Author Archives: Denise Donaldson

“Like a dog with a bone.” “You’re like a bulldog:  sink your teeth in and never let go.” “Tracking you like a bloodhound.” “Dogging your footsteps.” We usually think of our canine companions as being loyal and unconditionally loving.  “Persistent” and “stubborn” aren’t often the first descriptions that come to mind, but they are equallyContinue reading “Dogged Determination”

I greatly respect writers and analysts like Chris Hedges and Caitlin Johnstone.  They have the courage and the savvy to speak truth to power.  They outline in fine detail the encroachment of the oligarchs on the societies of the world, particularly in the United States.  They rightly warn about the increasing disparity between the uber-wealthyContinue reading “The “Happy Medium” Imperative”

Builders will tell you that cracks need to be dealt with.  In fact, they advise that a crack in a plaster wall actually needs to be enlarged, with the edges broadened, and then the whole fracture should be filled with joint compound (modern plaster), so that the entire area is made stronger.  If a crackContinue reading “Papering Over the Cracks”

There’s no question that untold numbers of people in this country are poor and downtrodden, struggling to survive because the government has ignored them, particularly during the pandemic.  Not enough money has been distributed, not enough help has been offered.  Desperation is all too prevalent in many areas.  Those in charge — of all stripesContinue reading “No Excuses”

“Anyone who voted for this tragic shitty narcissist mess of a president bears responsibility for this debacle today. He has shown you exactly who he was all along. You still supported him. You are complicit in the attempted destruction of the country. You are not a patriot.” – John Legend, Tweet, 1/6/21 The quotation aboveContinue reading “Truth AND Consequences”

As I write this, protestors have besieged and occupied the U.S. Capitol this afternoon.  Orange supporters have done the bidding of their leader.  D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had requested National Guard assistance leading up to today’s certification of the Electoral College votes, but as reported by the D.C. chief of police, Robert J. Contee III,Continue reading “Inmates and the Asylum”

On November 4th, much of the nation was tentatively optimistic.  Within a week, there was tempered rejoicing.  As all 50 states gradually certified the election result that Joe Biden is the new President, there was a quiet sigh of relief across the country, wafting, of course, from blue enclaves.  At this point, it looks asContinue reading “You Can’t Fix Crazy, Either *”

Full disclosure:  I’ve never been a proponent of, “My country, right or wrong.”  In fact, had I the means two decades ago, I would have emigrated.  Now, I still don’t have the means, and I’m even more shamed and saddened by the murder and mayhem the United States has wreaked upon the rest of theContinue reading “How ’BOUT That Flag?”

I could be reaching here.  Maybe I’m trying to make sense of a phenomenon that defies reason.  Or, I’m over-simplifying.  I’ve been banging my head against the wall since Election Day, trying to figure out how in the bloody hell to account for 73 million votes for the abomination in the White House.  Impossible asContinue reading “Maybe It’s Simple”

More than ever, in these fraught times, it’s essential to have a source of strength and centeredness.  An anchor to remind us who we are and what we value most.  Yes, it’s also critical to have a belief in a larger effort or cause, something outside our insular daily routines, to provide outward focus.  ThereContinue reading “The Value of Stillness”