Oath and Honor/The Little Liar

 Having just finished reading "Oath and Honor: Memoir and a Warning" by Liz Cheney and "The Little Liar: A Novel" by Mitch Album, I couldn't help but feel how fortuitous it was that I read them back to back.

In case you haven't read either, they are both about deceit and the ramifications of constantly telling lies. 

Cheney's tome is a first hand account of the insurrection of January 6, 2021 from inside the halls of Congress, from origins to aftermath.  In Oath and Honor, she tells the story of this perilous time in our history, those who helped Trump spread the stolen election LIE and the considerable risks we still face.  If I had not personally witnessed the lies, the insurrection and the congressional investigation, I might have viewed this book as a work of fiction...because, surely this couldn't happen in the United States of America.  But it did..because a lie told enough times gets weak-minded people to believe it!

Mitch Albom's well written book is a "work of fiction, but many truths went into its construction." (the Author's words)  In fact, the narrator of the story is the Angel of Truth.  This Holocaust story set in Greece centers on 11 year old Nico, who has never told a lie.  His truthfulness is used against him when, for the promise of safety for his family, he is coerced to tell those being loaded into the cattle cars for their journey to Auschwitz, that he overheard the Germans and the trip was merely a relocation to better homes, jobs and prosperity.  Because of his reputation for ALWAYS telling the truth, many chose to believe him.

This is where the similarities in Nico's and Trump's journeys differ.  

When Nico realizes the consequences of his betrayal, he can never tell the truth again...but not just for personal gain.  He will spend the rest of his life telling lies, changing names, changing locations and identities, desperate for a way to forgiveness - for himself and from those he loved.

Trump, however, continues to tell lies.  In addition to the well-documented 30,000+ lies he told as President, he continues to lie about everything to do with everything.  A pathological liar is unable to control his lying due to an underlying mental disorder.  They are very manipulative and generally lie to get their way.  Their lies are generally complicated, dramatic and detailed.  Unlike a compulsive liar, who generally knows right from wrong, a pathological liar lives with a false sense of reality.  Ms. Cheney proves in her book that Trump is very definitely a pathological liar with no conscience, no remorse and no recognition of right from wrong.

Album's historical account of the far reaches of the Holocaust was well researched, well written and horrific in its details,  While I have studied the plight of the Jews in Germany, Poland and Austria, Album reminds us of the far reaching tentacles of hatred and the places, like Greece, that we might otherwise not relate to this horrible period of time in Europe and around the world.  In today's rise of anti-semitism and general intolerance in the world, this is a must read!

Cheney's book is also nearly as chilling.  How anyone can read this entire book, understand the planning, conniving, and lying that was and continues to be led by Trump and his minions and still vote for this garbage is beyond comprehension.  I don't care whether you have conservative political viewpoints or hate the current administration, this book helps to point out the dangers to our way of life, our Democracy and this Country's mere existence if Trump and his henchmen are put back in power.  I don't agree with many conservative policies that are the foundation of the "old" Republican Party, but I have to respect (no, Admire!) those, like Liz Cheney and Mitt Romney that are trying to save us from ourselves.  This, too, is a must read!

In The Little Liar, the Angel of Truth says: 

"Humans are broken. Susceptible to sin. They were created with minds to explore, but they often choose to explore their own power. They lie.  And those lies let them think they are God.  Truth is the only thing that stops them. And yet. You cannot drown out noise with silence. Truth needs a voice."

WE are that voice.

And The Journey continues........

Tay-Trav

My taste in music is very eclectic.  As I have written in the past, I enjoy Jazz, Pop, Classical, Broadway, Country and just about anything other than Rap and Hip-Hop.  Music is the soundtrack of my life!

Up to this point, I haven't paid much attention to Taylor Swift and her music other than knowing that my granddaughter is a Swifty and that Taylor is uber-popular.  Now, though, that the MAGA crowd has started to vilify her for her stand on equal rights, Women's reproductive rights, Gay rights and her relationship with Travis Kelce, I decided to take a deeper dive in to exactly who is Taylor Swift, her music, her accomplishments and exactly what she has done to piss-off a lot of mysoginistic, close-minded bigots and assorted other creeps that don't want to see her face on an NFL broadcast.

First of all, Taylor is an accomplished musician.  She began writing songs at age 14 and made her first album at age 16.  She is credited with writing over 119 songs solo and another 100 or so in collaboration with other songwriters.  With over 200 million records sold, she is one of the world's best selling artist.  Taylor has won every major music award - most multiple times- even when a total idiot jumped on-stage to try to take one away from her! She is the highest-grossing female touring act, the most streamed woman and the first BILLIONAIRE with music as the main source of income.  She has inspired millions and millions of young people all over the world.

Taylor is known for her philanthropic efforts.  Besides supporting the arts, she has been active in Feeding America, the World Health Organization, Stand Up To Cancer, children's literacy and many other charitable endeavors.  Every city on her tour benefits from her charitable endeavors.  She truly embraces the Pay-It-Forward philosophy.

So, it begs the question:  Why are certain people so upset over her romance with Travis Kelce, her exposure on NFL broadcasts, her political leanings and just about anything that she says, does or doesn't say or do?  Is it jealousy, mysoginy, or are they scared that she might have influence with a very large group of people...specifically those of voting age?  Probably all of the above!

I haven't seen these same people get upset when the cameras pan to other celebrities in the crowd at a football game. I didn't see any of them get upset when another athlete, David Beckham, started a love affair with Posh Spice - now, Victoria Beckham.  Where is the uproar over other celebrities being on the sidelines during games or dominating the courtside seats at a basketball game or being shown from their luxury boxes?  Is a grand total of 25 seconds on camera really stop the flow of your watching a game?

Give me a break.  This is all about the fact that Taylor has encouraged young people to register to vote...to let their voices be heard..to stand up for what they believe in.  The MAGA crowd has demanded that she stay out of politics.  But it is okay for their "stars" of the music and entertainment industry that support the conservative movement to voice their opinions.  As usual, the hypocricy is overwhelming.  

And if you are offended that Travis does commercials for Bud Light, Pfizer, Nike, State Farm, Experion and DirecTV and others, than don't get the vaccination, don't drink Bud Light, quit wearing Nike, get your insurance from someone other than State Farm, don't check your credit through Experion and don't use DirecTV.  That's what freedom of choice is about.  But, stop the damn rumors of something sinister going on because two famous people are having a romance.  There are bigger problems in this country and the world in general and to focus on Taylor and Travis is ridiculous! 

I am already a fan of Travis Kelce because of his enormous talent on the field...and I enjoy the podcast he does with his brother.  Now, I am becoming a Swifty, because of the person she is!

To those that are offended by Taylor Swift and her relationship with Travis Kelce, I say...Get a life!

And The Journey continues......