Memorial Day 2026 - When Johnny Comes Marching Home . . .

 

War By Any Other Name

One of 157 Military Cemeteries in the Country

Since 1868, Memorial Day has been reserved for us to take time out from our busy lives to recognize and remember all those who have faithfully served their country, especially those who paid the ultimate price. We fly our flags, attend ceremonies in cemeteries across the country and many dedicate the day to family gatherings. These are great traditions and are appreciated by all and especially those who have served.

Sadly, after a brief hiatus, it is yet another Memorial Day with the nation at war. Make that a “Military Conflict.” As with every other military action since WWII, we are told this is not a war. Also, as with every other conflict since WWII, tell that to the parents of the dead and injured GI’s; such distinctions mean very little.

Since WWII we have had several major “conflicts" starting with Korea and then Vietnam - but that is far from all the combat actions that have put US personnel at risk. Here are just a few of those actions:

- In the 80’s we invaded Grenada (operation Urgent Fury); lost 241 marines in the Lebanon hotel bombing; and we also bombed Libya.

- In the 90’s we liberated Panama (operation Just Cause); First Iraq war (Operation Desert Storm) and who can forget the Somalia incursion and “Black Hawk Down?”; also bombed Bosnia/Serbia. 

- The 2000's started with 9/11 and the "war on terror" in Iraq - again (Iraqi Freedom); and Afghanistan (Enduring Freedom.) Those major conflicts ended fairly recently. 

- So far, we have also bombed Syria, Iran and Libya - again. Not sure how to categorize it but we also kidnapped arrested the president of Venezuela (Absolute Resolve.) 

 - And sadly, we are now back in yet another “conflict” in the Middle East (Iran - Epic Fury.)

And we still have troops all over the world. 

Blackhawk

We are often told these actions are the “price of freedom” or “fighting for democracy." Sometimes I wonder if those phrases are thrown about a bit too loosely. As the famous German general and brilliant military strategist Carl von Clausewitz declared, war is a "continuation of political intercourse, carried on by other means." Almost certainly true - but not quite as rousing as "price of freedom" is it.

One can’t help but recognize, however, that these conflicts always start with our politicians' total confidence in our cause. Then, with fanfare, sharp uniforms, flags waving and great parades, the youth of our country go marching forward - from one conflict to another. Later, we see those Johnny’s - and Judy’s - come home again . . . with arms and legs missing or PTSD so bad they can no longer function in normal society.

It is not until much later in life that an old vet of several of those "conflicts" might ask, “what was it all for?” Perhaps it’s my advanced years – and well-honed cynicism - but I have just grown weary of watching that same sad scene happening over and over with apparently little to show for it.

A cynical person might also conclude that wars seem to be the only bipartisan attribute of our government. These actions have been equally undertake taken by Democrat and Republican administrations alike; by liberals and conservatives - and always somehow portrayed as “fighting for liberty."

I don't know the answer for the conundrum of assuring that a war – or conflict – is worth the price that our military always pays. As a retired officer of 28 years, however, I understand better than most that it is never the prerogative of the GI to ask why we are fighting, it is simply to salute smartly and charge the damn hill! It is not and cannot be the military’s duty or right to ask why. We answer our government’s call and serve only the Constitution – no matter the cause – and always will. 

Nonetheless, with a price so high it does seem to be a question worth asking.

Return of a fallen hero. . .

With that in mind as we celebrate Memorial Day, perhaps we can all take this opportunity to think about our own responsibilities in the decision to send our youth into harm’s way. In addition to ceremonies and picnics, it seems a small additional effort for all those who have answered - and will continue to answer - their country’s call without question.

In closing, I have posted the following on several past Memorial Days because I have never been able to find a better expression of my thoughts about this important day. To those of you who have read it before and grow weary, I apologize. To others, perhaps it will strike a chord. 

"War is young men (and now women) dying and old men talking."  Franklin Roosevelt        

Thoughts on "Taps."

I can’t listen to taps without tearing up. Sometimes I’m not sure why this is so. Is it because of the magnificent mournful horn that so perfectly matches the feeling of saying farewell to a warrior? Or am I crying for all the loved ones left behind — the millions and millions over many years? Perhaps I’m crying for something else, maybe I’m crying for myself.

