Trump’s mocking the reporter with a disability told me all I needed to know about him. Cruelty may be his most despicable quality. And it is untamed by his cognitive disintegration.
Conversely, I love hearing you tell of Bella’s interactions with others - so gentle and trusting. It isn’t always so, but character often evades dementia and sweetness remains. No wonder you two are still in love!
My Uncle has cerebral palsy. I only heard someone make fun of him when I was in 6th grade.
And it was a 3rd grade teacher in North Creek who told her entire class to * stay away from the monster*. No secrets in a small town. Complaint filed, nothing happened. I ran into this woman and actually said something to her. She denied the whole incident.
My Uncle didn't last long in North Creek and ended up in Amsterdam with my grandfather.
When trump mocked that reporter I had hopes that it would be a turning point for some of his supporters. The fact it wasn't showed me who these people are that can just ignore such horrifying behavior. Especially those who continue to support him.
I don't want to engage with these people. Ever.
A Republican running against Stefanik told me she voted for him because she wanted something "different" but has learned her mistake.
So she voted for cruelty and now wants us to trust her. NO THANKS.
I've been accused of being hateful. I admit that sometimes I feel that way. I'm so tired of these people .
There are always going to be ignorant people. I do my very best to avoid them....but if I see cruelty I speak up. That's all we can do.
I drive a bit below the limit. In late 2020 was motoring on rt 50 just east of Broadway. Suddenly loud honking and a young driver dashed around me then cut sharply in front with a salute. Minutes later I pulled into Stewart’s for coffee and there he was. I waved.
Now Saratoga being a Skidmore town Imight have thought, there goes a rude Biden voter with TDS, I did not although there was a Biden Harris sticker on his Jee.
Your innate stereotyping reveals much and I am sure, based on what you have previously written, you would condemn in others.
You have revealed your leftward bias for all with eyes to see.
I’ve experienced it too, Will. Rudeness. A get out of my way vibe. I may never meet the Muslim families who were denied entry to the US. I may never see the Ukrainian ruins that might have been stopped if it weren’t for holding aid hostage for a Hunter Biden investigation. But we all have felt the horrible impact of rudeness, meanness, even violence he made seem acceptable.
Bella is so fortunate to have you as a caring support. In turn, you are an excellent resource for the Alzheimer's community. I hope that Bella continues to have positive interactions with people in the community. Understanding and kindness is key to being a good citizen for all.
Wonderful to hear how people relate and react to Bella....something I think we all need to think about. How do I come across and how do people react to me, including in my own family. Am I doing something to cause a reaction I don't understand? The best words I can't repeat in my head often enough...."Be kind." It doesn't hurt to do that, ever.
Politics has always been a nasty back and forth business. It used to be called “mud slinging.” But the day Trump came down the escalator everything changed. His cheesy entrance to the world of politics was on display for all the world to see. It was almost as ridiculous as the time he made his entrance through a smoke-filled stage. However, nothing could have prepared us for the Pandora’s Box he brought with him.
Lies, distortions, threats, misrepresentations, alternative facts (imagine??), bigotry, imaginary crimes by others (BLM), imaginary organizations (ANTIFAscism), voter fraud claims, on and on……..none of which have ever been proven - in fact they have been debunked. Every one of 60+ court cases denied or tossed out…..And yet they push on. Currently an absolutely shameful display of our “government at work” holding hearings with the goal of impeaching President Biden by using his recovering addict son as a 2x4 to try and create a case that simply does not exist. Shame on them.
Now he wants another shot at the Oval Office. I can’t (or try not to) imagine how much worse it will be if he is given a second opportunity to destroy this democracy/republic. He has already lined up positions in his phantom administration. (Stephen Miller is one of the more frightening members). He thinks he is smarter now after his 4 yrs experience. Guess what? He is (except for the dementia part). But those around him??? More than willing to take over…..which one do you pick?
Your first scenario is a sign of hope. Not all is lost. There are still many people who seek to think, feel, and act in their daily lives as participants in “the beloved community.”
As the Good Book reads: “Love is patient and kind…it is not arrogant or rude …it rejoices not in the wrong, but in the right.”
I enjoy reading your stories about Bella. I lost my wife to Early Onset AD over ten years ago. It was a long struggle for both of us. I always say that I felt closer to her during those years than I ever did.
integrity, kindness, compassion, understanding, a sense of community. I've been wearing a button that a friend gave me: "Make America Kind Again." On the other side; mocking, demeaning, insulting, attacking...Hard to understand why some people cheer and support cruelty. Thank you, Will, for your deep sense of kindness...may it spread.
I have worked in the developmental disabilities field since 99. People feel, see, and need the same things.
I have had some truly heart warming moments as well as biting my tounge moments.
One at the now Cool Insuring arena. A derogatory slur..not worth the time.
Or the three very kind men who gave up there spots in a Saratoga barber shop so a profoundly disabled man could get a haircut as patience and him didn't go along. But kindness shines and is never forgotten.
Politics? Be a decent person, party aside.
Trumps vileness needs to be shown. Hopefully so we get to a better kinder place so we can focus on better things.
Trump’s mocking the reporter with a disability told me all I needed to know about him. Cruelty may be his most despicable quality. And it is untamed by his cognitive disintegration.
Conversely, I love hearing you tell of Bella’s interactions with others - so gentle and trusting. It isn’t always so, but character often evades dementia and sweetness remains. No wonder you two are still in love!
