Saturday in the park.

After breakfast, being  nice, warm day, we went to Citadela Park to do some people watching. Of course, a Saturday has many people out and about and today was no different.

The best people to watch are the little people, especially when they see something they have never seen before, like a flower. One of them tried to eat it but the mother stopped them in time.

One thing I don't like is some of the mothers and fathers who bring their young kids to a park and then spend the majority of their time on cell phones. They pay little attention to their  kids or where they are at any moment.

We spent about two hours there and then stopped for a coffee on the way home.It was pizza night so I didn't have to do much to prepare dinner.

In the evening e watched a nice concert off Andrea Bocelli in Las Vegas in 2006. it was a good way to end the evening. 

Walk in Poznan.

Yesterday was a 3-hour break day for me. I had nothing I had to do so I thought I would take a little walk to the Zamek. 

2 years ago, the city decided to replace the parking lot in front of the Zamek with a more friendly to people area. The idea was a one level building for a cafe and tables and chairs inside and out of it. I went to see and take pictures of it.

Also, I thought I would go inside the Zamek to see what had changed inside. Many of the pictures I took are different views inside but also different views through the many windows.

One very welcomed addition to the entrance is a ramp for disabled people.

Meanwhile in Ukraine:

Despite being outnumbered two to one, fighters from the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ 424th Separate Assault Regiment, known as "Skala," successfully stormed a Russian position on the front lines and inflicted significant losses.

The operation was detailed on the regiment’s official Telegram channel, where a dramatic video of the assault was also shared.

Titled “The moment of the assault that must be seen,” the footage captures two Skala soldiers stealthily infiltrating enemy lines and launching a grenade attack on a Russian dugout, killing five enemy troops.The operation didn’t end there.

Ukrainian fighters went on to ambush two Russian soldiers wearing anti-drone cloaks and eliminated another at a forward observation post.

In addition, drone pilots from the regiment reportedly neutralized a dozen more Russian personnel during the assault.

This bold and coordinated attack highlights the ongoing tactical superiority and resilience of Ukrainian forces, even when facing numerically superior enemy troops.

Bocelli in Poznan.

Incredible! Bocelli will perform in the ENEA stadiom in Poznan, Friday, June 6th. Unforttunately, tickets range from 839 PLN($227) to 2418 PLN($645). We won't be attending. It's too bad, we love his voice.

Andrea Bocelli is an Italian tenor, composer and music producer, who is one of the most famous and respected artists in the world. He was born on September 22, 1958, in the small town of Lajatico in Tuscany. Bocelli from an early age showed interest in music and piano playing, and his passion for singing. At the age of 12 he completely lost his sight due to illness and accident.

His musical career gained momentum in the 1990s, when Luciano Pavarotti, one of the most outstanding tenors in history, drew attention to Bocelli's talent. His debut album, Il Mare Calmo della Sera (1994), gained the acclaim of audiences and critics. Since then, Bocelli has released many albums, both classic and pop, winning the hearts of millions of fans around the world.

Has won numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Grammy Awards and the Golden Globes. His voice, described as one of the most beautiful tenor voices in history, and his unique personality make him an artist adored by audiences around the world.

Ukraine

Meanwhile, in Ukraine:

Germany has lifted restrictions on the range of strikes on russia for Ukraine.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz: “We will do everything in our power to continue supporting Ukraine. This also means that there are no longer any range limitations on the weapons we supply. Ukraine can now also defend itself by striking military positions in Russia.”

 

After the most intense day of aerial attacks on Sunday, when his attacks killed multiple civilians, including three children, Putin carried on targeting Kyiv for the third day in a row with sirens sounding for six hours, while also bombarding multiple other regions of Ukraine. Source-Daily Express

 

WASHINGTON DC – The United States has not yet lifted all Joe Biden-era restrictions on Ukraine’s warfighting, but President Donald Trump is “seriously considering” to do so, two senior Western officials told Kyiv Post’s Washington correspondent on Monday, May 25.

