Uncategorized

02/24/20 – Talking Politics

Wm. Allen20 Comments

CURRENT EVENTS

I thought the following may be helpful to those of you who insist upon talking politics.

Arguments

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Shortest History of Germany

By James Hawes

Germany’s ancient history will explain a lot about Germany during more recent centuries. This book provides that background. 

A country both admired and feared, Germany has been the epicenter of world events time and again: the Reformation, both World Wars, the fall of the Berlin Wall. It did not emerge as a modern nation until 1871—yet today, Germany is the world’s fourth-largest economy and a standard-bearer of liberal democracy. (Source: Amazon)

Emperors of Rome

By David Potter

I first read this book back in 2007 and just reviewed it again last week and still found it fascinating, plus lots of pictures. So much of western culture is built upon Roman culture.

Beginning with the accession of Augustus, this lavishly illustrated survey follows the triumphs, failures, and ultimate decline of the Roman Empire through the lives of its emperors. The highlights of 500 years of Roman history are all addressed, including the defeat in Teutoburg Forest in AD 9, the destruction of Pompeii in AD 79, the vision of Constantine in the early 4th century, and the sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410, as are critical themes at the heart of the Roman polity, among them the nature of imperial government and the spread of Roman culture (Source: Barnes & Nobles)

MOVIE, PLAY OR TV SHOW OF THE WEEK

I thought this worth watching, especially if you know little of the American Revolution.

Washington

Washington tells the story of how a fatherless young soldier full of personal ambition becomes a leader of men willing to sacrifice all for the common cause. How a once-loyal British subject rises to battle an empire in a liberty-or-death campaign to forge a new nation. And then how, at the zenith of his power, the victorious general voluntarily steps down, becoming what King George III would call “the greatest man in the world.” Believing his public duty complete, he heads into retirement ready to be a farmer.

But with the young country on the verge of collapse, he is once again called to lead, creating the most powerful and successful democracy in history. You may think you know George Washington, but there’s more to our preeminent founding father than you’ve been told. Washington chips away the marble to reveal the man at the heart of our nation’s story. You’ll never look at George Washington, or the founding of our country, the same way again. (History Channel synopsis)

MUSIC OF THE WEEK

Okay, perhaps two weeks in a row of Chuck Berry is too much. I’m sorry, I can’t help myself. This guy is so cool.

Johnny B. Goode

By Chuck Berry

ART OF THE WEEK

The Many Forms of  Art

Art can take many forms, for instance.

  EXTRAORDINARY PERSON OF THE WEEK

Celtic Queen Boudicca

Photo by Staff Sergeant Nick McNaughton

Boudicca (d. 61 CE) was the Celtic Queen of the Iceni tribe of modern-day East Anglia, Britain, who led a revolt against Rome in 60/61 CE. The Iceni King, Prasutagus, an independent ally of Rome, divided his estate between his daughters and King Nero of Rome. When Prasutagus died, however, his lands were taken by Rome and the Iceni lost their status as allies.

When his wife, Boudicca, objected to this action she was flogged and her two daughters raped. She mounted a revolt against Rome which left the ancient Roman cities of Camulodunum, Londinium and Verulamium in ruins and over 80,000 Roman citizens of Britain dead. She was defeated at the Battle of Watling Street by the Roman Governor Gaius Suetonius Paulinus. Boudicca is said to have committed suicide by poisoning herself after her defeat. (Source: Ancient History Encyclopedia)

  WEEK’S JOKE

PHYSICAL TRAITS

It is easy to mistake thirst for hungry.

Perhaps, better to share a bottle of wine.

CHARACTER TRAITS

SOCIAL TRAITS 

LEARNING TRAITS

Perhaps, you have heard of the story of the Gordian Knot and Alexander the Great. It was said that anyone who could untie the knot would become a great ruler. Problem was that the knot was impossible to untie. Alexander, like the kid above, took a shortcut. It is said by some, that Alexander untied the knot by cutting it with his sword. 

MISCELLANEOUS

LAST WEEK’S POLLS

Are you glad you are living in the USA?

Yes  87.5%  (14 votes) 

No  12.5%  (2 votes) 

Total Votes: 16

If you don’t live in the USA, would you like to live in the USA?

Yes  100%  (2 votes)

No  0%  (0 votes)

Total Votes: 2
Which are you?

Successful  100%  (19 votes) 

Unsuccessful  0%  (0 votes) 

Total Votes: 19

Are you guilty of reading too much into something someone says?

Maybe  52.63%  (10 votes) 

Yes  31.58%  (6 votes) 

No  15.79%  (3 votes) 

Total Votes: 19

Book

If you have ever been curious about this book, the Kindle version of this book has now been reduced to $1.00 and the paperback version has been reduced to $10.00

However, I must warn you that this book will not change your life, 

only you can do that.

20 thoughts on “02/24/20 – Talking Politics”

  1. Since you brought up politics I’m curious about your thoughts. I worry that we are losing our democracy and I’m wondering how you see what has been happening lately with President Trump:

    In a country under the rule of law, no one is above the law. Yet Trump says the president is the law… What is good for the president is good for the country, even if it is corrupt
    Checks and balances. Refusal to release records or respond to subpoenas
    Then the Senate refuses to check the president at impeachment trial (and they didn’t need to remove him from office to at least censure him)
    Trump fired witnesses who testified at his impeachment trial
    Chants of “Lock her up” at rallies: Jailing political rivals is what dictators do
    “I want to be president for life” — not democratic
    Questions truth – and then you can’t check power when you don’t know what is true
    Loves dictators

    Just curious how you see this.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Thank you very much for your comment and I appreciate the time it must have took to compose your comment. And I trust you will appreciate the time it took me to find a response, which I presented in this week’s post, to all the political arguments that have been going on. It is always a delight Georgia to hear your views and thank you for sharing with us.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • My fault Georgia. I think I am just so familiar with my post that I wasn’t clear as to my reference. I should have said the Monty Python “Argument” clip was my response to all things political. I’ve always suspected that where we stand on various things depends upon where we happen to be sitting at the moment. As always, I appreciate your comments and your interest in my posts. Thank you very much Georgia.

        Like

      • I suspect if we could exchange places in life, I would think like you and you would think like me. But, I could be mistaken, or I could be right and people might think I am mistaken. Coming upon 3/4 of a century, during that time, I have held many views that would be looked upon as polar opposites. This could be due to the various circumstances fate has imposed upon my life. When I look back over time, I am glad that I have had so many different viewpoints and I suspect there will be more to come. As always, I enjoy your comments and I hope you continue to enjoy my weekly posts Georgia.

        Like

      • I think it is important to entertain people and slip in a little encouragement for them to be their best self. That is my particular interest and I hope this blog reflects that most of the time. As always, thank you so much Georgia for checking out this blog, much appreciated.

        Like

    • Thank you very much Liz for commenting. And I agree that the young man’s situation was far different for the position Alexander found himself in, if there is any truth to the story. While on the topic of Alexander, he once visited a noted philosopher who may have been reading at the time. Alexander asked the philosopher what he could do for the philosopher. The philosopher told Alexander that he could move out of the light. Alexander replied, “If I were not Alexander, I would want to be you.”

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • Thank you for commenting and Queen Boudicca has appeared in some of my readings about the Romans and well as a film, which I saw some time ago and cannot recall its name.

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.