My Uncle has cerebral palsy. I only heard someone make fun of him when I was in 6th grade.
And it was a 3rd grade teacher in North Creek who told her entire class to * stay away from the monster*. No secrets in a small town. Complaint filed, nothing happened. I ran into this woman and actually said something to her. She denied the whole incident.
My Uncle didn't last long in North Creek and ended up in Amsterdam with my grandfather.
When trump mocked that reporter I had hopes that it would be a turning point for some of his supporters. The fact it wasn't showed me who these people are that can just ignore such horrifying behavior. Especially those who continue to support him.
I don't want to engage with these people. Ever.
A Republican running against Stefanik told me she voted for him because she wanted something "different" but has learned her mistake.
So she voted for cruelty and now wants us to trust her. NO THANKS.
I've been accused of being hateful. I admit that sometimes I feel that way. I'm so tired of these people .
There are always going to be ignorant people. I do my very best to avoid them....but if I see cruelty I speak up. That's all we can do.
I enjoy joining you and Bella and Ringo on these walks around our community in print. Diane Collins
Nice read …. Till the 2nd to last paragraph.
I drive a bit below the limit. In late 2020 was motoring on rt 50 just east of Broadway. Suddenly loud honking and a young driver dashed around me then cut sharply in front with a salute. Minutes later I pulled into Stewart’s for coffee and there he was. I waved.
Now Saratoga being a Skidmore town Imight have thought, there goes a rude Biden voter with TDS, I did not although there was a Biden Harris sticker on his Jee.
Your innate stereotyping reveals much and I am sure, based on what you have previously written, you would condemn in others.
You have revealed your leftward bias for all with eyes to see.
I’ve experienced it too, Will. Rudeness. A get out of my way vibe. I may never meet the Muslim families who were denied entry to the US. I may never see the Ukrainian ruins that might have been stopped if it weren’t for holding aid hostage for a Hunter Biden investigation. But we all have felt the horrible impact of rudeness, meanness, even violence he made seem acceptable.
Remember - Trump asked that a crippled soldier not be invited to his events anymore “no one wants to see that”
The number of times that man has shown his cruelty is immeasurable- before, during and after.
As always, a much loved commentary on the basic goodness of individuals and Bella's continued sweetness and good nature. She must really feel loved!
Bella is so fortunate to have you as a caring support. In turn, you are an excellent resource for the Alzheimer's community. I hope that Bella continues to have positive interactions with people in the community. Understanding and kindness is key to being a good citizen for all.
Wonderful to hear how people relate and react to Bella....something I think we all need to think about. How do I come across and how do people react to me, including in my own family. Am I doing something to cause a reaction I don't understand? The best words I can't repeat in my head often enough...."Be kind." It doesn't hurt to do that, ever.
Politics has always been a nasty back and forth business. It used to be called “mud slinging.” But the day Trump came down the escalator everything changed. His cheesy entrance to the world of politics was on display for all the world to see. It was almost as ridiculous as the time he made his entrance through a smoke-filled stage. However, nothing could have prepared us for the Pandora’s Box he brought with him.
Lies, distortions, threats, misrepresentations, alternative facts (imagine??), bigotry, imaginary crimes by others (BLM), imaginary organizations (ANTIFAscism), voter fraud claims, on and on……..none of which have ever been proven - in fact they have been debunked. Every one of 60+ court cases denied or tossed out…..And yet they push on. Currently an absolutely shameful display of our “government at work” holding hearings with the goal of impeaching President Biden by using his recovering addict son as a 2x4 to try and create a case that simply does not exist. Shame on them.
Now he wants another shot at the Oval Office. I can’t (or try not to) imagine how much worse it will be if he is given a second opportunity to destroy this democracy/republic. He has already lined up positions in his phantom administration. (Stephen Miller is one of the more frightening members). He thinks he is smarter now after his 4 yrs experience. Guess what? He is (except for the dementia part). But those around him??? More than willing to take over…..which one do you pick?
There is something to be said for being old…….
Thanks, Will.
Your first scenario is a sign of hope. Not all is lost. There are still many people who seek to think, feel, and act in their daily lives as participants in “the beloved community.”
As the Good Book reads: “Love is patient and kind…it is not arrogant or rude …it rejoices not in the wrong, but in the right.”
The second scenario speaks for itself.
Shalom!
Nice, nice articles Will. I wish you both warm wishes on this sad journey of yours.
I enjoy reading your stories about Bella. I lost my wife to Early Onset AD over ten years ago. It was a long struggle for both of us. I always say that I felt closer to her during those years than I ever did.
Thank you sincerely for sharing your wanderings with Bella (and Ringo).
integrity, kindness, compassion, understanding, a sense of community. I've been wearing a button that a friend gave me: "Make America Kind Again." On the other side; mocking, demeaning, insulting, attacking...Hard to understand why some people cheer and support cruelty. Thank you, Will, for your deep sense of kindness...may it spread.
Wil a very nice piece.
I have worked in the developmental disabilities field since 99. People feel, see, and need the same things.
I have had some truly heart warming moments as well as biting my tounge moments.
One at the now Cool Insuring arena. A derogatory slur..not worth the time.
Or the three very kind men who gave up there spots in a Saratoga barber shop so a profoundly disabled man could get a haircut as patience and him didn't go along. But kindness shines and is never forgotten.
Politics? Be a decent person, party aside.
Trumps vileness needs to be shown. Hopefully so we get to a better kinder place so we can focus on better things.
Like the the walks you and Bella share.