New Year's Wish: Americans Need Four Walls…and a Roof!

$21 million is needed to help the poor citizens of what formerly was Paradise, California. At least

that’s the amount estimated by organizations in California. Sounds pretty low, doesn’t it? CAL FIRE estimates 7,500 homes were damaged or destroyed.

If one watches the news, the ‘tent city’ at WalMart looks like an REI covered football field, and after Thanksgiving they were told to move.  This does not include all the businesses destroyed or made bankrupt by what is essentially a modern day ghost town created by a firestorm of epic proportions. 

And that’s just one of the two fires that hit California in November.

Then there is the flooding in central Texas, not to mention the tornadoes. USA Today reports: “Severe storms roared across the Deep South late Wednesday and early Thursday, leaving two people 

dead and about 100,000 homes and businesses powerless.”

So I keep wondering about what America can do to help with the unfortunate victims of the ‘new normal’ —a continuous, severe climate change?

I know one thing for sure; this nation has the financial

resources to put people who are sitting chilled to the bone under a nylon tent in a room; whether it is a hotel, motel or some form of temporary housing. But that is not happening. People’s insurance money is either running out or never was purchased to cover this type of disaster. Extended families are helping if they can.

How do I know we have the funds? Pretty simple. $5 billion for ‘a wall’ is Mr. Trump’s idea of security, and no one seems to doubt the money is there. Democrats have countered with perhaps $1 billion to upgrade border security, but not ‘a wall.’ A billion dollars. Sometimes we forget what that amounts to: 1,000,000,000.

And I ask, isn’t the fundamental to the oath of office many federal government officials take: “to preserve and protect”—not just The Constitution, but the citizens of this nation made homeless through no fault of their own?

Certainly, the individual state’s capacity is limited, and each state has spent millions on fire fighting and flood relief. Fires and floods know no State or County borders. It’s time for the Federal Government to step up. Instead, the Federal Government is shut down. 

The commendable efforts of thousands of breweries who have supported Serra Nevada Beer will
have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, but that is a drop in the barrel, so to speak.

I care so much more about Americans in desperate need, than ‘a wall’ of dubious need.  Putting “America First” means setting priorities to help Americans—especially those who are displaced, deserted, and soon to be forgotten as the New Year approaches.

I do not mean to denigrate the needs of those racing away from the violence south of our border, but let us be sure that our nation, in which they seek asylum, is one that gives hope and security to its own citizens.

THE COAST NEWS SAYS: "PACILIO'S 'MOONLIGHT SHINES'"

ENCINITAS — Forget “Meet Me in St. Louis,” taking center stage is Encinitas’ very own Moonlight Beach in the new novel “Meet Me at Moonlight Beach,” penned by local author Bob Pacilio.

The 62-year-old Brooklyn/New Jersey transplant is a retired teacher who was named the 1998 San Diego County Teacher of the Year and one of San Diego Magazine’s Top 10 Teachers to Watch. “Moonlight” is his fourth book, which took him a little over a year to write. The story came to him in 2015, but the final product took three years to come to life thanks to the help of his tea

What’s it about?

“Meet Me at Moonlight Beach” is set in the 1980s and 1990s and is accurate to the times and the locals with references to the Pannikin, Las Olas and more. It is also self-published, as are Pacilio’s other three novels

In the book, he explores the physical and emotional consequences that come from misfortune and blind faith. This contemporary novel, set in the coastal town of Encinitas, addresses the resilience necessary to face one’s fears, acknowledge the need to change, and embrace love once again. “Meet Me at Moonlight Beach” raises the question of how people can recover when their world suddenly goes dark.“

I decided early on in writing: be real but no gratuitous violence and little coarse language,” Pacilio said. “I figure if John Grisham can do that, so can I! 

No vampires. No graphic sexuality. Just a story with heart and soul. The danger and the passion in my novels are understated.”

Whether you are local to Encinitas or not, Pacilio said many will find “Moonlight” simply a good read.

“Encinitas and its surroundings makes for a great backdrop, but it is the issues that the
protagonists deal with that touch most everyone: a lover’s betrayal; the crippling injuries one faces; the loss of one’s sense of vision; the need for love; the desire to overcome anxiety and its partner depression; and perhaps the most important of all, the necessity to find help.

