The first day of December, another year has almost rolled around. It is cloudy and a little rainy this morning, dreary, to say the least, but, I am sitting here, had my first cup of coffee, and at this moment, the world is aligned for me.
As to the coffee, I am now firmly convinced that the quality of the coffee is totally dependent on the quality of the water used. I used my double filtered water this morning, and the coffee is great. Tap water does not work. The better the water, the better the coffee.
Racial problems, yes, we have some, we have always had some. When I was growing up, blacks sat in the back of the bus, I never questioned why, I never questioned why Sadie, our main, she was much more than our maid, she was a member of the family. I have seen "segregation" ... in the Navy, and even in Reno in the 50's, they were not allowed in the clubs. Sammy Davis could perform at the Mapes, but he had to leave when his show was done. I never questioned .... why, it is just the way it was. It was probably the early 60's before they integrated Nevada.
I remember race riots in Detroit in the 40's. They seem selective. I don't know why one incident becomes so prominent, when so many happen. Opportunistic Rioting. The recent ones were timely for the holiday season.
I remember years ago, my Brother, the coach and teacher, had a Summer job working with the Kellog Foundation. They had a program which consisted of sending 100 students to college, students who had no chance to make it to college, but were given this chance. They had to undergo some Summer prep work, and if satisfactory, they would get an opportunity to go to college. He told of visiting some places in Detroit, so desolate and despondent, that anything was a step up. They had nothing but poverty and desperation. A chance was all they asked for.
Many in our country live in such conditions today. A threat of jail, is a step up, they have nothing to lose, absolutely nothing.
I find it difficult at times to fully comprehend that in this county, today, we have some who can rent a yacht for a million or so a week, drive cars worth many thousands of dollars, enjoy a meal costing hundreds of dollars, live in unbelievable mansions, and within a short distance of them, homeless, unemployed, hungry people are huddling around a small fire for warmth. Even moreso, they are invisible, or they are just ignored.
Last night, on TV, news, there was an ad for a lush elaborate cruise on a gorgeous ship to warm tropical climates, food beyond description, lush, lavish. The next news item, homelessness.
There is just something wrong with that.
