© irene waters 2016
Welcome. Come on in – Coffee, tea? Herbal? Cold drink perhaps? How are you? World happenings are not at all happy this week. The terrorist attack in Barcelona makes me feel so helpless. What hope have you got of warding off these events if people are going to use cars as weapons. It seems that soon all cars will have to be banned from places where people congregate. Barriers built through which no vehicle can move. Public transport will have to take people from where they leave the car to the place but then that place will become a target and we’ll have to screen everyone getting on public transport. It seems to me an insolvable problem and I have to say I am so glad I don’t live in Europe. That doesn’t mean that it won’t happen here, indeed it already has, but somehow we are so far away it seems somewhat removed.
What is happening in America is also a heart wrenching affair. So many people that I follow on this blog foresaw the escalation of racism with Trump as leader and their fears have so sadly proven to be founded with the death of Heather Heyer who had gone to the protest to stand against hate and bigotry. I have heard that President Trump has traits and policies that are similar to that of Hitler. This rise of Neo nazism and Trump’s inability to condemn certainly fills me with fear. Hopefully this will rouse even the apathetic and something will be done to halt this rising tide of violence. If it doesn’t we have a lot to fear.
But you haven’t come to hear me talk about the news which you know I try and avoid where possible because it gives me nightmares that we, as humans, can do what we do to each other instead of accepting and loving each other as individuals. Hatred is such a negative emotion.
If we were having coffee I’d tell you that in my world all seems to be humming along nicely. Each day this week we seem to have achieved some positive outcomes. We have had a week where nothing seems to have gone wrong with anything and I feel particularly mellow.
I finished the book He, She and It by Marge Piercy and will do a full review on it hopefully in this coming week. If you haven’t read it though I would recommend it, if you have perhaps you would like to revisit it and marvel at how accurately she portrayed the future. I am now reading the German Girl by Armand Lucas Correa.
Now it is your turn. How was your week? Has your weather been warmer/colder, wetter/drier. Have you read any good books or seen any good films? Thank you for dropping in for coffee and thank you to our weekend coffee host, Diana, from part-time monster for having us and giving us a place to meet up.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
I have negative feelings as I read the national news. Looking forward to the eclipse. That is positive!
We have come a long way since I was a child but still have a way to go.
Peace!
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Peace to you also Betty Louise. We do have a long way to go but I think the swell of peaceful feelings have to come from individuals.
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Peace will come whenever people get the motions under control.
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It is early morning here in Canada. While I drink my coffee and reflect on your words about the goings on in the world, I am thankful and appreciative of this quiet time. The morning sounds and the breeze coming in through the window at the start of the day. My week has been filled with long hours that have given me many accomplishments. For this too, I am thankful. It is, as always, nice to have coffee with you. Until next time, take care.
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I enjoy our coffee together also and your morning start sounds just beautiful. I find there is something calming and very satisfying in accomplishing things (despite long hours). Hope this week is treating you just as nicely. Take care.
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A Canadian also, I’ve watched the horrors of the events in the US and Europe this year, and am grateful to be living here. I’m also aware that the world is a small place, growing ever smaller as influences from multi media affect us all. What we share with other developed countries is democracy, a system that demands that its citizens be responsible and aware. It’s noble at best, and shaky at its worst. It seems to be in danger right now.
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We are both lucky to be living in countries that have some semblance of peace but I agree the world is growing smaller and we will be caught up in it one way or another. Although I love our democracy I have lived in a country which although democratic had little understanding of its meaning. I am aware that democracy is not suitable for every country. I fear in the effort to democratise the world we may well lose our own democratic rights if not democracy itself. I don’t know what the solution is but I’m sure it is going to come from the people – not our leaders. Although your leader with the little I know of his policies seems to be advocating peace and bringing the people together. Unfortunately our prime minister is not of a similar ilk.
Thanks for joining me for coffee.
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It is an unsettling time here in the US. I try to stay positive, though it is difficult at times, by focusing on my kids, family and community. “Be the change you want to see in the world” is the motto I try to live by. Trump does not represent most of us and we will rise above.
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I am convinced that your nation will rise above your leader and with a philosophy of be the change you want to see in the world your children will have a great example to follow. Thanks for joining me for coffee.
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Most of us in the US, at least those whom I know, are horrified but not surprised by what a terrible pres the Orange Menace makes. He is not a leader. And I did not vote for him. And, yes, I heard him say that he admired hitler. How did someone so un-American get voted in to the most important position in this country? Gotta stop, this isn’t my blog, I keep hoping for peace and calm, equality and justice.
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You can take up all the room you want Sharon. I’m aware that your electoral system with the colleges means that he got in without a majority vote. The sad thing is that he did and those that did vote for him (and it wasn’t just the super poor and ignorant) why? This is what has to be addressed by all Americans but in a way that is humanitarian driven, non-racist and not biased against any community group. One that offers love, peace, equality and justice in a calm atmosphere. Everyone should read He, She and It.
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