So many things happening this morning – both at home and abroad (wherever home might be at this particular time).
First of all, the absolute stupidity, abomination, and horror happening at, in and about the U,S, Supreme Court about abortion. Honest to goodness, the entire country is falling apart – nothing works, crime rate astronomical, gun violence everywhere and the idiots on the Supreme Court and in the country as a whole are worrying about abortion. Where are their heads? Up their rear ends, obviously. So here is the news brought to you from the New York Times. “ The Supreme Court has decided to overturn Roe. vs, Wade and allow states to outlaw abortion, according to a written draft of the justices’ decision obtained by Politico. Other publications have not confirmed the authenticity of the draft, and Supreme Court justices sometimes change their minds during the writing of opinions. But many legal observers are treating the draft as anthemic and summing that abortion policy in the U.S, is about to be transformed. “
There were photographs attached to this news release. One read Against Abortion Have a Vasectomy. I did love that one. But it is rather unnecessary – I am convinced that the men who are against abortion can not get it up in the first place. That is why they hate abortions – if they every managed to father a child they would be most chagrined if the poor woman, thinking of who the father was and will be, would be rushing out to get rid of result of an entirely unpleasant experience.
Now Andy Borowiz attempted to be funny about this revolting development but, in my humble opinion, failed. But here goes: “Senator Susan Collins, who had been assured by Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 that he considered Roe v. Wade “settled law,” said today that she was “shocked” that the Supreme Court Justice “would ever lie to a woman.” “When I met with Justice Kavanaugh before his confirmation hearings, he looked me in the eye and said that he considered Roe v. Wade the law of the land,” she said. “Nothing in his confirmation hearings suggested that he would ever be less than trustworthy with a woman.”
Well, it is rather subtle, this humor – the guy can take away the right of a woman to control her body but somehow lying to one is worse? I do not actually get it. It does go on.
“As I watched his Senate testimony, I felt even more confident that he had told me the truth,” she added. “His utter respect for a woman’s right to make decisions for herself came shining through.” In the aftermath of the leaked Supreme Court draft ruling and reports that Kavanaugh voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, however, Collins is reassessing her ability to tell whether someone is lying to her. “My conduct in this matter has left me troubled and concerned,” she said.”
There was, of course, a great deal of activity on Instagram about this issue. I did, of course responds. One of my dearest friends wrote ‘Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.’ Churchill
Me: I totally agree with that statement but I do not think it was Churchill that said it.
I researched the quote and I was right. I do so love being right – even if it is a friend that is mistaken. The quote is most likely due to writer and philosopher George Santayana, and in its original form it read, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Santayana was known for aphorisms, and for being a professor in philosophy at Harvard which he abandoned. Prior to that, Santayana attended Boston Latin School and Harvard College, where he studied under the philosophers William James and Josiah Royce According to Santayana’s philosophy, history repeats. The phrasing itself certainly is catchy. It’s a big one, not only because it is so common, but also because if it is true and if history, driven by human nature, is ugly (hint: it is), then this saying ought to guide our public and private policy. The sentiment that history repeats aspires to common sense and is hard to disagree with. In the history of the United States and Europe, wars have ended with confiscatory terms of government surrender inevitably breeding more wars. Revolutions, like those in France and Russia, that gave an individual absolute power—Napoleon and Stalin, respectively—inevitably end up as failed empires brutal dictatorships. Even individuals are subject to this advice. Couples who do not learn from their fights break up. People who don’t learn from their mistakes don’t mature.
In the 21st century, specific events in Syria have proven a repeated lessons about civil wars, like the Vietnam war, that when great powers intervene to fight proxy battles, conflict becomes protracted. Incidentally, when Abraham Lincoln governed during the American Civil War, he recognized it was essential to keep out foreign powers like Britain and France.”
But humor rules again. Consider what humorist and writer Mark Twain famously said on the matter: “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.”
Another friend, quoting Ellen Mary O’Connell wrote: “Don’t worry ladies. We can still have abortions. All we have to do is become a Republican’s mistress.” I wrote back:
Me: I would prefer death to that! Or having the kid! Nothing could be more revolting than to be a Republican’s mistress.
You see, the biggest problem with the Dumb Decision is it will further alienate the states from one another. Already there are Red States and Blue States. It is going to be worse now. California, which shall definitely be pro Abortion will perhaps succeed from the union.Already there are indications that this will be so, Gavin the Governor announced that California will build a wall protecting their women, allowing safe abortions. California has been thinking about leaving the USA for years – this will be another incentive. Another Instagram post declared this truth: There still will be abortions, it is only safe abortions that are being outlawed.
