Dr. Don’s Diatribe is moving from WordPress to Substack. It is still free, just need to click subscribe button. I am hoping you will follow me there and my plan is to write more. 2022 was a strange year but I see 2023 as a renewal.

See you there!!

What is it about human beings that seek the truth outside of themselves? We look for an authority or guru to tell us what is the truth, some outside influence to keep us on the right path.

The ancients sought wisdom from the gods, the Greeks from myths and legends, the Jews from their one God, Christians from the Bible. Christians are a good example of how truth can be manipulated even though they start from the same reference point. That is why there are Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, etc. Each defines the path to the truth a bit differently.

Then there are sects and cults that were founded because one person had a vision or had an encounter that only they are privy to, and to whom the truth was revealed. Joseph Smith saw an angel who guided him to the golden plates that he then dictated into the Book of Mormon. Mary Baker Eddy who in a moment of spiritual revelation founded the Church of Christian Science. L. Ron Hubbard had a spiritual awakening crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and founded Scientology.

The idea that truth is given to one person who then passes it on to the rest of us should be a red flag. This has proven not to be the case and has resulted in tragedies such as Jim Jones and Jonestown, David Koresh and the Branch Davidians, and Marshall Applewhite and the Heaven’s Gate cult, just to name a few.

While there are still those that continue to fall into believing that one person or group has a lock on the truth, those that profit from the naïveté of vulnerable people are probably the worst of the lot.

An old scam that has re-emerged is the idea of a person who channels an entity who supposedly holds the truth of the universe. This person will be the only one who can hear the voice or voices and then proceeds to enlighten the rest of us. This is a modern version of fortune telling and seances. One such figure, now very popular, is Paul Selig. Selig has authored books, held seminars, and has grown a following that believe he actually is the median or voice of spirit guides, in his case nine, and has become well off in the process. (The nine guides sound similar to one of the original shows on the old Star Trek). According to these guides humans are on a cusp where a wave of change is happening and either “we ride the wave or get crushed by it”.

Like any teaching or philosophy there is just enough truth in what Selig says to allow people to buy into the rest. And buy they do. His books are popular, his seminars sell out, and for a fee he will give you a personal evaluation of your life and finances, $350 for thirty minutes, or an expedited version for $500. For $350 (registration fee only) one can sign up for a two day retreat to be enlightened. Or if you really want to immerse yourself in the truth you can go to a 5-day retreat for about $2000, and they even offer payment plans.

Watching Selig channel is a trip, if not annoying. He mumbles a phrase he is receiving from the guides then says it out loud for all to hear. His books are supposedly dictated directly by the guides and he only edits them after they have been “written”. The guides tell us that to reach the “kingdom of heaven” on this earth we have to ascend to the upper room. They have the truth that will get us there and if you buy his books you can learn it also.

The problem with most if not all of these approaches to the truth is they rely on something or someone else to validate whether or not we are worthy. Christians have priests and ministers that become the gate to whether or not we are worthy. Scientologists have e-meters interpreted by others to say if we are worthy. Cults have leaders that determine if we are worthy. Channellers have spirit guides that tell us if we are worthy.

All have the idea in common that if you believe, commit, or accept then you can ascend and those that do not will not. A classic us vs them approach to the truth.

Today is the Fourth of July. A day that is supposed to remind us of our independence and freedoms that the founding fathers imagined and defined. Sadly, the current state of the Union is not something to celebrate. Even as I write this there has been another mass shooting.

In a few weeks, I will reach my seventy-fifth year. I have voted in every election since I was twenty-one and always Democratic. Over the years I have donated to the Democratic Party as best I could, hoping my vote and contributions might make a difference. Today, I question if either have done any good.

For the last forty years the Republican Party has openly and methodically, step by step, put in place the things necessary to accomplish their agenda. This includes not only politicians on the state and federal levels, but judges throughout the judicial system, and most recently the Supreme Court.

While they have been diligently at work, the Democratic Party has been asleep. Over the years despite having the majority in the House and Senate, several times, there has been nothing to counter the Republicans.

The best example of this is the current status of abortion. The Supreme Court leaked weeks ago, and the Republicans have been saying for years, what they were going to do and nothing was done to counter their move. Now that the decision has been made, all we hear from Democrats is our best action is to vote. Well, we have been doing that and it has made zero difference.

