Today was the day to wrap all the presents. Lori and I spent a couple of fun hours hiding each in a cocoon of season’s paper. Now they add a lovely touch sitting beneath the new tree.

Tomorrow, our Daughter’s children will venture from next door and destroy the paper we lovingly used to hide their gifts. We are fortunate the trash cans are empty—for the moment.

Yesterday, we had Christmas present exchange with our Son’s family in the early afternoon. Later, my Daughter and family joined us for dinner and an evening chatting around the firepits. It was a beautiful night spent remembering the year with hot chocolate and burnt marshmallows.

This year has been unlike any year we remembered. The first few months were passing as usual, and then C’OVID disrupted the rest of it. Months in a full lockdown, then a start to return to normal before another lockdown.

We don’t know what the rest of the year will be like or what next year will bring but look forward to it.

Thank you for visiting, and we wish you and yours a safe, healthy holiday.

If you like, you can use the comment form to share your holiday with us.

Restrictions

The county executive closed restaurants once more to indoor and outdoor dining. Only curbside or takeout is authorized in Anne Arundel County, Maryland until sometime in January 2021.

This is more restrictive than what the state’s governor recommends. He recommends restaurants be limited to outdoor dining.

Exceptions

It would be appropriate if he closed the casinos and limited the box stores to curbside service only. No, these can continue to open but with limitations to 25%.

I can shop at Walmart, Costco, Target, Lowe’s, and Home Depot, but I can’t go out to eat. There is something wrong with these decisions.

Control

I firmly believe this proves government can control the American population. Not unlike government control of people in many third world nations.

They claim it protects us from the virus. The hospitalizations and death numbers are always about the virus. We no longer have anyone dying from cancer, heart disease, car accidents, or any other source.

People died before the virus

It is humorless that some thousands of Americans died each week of natural causes, which caused no concern. Yet, the virus made the government cringe and demand Americans shelter-in-place. Read this link.

Purely, government proved that Americans are lemmings that can be led off the cliff’s edge at its demand.

Do you share this perspective? The comment form provides the space to agree or disagree.

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The first time was earlier this year. The league enjoyed a fun season, looking to several more weeks of completion when Governor Larry Hogan ordered the lockdown. He closed many types of businesses, including bowling alleys, gyms, and other recreational activities.

Of course, the base followed the state, and the base bowling alley was closed.

Why us

Funny how one could catch COVID in the bowling alley but not at big box stores like WALMART and COSTCO or the supermarket.

It seemed like years, yet in only a matter of months, the governor started to remove his restrictions. Welcomed was when he permitted businesses to fifty percent capacity. Shortly after, the base lanes began preparations to allow the leagues to return.

Returning was not a simple matter. The virus was still active, and no vaccine available.

Not everyone returns

When canvased, only sixteen of the leagues’ thirty-two bowlers desired to return in September under the base health department’s conditions. Instead of eight-four man teams, the competition started with six-three member teams. (The vacancy on two teams filled by the second week.) The league agreed to bowl a fifteen-week schedule with the hope that more would join in January.

Things were fine until Governor Hogan reinstituted lockdown rules when virus cases rose again.

Tuesday Night Men’s League’s fall season ended on week twelve when the lanes announce the base was closing the alleys until January 2021.

Next season?

Though enduring the restrictions placed on them this fall, all league members want to return as soon as the lanes reopen. Perhaps, by then, some of the previous league members will join us in the spring season.

Lockdown? Use the comment form to let me know how it has affected you or anything else of interest.

I sit here contending with a bout of near-depression. I am usually very much an optimist, but this election brings out the pessimist in me. I wonder what great sin in my past warrants the punishment of watching my great country on the verge of being brought low.

Donald J. Trump President

I celebrated when Donald J. Trump was elected president. His business background and campaign promises foretold prosperity for the country. I was not disappointed.