Ultimately, I think I’m crying because taps reminds me that the world never seems to change for the better. No matter how many heroes pay the ultimate price, war always demands more. Worse, it always our young whom it craves. Worst of all, we proudly offer them up.

Maybe I’m sad that someone somewhere will always be able to make complete strangers kill each other for the same reasons over and over, like an eternal World War I trench battle that rages over the same, small piece of ground in perpetuity. Each generation, like some militant Sisyphus, pushes the rock of war up the hill only to have it roll back on the next. No matter how just, proud or righteous that rock appears, it remains a monument to a belligerent humanity’s worst instincts.

I spent 28 years in the military and my son has also served honorably. Someday taps will sound for each of us. And for that I am proud. But knowing that melancholy song will need to be played for endless future generations will always make me cry.

Not for sadness but for anger.  

Although that time when wars will no longer plague us is apparently still far in the future, perhaps commemorating Memorial Day can provide us with some hope that it will eventually come to pass.

Have a thoughtful Memorial Day.

D Roger Pederson

Taps USAF Band

An Old Guy Looks at Debt

 100%

You may have noticed recently that the US has managed to grow our national debt to 38.9 TRILLION dollars. So what, you may ask. Well, for the first time in over 80 years our debt is greater than our annual GDP. Yup, not since WWII have we managed to do that. Again, you may ask so what. Well, for one thing our annual interest payment is now over one trillion dollars per year (and unlike your mortgage payment there ain’t no principle in there.) Well, how did that happen?  You tell me.

Social Security costs 1.5 trillion per year (yeah, I know, there’s allegedly a trust fund somewhere that you paid into but that it is just an accounting trick now.) Medicare, another “fund” you paid into, costs 1.1 Trillion per year. (Your contributions are peanuts in relation to our pitiful healthcare system.) Medicaid? Another 600 billion. Don’t forget that our Dept of Defense, er, War also costs one trillion per year – and if our cracker jack administration gets their way it will go to 1.5 trillion next year. And then there’s the whole rest of the government that totals up to about 7 trillion dollars.

The good news is that the federal government took in about 5.25 trillion in taxes in 2025. The bad news is that it spent 7 trillion. Hey wait, that’s almost 2 trillion short! How can that be since we all pay way too much in taxes to the gubmint?! I guess we better call the credit card company, we’re going to be about 2 trillion short again this year! 

Well this certainly calls for a tax cut!

Many years ago, several politicians – all Republicans – claim to have said, "A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you're talking real money."  Well, bunky, put “T” on it and I think we are talking real money now. And it’s not going to get better; it is forecast to go on in perpetuity. (175% of GDP by 2050.) So, at least a trillion dollars per year in interest payments with no end in sight. Great.

Just for grins, did you know we actually had a budget surplus not that long ago? Yup. 1998-2001 under no less a raging conservative than Bill Clinton we had surpluses. They quickly disappeared, however, after the Bush’s tax cuts and 20 years of war.

Seeing a pattern here?

Anyway, there’s no point in sweating this, there is really no way to get rid of these deficits. The sad truth is if we weren’t running them, we would be in a recession now much worse than 2008. That’s just how it works. Besides how do we get rid of them? Yes, we could raise taxes and cut some things (a LOT of things) but if it were easy we already would have done it. Nope, we Americans would squawk way too loud and politicians know it.

So, let’s just keep on keeping on until one of three things happen: interests rates sky rocket, the dollar collapses, or nobody in the world will buy our bonds – and probably all three.

Sorry, wish I had some better news in these difficult times but somebody's got to do it - no point in being an ostrich.

On a positive note, the weather is getting nice!

So good luck, kids. I'd like to help but sadly I have to protect my social security and Medicare. 

Taxman   The Beatles

 

More Things I Think I Think

 Some men see things as they are, and ask why. I dream of things that were, and ask - what the hell happened?!

A few months ago, I wrote about "things I think" and enjoyed it so much that I thought I would do some more thinking. And there is a lot to think about - but don't worry, not politics. (Okay, maybe just a little.) 

There is just so much going on that is either great, frightening, or curious. Mostly, I have been thinking about "progress" or what passes for it today.

Define Progress (and if it's Good) 

I think about progress a lot and wonder how we know when we are making it - or maybe if it's going the other way.

"Progress refers to forward movement, development, or improvement toward a higher state, goal, or completion."

