Appalling Times

This morning I witnessed another beautiful sunrise.  Readers of this blog are likely tired of seeing these same sunrises and sunsets every day, but they are a balm, a wonder, an enchantment each day, lifting us up in the morning and gently closing the book of day at night.

Two contrails, vapor tails left by some predawn aircraft, had crossed in the pink sky out over the ocean - "X" marks the spot.

I had intended to complete another long run on Saturday because I am still eyeing that half-marathon on March 4, and prior to that a 5-K on February 4, and I need those long miles.  But instead I ran a "semi-long" run of six miles, down to Fort Macon and back, my legs weary from many miles in recent days.  Although my running log says I have only run 10 miles this week (Monday and Tuesday), I keep a kind of rolling running log in my head as many runners do, and I was fully aware that I ran 10 miles on Saturday; so that meant that I have actually run 20 miles in four days, and today's six miles makes 26, a big jump up in weekly mileage.  But I took it easy, stopped to stretch here and there, and it went well.

The reason why I am not running long on Saturday is that we will be in New Bern joining many other Americans in a peaceful "Women's March" (which will include men as well), a smaller chapter of the huge march on Washington that is planned for Saturday.  I am fearful that the Washington March may result in violence; "Bikers for Trump" are heading that way, according to the news.  What could go wrong with that?  I have a memory that goes back to Altamont in 1969.  I also have a memory that goes back to the Vietnam-era protests, in which I participated; in fact, that was the last time I participated in a public gathering of this kind.  These are unprecedented times!  We will be gathering at the gazebo on Front Street and marching to the Courthouse, and I hope it will indeed be a positive event and not one marred by anger or heckling or violence.

Tomorrow is Inauguration Day, and I share the deep concern that so many of us have about the anointment of an unfit, impulsive, unqualified egomaniac - surely the most dangerous President we have ever inaugurated.  He represents for me everything that is wrong about our country in his shallow reality-TV vulgarity and his ignorance, descending from his gold-plated tower with his super-model on his arm, building a coalition from hatred and bigotry.  What is most disturbing of all is that so many Americans voted for him, as casually as if they were buying a lottery ticket or clicking a "Like" on Facebook.  And so many of my friends did so, too:  good, decent people.  That is what disturbs me more than anything.

We decided to get take-out from the Island Grille right here at Sand Villas for lunch, grilled shrimp burgers again, and I found a sign on the door announcing that they will be closed tomorrow for a private party.  Inside, while I was waiting for my order, I noticed an entire wall with "Trump-Pence" signs posted on it, bordered by American flags, and in the corner were little plastic hats with brims that also bore those names - the private party.  On FOX news the clock was ticking down to the public party as Potus Trumpus's plane descended from the skies.

I will not be watching any television tomorrow.  And Saturday we will be joining millions of other Americans who are absolutely appalled.  Now is the time to stand up and speak out.