Black Woman Gets 5 Years in Prison While White Man Gets Community Service for Same Crime, Mike Johnson Doesn't Understand Jesus, Fox News Lies About Easter Eggs, Lucas & Arthur Jussen Play Schubert
"... the restrictions first took effect in 1978 during the Carter administration and have been in place since—including throughout Trump’s term in office."
President Carter was arguably the most sincerely devout Christian POTUS in recent modern history, yet his beliefs never prevented him from honoring and following the Constitution's mandates.
HMMMMMM.... kinda makes you think about the difference between genuine and performative religiosity, doesn't it?
My home state of Michigan provides plenty of embarrassing and objectionable GOP leaders such as Walberg--and the state rep. who recently told his social media followers that buses at the Detroit airport "just loaded up with illegal invaders" when, in fact, it was college basketball teams arriving to play in the NCAA tournament. Fortunately, they can currently gain election only in specific districts as statewide voting by the people of Michigan as a whole has kept impressive and productive leaders in office--Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Sens. Stabenow and Peters, and AG Dana Nessel and Sec of State Jocelyn Benson--all Dems. How do we open the eyes of those voters in Walberg-type districts dominated by FOX News viewers? That is a central problem we face in Michigan and across the country.
If Shakira considers herself an artist, how does she not understand that one of the wonderful things about art through any medium is to ask questions - to spur us to think and question our own beliefs? Her reaction is mind-boggling.
My devoutly Catholic cop father always said that Christians use the Bible like a Ouija board. He's been gone for decades. How things have not changed!
Thank you for writing that gets me to think and rethink my own beliefs! That's a muscle I don't want to lose as I get older. I hope everyone has a lovely spring day today!
Thank you so much for posting the F Minor Fantasie link. This is one of my all-time favorite pieces, so it was particularly delightful to hear a new version. While I was a *bit* surprised, by the post I wasn’t astonished, knowing your love for music of all types. As a retired classical trumpeter, this piece spoke directly to me, but I recall your story of sending Sid Catlett (I’ve followed you since even before that famous Dematha game when I was attending school in Alexandria) a recording of his dad’s band wherein his voice was audible, the hearing of which apparently being a first for young Sid if I’m remembering correctly. A tremendously moving story I’ve always thought. What I did not know was anything about your father, let alone his having attended Julliard and being a jazz musician himself. Via this post, I have indeed “gotten to know (you) better;” for which, many, many thanks.
You “covered” Shakira quite well, so on to the Mason case. Kareem, there is forever amazement at this two-tiered justice system. To think that the person pursuing Ms Mason and law enforcement for the state of TX is Ken Paxton. He was recently impeached for obstruction in his securities fraud trial, bribery, and a host of other unethical activities. Like Trump, he was acquitted by the senate, but is currently being sued by the Bar, for “seeking to subvert the 2020 presidential election.” They’re asking the court “to impose a sanction ranging from a private reprimand to disbarment.” I read, federal prosecutors are actively investigating him for those same impeachable offenses. Meanwhile, he and Trump, are permitted to just be.
Happy Friday Kareem. As all of us basketball fanatics know, today is a very significant day in history. April 5, 1984, you broke Wilt Chamberlain's scoring record with a new record of 31,420 points, and went on to eventually score 38,387 points. Very important day indeed.
And the little girl putting the young boy in a headlock and taking him down because he told her he wanted to marry her is so funny and most likely prophetic. She already knows who she is and what she won't tolerate. And taking him down "was the greatest thing ever." You go girl. Strong and powerful. Violence is not recommended, but knowing you have the ability to deal with all the nonsense is totally empowering.
As a classically trained pianist, i completely appreciate the Jusser brothers. My older sister and I used to play duets. It's hard enough sharing the keyboard space, not to mention a piano bench, and being in sync. These brothers moved together like being in a reverie. And Schubert is so wonderfully romantic and complex. I am very grateful and pleased that you introduced classical music this time. Next time maybe some Chopin. 🎹
And as to all the right-wing idiots. It's difficult to completely ignore them but what an urgent reason to provide better education for the masses. Or will it help? Unfortunately it seems that dumb, ignorant, and liars inhabit the same spaces and probably always will. Shakira is included in those spaces I seriously try not to let any of the gobbly-gook nonsense into my consciousness. Such a total waste.
Thank you again Kareem. All the reason to get up and read your words. Peace, love, good health and harmony to you.
I am troubled by the idea that violence perpetrated by a female against a male is "funny," while the same scenario, with the genders switched, would in no way be considered accceptable, much less amusing. It's particularly problematic to me that the violent physical action seemed to be in response to a verbal proposition. If the little boy had done something physically aggressive, certainly the little girl would have been justified in equally physical self-defense. However, we teach kids to "use your words," which is what the little boy was apparently doing. For his words to be met with violence that is then a source of amusement for adults sends the wrong message.