It's easy enough to identify progress in some things and if they are good e.g. healthcare, renewable energy, nicer homes, better cars, labor laws - streaming? But there are  others things, important human behaviors that don't seem to fit into that simple definition. For example, civility. (A personal favorite of mine.)

Civility defined as: “Formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.” 

My mom would simply say “you can always tell if a person had been brought up well.” (And she didn’t mean money cuz we certainly didn’t have much!) For example, decent folks who were “well brought up” said please, thank you, and yes sir/no ma’am to elders. It also meant they had good table manners. Mom was killer on table manners - heaven help you if you try to wear a hat at the table! Also, folks would dress decently to go out to eat at a nice restaurant or go to church. No, I don’t mean sport coat and tie, just not like you came straight from repairing a car engine. (Clean patched jeans and an actual collared shirt were fine - we're talking the 50's here.) Today anything goes, apparently there are no rules. Pajamas to the store? Sure. Sweat pants . . . anywhere? Of course. I especially enjoy seeing a guy in crappy jeans and “Kiss My Ass” tee shirt at the Guthrie Theater  (not exaggerating. Well, a little.) Don't even ask about airline passengers. 

Now his is not being snooty my mom, with a 10th grade education, would just call it having "respect" for yourself and others.

OMG, I’ve turned into my mom!

How about talking on the phone while walking around a grocery store – or, grrr, checking out! Texting someone else while sitting with friend in a restaurant. Even worse, while driving. How does this fit in? Just more "Progress" in civility?

Another related example. There was also a time when there was no cursing in films or TV and certainly no nudity. Well, we chipped away at all that apparently. This is not about prudishness - I’m very far from a prude - but it seems like it is progressing . . . somewhere. But where is left to go?! 

(BTW: it's okay to curse in golf. Trust me, it's in the rules.) 

So, are these all examples of "progress?" I don't know but I have an opinion on if they are "good."

Most of us assume progress is like this:

                                           But what if it is actually this?

                                   

                           (Sorry about the naughty language - damn cavemen!) 

I can't help but think that we might just be like the picture above, in many ways slowly devolving back into some sort of cavemen (okay, caveperson) but in nicer clothes. Well, nicer pajamas and sweat pants. 

Anyway, I will continue to dress like an adult - and I will never EVER wear a hat to the table!

Speaking of Progress and Cavemen . . .

Men are from the Past . . . Women are Strange

We’ve known for a long time that we modern humans have some Neanderthal genes (my guess is that men have more of them.) Now if you were me, you would probably think it was mostly Homo Sapien guys really going for the Neanderthal ladies - gotta love a woman who can help you take down a Wooly Mammoth! But we would be wrong. Recently, I read that researchers have discovered it was the other way around; the Homo Sapien gals going for the Neanderthal guy - yowser!

Now to me this says a few things about both genders and species. Assuming that the Sapien woman chose the big guy (and wasn’t bonked on the head with a club and dragged into the cave by her hair) it would explain lot about some of the relationships today. An attractive, intelligent woman in a relationship with a guy who - shall we say would seem less deserving - is often sporting a mullet and driving a large pickup truck (not that there’s anything wrong with that!)

For the guy it’s easy to understand. Most of us modern guys, just like our Neanderthal brethren, fancy ourselves as a George Clooney-clone; handsome and oozing charm and sophistication. We always think we appeal to women . . . who are often way too good for us. Sadly, however, most of us resemble one of the Dumb or Dumber guys so very few are successful (unlike Dear Leader who, of course, was wildly successful.)

On a positive note, remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder and as Mrs Dear Leader often says, "There's a lid for every jar." (I'm sure she means that as a compliment.)

That brings me to this.

Truth, facts and opinions - More confusion on progress?

It occurred to me some time ago that most (perhaps all?) of us have a very loose grip on reality. No, that’s not exactly right. We all (perhaps most?) have a strong grip on reality - it’s just not the same reality. 

More Progress?

Is there fake news? What makes it fake? How do we decide to believe it or not? Well, duh - we believe it if we agree with it! 

Of course, it’s always been true that people have different opinions about many things e.g. politics, religion, same sex marriage, gun control, climate change, etc. There are actual facts about these issues but we usually tend to use our many human biases instead of the facts.

