We had a Hot Holiday. We went to the beach for the Fourth of July.
THE AIR CONDITIONING WENT OUT!
We called our usual help and he was not able to solve the issue. Most companies were closed. We looked for a motel room and there were none!
In the evening, we sat on the porch in comfortable temperatures and watched a great fireworks display. Then we tried to sleep in a 90-degree temperature in the cottage.
I do not know how people lived and worked in the heat in the days before AC. It was stifling. I came home with a deeper appreciation for the AC I take for granted.
Texas. In my youth, I spent many hours riding across western Kansas and eastern Colorado. Although the land was relatively flat there were many broad gullies (also called ravines, or arroyos). Often when the road crossed an arroyo there was a sign that said—do not enter if water is on the road. The thought of water being a problem in the dry desert-like conditions of the high plains was a cognitive disconnect. Unfortunately, this week in Texas we saw grim evidence of why the warnings are posted. Flash floods are quick and deadly.
Divisions. Also, unfortunately we saw the divisions in our country in the expressions of the reasons for the Texas disaster. I have read three major viewpoints.
- The claim that local people would not pass the taxes necessary to fund an early warning system.
2. The claim that federal cuts hindered the forecast and distribution of information.
Are Donald Trump’s NOAA cuts to blame for Texas flood tragedy? What to know
3. The claim that the weather is being manipulated and the victims were murdered.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/maga-congressional-candidate-calls-texas-floods-fake-it- s-murder/ar-AA1I2tzC
The response to the disaster is more evidence of the deep and dangerous divisions in our country.
Hate. President Trump said and then repeated that he “hated” Democrats who voted against his budget bill because they hate our country.
In my 82 years it is the first time I can remember a president using the word hate for another party in a public statement. I googled –what does the Bible say about hate? The following are some verses I found interesting:
Old Testament
Leviticus 19:17-18 You must not hate your brother in your heart. You must surely reprove your fellow citizen so that you do not incur sin on account of him. You must not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the children of your people, but you must love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things the Lord hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.
Proverbs 13:5 The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.
New Testament
1 John 4:19-20 We love because God first loved us. Whoever says, “I love God,” but hates his brother is a liar. The one who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love the God whom he has not seen.
Use your own judgement, but in my opinion, hatred for others just because they have a different viewpoint is not the road to dialog, discourse, cooperation and unity, which is what I believe our country needs.
This and That
Budget Details. I know I am comparing two different economies but it is still worth noting that the budget for ICE (170 Billion dollars) is more than the budget for the Russian military.
Renewable Energy. President Trump said he had never seen a wind farm in China, implying they do not have any wind farms. But the evidence is clear, China is leading the world in wind and solar energy.
China is building 74% of all current solar and wind projects, report says
John Wooden Quote. “How hard you work at correcting your faults reveals your character.”
Good News
First Responder
Coast Guard Hero Saves 165 Lives In First-Ever Rescue Mission During Texas Flooding
Sweet Story
10-Year-Old Mows Lawns All Summer To Help His Dad Rebuild After Wildfire Loss
Biker Kindness
Bullied Teen Escorted To Prom By 1,500 Bikers In Unforgettable Show Of Support
Peace
Jerry
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