I watched Barbie with my granddaughter, fully aware of that the right wing-outrage machine was in full gear. After seeing it, I realized that these groups objected to the idea that any person (male or female) might question their rigidly assigned places in society.
I saw Barbie as a story about growing up, both for girls and boys. Barbie grew from being a plastic princess into a real, adult woman. Ken grew from being a love struck adolescent, passed through that regrettable young adult male phase and in the end became an adult, giving up childish ways.
So, I am puzzled by Shakira’s objections to the movie. Perhaps Barbie’s maturation made Shakira feel uncomfortable with herself, or at least the hyper-sexualized version of femininity she presents.
Re: Congressman Walberg: I have to wonder if genocide of the Palestinian people isn't what the government of Israel is really trying to do. Take 2,000,000 people, jam them into very tight quarters with very limited access to food and water (Where have we seen this before!), and then very publicly kill those who are trying to feed those people, which causes not only that charitable organization that is trying to feed those people to withdraw from its efforts, but also convinces several other charitable organizations doing the same things to also withdraw from their efforts. The net effect, in exchange for some bad publicity, is to starve to death maybe hundreds or thousands of those people the Israeli government is trying to exterminate. Too devious? Maybe. Learned actions? Also possible.
Eggs and bunnies are one way to celebrate the Anglo Saxon goddess of dawn/Spring, Eostre, which a high school literature teacher casually mentioned was the derivation for “Easter”. We were all suitably shocked and amused (this was in the early 60s).
Is it just me or should all of us readers do everything we can to publicize Kareem's Substack? Better yet those with greater media exposure, create a TV program and bring Kareem's wealth of knowledge to every living room in the country. When I read his thoughtful writings, I come away like finding a booty of precious jewels, failing to share it with others, and feeling depressed by my selfishness. Complaining about Fox TV and the trail of lies they offer should be confronted with solid intellectual rebuke. For me, Kareem's newsletter does the trick. As always, I leave it as food for thought.
Transported indeed. With patience not being one of my virtues, I’m proud to report that I watched and listened to the whole performance. I’m glad you mentioned that the pianists are brothers but not twins. Talk about a mind meld. I’m still learning to play two-handed. So thanks as always, Kareem. And Shirley MacLaine is still writing her Shirleygram to us with much fascinating information. Finally, your take on the worth of each of us regardless of appearance or supposed role is extremely empowering.
With regard to this;
"... the restrictions first took effect in 1978 during the Carter administration and have been in place since—including throughout Trump’s term in office."
President Carter was arguably the most sincerely devout Christian POTUS in recent modern history, yet his beliefs never prevented him from honoring and following the Constitution's mandates.
HMMMMMM.... kinda makes you think about the difference between genuine and performative religiosity, doesn't it?
My home state of Michigan provides plenty of embarrassing and objectionable GOP leaders such as Walberg--and the state rep. who recently told his social media followers that buses at the Detroit airport "just loaded up with illegal invaders" when, in fact, it was college basketball teams arriving to play in the NCAA tournament. Fortunately, they can currently gain election only in specific districts as statewide voting by the people of Michigan as a whole has kept impressive and productive leaders in office--Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Sens. Stabenow and Peters, and AG Dana Nessel and Sec of State Jocelyn Benson--all Dems. How do we open the eyes of those voters in Walberg-type districts dominated by FOX News viewers? That is a central problem we face in Michigan and across the country.
Good morning!
If Shakira considers herself an artist, how does she not understand that one of the wonderful things about art through any medium is to ask questions - to spur us to think and question our own beliefs? Her reaction is mind-boggling.
My devoutly Catholic cop father always said that Christians use the Bible like a Ouija board. He's been gone for decades. How things have not changed!
Thank you for writing that gets me to think and rethink my own beliefs! That's a muscle I don't want to lose as I get older. I hope everyone has a lovely spring day today!
Dear Kareem,
Thank you so much for posting the F Minor Fantasie link. This is one of my all-time favorite pieces, so it was particularly delightful to hear a new version. While I was a *bit* surprised, by the post I wasn’t astonished, knowing your love for music of all types. As a retired classical trumpeter, this piece spoke directly to me, but I recall your story of sending Sid Catlett (I’ve followed you since even before that famous Dematha game when I was attending school in Alexandria) a recording of his dad’s band wherein his voice was audible, the hearing of which apparently being a first for young Sid if I’m remembering correctly. A tremendously moving story I’ve always thought. What I did not know was anything about your father, let alone his having attended Julliard and being a jazz musician himself. Via this post, I have indeed “gotten to know (you) better;” for which, many, many thanks.