“While people often claim to prioritize objective facts research suggests that human decision-making is heavily influenced by personal beliefs and cognitive shortcuts (I confess, even me.) In many professional and organizational settings, an estimated 99% of decisions are effectively opinion-based, mirroring choices made by others in similar systems rather than being driven by original research. American Psychological Association.

 Or, as George Constanza in "Seinfeld" said, "It's not a lie if you believe it." See, there is no fake news!

I’m not the only one pondering this. AI found an article for me called “What Can be Done to Restore Faith in Facts.” It’s not a long article (thankfully for me) and has some interesting ideas but I can boil the answer down to this: We’re screwed. Okay, that’s not exactly what they said but the solution, at least to my way of thinking, seems totally impractical due the extreme polarization in our society - and our unwillingness to take advice. 

And what is that advice? Simply this: Media literacy. That’s it. We all need to be better consumers of information. Do less talking, more listening, blah, blah, blah. (Ha, we can’t even get people to take medicine that keeps them alive!)

Oh yeah and this, "One of the most important ways to inoculate people from false information is to befriend them." And this, per social psychologist Troy Campbell, PhD, "There's a time for the middle finger, and a time to put it away." (Now there's some $500/hr advice!)

I’ll end this gloomy spring thought with this: “. . . most of the expert authors above described their findings as "bleak" and "dismaying."

See what I mean? Ugh. 

Oh well, cheer up, at least we can get our faux news conveniently on our phones!

And now this . . .

More Proof We Humans are Making . . . Progress?

Looksmaxxing

Right straight from today's headlines - surely you’ve heard of this:

“Looksmaxxing is an online subculture focused on maximizing physical attractiveness, often utilizing extreme measures to alter facial features and body shape, which has evolved from niche forums into a, notably, Tik Tok trend. Techniques range from "softmaxxing" (grooming, fitness) to extreme "hardmaxxing" (bone-smashing, steroids, surgery), often leading to serious mental health risks like body dysmorphia. It stems from the "incel"* community, aiming to achieve a supposed optimal "Chad" look for improved social and romantic success. (What, no "Doug" look?!)

Yeah, it’s a "guy" thing but I am not going to go any further in defining the terms or how on earth this could even BE a thing. Hopefully not a sign of progress for humanity but then again . . . (Well I’m sticking with softmaxxing - my regular $30 haircut - thank you very much.) 

* "Incel" (involuntary celibate) refers to an online subculture of primarily young, heterosexual men who feel unable to form romantic relationships, often blaming women and promoting misogyny.” (Sheesh, as if we men don’t already give ourselves a bad enough name . . .)

And Finally a Positive Wish for the Big Finish

If you have been paying attention you have probably have heard that democrats have been winning a number of elections, several in formerly "red" areas. In late March one of the more wonderfully surprising outcomes was in dystopian Florida: a woman won the state house seat in the district that holds no less a prize than our would-be dictator's own Mar-a-Lago.

Ah, the irony. We mustn't become overconfident but surely this is a good sign.



Ancient unpopular Pharoah . . .

In ancient Egypt after an unpopular pharaoh died their name and likeness was struck from all buildings - and history. Here's hoping they can find a place for all that trashy gold-plated crap that’s been spread around the White House. 

Oh, and maybe turn the ballroom into a museum holding all the evidence of damage done to our fair country by him and his pack of miscreants. 

 Okay, I think I've thought enough, here's some music.

Walk Like an Egyptian The Bangles  (You knew I had to do this)

Special Vivaldi   (This IS special and shows hope for the future)

 

Look on the Brightside - With Music (Reprised)

I always have things I want to write about, that’s not the problem. But sometimes the things I want to write about seem too philosophical, too serious - or gloomy? - and I don't wish to inflict it on other folks at this time of the year. When this happens, I will occasionally go back in my "vast catalog" to find things that I have written about before that shook me out of a dreary place. I am in such a place and I have gone back and found something from 5 years ago this month that might do. In fact, given what is going on in the country today it's perfect! (Although admittedly the music is 5 yrs older.)

Back then we were finally coming out of the pandemic but life still seemed to be beating up on us a little and apparently this idea popped into my feverish brain. I re-share now with the hope that you find it at least a little bit of an upper as it did – and does now – for us.   