“All the previously imposed restrictions – whether already eased or not – are currently under the review as President [Trump] believes that the current status-quo does not serve our common interests of bringing Russia to the [negotiation] table,” one official said without offering further details.

Earlier on Monday, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said there were no longer any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine by its Western allies, meaning that Kyiv could defend itself by attacking military positions inside Russia. The Kremlin called it “a dangerous move.” Source-Kyiv Post.

Excuse me :=(

Since the end of April, you have probably noticed a change in the writing of this blog. After 5-years cring for Joan dealing with dementia, studying every night to pass a theory driving test, continuing to learn Spanish, and writing this blog almost every day, I felt a little overwhelmed. So, I was wring to blog with the basic topics and using Chatgpt to elaborate. I won't be doing that any longer. What you will read will only be written, once again, by me. Except when I add a source from some place like Ukraine or others. Thanks, Anonymous, for bringing that to my attention. 

Happy 80th birthday to you, Joan. We may have aged a little since we met 50 years ago but you're still just as beautiful to me. I love you.

Rzepac.

After a two-hour conversation with Michal, the clouds had finally parted. The sky opened up into a brilliant blue, and the warmth of the sun filtered through the trees, gentle, golden, and reassuring. It was one of those rare spring days that felt both fresh and familiar. With the weather finally turning kind, I decided it was the perfect moment to take Joan out for a little trip. I’d been wondering whether the rzepac, (rapeseed), was still in bloom. With the chaotic mix of cold snaps and rainstorms we’d had over the past few weeks, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

We headed north, toward the town of Oborniki, about 30 miles away. The drive there is one I’ve always loved: rolling fields, scattered farmhouses, and long stretches of open land that, in springtime, often glow with the deep yellow of flowering rzepac. Sure enough, as we drove, the familiar fields came into view. But most of them had already passed their peak, the vibrant yellow now muted, the flowers beginning to fade. What once had been an overwhelming sea of color and scent was now just a soft whisper of the season’s high point. Still beautiful, in a quieter, more reflective way.

On our way there, we passed through Szamotuły, and I couldn’t help but mention the palace outside town, the small, elegant manor where Joan and I had once spent a weekend celebrating an anniversary. It was a modest place by palace standards, with only about twenty rooms total, including a dining room, a meeting room, a cozy kitchen, and a handful of guest rooms. We had stayed on the second floor, our window overlooking a serene pond and a small patch of woods. I can still picture the way the light danced on the water in the early morning, and how peaceful it all felt,like time had slowed down just for us.

In Oborniki, we parked near the town square, which was pleasantly quiet that afternoon. I took Joan for a stroll, slowly circling the square while I snapped a few photos. Across from where we had parked was a charming little café with just four tables set out near the sidewalk. It was the kind of spot that seemed to invite you to pause, so we did. We ordered coffee and sat watching the life of the town unfold, people chatting, a dog barking in the distance, someone unlocking a bicycle. The Sunday rhythm of a small town in spring.

Before we left, I took a few more photos, this time of the old church that stood not far from the square. Its bricks and tall steeple seemed to hold the stories of centuries even though it wasn't that old. It was a quiet end to a quiet outing, the kind of day that doesn’t announce itself but stays with you nonetheless, soft, unhurried, and full of small moments that gently settle into memory.

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Bookstore

 

The House of Books returns to the map of Poznan!

 

After a few years, an iconic building on the street Gwarna 13a will be bustling with life again. On June 1, a new literary and cultural space, created together with the bookstore Bookowski Ksiegarnie Poznan will open there. Opening on June 1st, the hours will be 10:00-20:00.

 

A social space was created in the underground - a room for workshops, discussions and events, which can be used free of charge by non-governmental organizations and social economy entities.

Memorial Day weekend?

