Mood: Depressed

My dear ones, I know you don't remember the helpless disillusionment of the '60's and early '70's. You will perhaps say that no, we weren't helpless, that the war was protested strongly. Yet it went on and on anyway, as you know, and it was later revealed that our leaders, people who supposedly cared for us and our country, concealed information, distorted information, let themselves turn a blind eye to truth that might have spared the lives of so many.

In many ways the world is a better place than it was a hundred, or even fifty years ago, and I try to keep that in focus to fuel the optimism that seems much more natural to me than despair. But human nature is what it is, and there are too many people who still consider violence, and particularly large scale violence, to be a viable solution to life's problems, and too many people who allow themselves to be sucked in by a shiny package of lies and propaganda and false patriotism. It breaks my heart. This country can be great, in very many ways it is great, but we need to look at ourselves with clear vision and see ourselves as citizens of the World, not just as Americans.

I generally try not to think of this stuff much, as it does provoke such a feeling of helplessness. However, firesignwriter posted this link, and I could not remain silent.

Boa Ladies

Was out 'til 2:00 A.M. last night with The Boa Ladies. These consist of me, my boss, an assistant principal and her secretary, and the coolest teacher on campus. Went to the new Buca di Beppo in T.O. -- wow, was the food great! They loved the decor. We sat there talking until the staff kicked us out at 11:30, then went to Denny's down the road for dessert and more conversation. Denny's was enlivened by a poor skinny long-haired fellow who appeared to be either ill or really wasted, and made his way past our corner booth toward the men's room, staggering precariously, to our party's alarm, then fell when he came back out. He was helped up by the employees and his lady friend and left with the latter, shortly after. The admins were all ready to leap up and call 911 if it seemed to be called for, but fortunately this was not the case.

Caught a few Z's, and, having the day off in observance of Rosh Hashana, now will get ready to drive to Ventura for an appointment, then to SB to lunch with ladymora. Later there will be a nail appointment, and visit to the vet with Radioactive Cat. A busy day, ahead.