• The wages for blue-collar workers grew faster than for white-collar employees.
• Unemployment decreased as there were more jobs than qualified applicants. Also, the unemployment rate for minorities was lowest in years, for some the lowest ever.
• The number of illegals crossing the border reduced by an improved border wall and agreements between the United States and Mexico.
• The stock market grew by bounds as Americans spent their increased wealth and corporations reported their earnings. Individuals with stocks saw their accounts grow rapidly. Working Americans with 401k or IRA accounts enjoyed the same.
• President Trump began withdrawing America from Middle East wars after destroying ISIS. Troops are returning to the States, and no new wars started. For the first time in over twenty-five years, Israel and several Middle East Nations signed peace agreements.
• He increased funding to the military with pay increases for members and replenishment of equipment and munitions.
• Reformed the Veterans Administration to provide improved care for veterans.
• Signed an Executive Order to make hospitals post their charges for care to allow price shopping by those seeking care.
• Signed an Executive Order to make pharmaceutical companies price drugs at their cost in other countries, benefiting all Americans.
• His opponent regularly attacks the response to COVID-19. The facts are President Trump took quick action to fight the virus’ impact.
  • Shut down flights from China and Europe after conferring with experts.
  • Shut down America’s economy after consulting experts again.
  • Cut through red tape and used his influence with pharmaceutical companies to begin the rapid development of a vaccine.
  • Used his emergency powers to have companies build personal protective equipment at a phenomenal rate. Used the Army Corps of Engineers to erect field hospitals in cities where hospitals approached capacity because of the many infected.
  • Signed multiple funding bills to mitigate COVID-19 financial impact on businesses and those laid off.

President Trump’s efforts resulted in the return to work for many of those furloughed and the largest growth in Gross Domestic Product ever. This, while several states continue keeping many businesses locked down or operating at reduced capacity.

There are many reasons for optimism brought with the election of Donald J. Trump, so what is the problem—the possible election of Joe Biden.

Joe Biden

Joe Biden, Vice President under President Obama, made concerning promises. A summary follows.

• Will fight COVID-19 but hasn’t any plans different from what the President has done.
  • Shut down the economy if experts recommend it.
  • Mandate mask wear. President Trump recommended but didn’t mandate wearing a mask.
  • More personal protective equipment, though there are surpluses now.
  • Accomplish some things that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended for getting schools reopened and vaccine development.
• Promises to repeal the Trump tax cuts, which gave the average American family an extra $2000.00 a year and more for those with children. These go away with the Biden plan.
• Increase taxes for corporations that will increase the price of their product or reduce pay or benefits for workers to maintain corporate profitability. A third option which many may employ is to move overseas where taxes are lower.
• Spend on extensive infrastructure. The spending is for clean energy and to fight climate change.
  • Spend to move electricity generation to solar and wind sources.
  • Buy millions of electric cars and install thousands of charging stations.
  • Increase the demand placed on power plants, oooppppsss—I mean wind and solar power sources that even now can’t meet California’s needs.
• Stop all new drilling and forbid fracking on government lands. It begins the destruction of the fossil fuel industry.
  • Eliminate the subsidies to the oil companies.
  • Less oil and natural gas produced domestically will increase gasoline, electricity, and heating fuel costs.
  • Cause America to be energy independent no longer and make America reliant on imports once more.
  • Interesting point: windmills and solar panels are created with energy from fossil fuels. Without great energy sources, windmill and solar panel parts will be built overseas. This conflicts with the promise to “Buy American.”
• Promises to make MEDICARE available under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to those who couldn’t afford insurance.
  • MEDICARE is practically on life support now. Adding large numbers of new users will create funding issues, and likely lead to socialized medicine as insurance companies can’t compete with government funded plans.
  • In other countries, government (socialized) insurance has resulted in long waits and rationed care.
• Promised to make eleven million illegals eligible for citizenship.
  • Open the borders and allow thousands to enter the United States, who will contest Americans for entry-level jobs and depress Americans’ wages.
  • Those who come will levy a heavy load on schools, hospitals, and social services, which again adversely affects American families.

He and his socialist running mate have made other promises, which brings on my borderline depression. It is contrary to my lifetime optimistic nature, but where I am today.

Resolution to Depression

There is only one resolution to depression, the reelection of Donald J. Trump on 3 November 2020. Elation is his reelection, and the Senate remains in Republican control. Jubilation comes with those and the House of Representative going Republican.

Until next time, remember to be safe during this trying time.

The way forward is very different under Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The following is my understanding of the positions of the two candidates.