Memorial Day is a solemn occasion set aside to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. It is a day of reflection and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

This important day is often mistakenly confused with Veterans Day. While both commemorate military service, they serve different purposes. Veterans Day, observed in November, honors all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, both living and deceased, whereas Memorial Day is specifically dedicated to remembering those who died in military service.

 It is a day of reflection and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. It invites us not only to honor the dead, but also to reflect on the values they died defending freedom, unity, and justice for all, no matter what political party you belong to.

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Sowa & Love.

Gabriela came today to sit with Joan and to give me a break taking care of Joan.

My only goal today was to go to Sowas and show them the picture I took yesterday. Luckily, Monika, the manager, was there and I showed it to her. She asked if I would send it in an email also. Of the three ladies I photographed yesterday, only Ania was there. I asked her for the email address and she was happy to give it to me. 

I spent an hour at home showing Gabriela all the pictures I took years ago when my 10-year-old son and I built my house in the forest. It was nice to see them again and remind myself what an accomplishment that was. I know it is something Eric also never forgot. It was only my love for Joan that made me eventually sell it and move back to the Chicago area. 3 years without her by my side was more than I could handle.

Heavy night.

Well, what can I say?

Last night was long and heavy. Joan went to bed around 9:30 p.m., earlier than usual,  because she wasn’t feeling well. The weight of her dementia has been pressing more heavily on her lately. It's a cruel, unforgiving disease that chips away at the person I’ve known, moment by moment, memory by memory. Watching it unfold is like trying to hold onto her while she slowly fades in front of me.

I didn’t go to bed until around 3 a.m. I sat there in the quiet, just thinking, unable to sleep,  partly out of exhaustion, partly out of worry. Sometimes, the silence feels louder than anything else.

We both slept late and didn’t wake up until around 1:00 in the afternoon. The day slipped by quietly after that. I didn’t get much done, not in the way most people would count productivity,  no errands, no tasks crossed off a list. But I stayed close to Joan, and sometimes, that’s all that really matters. Just being there. Holding a hand, answering a repeated question with patience, trying to create a little calm in the midst of the storm.

Some days are like that. I do what I can, and let the rest go.

Sowas, Solacki park, and Ukraine

Finally, after several days of unseasonably cold weather for spring, the sun made a welcome return. The sky cleared, and the gentle warmth was just enough to coax us outside. I took Joan out for a walk, eager to enjoy the long-awaited change in weather.

Our first stop was Sowa’s, our favorite little café, for coffee and cake. Joan chose her usual, a slice of creamy cheesecake, while I indulged in a rich piece of chocolate cake. We've been coming to the same Sowa location for years now, and it truly feels like a second home. The staff knows us well, and there's a comforting familiarity in the way they greet us.

Marta, one of the wonderful women who often takes our order, once told me that Sowa’s had become a part of our life. She’s right, it has. There’s a quiet joy in returning to a place where people know your name and your usual order, where the smiles are genuine and the service feels personal.

Today, the café was busy with its usual quiet energy, and I finally asked to take a picture of three of the young women working behind the counter. They were kind enough to pose, and I introduced myself and Joan by name, though Marta already remembered mine, as she often does. Monika, who I believe is the manager, wasn’t in today. When she’s not around, one of the three ladies typically takes the lead and manages things seamlessly.

After finishing our coffee and cake, Joan and I made our way to Solacki Park, another one of our favorite spots. We found a comfortable bench and sat quietly, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. The trees were budding, the grass a vibrant green, and people strolled by, enjoying the spring afternoon. There’s something grounding about simply watching life move gently around you.

But even amid the tranquility of our day, the mind can't help but wander to heavier matters. In Ukraine, the war rages on. Reports have emerged that Russia is now equipping its Shahed-136 drones with upgraded warheads, nearly double the previous payload. Some versions now include incendiary and high-explosive variants. According to Defense Express, a military-focused site citing unnamed sources and photographic evidence, these new modifications make the drones significantly more deadly than the earlier 50-kilogram models.