“The psychiatrist in the story is an old hand at seeing into people’s fears and his loyalty to his patients is also real. I know. I have been there, done that. I have overcome anxiety myself and it is something that far too many people realize as debilitating. They are embarrassed to seek help. This novel offers hope … as long as the reader will agree to ‘Meet Me at Moonlight Beach,’” he said.

Here’s an excerpt from the book to whet your appetite:

Noelani Keoka and Lewis Bennett sit next to each other in the waiting room of Dr. Amos Adler, an aging African American psychiatrist, whose unconventional wisdom and loyalty to his patients becomes their life preserver. His two final clients are unaware that they are two of a kind, both trusting souls; blind to the betrayals life delivers in one swift, shattering blow.

Noelani, a native Hawaiian aspires to be a professional dancer in Los Angeles, but her future hinges on the power of her legs to propel her and the pressure of men who pursue her. Lewis has a passion for teaching that is threatened by a rare disease and by his wife’s ambition for the finer things in life … ”

A resident for several years, Pacilio said: “I wanted to create a novel that echoed the vibe of our friendly, diverse, lovely town, complete with yoga and the beach. Thematically, I wanted it to be a novel about the physical and emotional struggles lovers go through, but how they can heal and find joy and trust in others once again.”

Bob Palicio signs a book for a fan. Photo via Facebook

Nod to teachingWhile he has also enjoyed a career in writing, it wasn’t until he retired from teaching that writing became a full-time job. When he was recognized for his work as teacher, he said he felt validated.

“My parents wanted me to be a lawyer, and ‘make good money,’ he said. “They were products of the Great Depression. After 20 years of teaching and knowing that so many of my former students respected my work, it was gratifying to know that my colleagues also recognized me. Remember, teaching is a very isolating profession; it is you speaking to a jury of 35 and I aimed to win every case. I did … mostly.”

Pacilio taught for 32 years at Mt. Carmel High School in a suburb of San Diego and was th-grade American Literature (that class was the basis for his first novel).
the speech and debate advisor for 17 years. He concluded that part of his teaching years by having his students win the state championship. He also taught ninth-grade English and 11

“I retired from teaching in 2010, and I began my ‘second act’ as a writer,” he said.  

First writings

His first two novels are young adult novels about four students and their teacher. The first, “Meetings at the Metaphor Café,” is semi-autobiographical. The second is the sequel, “Midnight Comes to the Metaphor Cafe,” which concluded their high school years. Both are set in an unnamed Southern California town. His first adult novel, “The Restoration” is set in Coronado; moreover, it was based on the actual restoration of the famous Village Movie Theater.

“It was my first crossover to contemporary literature/fiction,” he said.

Pacilio said the most difficult aspect of being a writer is “never the writing. Never making the time. Perhaps, it is the revisions which can be tedious.”

“But by far the biggest difficulty is getting it published, ergo finding an agent. After so many rejections from agents, one of my former students, then working for a company called Create Space (CS), explained how his company offered the best distribution and printing with the most profit for the author.

“In addition, CS was purchased by Amazon, which then gave me a platform to sell that was easily reached. The catch — I had to design the interior of the book, as well as the cover. That is where I began forging my team: book designers, photographers, artists, layout design, editors, etc. So, we do the work. Once that is done, the next difficult obstacle is the promotion and sales. Overall, my three books have sold well over 3,200 copies … so far.”

Private life

Pacilio is married to Pam, a retired teacher, too, and a Vermont native.

In his spare time, Pacilio likes “to golf, walk, bike, yoga … repeat.”

“Yoga is a key,” he said. “My female heroine, Noelani, finds that yoga saves her both physically and spiritually. I have been practicing yoga for eight years, and many of my teachers contributed to the novel’s accuracy.”

He and his wife have two adult children who are “our pride and joy.” Son, Nicholas, works for Twitter in New York in its communications division, and daughter, Anna, is the communications director for U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey (D-Texas).

Advice to aspiring writers

Pacilio said his advice to future writers or those contemplating taking the plunge: “Don’t
be discouraged. Write what your truth is. Write what you know and what you don’t know, really learn it thoroughly or it will never be real.”

Anyone reading this article can contact him, as he coaches other writers who have also been self-published.

Finally, he will be speaking and signing “Meet Me at Moonlight Beach” at Coffee and Co. in Carmel Mt. Ranch at Second Chance Brewery from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 9.

