Oleta

Greens & Grounds

Arboreal Enthusiasts

Sunscreen

One Way

Sheep Walking

Staying Close

John Cleary

As many of you know, I rarely post pictures on this blog that I did not personally take. Friday's post was one of those. Today's is another. This is a photo attributed to Howard Ruffner and republished in an article that appears in today's New York Times. The article, which can be found here, recounts the events of that fateful day on the campus of Kent State University when several students were shot and killed by members of the Ohio National Guard. John Cleary was one of the lucky students who was shot and survived. 

I recently had a conversation with a friend who attended Kent State and, as it happened, was only yards away from where this tragic incident took place. It's worth nothing that none of his classmates, he said, some of whom were among the victims, saw this coming.

Skateboard

Seeing this fellow reminded me of my first skateboard, one that I fashioned out of an old pair of hand-me-down metal roller skates attached to a thick piece of plywood that I sanded and varnished.

Construction

Election Day!

In the spirit of 1776, I hope all my friends in states where elections are being held today turn out to VOTE!

I'll be at the polls all day today, from 4:45 a.m. (!) until--well--whenever to make sure that happens.

Whether you get there by foot, car, horse, or carriage, here's hoping to see you there. Happy Election Day! :-)

Scrolling

Go WATA

Segway Tourism

Fall Rain

Joining Skywatch Friday on this All Hallows' Eve.

Wall of Opinion

Youth Adults

Despite what people have been saying about the No Kings protests having been a “seniors only event,” I actually saw a substantial percentage of young adults participating.

Parrot

 As individual protests go, I thought this one was by far the most creative I've seen. Although I couldn't quite capture the sign, I think it referred to Trump as acting as if is Vladimir Putin's parrot. 

Inflatables

"Protesters have taken to wearing oversized inflatable costumes to deflate tensions and draw attention at rallies against Trump administration’s policies. Crowds across the U.S. and abroad rallied Saturday during 'No Kings' demonstrations against what they call a slide into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump. Republicans dismissed the gatherings as “Hate America” rallies, but many had a festive feel" -- AP News

In this photo, though, I would also take note of the gentleman wearing the AFL-CIO stocking cap, suggesting to me, at least, the more sober side to this No Kings protest.

First Amendment

 "The 'No Kings' gatherings wouldn’t have been possible without the First Amendment; a cornerstone of U.S. democracy. It gives us freedom of speech, to peacefully protest, and to gather without fear of government intervention. In this country, everyone is entitled to their beliefs, and to act on them lawfully and without fear of punishment — no matter how 'unpopular' or 'disfavored' those beliefs may be.

But the Trump administration continues to abuse its power to silence and punish people and organizations who express viewpoints it doesn’t like. Despite fearmongering from those who would prefer that the public stay quiet, millions of Americans refused to stay home and instead channeled their courage to show up and speak up for each other. Because the best way to protect our First Amendment rights is to keep using them — and to do so peacefully, knowing the power of nonviolent protest to make repression backfire." -- Ellen Flenniken, ACLU Justice Division