March 2021

Mrs Dear Leader and I each have a friend who is in hospice, friends of many years. Having also lost two of my closest buddies of over forty years just in the last year alone I think I can say, this really sucks. In fact, life has been tough for a lot of people the last few years and it's easy to get down about it. There's another way to think about this though. As difficult as it is, sad events like this should make us realize. No. Remember, that life is precious. Yup, we have a lot problems perhaps individually and certainly as a country but you know what?  If you’re still vertical then things aren’t so bad and there is always hope. Nobody has ever called me a Pollyanna but maybe we could stop whining and realize how lucky we are? Okay, end of sermon. 

With that said it’s time to embrace the sweet fragrance of spring in Minnesota. The days are getting longer, golf courses are opening, lakes are turning from white to blue - can flip flops and sun dresses be far behind? Best of all, unlike last year there’s real hope that life is slowly returning to normal - whatever that is. (Current Note: okay, we do have a lot hard work ahead of us for normal but whatever!)

I’ve always said that there’s nothing like music to be your personal time machine. (You can ask anyone, really, I have always said that.) Music will take you back to exactly where you were and what you were doing when you heard the song - and just lived for the day.  I suggest you just do that, look for a favorite song from past and go there. Go ahead, give it a try.

Here’s a bunch of summer music (and other tunes with good memories) along with my recollections for your consideration. I apologize for how old most of these songs are but like most people I quit paying attention in my 30’s so these are what I know. Hopefully you’re old enough to remember at least some of them.

Pick a couple to play or find your own and ask yourself where you were then. Bet it’s a happy place!

Summer Song, Chad and Jeremy – 1964  

Holy mackerel, it’s true, a driver’s license and girls don’t mix.

Summer in the City, Lovin Spoonful - 1966    

Hot damn, they let me graduate from high school!

59th St Bridge Song  Simon & Garfunkel – 1967     

Spring quarter freshman year down on Park Point in Duluth. Listening to this it was very hard to not skip across that Aerial Lift bridge.

Hot Fun in the Summer Time, Sly and Family Stone – 1969    Working at Donaldson's Dept store in summer - and watching the moon landing. 

Also between my junior and senior year in college, road trip with three other cadets (French for idiots) to ROTC summer camp in Spokane WA - legally drinking beer and listening to Sly (and Steppenwolf!)

Just a few months after originally writing this, I discovered I had another pink bundle of joy join the family in 1969 - surprise!

Green-Eyed Lady, Sugarloaf – 1970 

My God, can it be over 50 55 years since I snuck out of college with a diploma AND those brown bars? I wandered off to AF navigator school and this song seemed always to be playing every time before takeoff on early morning training flt's – that sort of fluke kinda sticks with you.

Summer Breeze  (Possibly the greatest summer song  ever made.) Seals and Croft – 1972

I was just starting AF career, flying around the world in the giant, globe-girdling C-130 without a care in the world. In some officer's club in Turkey the pilot, Johhny Mac, taught the young lieutenant navigator to love martini's - bastard! Anyway, a good year (except for a little detour to Vietnam.)

Piano Man Billy Joel – 1973 

Back to SEA and Thailand accompanied by the Piano Man – “There’s someplace he’d rather be. . .” Still, it all worked out.

Find Your Place in the Sun Pablo Cruise – 1978   

Turning thirty was such a drag - says the old guy 43 8 yrs later! - but at least there was still really good music.

We Are Family  Sister Sledge – 1979

Okay, it’s disco but good disco – and nice way to introduce our son to the family.

Hey Nineteen  Steely Dan – 1980

Well, if I’m going to welcome a daughter to family too what better than possibly the greatest music group ever, The Dan! 

Walking on Sunshine Katrina and the Waves – 1983  

If you can sit still while this is playing there is something seriously wrong with you – especially if you have two young kids!

Boys of Summer (Close 2^nd to “Summer Breeze”) Don Henley – 1984   

A family man and inching closer to being one of Henley’s boys of summer. (FYI - It’s actually a sad song but it’s still a great tune.)

Someday We''ll Know  New Radicals - 1999

Yup, someday we'll know why the sky is blue . . . Got my MA and met future Mrs Dear Leader - it was very good year.

And to at least get into the 21^st century and prove there’s still great music - and memories - out there. . .

Clocks  Coldplay - 2002 (Elton John considers this a perfect song)

Use Somebody  Kings of Leon - 2008

Hall of Fame The Script - 2012 (You gotta see this video)

(Special shout out to my music-loving coffee klatch)

Well, I could suggest a ton more of good songs but it’s time to do something functional – like study for our Italian class. (Yeah, buon giorno to you too!)