Pacilio’s books are sold on Amazon in paperback and as a Kindle. They are also sold on his website: www.robertpacilio.net. In addition, the Village Theater’s website on Coronado Island has a link to “The Restoration.”

The Best Films of 2018 from the Metaphor Cafe

Well, it’s that time of year when the English teacher in me, as well as the film fan, feels compelled to communicate my top ten films of 2018. Actually, my wife reminded me these were the only films we have seen this year; so I humbly apologize to all the fim fans of the other pictures like "Roma" or all the other super hero stuff or the dumb rom-coms that just did not make my “go to” list. (I have also learned that INHO means …what it says.)

I do this as a blogging service to all those folks out there who may need a good film to see—one that they may not heard of. So in a kinda general order—here goes.

1. Green Book: I LOVED this film. Two reasons. First, the portrayal of Tony (the Italian driver) is so spot on to my experience with my Italian uncles in Brooklyn that I felt they were reincarnated on the silver screen and packaged in the performance by Viggio Mortenson. Second, the theme and the setting (1962) are so relevant today…even more so than in the Obama presidency. The closeted racism of Obama’s era has turned much more public and this film displays it in all its despicable irony. 

2. Black Panther: Here is the best action/ comic film made to date. Hands down. Undisputed. Terrific story. Important message. Great cast. Thrilling. Saw it twice…just as good the second time. I remember reading somewhere that if you captured a race of people, beat them into submission, took away their language and their identity, and denied them rights for 250 years; they would be viewed as a super race if they could in 70 short years (of turmoil) recover and rise to the stature that African Americans have today—people would say it is impossible. This film give them their due.

3. Mr. Rogers:“Won’t You Be My Neighbor”: Man, what an incredible person Fred Rogers was. What a legacy. He was so far ahead of his time—or perhaps more accurately, he made children become so much more evolved…even than their parents. Whether it was war, death, sexuality, racism…Mr. Rogers lived in a world we can only hope to achieve.

4. RBG: Another documentary and another heroine. One cannot overstate what she did, what she stood for, how hard she worked and what a loving person she is. Her relationship with her husband is the stuff of legends. Should be required viewing in every civics class in America.

5. Colette: Okay first ‘artsy film’— Keira Knightly gives a wonderful performance as a woman who is the real writer of the novels that made her husband famous. The theme is clear and still so relevant today. It is a true story in the truest sense, as today women still stive to receive the pay and recognition they deserve.

6. A Star Is Born: Even as a remake, it soars on the power of Lady Gaga and the grit of Bradley Cooper and Sam Elliot. I could not help but feel this version (and others disagree with me here) could be re-titled “The Price of Fame” because to me (spoiler alert) both pay a price for what they strive for. I felt that that price is so heavy that neither recovers. I wonder if we, the public understand what danger these “stars” are—the list of crippled music stars is long and foreboding: Prince, Tom Petty and all those who have rehabbed their lives in a vicious circle.

7. The Incredibles 2: Best animation of the year. Worth the decade long wait. Great script. Funny. Profound (in terms of parenting). Great voices. Fantastic.

8. The Bookshop: This is the second “artsy film” and likely to have been off your radar. Emily Mortimer (Newsroom) stars as a strong willed widower who is intent on bring a bookshop to her small island port in Wales. It is a period piece with a smattering of WWII truth to it. More importantly, it deals with the power of reading and the need for books! One more wonderful tidbit—Bill Nightly co-stars and is his usual spot on performance. This is a gem. You will have to find it on Netflix.

9. The Old Man and  a Gun: Robert Redford’s (supposedly) finally makes his leading man curtain call, and he does it is such a “Sting-like” manner. He has played the outlaw and he has always charmed audiences with a twinkle in his blue eyes. Here he has a true-ish story and a complex character. He wants to simply prove he can still “have it” i.e. rob and do so in a stylish, rascally, harmless manner. He just mesmerizes an audience.

10. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald: A nod to J K Rowling’s Harry Potter saga. It is powerful and complex. Fantasy at its most prolific and intriguing. One has to be pretty well engaged in Potterville to follow this prequel, or have a daughter who can explain it to you

X-Factor: Mary Poppin’s Returns: I am pretty sure it will be supercalafragalisticxbaladoious.

Honorable Mention goes to a Netflix film of the novel The Guernsey Potato Peel Literary Society. Great book and solid adaptation.

