What is the nation to think?
Shortly, it will be official that Clinton vs Trump, or Trump vs Clinton if you prefer, will be the primary contestants for the office of President of the United States.
Many have written and spoken of this year's election in terms of wonderment. "How" has probably been the most often used word written and spoken about these candidates.
How can a serial liar embroiled in multiple controversies over decades be the nominee of her party? How was she NOT indicted as a result of her personal email scandal?
How can one who speaks so disparagingly of others be the nominee of his party? How can one who speaks so vapidly and imprecisely carry the banner?
What is the nation to think?
How can these be the two best qualified individuals?
How can the nation think seriously of the election when both conventions have been farces? One of the only near sensible interpretations has been the disgust with which the "rank and file" hold the process. In this regard, Trump and Sanders are perfectly correct when stating the system is rigged.
Can't help but think that were a different conservative at the top of the GOP ballot, Clinton would never stand a chance.
Also can't help but think that if the DNC had managed a level playing field, Sanders would be the candidate.
What is the nation to think?
Most disturbingly, the polls are consistent in one crucial area. The electorate is profoundly upset with what is happening in our government. Perhaps for different reasons, depending on which side of the aisle they support, but enormously distraught nonetheless.
Looking forward in trying to answer the question, the nation should think that things will not get better in the next administration, regardless of who claims victory.
And that is terribly, terribly sad.
Two news stories in today's Washington Post were about different as possible.
One story reported that a black male caregiver/therapist, while trying to assist an autistic patient sitting in the road, was shot by police as he lay on the ground with his hands up per their directions. (Shot while laying on the ground)
The other story reported that a white police officer was filmed dancing up a storm at a cookout organized by the police for Black Lives Matter (BLM) protestors. (Dancing policeman)
The contrast between the two stories could not be more stark in my mind.
Stipulating that the investigation into the shooting is ongoing, the accompanying cell phone video is telling. One white male is sitting in the road. One black male is laying on his back in the road, with hands up, attempting to explain the situation to the police. The black male is subsequently shot in the leg by the police (not in the video).
A community police chief reached out to the BLM protest organizers with the idea of the cookout. The police were there in uniform, armed, just as they are when on the streets. No false pretense. Protestors and police happily and peacefully interacted.
The one cookout will not correct all problems everywhere, but the creativity demonstrated by the Wichita police chief indisputably illustrates that leadership matters. At the same time, I have to wonder aloud about the possibly failed police leadership in North Miami, where the shooting occurred.
Some of the leadership responsibilities for the police should include rigorous, adequate and thorough screening (including psychological) of those seeking to wear the badge; providing comprehensive, realistic, stressful, demanding, and regularly/constantly repeated training based on the highest standards (maybe modeled after the Marine Corps Mojave Viper pre-deployment training) for officers in how to manage potentially violent encounters; regularly and rigorously re-screening and re-evaluating all officers; and regular community interaction.
For all I know, the above leadership responsibilities are being met. But I am skeptical, particularly when learning of events in which it appears officers from small town police forces are involved. Sadly, the skepticism comes from an understanding that screening, training, and the like are expensive and most (if not all) small town police agencies simply do not have the financial resources necessary to provide these. Even large forces would likely require considerably more resources.
In any case, in any locale, in any law enforcement agency, leadership must step up.
Nothing better conveys the image of American independence better than the motorcycle.
Whether it is the solo rider on the open road.
A group ride.
The iconic imagery of the American biker is linked to independence, freedom, patriotism, and, perhaps, a bit of rebellion.
Today our young veterans are gravitating to the biker lifestyle, just as their forefathers did at the end of World War II. What began in Hollister in 1947 continues today in locales like Sturgis.
More and more clubs are being organized by the veterans and active duty military, in which they share common values and the love of the open road.
Seen at rallies and events across the nation, their leathers and vests are adorned with American flags, military insignia, service ribbons, combat action ribbons, rank insignia, and patriotic statements.
Multiple generations of warriors, from Viet Nam to Iraq and Afghanistan, roll alongside one another.
The quintessential expression of American independence.
Over the years, one of our favorite road trip destinations was the Hollister Independence Day Rally. Then reports came out telling of several years of challenges and difficulties, so it was crossed off our list of favorites. Lately, reports indicated the Rally was back, due to the determined efforts of a small group. Based on this good news, we chose Hollister and the Independence Day Rally as the destination for this summer's road trip.
As the above picture illustrates, the Rally is indeed back.
Seen above, the iconic watering hole Johnny's was lively and crowded throughout. Though crowded, everyone was upbeat and biker camaraderie was the norm.
Just up the road is the Corbin factory, where the interested biker could get a seat custom made while waiting, as shown in the above.
One fun activity was checking out the personalized license plates, like the above pair. Can you guess which belongs to a female biker?
And there were custom bike shows, like this one in front of the Veterans Memorial Building.
The weather cooperated, crowds were large, and Americana was at its best, with the biker life prominently and proudly on display.
If already looking towards a road trip in 2017, recommend putting Hollister on your list of destinations.