Michelle Obama said, “When they go low, we go high.” This is a great platitude, but every time we think the Republicans can’t go any lower, they do and the moral high ground gets cut from underneath us. No, we do not need to lie and cheat as they have but we could be taking action that would make a difference.

For example, why are we not making AR-15s a Class 3 firearm? That would solve a multitude of problems in controlling their sale and who owns them. Why are we not investigating who paid off Brett Kavanaugh’s mortgage? Why are we not more actively prosecuting those that have lied to Congress or refuse to honor a subpoena? Why are we not passing laws to ensure abortion access to those that need it? Why are we allowing cities to try and survive without clean water?

The list of what is not being done is too long for this blog, but I’m sure you get the point. The average American goes to work every day, pays their taxes, and relies on their representatives in Congress to protect their right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Republican Party is actively working against those principles and the Democratic Party stands to the side as if their hands were tied behind their backs letting our very democracy come into question.

When did the Democratic Party become a party of cowards? You swore an oath to defend the Constitution from enemies foreign and DOMESTIC, and you have failed this country.

They say they want to protect the sanctity of life,

Yet, they are silent when children are gunned down.

They say they want to protect the sanctity of life,

Yet, they sit idle as children go hungry

They say they want to protect the sanctity of life,

Yet, they turn their eyes from the homeless.

They say they want to protect the sanctify of life,

Yet, they deny the masses healthcare.

They say they want to protect the sanctity of life,

Yet, they ignore the cities with undrinkable water

They say they want to protect the sanctity of life,

Yet, they mock those who say our planet is dying

They say they want to protect the sanctity of life,

Yet, they refuse to stay six feet apart

They say they want to protect the sanctity of life,

Yet, they want to cut care to the elderly and disabled

They say they want to protect the sanctity of life,

That God is on their side

They do not realize one day God will say

“I never knew you”.

It doesn’t seem that long ago
Even though it’s hard to remember now
That this country was doing okay.
Things weren’t perfect by any means
Back when I was in my teens
But things have changed since that day

But January 2017 made us worse
That’s when we came under a curse
Fake news became a reality
Truth and facts a casualty.

I can’t believe things are this bad
To see democracy fall is so sad
One man who constantly lied
Has caused democracy to die.

Oh Why, why did America die?
Drove my Honda to the station
But gas was too high
And fascists were spewing prejudice and lies
Yelling make America white again
This was the day democracy died.

Hypocrites quote the Bible with ease
To justify positions as they please
Taking verses out of context
Ignoring all the rest
They believe God is on their side
But forget why Christ died.

Well, I know it won’t be that long
That Trump-ets will sing a different song
Cause what they fail to remember
Is we will all vote come November.

Teenagers are mobilizing in mass
Signing voters, kicking ass
Politicians no longer get a pass
Maybe democracy doesn’t have to die
But we’re still singin’

Why, why did America die?
Drove my Honda to the station
But gas was too high
And fascists were spewing prejudice and lies
Yelling make America white again
This was the day democracy died.

Now, for two years they have been in control
The hate and division are taking their toll
But, that is not how it needs to be.
The clown is sitting in the Oval Office
Orange and fat, hating all of us
But now it’s up to you and me

While he’s spending time playing golf
Taking way, way too much time off
The voters will return
His kingdom about to burn

He likes to court Putin and Un
And wants us all to march to his tune
But forgets deep inside,
We will not let democracy die
We won’t be singin’

Why, why did America die?
Drove my Honda to the station
But gas was too high
And fascists were spewing prejudice and lies
Yelling make America white again
This was the day democracy died.

He wants a parade in his honor
While affordable healthcare is a goner
But his policies will not last.

More players will refuse to stand
When the anthem is played by the band
Until prejudice is a thing of the past

The classroom was filled with shattered glass
The sound of gunfire, no one had a chance
Valentine’s Day, cancel the dance
The only safe place, out on the grass.

The NRA stood steadfast.
Gun control will never pass
We will keep our guns at all cost
No matter how many lives were lost
And the students started singin’

Why, why did America die?
Drove my Honda to the station
But gas was too high
And fascists were spewing prejudice and lies
Yelling make America white again
This was the day democracy died.

So now we’ve come to this time and place
To ask what will the next generation face
Will democracy live again.

So hickory dickory dock
There is time left on the clock
The lies will come to an end
While he hides in Mar-a-Largo
It is time for him to go

The curtain will fall on his show
Just as winter brings the snow
And while he thought he was flying high
The voters will shoot him out of the sky
And he will crash and burn and that is why
We won’t be singin’

Why, why did America die?
Drove my Honda to the station
But gas was too high
And fascists were spewing prejudice and lies
Yelling make America white again
This was the day democracy died.