President Donald Trump promises he will continue to push for lower taxes, low regulations, increased job opportunities for all Americans, and more.  He has already taken executive action to lower health care and drug costs and improve education through vouchers and charter schools. He will continue his policies on immigration and work for a resolution to the DACA issue. These are things he has spoken of or done for the last three and one-half years.

Vice President Joe Biden’s plans are very different. He intends to raise tax rates on corporations and on individuals making less than $400,000. He will increase regulations on businesses and sectors of industry as part of his Green Deal. His health care plan calls for a public option that will compete with private insurance plans. His list includes free college for those making less than $125,000, more funding to public schools, the end to private schools, and forgiveness for some college debt. He wants changes to immigration to allow more and a path for citizenship for DACA.

The effect on Americans will be very different after a vaccine for COVID becomes available, and all states fully reopen.

President Trump’s plans have proven their worth before COVID with low unemployment and growing family income. Once there is a vaccine, these policies should take over and return us to a pro-growth society.

Vice President  Biden’s plans are untested and need more evaluation.

There is no way increasing taxes won’t affect those making less than $400,000 a year. Maybe not directly, but as an unintended consequence. Business taxes are a cost of doing business and paid using monies from customers. When you Increase taxes, the company increases prices, reduces its workforce, or/and delay expansion.

Complying with regulations is a business expense. Like taxes, they result in higher prices or fewer workers. The business must pay someone to evaluate the requirements and ensure compliance met.

Taxes and regulations affect everyone who uses a company’s products or services and anyone invested in the company through stocks or mutual funds (401k, IRA, etc.)

The Green Deal, or whatever he named it, calls for an end of fossil fuels. That is an end to cheap, reliable electricity and transportation. California has mandates requiring production of a percentage of electricity by solar or wind. This summer, the state had brownouts and blackouts because renewables weren’t up to the task. They are not ready for prime time as the primary energy source for homes, factories, hospitals, etc.

Vice President Biden has said he will push to replace gas-powered cars with electric vehicles. He will have millions of charging stations installed throughout the country. That sounds great and useful for short distance traveling. Let’s be generous and use the mileage a Tesla can travel today. The company claims it will do 325 miles on a full charge. Charging the vehicle to full takes up to twelve hours. I would need to stop four times to recharge and wait twelve hours each time before continuing to travel to see Texas relatives. No thanks.

Advertised free anything is never free. Someone has to pay for it. You may not write the check while the government does, but many provide the funds the government uses through taxes.

Joe Biden wants to allow more immigration and allow them access to the “American dream.” These workers will compete with out-of-work Americans. History shows immigrants willing to work for less, keeping wages low.

Wages will not go lower than $15.00, according to Biden’s manifesto. It will become the mandated minimum wage. Time would tell the impact on teens, etc. in breaking into the workforce (getting a job.)

This election provides a stark contrast between the two candidates’ visions for America. I am interested to learn which Americans choose.

Disclaimer. I prefaced my analysis with “my understanding.” I am open to hearing your understanding. So much so, I have a comment form for your use.

Keep safe during this trying time.

Here we are celebrating Labor Day during a coronavirus shutdown. A day to honor those who made and are making contributions to the well-being of the country.

At first blush, one thinks of those paid for their labor as the recipients of the honor. It should cause one to blush, for many who contribute to the country’s well-being earn little, if any, salary or hourly pay.

Those who support

They are homemakers—women and men who remain at home caring for children or elderly relatives to allow their life-mate to bring the paycheck. We cannot measure their contribution in dollars and cents, though some have tried. The Washington Post at https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-parenting/post/a-homemakers-real-salary/2012/02/01/gIQAh7czhQ_blog.html once estimated their value at over $96,000 a year. Let’s not undervalue those who support by maintaining the home.

The holiday includes those who worked but not working today, whether retired or out-of-work because of the virus or other reasons. I am thankful for all of those who have worked, are working, or support workers. Our country is great because of you.

Another Peeve

You know me. Here is a peeve. I am disappointed in my County Executive. He never follows Maryland’s Governor’s recommendations regarding reopenings. Does he think people less capable of adhering to state guidelines run Anne Arundel County businesses? It appears so.

He should honor country workers on this Labor Day by helping them to get back to work.

I would enjoy hearing how your Labor Day goes. I provide a comment form for your use.

