Football is a distinctly American sport. Well, the world plays football. Just not American football. American football starts in high school, then goes on to college. Then football goes pro, supported by municipalities and geographic regions. Football is enjoys the privilege of American support.

Basketball enjoys the same type of support. Not to the same extent as football, basketball is somewhat a second string of a sport, not as much gear is needed for basketball. Really, all you need is a set of sneakers to play the game.

Baseball is also a grand American sport. However there is not as much support for baseball in the school systems. True there are minor leagues supported by various municipalities. It is a bit cheaper to support baseball, personally a fancy glove will do.

So football is probably the big money sport. More equipment is needed to play football. You have to be well off to play football. So what happened?  A number of football players have taken up protesting the flag. The protests predates President Trump, so he actually had nothing to do with the protests. Ostensibly the protests are about police and alleged brutality towards blacks. A behavior promoted by President Obama.

Some folks believe that police brutality is a major problem. They believe that it is absolutely proper to protest the flag because of police brutality. I wonder why.

If a police officer asks you to stop, stop. Face him, or her, let them see your hands. They will not shoot you. You are only in danger if you are hostile, or try to escape. Those who promote hostility towards the police are only putting you in danger

Fascism become a thing about a hundred years ago. It was a creation of the elite and privileged class of the time. The rationale was quite simple. Things would be better if everyone thought like us. Oh, we do not mind exploiting others to make our lives better. Logical right? There is good profit to be made in exploitation.

I do not mind using the word fascist, it is an accurate description of those who practice extreme unionism. Some people do not mind the extinguishing of independent thought. I presume it is because they want to protect what they have. Fascism is a seductive siren call.

So seductive, Fascism has gone mainstream. Call it the exploitation of many to benefit the few. Dare not raise raise a word against the prevailing view, or you will be pummeled. A most excellent business model for some. Yes, the sneakers Swosh. Such a mainstream symbol cannot be denied. A symbol of status, and now symbolism. Tear down the system and replace it.

It’s all about the curve, yes it is. Am I worried? Should I be? My belief is that Fascism will collapse this time. The Democratic party is in a downward spiral. Collapsing in upon itself like a black hole. The only energy now is just the illuminating darkness of the core belief that is in itself the foundation of the party.

Aye, so vote I say. The truth will set us free.

I do not use the “N” word. To do so would be inferred as a clear expression of tolerance, if not outright support for racism and slavery. My ancestors fought and died in the Civil War. There is no reason for me to disagree with their motives.

As bad as the “N” word is, there is another “N” that is even worse. It is a word that evokes the wholesale annihilation of a people. Think death camps and gas chambers. At least slaves were allowed to reproduce. By their efforts they represented an actual value. So as bad as the first “N” word is, the second is a whole order of magnitude worse. Because I have a clear understanding of it’s meaning, it is another word that I refuse to use.

For eight years, even the most casual criticism of President Obama would be seen as simple bigotry, or racism. There could be no argument. You either supported the president, or you were a bigot. Or worse. Now, some people believe if you support the president you are a bigot. Or worse. There can be no argument about that.

Just as a point of reference. Recently in a nearby city there was a self proclaimed White Supremacist. Somebody shot him dead in a parking lot. Nobody cared. Just the briefest of mention in the local news.

So when the first “N” word is strictly forbidden, why is the second “N” word, which could be argued is so much worse, is tossed around so casually.

It is true that I have never experienced the degradation of being called by the first “N” word. It is also true that I have experienced violence because of the color of my skin. It’s also true that I have been lucky to escape violence against me that was motivated by my political beliefs.

Recently former President Obama returned to the campaign trail. He casually used the second, and much worse “N” word to describe some of the current supporters of President Trump. His casualness in the usage of such a vile word is quite mainstream. It is indicative of poor thoughtfulness and leadership. In embracing such a word and causing its common usage President Obama and his many supporters have brought us to a very dark time in American politics.

I enjoy traveling through Canada, it is a very beautiful place. Especially the Maritimes. Driving the roads and lodging at B&B’s, wondering the amazing parks and eating delicious foods at local restaurants is an unparalleled experience. Except for one thing.

The chowder. Used to thick New England style chowder, I was aghast at the thin watery broth that was served as a chowder. What was sold as chowder seemed more like an Asian appetizer. I have nothing against a far eastern soup, in fact I can enjoy the crispness of the cuisine. The problem is when I expect something from down east, and find a bit from the far east that I get confused.

I pondered this discrepancy during my travels upon the fine coastal roads of the Maritimes when I made a simple observation. No cows. It is hard to have a creamy chowder, when there is no cream. I then thought no more about the perplexing chowder. I just did not order any.

Now I hear about the dairy products tax imposed by Canada on dairy imports. I think no wonder they don’t have a good chowder. I certainly do not want to tell Canadians what to do, however I would not mind if they would culturally appropriate some fine New England style chowder. It could help make an otherwise fine country, perfect.