Bob Pacilio's "Meet Me at Moonlight Beach" book signing NOVEMBER 15th 7-7:30 pm

Gang:

We had a FANTASTIC turnout on Nov. 15 at Coffee and Co. for the book launch of "Meet Me at Moonlight Beach." We sold out! More books are arriving today from my publisher--so YOU CAN ORDER AND GET YOUR SIGNED COPY NOW ! 

As you know the novel is available on Amazon, and will soon be a Kindle, as well. Naturally, I had the good fortune to have two of my dear friends Linda Englund and David Fares with me for a reading and as always my fantastic photographer and cover designer Bob Bjorkquist, as well.

I have some of the three previous novels available, too. 

Here is the excerpt from the back cover:

Noelani Keoka and Lewis Bennett sit next to each other in the waiting room of Dr. Amos Adler, an aging African-American psychiatrist, unaware that they are two of a kind. Both of them are trusting souls, blind to the betrayals life can deliver in one swift blow.

A native Hawaiian, Noelani’s passion is to be a professional dancer in Los Angeles, but all that depends on the strength of her legs. Lewis Bennett is a high school journalism teacher in Encinitas, the coastal town north of San Diego, and his eyes are his guide. What can happen when each of them ignores the warning signs of infidelity?  

This contemporary novel explores the brutal physical and emotional consequences that come from misfortune and blind faith. Meet Me at Moonlight Beach addresses the unseen, the unknown and the reckless behavior that can cripple the innocent, and it raises the question of how people can recover when their world suddenly goes dark. 

A few books are available at Book Tales on the 101 in Encinitas (signed):

THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT FROM---Coffee and Co. 

A locals hangout!

The owners (also locals) support the arts, music, authors...and make a great cup of Java. [ Next to the Light Gallery ]

  

MEET ME AT MOONLIGHT BEACH: we are LIVE!!

I just published my newest novel Meet Me at Moonlight Beach in paperback (and in Kindle formats is coming soon), and I will be speaking (and signing) in Rancho Bernardo and Encinitas.  (dates/ times TBA.) My book signings will have music, guest readers, and folksy stories about why I wrote a book set in Encinitas!

On a serious note, Joyce Daubert, who read my first draft, thought this was a book about surviving life's physical and emotional betrayals. As the years went by, the novel morphed into a story about trust and the courage to seek guidance and take action.

Speaking of help, I have had a wonderful team of supporters whom I cannot thank enough. Some, like Bob Bjorkquist, were hands on, and others were part of my cheering section, like Linda Englund. Of course, my wife Pam was the person I counted on when it came to the final finished product. I look forward to seeing you folks in the coming months. I have learned much about writing, but the two most important lessons I learned are to slow down and trust my own voice. 

For folks who cannot make it to a book signing, you can buy directly from me either through my website www.robertpacilio.net or by emailing me at robertpacilio@gmail.com. Payment can be through PayPal or by check.  I will be also accepting credit cards at presentations. The novel costs $15. Of course, you can purchase the book or ebook via Amazon, too. The Kindle will cost $9.99 (Naturally, I earn larger royalties buying direct from me--and I will pay for your shipping.) My mailing address is 446 Countrywood Lane, Encinitas CA 92024. I will be filling book  orders ASAP.

I cannot thank my publishing team enough (Christa Tiernan and Michelle Lovi), as well as all my loyal readers (and former students).

Bob

“Living on a Prayer” from Paycheck to Paycheck (with apologies to Bon Jovi)

In the last few weeks, I have been working on the publication of my newest novel Meet Me at Moonlight Beach; however, during this time, the topics for my Metaphor Café Blog have been piling up. So in the interest of time and brevity, here is what I’ve been reading about that old political slogan “It’s the the economy, Stupid”:

First, let’s talk jobs, specifically the jobs at the Carrier plant. The NY Times business section of 8/12/18 did an in depth story on those folks who have still have their jobs. Remember, Indiana gave tax credits to Carrier (due to Pence’s appeal as its former governor) in return for keeping some of the jobs that were going to be outsourced to Mexico. Most jobs were still heading south. One might think those who still have jobs would be happy. 

Truth be told, “…the factory which Mr. Trump is credited with saving is plagued with rising absenteeism and low moral.”  Writer Nelson Schwartz concluded, “Instead, employees share a looming sense that a factory shutdown is inevitable—that Carrier has merely postponed the closing until a more politically opportune time.” 