For the last thirty years, this would be the time when the bowling leagues wrapped up their summer seasons and the meetings for the fall season held. Well, there was no summer season this year.

COVID struck in March. Governor Hogan shut down all non-essential businesses, one being bowling alleys. Several weeks ago, the Governor allowed businesses to reopen with restrictions. Customers must wear masks, and there are social distancing requirements. Several local bowling alleys opened by conforming with the limits.

The Lanes at Ft Meade was not one of these. The military was taking it slower, being more cautious. Finally, the call came that we could start reforming leagues.

Preparation to Return

As league secretaries, the first order of business was to learn how many of our previous bowlers felt comfortable bowling under the COVID-19 mandates. My wife and I found many wanted to wait until January when they hope we will have a cure, but there was a good number desiring to start in September. The final count for restarting now was enough to establish fall leagues, though much smaller than last year’s.

Meetings convened, and the result was everyone agreed to short seasons that would end in December. It allows new leagues to form in January to include those desiring to wait.

My wife’s  Monday Seniors League kicked off yesterday with twelve teams, down from the 36. My Tuesday Men’s League restarts on 8 September with six-three man teams. Last season we had eight-four man teams. Her Friday Early Birds League had a good representation returning. Enough to form nine-four person teams, and three teams from the Armed Force League joined to make twelve. It restarted on 28 August.

These leagues have several things in common. They finish in December, the bowlers all wear masks while in the bowling alley, only every other pair of lanes used, and I bowl in all of them.

My New Normal

Yes, my usual has returned. Bowl Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Do league books on Wednesday. Thursday is a day of rest or, sometimes, a day to practice. Saturday and Sunday, think about not bowling.

So, what do you think of my normal? Please don’t be shy; let me know. I provide a form for your convenience.

First, my wife and I are doing well, sitting out the Covid-19 in a half-opened Maryland.

Summer Time

Covid-19 has affected our usual summer. What do two senior retirees do for the summer? Other years, we would have bowled until early May in leagues. After the leagues, we would use a visit to the lanes to give a reason to leave the house. Sometimes, we would take some of our grandkids bowling on dollar day, so we could also afford to feed them . We mostly stayed home this year.

“Living” at the alleys since 1985 has gained us friends we enjoy being with away from the lanes. We would get together for dinner, sharing our lives over a delightful meal. The lockdown did more than keep us home. It enforced it with the closure of our favorite and not so favorite eateries. The upside is that we will have lots to catch up once we can dine together again.

Bowling in or after Covid-19

The lanes being closed does not disrupt our league participation, not yet. We don’t bowl summer leagues, though I practice several times a month. This year, it might not matter if fall leagues don’t restart. Currently, the base commander is allowing the lanes to open for food service but not for bowling until late August. The re-opening depends on the Covid-19 numbers then.

My fear has to do with league bowlers returning and attracting new bowlers. The men’s league, and most of the others, have a large number of seniors. My wife’s senior’s league requires bowlers to be fifty or older; most are older than sixty. How many seniors will return if the disease is still rampant?

We recruit new bowlers during the summer when they come to practice. This option is not available this summer. Will new bowlers seek a league in September, if the alley opens?

Finally, how much disruption to bowling practices will bowlers accept? Will they wear masks? Would they accept changes to regular schedules to comply with social distancing rules? E.g., bowling every other week, or split shifts? These, and other questions, worry me that my league may not start on time, or at all.

RVing or not

There are other effects of Covid-19. This week found us planning the meals and snacks for a recreational vehicle trip. Decisions based on if any grandchildren were traveling with us. But Covid-19 has disrupted our plans. We will not spend late July with relatives in Texas like we have the past three years.

Instead of making the Texas trip, we have considered a local RV excursion. I suggested taking the RV for a two day trip into western Maryland. We would enjoy some beautiful scenery and the road trip.  The RV would enable us to stay safer, eating, and sleeping in a space we control. We shall see.

Lastly, I am so disgusted with the anarchy seen daily. Laws ignored and federal, state, and local government is abetting the lawless. How, by refusing to confront the criminal segment who have co-opted lawful, peaceful protests. It needs to stop before it goes so far that average citizens feel the need to push back against the lawless themselves. Our leaders need to stop it before it goes too far.

Be safe during these trying times!

I always appreciate comments. Share your thoughts with me using the available form.