The country will no longer sing the blues
and it will be the death of all the fake news
We all can laugh and play.
The people will go to the polls
And will find their names on the rolls

Democracy will be here to stay
And across the land the people cheered
No hate or prejudice appeared
Not an evil word was spoken
No one seen as just a token

And the values we hold so dear
Truth and justice once again were clear
Across the land you could hear
Democracy had not died
The people were singing

’
My, my America didn’t die
Drove my Honda to the station
And gas was not high
Fascists no longer spewing hatred and lies
This will be the day
Democracy does not die.

Not a politician was stirring, except Stephen Miller, the louse.

The wall was being built by money stolen from the Pentagon

In hopes that all the brown skinned immigrants would soon be gone.

Trump’s children were nestled all snug in their beds

While visions of profits danced in their heads.

And Melania in her own room, and Trump a floor above

Poor Baron asleep, whom no one seem to love.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter

The Secret Service ran out to see what was the matter.

Away from the window Trump ran very fast,

Forgetting everyone else, trying to save his own ass.

The lights of the White House gave off a bright glow

Revealing a group on the lawn, that we all know.

Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff and Jerrold Nadler too,

All crying in unison, “Trump we’re coming after you.”

With subpoenas in hand, written by the Judiciary

Trump knew his presidency was about to be temporary.

More rabid than dogs, his enemies came,

Trump tweeted and tweeted calling them names.

“Now Nervous Nancy! Now little Adam Schiff!

You should be after Crooked Hillary!

Go find her emails that she cleverly hid,

She is the crook, certainly it’s not me.”

In the blink of an eye with warrants in hand

Swarmed in the FBI shouting just one command.

“You’re under arrest Mr. President,

Put your hands in the air.”

Trump cowered in a corner crying,

Arrest me! You wouldn’t dare.”

So, they led him outside to the waiting van

Where Pompeo and Barr sat cuffed as well.

Giuliani and Pence were chained in the back

And as they drove off everyone could tell.

This was the best Christmas of all

For at last we could say to all of these crooks, “Farewell.”

The wall of division had come down.

The actors had left the stage, and then

Cruel fate, unrelenting, stepped in.

The tension had been released.

Both sides agreed to step down.

Finally, a real chance for peace

‘Til the ray of hope was ceased.

The feet had come to a halt

The banners had been laid down.

Brotherhood seemingly bought.

Then again chaos was wrought.

Three souls had met their end

Long ago committed to the ground.

So now a darkness o’er the land reigns

So only one question remains.

Who will step up and put this darkness down?

We hold these truths to be unshakeable, that all persons are created equal, that all have unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights and reclaim them from the current political chaos, we need to change the self seeking imbecile currently in the White House.

When one man becomes as destructive to democracy as this megalomaniac, it is the right of the people to impeach him and replace him with someone who will respect the institutions in place and secure the Safety and Happiness of all. Prudence dictates that governments shall not be changed lightly and especially not for personal gain. But when a long train of abuses and lies, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Nepotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such imbeciles, and to provide new candidates for their future security.

Such has been the patient sufferance of the citizens of this country; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter those in government. The history of the present so-called President is a history of repeated injuries and lies, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good, by refusing, and encouraging his subordinates to refuse, to co-operate with investigations.

He has forbidden the Senators in his pocket to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has colluded with foreign governments to influence the outcome of our national election, and gone out of his way to cover up that collusion.

He has appointed heads to his Cabinet posts who are incompetent and are doing all they can to dismantle the very institutions they oversee.

He has put forth federal judges uniquely unqualified, yet loyal to his beliefs.

He has refused to accept or discuss the scientifically proven danger of climate change and has isolated our country from those who are working to heal the planet.

He has been accused, and bought off some of his accusers, of not only sexual harassment, but of rape.

He has ridiculed anyone who either disagrees with him or criticizes him in any way.

He has blatantly put family members in government positions allowing them to enrich themselves at the expense of the nation.

He has randomly placed tariffs on foreign goods, harming farmers, business owners, and the population of the nation as a whole.

He has abandoned our allies in favor of brutal dictators, leaving those who have fought with us to die en masse.