This is despite growing demand for air conditioners for the company. “No one feels secure or hopeful…’People still don’t trust Carrier,’ said Paul Roeli, who has worked there for 19 years.”

Generally speaking, blue collar workers see a tad more in their pay but inflation is eating that away and with the trade wars starting to have impact in the coming months, the workers are the most likely to feel the brunt; meanwhile, the shareholders keep seeing their profits rise…for now.

Second, let’s discuss the wage gap and the difference between the haves and the have-not-so-much folks. Steven Brill’s newest book is chock full of data about how my generation has rigged economic growth for ourselves. (Well, not all of my generation, but hear me out.) For example, in 1975 the average CEO pay was 1.2M and the worker pay was 46K; in 2016 it’s 15M for the CEO team and 53K for the worker bees. 

So in 40+ years, worker pay has risen microscopically, and I do not need to tell you that insurance coverage has gotten worse, inflation has zoomed up and up. Needless to say, even though the job situation in terms of having a job under President Obama and Trump has improved, nobody on the ground floor has much hope of seeing the American Dream that some in my generation have inherited.

Brill concludes “The result is a divided America. On one side the protected few—the winners—who don’t need government for much and even have a stake in sabotaging the government’s responsibility to all its citizens. For them, the new broken America works fine….” They have private schools, gated communities, private security, and the gold standard of medical care with the insurance coverage that few can afford. So they say, who needs government—Obamacare, public schools, etc.?

And Brill points out that it’s likely to stay that way since the cost of running for higher office has risen with 6.4B spent per election cycle overall. So the interests of the average Joe or Josie working paycheck to paycheck depends on, as Tennessee Williams once wrote, “The kindness of strangers.”

Yes, in 2008 all hell broke loose economically for the Bush administration and the thousands upon thousands of folks who lost their jobs, their homes, and their dreams in the Great Recession. And, yes, President Obama steadied the ship in his eight years in office. That is a fact. Even the anti-Obama folks cannot argue that the USA was on the verge of financial disaster, and it was averted—but not without pain and decades of suffering.

Beware those who now feel that the economy is “just doing great”—chances are, it is for some, but for a far larger audience and their children…not so much. A steady hand will be needed at the helm to keep America from harm’s way. I could say more…and I will, but sometimes one has to accept the reality, acknowledge the truth, and set a course for more “domestic tranquility”…

I am confident that “Yes, We Still Can.”

John McCain: For Whom America's Bell Tolls

This will be the shortest but possibly the most important blog that I write.

I simply want to encourage, with all my heart and soul, each person to take the time to watch HBO's documentary on Senator John McCain entitled "For Whom the Bell Tolls."

It is the examination of the hardships and triumphs of a true American hero. People of my 'vintage' know some of the story of this heroic man--but this telling, by politicians of all political stripes including President Obama, paints the picture of what it is to serve this country, first and foremost. And for the younger generations, this is a profile in courage and a lesson drenched in American valor.

His is a lifetime of sacrifice. It is a tale of love, loss, grit ...and a few other choice four letter words that this maverick experiences all in the service of truth, honor, and always in the positive values that makes America "the last and best hope for the Earth" of which we live.

He is a fan of Hemingway. He is the grandson of an admiral. His ancestors fought for the Confederacy. He survived torture that is beyond comprehension as a POW in the "Hanoi Hilton."

The pity for me personally is that he did not win the presidency in 1999 when he ran against George W. Bush. The documentary explains why.I wonder what shape our nation would have been had he not been so viciously attacked in that 'political race.'

This is the man Mr. Trump insulted. This is a man who gave more to this nation in a day than Mr. Trump could ever give in a lifetime. Mr. Trump cannot possibly embody even a molecule of the Senator's character and nobility. McCain is repulsed by what he sees today in the political partisanship of Congress.

To all those people rallying at Trump's shows...take to time to see what a real hero stands for. You will be humbled and, frankly, embarrassed by the buffoon you are idolizing.

Senator McCain speaks of how government is supposed to work because it used to be that way. 

Joe Biden was one of his best friends. Almost everyone who speaks of Senator McCain chokes up when trying to take the measure of the man.

God Speed Senator John McCain. God Speed.

