Courage, and Other Words

Dear Maria,

Oh yes, summer has arrived. Humidity up, and temperatures in the mid-90s forecast for all of next week. The morning walk with Max is on around 6:30 and may happen a bit earlier over the next few weeks.

Of course I saw the Vanity Fair cover shot. Even without a television or an American weekly newsmagazine, I saw it. Really didn’t have much of a reaction other than “Hmmph”.

More interested in the ratcheting up of the discussion on the word courage. I could go the dictionary definition route, but then I would have to add an “Ugh!” as I did on student essays when confronted by that tactic.

The use of the soldiers displaying wartime valor seems to be the trump card. A sense of well look here, true courage. Makes me wonder how many who gave a thumbs up clear that bar in their lives. Most of us most likely will have moments of courage under much less violent circumstances.

First thing I think of are kids trying to make their lives move forward in a positive fashion without support in the home or perhaps while battling bullies or peer pressure. For some kids, just doing their homework and trying to be a success in school takes courage for all the hounding they receive from other students.

I haven’t read a word one way or another regarding Kaitlyn Jenner’s transformation, but common sense would tell me that most probably she knew she was going to lose support from friends and maybe some family members. Anyone who has churned against the prevailing tide with family and friends knows it takes a serious dose of strong resolve. Is there some other force at work here with Jenner? I don’t know. Don’t really care much beyond wishing her well.

The only frustration I felt was seeing another barrage of public harangue based on gotcha or trump-ism. This is what true _____ looks like. I’ll see your suffering unemployed mom and raise you a burn victim. Is that how it goes now?

Or, I love _____ more than you do. Does it work the other way around? I hate _____ more than you do. Now there’s a real race to the bottom.

By the way, I do love my dog more than you love your dog. How do you feel about rutabaga?

Just kidding about the dog. You know I love you. Take the measure of that sentiment as you will.

Nearly 3 inches of rain and still coming down. Max is under his safe chair, and I am headed for a scotch.

Later, srk