He has accepted the word of dictators over our own intelligence community and tried to undermine the work of our investigative bodies such as the CIA and FBI.

He has opened land for mining, oil exploration, and deforesting to the detriment of our environment.

He has diverted funds from an already struggling military to a useless border wall for an idea based on conspiracy theories, putting our national security at risk.

He is allowing a foreign government to purchase our military, essentially turning our fighting force into mercenaries.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, causing our nation to divide rather than work for the common good.

He has violated, and continues to violate, Article 1,Section 9, Paragraph 8 of the United States Constitution, known as the emoluments clause.

He has conspired with a foreign government which is actively paying to have our military personnel killed.

He has ignored the scientific community regarding the current pandemic, allowing over one-hundred thousand Americans to die needlessly.

In every stage of these Oppressions, we have looked to Congress for redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated outcries have been answered only by repeated inaction. A President whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

We, therefore, the people of the United States of America, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good people of this country, solemnly publish and declare, That this pseudo-president be impeached and that the United States return to a government for the people and by the people. And that any and all who have colluded or aided in this President’s shenanigans be removed from public office and incarcerated along with him. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our vote, our taxes and our sacred Honor.

Signed by the

People of the United States of America

I have put some of my best, and some new material, in a book by the same title as this blog. The description is–

  Ever wonder what Trump will put in his letter to his successor?

Are you ready for the New Pledge of Allegiance?

Did God put Trump in office? Is Democracy dead?

With a mix of humor and some facts, this collection looks at the last two years and the political upheaval our nation has faced.

The intention is to make you laugh, possibly weep, and hopefully think.

You can grab a copy from Amazon

Let me know what you think!.

One of the funniest comedy routines I have ever heard is Robin Williams explaining the origins of golf.  If you have never listened to it, take a moment and do, then come back. Even the name Golf is funny. Legend says that originally it meant, Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden. Some believe it came about because all the other four-letter words were taken. If you have ever played, you can relate. The actual origin is a bit more complex and likely came from a word meaning “club”. In any event, to play golf, you need a sense of humor.

There is a story about JC Penney, that when he would interview prospective managers, he would do so over lunch. If they salted their food before tasting it, he would not hire them. If I were to be in a position to hire someone, I would play a round of golf with them. I can think of nothing better as a test of one’s temperament. If you have ever watched the pros play, you have heard four-letter words even from them.

A few years back a friend and I played and being only two they put us with another player. When we got to the third hole, a long par four, it was backed up because someone had a heart attack about halfway down the fairway. The medics were there already. The guy with us starting cussing and telling the people ahead of us to go ahead and tee off, they could just play around the medics. At that point, my friend and I excused ourselves and said we would play another time. Golf can bring out the best or the worst in people.

Golf requires patience, concentration, honesty, and above all else it is humbling. Over the years I have been lucky enough to have two holes in one, but I have also caught two of my drives off the tee. The first hole in one was the first hole at Sunnyvale Gardens, a par 3, 155 yards. The second at Deep Cliff in Cupertino, a par three, 120 yards. The first drive that I caught was when the ball hit a tree and came straight back, the second hit a fence rail and came back. The point of me telling you this is golf can be rewarding and extremely frustrating.

What I like most about it, is it is an individual sport. Anyone can play it, it is a leveler of differences in age, athletic ability, and gender. People who are good at other sports can either be good or bad at golf. Like any sport, it does take practice, but even then most of us are mediocre at best. Just when you think you have mastered it, you watch your ball disappear into water, or grass so high you will never find it.

Playing eighteen holes usually takes about four hours. That is four hours of being out in fresh air, getting some exercise, and spending time with your spouse and friends. Some people think that golf is expensive. This is only partially true. Yes, you can spend a lot of money on equipment and courses like Pebble Beach, but you can also spend less than say a ski trip to the mountains. And best of all, in California at least, you can play pretty much year round.

The game is a metaphor for life. You do your best, the results are not always good, but no matter where the ball lands, you have the potential of what the next shot will bring. They say golf is eighty percent mental and twenty percent skill. Golf and life are more about one’s attitude than anything else. Both require a positive mindset if you are going to enjoy either.

I started this with Robin Williams and to end, I offer another hilarious view of golf.  The majority of us will never be at the level of Tiger Woods or any of the professional golfers, so all we can do is hope to play bad golf well. Leslie Nielsen made a film about just that.

So keep your head down, count all your strokes, and enjoy life, even if you never play the game of golf.