The Eulogy to My Uncle Joe and Aunt Lillian May 19, 2018

Today I speak at the Celebration of Life for a man, my Uncle Joe who was known by those who
loved him as "The Legend." These are a portion of my remarks (if I can get through them). For all of my loyal readers, I hope that you have had Aunts and Uncles like Joe and Lillian Cantone.

Joe and Lillian headed west to California…

My folks, Louie and Tessie followed…

They encouraged Benny and Rosie…

…And thus began “Brooklyn’s Glenmore Avenue Trek” to find the California Dream.

They have all passed now. And their children and their children’s children continue their legacy… following in the footsteps of my Uncle Joe and Aunt Lillian.

With my Uncle Joe’s passing yesterday, it made for a tossing-and-turning night of sleep, as my mind kept trying to find the words to take the measure of a man, as I recalled the memories of the patriarch of the Cantone family.

*          *

Joe Cantone and “his bride” Lillian were no frills, but plenty of thrills, kinda folks. Joe would tell me that he might be the brawn, but Lillian was the brains of the operation. Joe was a talker; Lillian a listener. Both were wise, humble and, most of all, generous. These were qualities passed down to the Fab Five: Joe, Doreen, Joyce, Janet, and Neal.

The Cantone’s are all about family. Inclusion. Love. They follow the lead of their mom and dad: hard working, multi-gifted, and kind. Even though I saw them occasionally, I always sensed that their “second cousin” was blood. They went out of their way to see me speak in schools, and my wife Pam and I were proud to be in their circle of love when Uncle Joe flew past his 85^th birthday in style—even dancing the hula in a grass skirt with coconut shells adorning his chest. He cracked everyone up. I will forever be grateful for their embrace.

Joe was a master of many trades, but his greatest accomplishment was to put five children on his back, make sure they understood that “Christ, ya gotta be smart and work your ass off to make it.” And make it they all did. It was never easy for Joe, but it was never dull, and it was always, always loud in their house. Whether it was singing at Christmas or just a get together on a birthday, you had to adjust the volume on your own headset as your ears would ring—and when you left you always knew that your own voice would be happily strained.

There were special moments between me and my Uncle Joe. One such moment was on the morning my father passed away, Joe came up the steps of their mobile home, and said to me, “Son of a Bitch, Bobby—well, if you ya gotta go, Christ, Louie went the right way.”

One thing you had to understand was Uncle Joe had his own vocabulary and style of speaking to you. He reminded me visually of the actor James Cagney, with that “Listen to me, Kid” style as his shoulders often lifted, and he poised himself to make a point. He always called me “Bobby”—and I liked that. He often started sentences with “Christ”—to Joe, the word “Christ” was a variation of “Okay” or “Well” or just “Geeze”—as in “Christ, Tessie anytime you need me I’m just down the street.” “Jesus Christ” was reserved for when he was mad…but I won’t go there.

All of us “kids” knew that we always saw the best of our uncles and aunts at get togethers. My cousins always thought Aunt Tessie and Uncle Louie were funny and caring. But we also knew that when the party was over, all of the aunts and uncles could face hard times, too. Nevertheless, when we were all together, it brought out the best in all of us.

Uncle Joe was a larger than life character. We all referred to him as “The Legend.” But he was real; his smile wide; his eyes would twinkle behind his wrap-around shades (so Italian); and his laugh so hearty that all those around him were sucked into the laughter, as well. And his dreams, his California dreams of a lasting legacy, were realized by the generations he witnessed with his own two eyes.

No greater accolade can be said of a man than that he made his family’s dreams come true.

That is what I most admire about him.

God Bless,

“Bobby”

I Stand as “the Loyal Opposition.”

Here’s the difference between me and Mitch McConnell, the Senate’s Majority leader who decides what goes to a vote in the hallowed halls of the Capitol. I want America to succeed—even under Mr. Trump. We need a vigorous Department of State, a Veterans’ Administration that continues to successfully serve our wounded soldiers, an Environmental Protection Agency that does just that and, naturally, an Immigration Service that has control of America’s borders and vets those who come to our nation in the hopes of a better and safer life. Who could be against any of these things, you ask?

Mitch McConnell. The moment Barack Obama was sworn in as our 44^th President, McConnell proclaimed to the nation that he would do all in his power to make Mr. Obama a “one term President” and obstruct any and all policies that the newly minted President offered to our legislators. Thus, he was rooting for President Obama to fail.