Okay, one more. Since we’re reminiscing, we might as well end with this - what the hell, enjoy it while you can!

It Was a Very Good Year, Frank Sinatra

To my long time readers I hope you didn't mind this trip down memory lane and to everyone, thanks for reading, hope it helped you find  the brightside even if only for a little while. Remember, if you’re still vertical then things aren’t so bad and there's always hope!

Solving Immigration

 

Dear Leader Takes on Immigration . . .

(For Better or Worse)  

ICE Detainees - CECOT Prison El Salvador
(of Kristi Noem picture fame)

Hold on to your hats, this could be a doozy!

Prelude

I won’t go into how we have arrived at this crappy point in time because it’s a story we all know. It’s about a dysfunctional government that goes back many presidential administrations as it regards immigration (and a lot of other things.) Let’s just say, it is what it is.

On the Horizon

It is important that we to consider something else as we try to fix our current immigration woes: a looming international humanitarian nightmare. I have written about this before - and perhaps you have already thought about it too - so it shouldn't be a surprise. Like our current mess this is a complex and unpleasant topic but understanding it has great bearing on what we do in the coming years. 

Modern Migrants

Experts tell us that humans started migrating out of Africa 50,000 years ago. Imagine the courage and determination it took for early humans to leave the only home they had known for thousands of years and just start walking. Now, imagine the 2500 generations that experts say it took us to spread all over the world. THAT’S bravery and persistence - not unlike that of many migrants today.

Today, due to conflict, persecution, violence and other crises, there are some 117 million refugees wandering throughout the world. Our ancient ancestors dealt with wild animals, deserts, and mountains. Today migrants must deal with arbitrary national borders and a modern world that neither trusts nor wants them. These numbers do not count the millions of people who will become homeless due to climate change, especially all those people living close to the oceans of the world.

For example, it is not difficult to envision large numbers of our fellow Americans being uprooted here in the next 50-100 years. Florida, Louisiana, the Carolina’s with their hurricanes and flooding. Arizona, Nevada, So. California with drought. Millions of people are going to be on the move. Where will they go? 

 

Hoover Dam & Lk Mead today - 30% of capacity

Back to Today

A brief recap for those unfortunates who missed my earlier post, "Things I Think I Think," regarding immigration and the ICE invasion here in Minnesota.

There is no doubt that millions of people have entered our country “illegally” and it became a Trump (along with Stephen Miller) promise to get rid of them. It was the “worst of the worst,” according ICE leaders, that were the target of their actions. So far, so good. If that were true very few of us would have resisted. The brutal tactics in our state by those ICE agents, however, totally belied that goal. Sadly, their actions were also completely predictable; it was also going to be punishment. 

Punishment for having the temerity to not vote for the would-be Fuhrer in the White House.  Of course, there is also a strong strain of racism, white nationalism and general nastiness that has not been seen in this country since the 1930’s. All of it condoned if not outright encouraged by this administration. It all went horribly awry, however, with a heavy price paid by us including two people murdered. In the face of that tragedy I am mightily proud of how my fellow Minneapolitans keep fighting back.

Brave ICE arresting terrorist protester

We all want to throw the “worst of the worst” out, the more the better!  But "shockingly," the DHS lied about who they detained and why. In Minnesota of roughly 4000 individuals apprehended, about 25% had any criminal records and less than 10% of those could be considered worst of the worst - and many of those were already in jail. (BTW 3000 Agents, 10 weeks, 4000 arrests = US cost $200 million. Minneapolis cost = $200 million, two dead and one wounded.) 

Of course, Minnesota is not alone in ICE pain. This from Wes Moore, governor of Maryland:

    "And just recently in Salisbury, on the Eastern Shore, a mother with a sick son was arrested by ICE. She told them she needed to see him, and they didn’t care. He died of cancer while she was in custody. This cruelty isn’t making any of us safer."

The facts: about half of "illegals" came here legally but overstayed their visa. Millions more were allowed in under an international law for refugees. The rest? Well, like many of our ancestors, they wanted a chance to improve their lives so - no way around it - they snuck in. Sorry.

