the band wagon and toot our horns for all people needing empathy. We can get involved in some way in certain areas that we may have a strong presence, AND DO SOMETHING!
Just a thought for the beginning of 2019.

Peace,
Den Betts
bettsden@gmail.com = Email
thebettsden.com = Blog site

He is MY President 2018-68

Posted in Current Events, Statement by

I apologize to any that read this that are not from the United States of America.  We, in the U.S., have a leader that is very unusual to say the least.  I do respect him, did not vote for him, and do not really like him or the things he does, but he IS the President and, as such, I and the rest of us, have to put up with the things he is responsible for today. If any have any concerns, understand that he is not the President forever, like some countries, it will just FEEL like forever.  I do NOT normally comment on the blog, any political thoughts, so forgive me for this time………….

 

                                                      He is MY President!                            2018-68

Today, I looked at the RAM truck in front of my car at the light and saw on the back window, a sign stating, “Trump is MY President”.

That reminded me that a friend stated, “He IS the President and needs respect” or he might have said “deserves respect”, not sure.   I might have argued with him about this, but knowing he was once a commissioned officer in the Army, I gathered this was part of his thinking.  President equals Commander in Chief, and I let it go.

But, I looked at the truck in more detail after I read the poster on the window.  There were hunting stickers on the bumper which told me he was a hunter, of course. Or at least he was stating he was as such.  I looked at the left side of the truck where an American flag was on a sticker and figured he was a patriot of some sorts. I don’t do that, putting my allegiance on my car, but that is not the point. I might add that there was also a Confederate Flag on the on the right side of the truck window. Hmmm.

The statement that the owner figured that Trump was HIS President, made me think.  Of the total amount of people that voted, less than 50% voted for this man.  The other percentage voted for his opponent and Trump won, based on the electoral college, which is the way it is still done. He won, period, and did so per the regulations that are in effect now. I digress.

The point is, Trump brags about his base.  The people that DO applaud him are those that like what he is doing, regardless.  These are his base, which account for less than 40%, plus or minus some percentage points.  Trump is THEIR President and they are proud of being his base and what he stands for and does.  Now that is loyalty.

I cannot argue this thinking.  I do not claim to be part of his base, do not like many things he does, and I feel he does NOT have the moral fortitude that a President has to have.  In my mind he is not what MY President needs to be to represent me, as the leader of the greatest country in the world today.

I have accumulated over 5 dozen items of interest that show me, and any that want to read them, just what I feel about this man who is the leader of the free world today.  They are ALL negative, which is sort of telling.  I think that there are some positive things I could mention, but none come to mind.

The unfortunate part of this shows me that there are THOSE out there that are for him and MANY out there that are not for him.  But, he is the President; just not mine, and I do NOT respect him at all.

Peace,

Den Betts,           Email bettsden@gmail.com    Blog: thebettsden.com

Hope? 2018-63

Posted in Contemplation, Current Events by

I am NOT that naïve that I feel all is lost in the world today. I do feel that as a species, living and breathing and being the most supreme (?) being, we have the capability to make things correct. Whether or not this is true or just a pipe dream will be the final fact to be seen as true or not…..

Hope?   2018-63

Is there hope – that the world will wake up

To a common goal of the survival of mankind?

That future generations will be able to breath,

To eat, to drink of natures plentiful bounty?

 

Is there hope- that the inhabitants of the world

Will lean to live in peace with one another?

Co-existing with mutual respect of each other

Realizing each has rights to separate individuality?

 

Is there hope- that the hunger, the health, the overall

Needs of those of the world will be acknowledged?

To have action instead of promises, to have results

Instead of delays, to give hope instead of despair?

 

Den Betts    Email: bettsden@gmail.com

Blog:   thebettsden.com

The Art of the Lies 2018-61

Posted in Current Events by

The Art of the Lies 2018-61

The first thing to know is this: Lies made by someone are intentional. They are meant to deceive, distract, create discord and, in the process, they create disillusionment, divisiveness and are destructive in nature, in the whole. Falsehood statements are the state of being untrue and could be unintentional in nature, but still, they constitute a lie.

To lie, is to speak or write an untruth. This means you are communicating something that is wrong or incorrect; simple as that. There are many reasons that some people do this. It is done to sway the opinion of others, such as a base of followers.

There is nothing honorable about this action of wrong doing. Lies are easily found out in time and will show the truth as facts and not made up stories or statements. When someone is found to have committed a lie, NORMAL people will lessen their respect for the liar.

And, from that lying statement to any future pronouncements, the question will always be made, is that person lying again?  Can we trust anymore, what is said or written by that person?  It takes time to garner something else; RESPECT, which is earned and not a given in life. Once respect is lost it is so, so, so difficult to be attained again in life. 

I would imagine that to be caught in a lie would be embarrassing to that person. Unless, lying is a part of that person’s makeup and way of life itself. Then there are no such feelings of having remorse of being found out for what you are a liar in life.

It could be that the “Art of the Deal”, involves having “The Art of the Lies” as a norm in life and that person would think it is all right to do this, without any compunction.

Now the other side:

What does lying by a leader mean to the world, the U.S. and citizen today?

I would think that distrust would be a large factor. How can other world leaders believe what a leader states as policy and wonder if it is a true decision of policy? How can those in the U.S. decide on what to think about what they hear is actual which is based on a Fox News report that is based on lies? How can a common citizen make decisions themselves, that are predicated by lies by a leader who thinks lying is normal in everyday life?

If we are in denial, we would have no problem with going about life in a fog of deceit! We would accept the lies as truth and call factual news outlets as being “fake” news in their reports. We would become “lemmings” and follow others in a way of refuting facts and accepting unreality.  

We could look in a mirror and eventually curse ourselves for allowing lies to control our lives. The basis of accepting lies as lies is hard to do for some, but the truth is; it is needed. If this is hard or difficult to do or worse, impossible to do, that is sad.

The choice is ours!   So be it…

Peace,

Den Betts