And that is exactly what McConnell did. Obamacare only passed on a straight party vote because at that time and for two years, the President had a majority in the Senate and House. But during those two years, the forces of the right wing screamed bloody murder. “There will be death panels!” “He is a socialist!” “He is not even an American—he wasn’t born here!” “He’ll bankrupt the country!” and of course, “He’s a Muslim!”

As we know, the truth was that 24 million people were added to health care insurance market; people who had put off seeing a doctor because they could not afford it. Yes, some insurers pulled out of states because they were not making enough profit, but not all insurers. Mr. Obama said over and over that the system is not perfect, far from it, but he continued to implore the ‘loyal opposition’ to help fix it and improve it. And we know exactly what these loyalists did—they tried in vain to repeal it some 50 times. In those eight years of complaining, we learned, after the fact, they had no plan to “replace” it, not to ignore that Mr. Obama is a US citizen and Christian, there were no death panels, and the nation’s economy wasn’t bankrupted at all.  

After the mid-term elections, the impact of the lies and brazen attacks on Mr. Obama took a toll. And to be fair, most Presidents’ luster wears off after two years. And once in control, the Republicans literally shut down the government. Ted Cruz sure was happy.

Enter stage right, Mr. Trump. He claimed in his Inaugural Address that the “American carnage” was over. This was ironic, since the “carnage” to the job market, the Stock Market, and the financial institutions that Mr. Obama inherited in 2008 had been healed, treated, and the patient was recovering fairly well, all things considering—especially the US auto industry. 

The facts are evidenced of this graphic. Is there still a wealth disparity that looms over the nation?and that was a heavy lift. Clearly, America eight years of President Obama had set the ship back on course.

Yes. But that is my point. One President tries to build on the next President’s accomplishments, not tear those accomplishments down. Ronald Reagan asked if we were better off in four or eight years. Not all Americans were after Mr. Obama, but the nation was on the precipice of economic catastrophe with major institutions going bankrupt. We were bleeding out hundreds of thousands of jobs a month. All of that was reversed,

I root for America. I am glad that the unemployment rate has continued to drop from Obama’s 5% to its 4% level. Good on us. I’m glad ISIS is slowly (seemingly) falling apart. The controversial drone attacks Obama authorized seemed to have a serious effect. I know that Mr. Obama deported many people who were here illegally; those whom his administration felt were a threat to our security. Mr. Obama felt this needed to happen in a humane manner.  I’m glad the economy is growing and has been growing since 2008. Good on us. All Presidents and United States legislators should advance the nation’s interest—that is their goal and their sworn oath of office.

However, that was not McConnell’s view. It is not Mr. Trump’s view. They are intent on taking anything that has the signature of President Obama on it and ripping it to shreds. DACA cancelled. Obamacare’s mandate that people pay into the system cancelled. (Only the integrity of John McCain saved the program from being completely leveled). Environmental regulations on auto emissions cancelled. The Paris Accords limiting global warming—America checks out. Soon the treaty agreed to by the United States, Europe and Iran, dismantling its nuclear program is in serious jeopardy. Why? If it is because Mr. Trump does not ‘trust them”—then why would he trust North Korea? And as for negotiations in general, the State Department has been gutted, US ambassadors in many critical nations unnamed. Even Mr. Pompeo, the new Secretary of State, realizes this disaster waiting to happen.

And finally, the incontrovertible fact confirmed by the CIA, NSA and FBI that Russia meddled in our election: hacking and subverting our most important institution, the American trust in free and fair elections. And this fact has been denied, downplayed or ignored by President Trump, who is sworn to uphold the oath of office to protect the United States… “against all enemies, foreign and domestic; ...” Even Mr. Trump’s Republican colleagues are frustrated with his feigned ignorance on this issue.

This is what discord brings. President Lincoln said “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

How divided are we as a people? Today at the Encinitas Street Fair a man strutted by me aloof to his t-shirt’s insulting bold lettered message (and I am omitting the three letters with *):

TRUMP

F*** WHAT YOU FEEL.

That is not American patriotism. Not in my book. I stand as “the loyal opposition.”

Bob Pacilio's Metaphor Cafe.blogspot.com: Do You Understand This Man? We Think We Do…But Do ...

Bob Pacilio's Metaphor Cafe.blogspot.com: Do You Understand This Man? We Think We Do…But Do ...: For years I told my students a story, a true story, a quiz really, about a man who, as a reward for his distinguished work in his field, p...