Of course, none of these reasons are legally right. On the other hand, they are hardly heinous crimes either, certainly not deserving of the horrendous treatment many have received. Whatever their crime, there is no denying that our immigration system is terribly misguided, dysfunctional, and essentially effed up. At one time DHS was underfunded but is now very well-funded (more than the entire US Marine Corps!) - just not in the right areas.

     Perhaps the only bright spot of this ugly episode is that many Minnesotans, and perhaps even most Americans, have come to a new realization about our "invisible illegals.” That is, how deeply most have become ingrained in the fabric of our communities. The vast majority work hard, go to church, and pay taxes - including Social Security which they will NEVER collect unless they achieve citizenship - and generally live quiet peaceful lives. (In many cases much better than us natural borns.)

     Quite a conundrum. What are we to do, how to go forward? Here's Dear Leader's suggestions:    

     First, before all else, knock off the overwrought rage aimed at immigrants in general. This has been an age-old tactic by authoritarians throughout history: the Jews, the Irish, the Catholics, Hispanics . . . the Trans? They create and demonize a subset group of people giving the “good" citizens an enemy to blame. (And deflect from a lawless government.) 

     Next, stop indiscriminately throwing out all the non-criminal immigrants, "legal" or not. Congress should come up with a path to citizenship for all those law-abiding immigrants that want to stay here. Also, both parties need to stop politicizing immigration for their campaign donations.     

     Finally - and this is the hard part - I believe we need to make the process easier rather than harder for immigrants to come in. Of course, we can’t take in an infinite number of people so we will still have to decide by some sort of triage or limit for any particular group of people – as painful as that will be - but instead of giving billions to ICE for simple (vicious) enforcement, give them billions to build the infrastructure for organized, efficient and effective screening and management to help the most immigrants possible to join our society.  

Why do this?

We need to recognize it is unlikely that we are ever going to get many doctors, lawyers and professionals (read:white) from other western countries. Why would they want to come here? 

But we still need people.

1) Demographics - This a very big country with a very big economy - and we need people.  Without them we are a shrinking state and nation which is bad in every way.

2) It’s simpler, cheaper, more humane – and the right thing to do. 

Nice ICE  -10 degrees
(Looks like a good place to leave him)

3) Regarding the borders, the third and final reason may be the most important of all.  As mentioned in the opening, the vast national and international migration of people is a much larger problem on the horizon. It will require a totally different mindset about immigration and borders. It will also require international cooperation and massive economic changes. (I shall now commence holding my breath on that.)

     I understand that there are those of us who simply want them all gone on the principle of "fairness" or borders but it's a fact that we, the world, our country - reality? - constantly change. Many laws, rules and lofty, philosophical ideals or beliefs also must (or should) change in the face of that reality. After all, we have amended the Constitution 27 times.

     As an aside, I understand there are those who worry about the “replacement theory.” That is, replacing white, northern (Christian) Europeans – like me – with “others.” Personally, I think that train left the station a long time ago and no amount of wishful thinking - or racism - will change it. You can hate "DEI" but diversity itself is the way of the world; live with it. 

     Who knows, if we were to make our country more welcoming with things like reasonable healthcare, affordable daycare, and reduced crime (read: shootings) and income inequality, we might even get a few Norwegians to move here!

    Fini

     Yes, we have our hands full today and it is difficult to worry about the distant future. To me, that means we need to fix our current immigration morass as soon as possible with what is looming in the near future. Most of our problems today were predictable and could have been eliminated or minimized years ago if we had had a functional, forward-thinking government. (Lmao!) Sadly, this won’t help us now as we are bearing the results of past mistakes and negligence. That said, perhaps we can make things a little easier for those poor souls who are currently stuck in this nightmare. (And a government that doesn't appear in the mood to solve it.) In the long run, however, will we condemn many of those future migrants to poverty or death because we can’t - or won’t - allow them across the borders into our city, state, or country?

Okay, I realize that many folks won't like my suggestions and that's okay (Hey, at least I'm trying - I'm Dear Leader, not Dear Immigration Genius!) but the question remains: what will it take to solve it? Will we even try? 

. . . Or just stay

I guess “we” is not quite the right word. A better word is "you." As with so many other current problems, this old baby boomer will be leaving this one behind too as a “gift” for my children and grandchildren.

Sorry guys, good luck.

 Immigration Blues     Chris Rea

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