Simon's Blog

Today more than ever, Republicans and Democrats agree on very little. Roughly 73% of the public say that Republicans and Democrats not only disagree over policies but disagree on “basic facts.” Most Republicans and Democrats believe that no good ideas come from the other party. Republicans tend to lean toward individual freedoms while Democrats attach greater importance to equality. Democrats tend to favor a more active government and believe that such involvement can improve the quality of people’s lives. But Republicans favor a smaller government and often see it as wasteful and obstacles to getting things done. But party association alone doesn’t clarify the differences. Most researchers agree that the media is responsible and makes a lot of money by polarized viewers.   Although the media contributes to the conflict, it doesn’t completely explain why we sort ourselves into these polarizing groups. Democrats and Republicans seem to live in bubbles, having little exposu...

We are told to wear masks and get vaccinated against COVID-19. But it seems to me that we have forgotten the basic foundations of protecting ourselves against pathogens and other invaders. We are simply relying on governments to protect us, and that’s backward, dangerous, troublesome, and self-destructiveness. First, our immune system is extremely complex. They are networks of cells, tissues, and organs working together to help our bodies fight a variety of infections. It has taken nature a very long time to provide us with those benefits. Our immune system defends us against all sorts of pathogens that it finds harmful. When our immune system recognizes those invaders, it attacks and does everything it can to properly remedy the situation. But our first line of defense is always a healthy lifestyle. Of the many things we can do to support a healthy immune system is to consume lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, nutrients,...

Today, I am catching a ferry to Blake Island. It was once the home of the Suquamish tribe. Historians say that it was the birthplace of Chief Sealth, for whom the city of Seattle was named.  It takes about two hours on the ferry to get to Blake Island. I made assumptions that there would be snacks on the ferry, but I was wrong. I see that there’s a menu. Peanuts are $2, so I asked the clerk for peanuts. He tells me that they’re out. “Wait one minute,” he says, then rushes to the back. He returns with two boxes full of snacks, but there are no peanuts. He does not say anything. He looks away and asks another person if they need help. I asked, “where is the peanuts?” “Oh,” he says, “I thought I told you. We are out.” I buy a bag of potato chips instead.   I arrive at Blake Island and walk to the longhouse. Patrons are giving away clams to people as they enter the longhouse. Inside there’s an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. I am not why it felt strange to me having an all...

We are here on the Olympic Peninsula enamored by the beauty that surrounds us. It’s absolutely amazing how much of God’s wonderful artwork exists in Washington State. As I absorb the air and witness the absolute size of the Puget Sound, I am grateful, puzzled and wonderfully entranced by this spectacular design. Why would all this beauty be entrusted to us? Does nature truly believe that we are capable of protecting and conserving its magnificent resources? It has to be from love. That's the only conclusion that holds any water. There would be no other reason to endow us with such gifts if the feeling didn't spring from love. The ocean of water reflects the sunlight and produces a radiance, suggesting that there is more beauty and substance hidden beyond the form.    Trying to describe God or Mother Nature seems futile. We are limited by our language, so we cannot really describe exactly what we see or experience. Our descriptions of things are limited by our senses. And ...

I got up early this morning and went to the gym.  As I sat on the mat, a woman walked in speaking very loudly on her cell phone. She stepped onto one of the treadmills and continued to speak as I loudly as possible. I found it very difficult to relax but continued with my stretching. The sound of her voice began annoying me and the lack of gym courtesy began to frustrate me. I hold your tongue and take a deep breath. To say anything would be rude and disrespectful. I was annoyed and it became more difficult for me to stretch. I opened my eyes and glanced over at the woman. “How much longer will you be on the phone?” I asked. There was no response. She dismounted from the treadmill, opened the door, and left the gym without saying a single word. Did I feel guilty? No! I was glad that I told her something. That same morning, I gave someone a compliment about their haircut. Maybe it was to create some form of equilibrium to my day.

Children beautifully playing     Stretched like pebbles along the beach Celestial bodies floating Bless Peak majestic reflection   Natives rise above sea level  Following wisdom of Ravens and Trees Ancient stories told—folktales to some Poseidon’s presence known   Venus invitation to Gaea  Selene invited to attend  Poseidon jealousy swells Rises from the ocean’s depth   Natives stories and folktales  Pilgrims have their own  Theirs more reliable Ownership has a name    Natives and Pilgrims No hate, no animosity Just differences No real urgency The gods celebrate Heavy rains make their presence Bless Peak showers  Caw sounds permeate    Natives know the call Ravens embrace Bless Peak  Poseidon celebrates  Natives feast with Ravens   Bless community transformed Poseidon consumes He’s satisfied Eden returns Famous Cards https://simondalexy.com/