But guess what??? I do not care! I am done with the USA. Now I could never assume a leadership role in the United States as I was born in Canada. In Canada I could become the Prime Minister. Hmmmmm I just now researched and therefore learned that there has been a female Canadian Prime Minister, she assumed office during my USA days. This from Wikipedia: “Avril Phaedra Douglas “Kim” Campbell PC CC OBC QC (born March 10, 1947) is a Canadian politician, diplomat, lawyer, and writer who served as the 19th prime minister of Canada from June 25 to November 4, 1993. Campbell is the first and only female prime minister of Canada. Prior to becoming the final Progressive Conservative prime minister, she was also the first woman to serve as Minister of Justice in Canadian history and the first woman to become Minister of Defence in a NATO member state.… Her 132-day premiership is the third-shortest in Canadian history. Campbell was also the first baby boomer to hold the office, as well as the only Prime Minister born in British Columbia. She is currently the chairperson for Canada’s Supreme Court Advisory Board.” Has there ever been a Muslim Prime Minister of Canada. I do not think so. move over Justin, here I come. And here is the good news – never in my whole long life have I ever blackened my face. Occasionally, tan make-up because I never placed my face in the sun but that is all. That is one of the reason I look so young. That and the fact that I have found peace and inner happiness in the Islamic Faith.
I read more about Kim Campbell and there are amazing similarities and coincidences in our lives. She has a sister by the name of Alix, she graduated from high school, the year I graduated from the U of A, she completed law school in 1983, the same year as me, She was ‘called to the bar” in 1983, the same year I was recognized by the California courts. It is rather eerie, more will be revealed subsequently. This woman is definitely my hero, but she is younger than I am. Hmmmmm
Needless to say I am SO happy that I am going to Canada. One of my young USA fans texted:
She: Why are u going to Canada? .
Me: Here is your answer. 1. Why not. 2. I hate the US and 3 I can.
It does rather summarize it all. But do admit to having some doubts. I rose early this morning, praying, thus speaking to Allah. Feeling unsure of myself and asking Him for guidance. Then I totally varied my routine as there was no water to make my instant coffee which I rely upon to rev me up. Instead I got dressed and went down to Costa Coffee. There were many people gathered about – a group of them.
Me: Where are you from?
They: Canada
Me: F**K. Oops I am so sorry I was so surprised! I am a Canadian and that is rare in these parts.
They: That is fine!!
Me: AND I am planning to leave here and go live there again.
They: How interesting!
Me: Where are you from in Canada?
She: Ottawa.
Me: Okay. But I am going to live in Edmonton, after an absence of 55 years.
Another She: I am from Edmonton!
Me: I cannot believe this good fortune.
The miracle continues. They had been in Mecca and were returning home. THEY WERE MUSLIMS.
Therefore, I have already made a Muslim friend in Edmonton and I am not even there yet.
She: I do not think that you will have any trouble making friends.
Me: That is true. I make friends easily but not, as yet, had a Muslim girlfriend and Muslims are, according to the Qur’an are to have friends and family that are Muslims. Now I shall.
I was thoroughly rather amazed and after the coffee kicked in was even more amazed.
Later in the day I met three wonderful Muslim women, who were staying in the Premier Inn for three days – they live in Dubai. What an amazing threesome!! A mother and her two daughters, although one could never guess that she was the mother, she was so youthful in appearance. Her two daughters were immensely educated – one a dentist, the other a psychiatrist. Their mother was also educated – studied and worked in Human Resources. Meeting them gladdened my heart as my exposure to Muslim woman had previously been in places like the Yas Mall and the Rixos Resort where the women obediently trailed behind their husbands. They dressed in black – rather resembling penguins. I laughingly referred to their spouses as Penguin’s husbands. The proud women met in Costa Coffee were stylishly dressed in black abayas but they did not look like penguins. Or act like penguins, Ot walk like penguins. It was such a relief. I am blessed by Allah to have met them.
The photograph is a marvelous gift given to me by EGG. It is a prayer rug. This was our conversation.
He: Do you want anything from the City?
Me: I do not want anything from the City, thanks. Well a portable prayer rug, but I can buy one in Edmonton when I get there.
Well, the wonderful man took me seriously and left me a prayer rug which I retrieved from Costa Coffee, where it was left for me. EGG is off in Oman with TOO. But then, wonders of all wonders, I met a man from Oman. He was having coffee at exactly the same spot as EGG and TOO were. How strange, unusual and extraordinary is my life. Do remember the meaning of extraordinary. It is very unusual or remarkable. Its synonyms describe it all: exceptional, amazing, astonishing, astounding, marvelous, wonderful, sensational, incredible, unbelievable, miraculous, striking, phenomenal, prodigious, spectacular; outstanding, momentous, impressive, singular, signal, preeminent, memorable, unforgettable, never to be forgotten, unique, arresting, eye-catching, conspicuous, noteworthy, notable, great; out of the ordinary, unusual, uncommon, rare, surprising, curious, strange, odd, peculiar, uncanny; fantastic, terrific, tremendous, stupendous, awesome, amazeballs, out of this world, unreal; wondrous.
Mt favorite? Amazeballs of course.
The photograph is my beautiful prayer rug. To be honest, I have no idea what a tasbeeh is – I will find out and tell you later.