Regards,
Norman S. Weinfeld
You “covered” Shakira quite well, so on to the Mason case. Kareem, there is forever amazement at this two-tiered justice system. To think that the person pursuing Ms Mason and law enforcement for the state of TX is Ken Paxton. He was recently impeached for obstruction in his securities fraud trial, bribery, and a host of other unethical activities. Like Trump, he was acquitted by the senate, but is currently being sued by the Bar, for “seeking to subvert the 2020 presidential election.” They’re asking the court “to impose a sanction ranging from a private reprimand to disbarment.” I read, federal prosecutors are actively investigating him for those same impeachable offenses. Meanwhile, he and Trump, are permitted to just be.
Happy Friday Kareem. As all of us basketball fanatics know, today is a very significant day in history. April 5, 1984, you broke Wilt Chamberlain's scoring record with a new record of 31,420 points, and went on to eventually score 38,387 points. Very important day indeed.
And the little girl putting the young boy in a headlock and taking him down because he told her he wanted to marry her is so funny and most likely prophetic. She already knows who she is and what she won't tolerate. And taking him down "was the greatest thing ever." You go girl. Strong and powerful. Violence is not recommended, but knowing you have the ability to deal with all the nonsense is totally empowering.
As a classically trained pianist, i completely appreciate the Jusser brothers. My older sister and I used to play duets. It's hard enough sharing the keyboard space, not to mention a piano bench, and being in sync. These brothers moved together like being in a reverie. And Schubert is so wonderfully romantic and complex. I am very grateful and pleased that you introduced classical music this time. Next time maybe some Chopin. 🎹
And as to all the right-wing idiots. It's difficult to completely ignore them but what an urgent reason to provide better education for the masses. Or will it help? Unfortunately it seems that dumb, ignorant, and liars inhabit the same spaces and probably always will. Shakira is included in those spaces I seriously try not to let any of the gobbly-gook nonsense into my consciousness. Such a total waste.
Thank you again Kareem. All the reason to get up and read your words. Peace, love, good health and harmony to you.
I am troubled by the idea that violence perpetrated by a female against a male is "funny," while the same scenario, with the genders switched, would in no way be considered accceptable, much less amusing. It's particularly problematic to me that the violent physical action seemed to be in response to a verbal proposition. If the little boy had done something physically aggressive, certainly the little girl would have been justified in equally physical self-defense. However, we teach kids to "use your words," which is what the little boy was apparently doing. For his words to be met with violence that is then a source of amusement for adults sends the wrong message.
I watched Barbie with my granddaughter, fully aware of that the right wing-outrage machine was in full gear. After seeing it, I realized that these groups objected to the idea that any person (male or female) might question their rigidly assigned places in society.
I saw Barbie as a story about growing up, both for girls and boys. Barbie grew from being a plastic princess into a real, adult woman. Ken grew from being a love struck adolescent, passed through that regrettable young adult male phase and in the end became an adult, giving up childish ways.
So, I am puzzled by Shakira’s objections to the movie. Perhaps Barbie’s maturation made Shakira feel uncomfortable with herself, or at least the hyper-sexualized version of femininity she presents.
Re: Congressman Walberg: I have to wonder if genocide of the Palestinian people isn't what the government of Israel is really trying to do. Take 2,000,000 people, jam them into very tight quarters with very limited access to food and water (Where have we seen this before!), and then very publicly kill those who are trying to feed those people, which causes not only that charitable organization that is trying to feed those people to withdraw from its efforts, but also convinces several other charitable organizations doing the same things to also withdraw from their efforts. The net effect, in exchange for some bad publicity, is to starve to death maybe hundreds or thousands of those people the Israeli government is trying to exterminate. Too devious? Maybe. Learned actions? Also possible.
"Eostre" is also the ancestor of the word "estrogen," the hormone, and all those words linked to female reproductivity.
Kareem, I have absolutely loved getting to know you better. Your newsletters are always thoughtful and eye-opening.
Eggs and bunnies are one way to celebrate the Anglo Saxon goddess of dawn/Spring, Eostre, which a high school literature teacher casually mentioned was the derivation for “Easter”. We were all suitably shocked and amused (this was in the early 60s).
Is it just me or should all of us readers do everything we can to publicize Kareem's Substack? Better yet those with greater media exposure, create a TV program and bring Kareem's wealth of knowledge to every living room in the country. When I read his thoughtful writings, I come away like finding a booty of precious jewels, failing to share it with others, and feeling depressed by my selfishness. Complaining about Fox TV and the trail of lies they offer should be confronted with solid intellectual rebuke. For me, Kareem's newsletter does the trick. As always, I leave it as food for thought.
I have read the entire Bible, but I was surprised by the statistic that over 10% of Americans have also done so.
Transported indeed. With patience not being one of my virtues, I’m proud to report that I watched and listened to the whole performance. I’m glad you mentioned that the pianists are brothers but not twins. Talk about a mind meld. I’m still learning to play two-handed. So thanks as always, Kareem. And Shirley MacLaine is still writing her Shirleygram to us with much fascinating information. Finally, your take on the worth of each of us regardless of appearance or supposed role is extremely empowering.
Shake your booty is not feminism and freedom only for some is not Christlike.