It seems that for Putin, the destruction of military targets is no longer enough. Civilian areas, including homes and even schools, are not spared. The death toll climbs with each strike, men, women, and children lost in moments of violence. The cruelty feels deliberate, as though the goal is not just strategic, but deeply personal.

Back in the park, the sun continued to shine, and Joan smiled as a child ran by chasing pigeons. It was a small, beautiful moment, one of peace, life, and innocence. A stark contrast to the images coming from Ukraine. I held her hand a little tighter, reminded of how precious these quiet, ordinary days are.

Election, round one.

Yesterday marked the day of the presidential election. Unlike in the United States, where the political landscape is dominated by two major parties, this country offers voters a wider range of political choices. Multiple parties participate in the race, reflecting a broader spectrum of ideologies and interests. Also, very much unlike the U.S., running for president here does not require millions of dollars. Campaigns are often modest, focusing on grassroots outreach and public engagement rather than expensive media campaigns.

Another notable difference is that elections here are held on Sundays. This is generally seen as more convenient for voters, as most people are off work and have fewer weekday obligations. In contrast, elections in the United States are held on Tuesdays, which can make it more difficult for some people to find the time to vote, especially if they have long work hours or limited access to polling places.

To win outright in the first round, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote. Given the number of competing parties, this rarely happens. As expected, no single candidate reached that threshold this time. The top two candidates received 30.5% and 29.6% of the vote, respectively.

As a result, a second round of voting will be held in the first week of June. In this runoff, only the two leading candidates remain on the ballot. Over the next two weeks, both will campaign intensely, aiming to win over voters who supported other candidates in the first round. Much of this effort involves negotiating support from smaller parties and forming alliances to broaden their appeal.

Whichever candidate wins the second round will likely need to form a coalition government, working with other parties to secure a functional majority. While this process can be complex, it often results in a leadership that better reflects the diversity of public opinion.

19 years of blogging.

I found myself thinking about this blog today. It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been writing it almost daily for nearly 19 years, that’s a long time by any standard. Over the years, it has primarily served as a chronicle of our daily life here in Poland, sprinkled with stories of family history, cultural experiences, and travels that introduced us to different ways of life.

In 2016, however, something shifted. With the election of Donald Trump as President, the blog began to take on a more political tone. That wasn’t entirely intentional at first, it simply reflected the deep changes I was witnessing and feeling. During Biden’s term, I found less to criticize, and the posts leaned more toward personal and cultural reflections again.

But leading up to the last election, and certainly since then, politics have again crept into the blog. It’s impossible to ignore what’s happening, and I make no apologies for letting those concerns surface in my writing.

As an American living in Poland, with deep familial and cultural ties to this country, I carry a unique and, at times, conflicted perspective. Living abroad has given me a clearer lens through which to view my homeland, one shaped both by distance and by the contrast with another society. That perspective brings with it not just appreciation, but also a growing sense of worry.

I genuinely feel that America is at a crossroads, a moment in its history that may define its trajectory for generations to come. And it's not just about elections or partisan divisions. What I’m seeing are deeper, more unsettling shifts, fundamental changes that go to the heart of who we are as a nation. These changes are affecting our values, our freedoms, our institutions, and, most critically, the collective soul of the country I still call home.

There’s a sense that the guardrails of democratic norms are being tested, perhaps even eroded. The civil discourse that once allowed diverse voices to be heard is being drowned out by noise, anger, and misinformation. Principles like the rule of law, the peaceful transfer of power, and the importance of a free press, bedrocks of American democracy, feel increasingly fragile.

Living in Poland, a country with its own complex history of political upheaval and democratic struggle, I can’t help but see the parallels, and the warnings. I’ve learned that democratic backsliding doesn’t always come with loud declarations. Sometimes, it’s quiet. Incremental. Normalized over time. And that is what makes it so dangerous.

I say this not as an alarmist, but as someone who loves America deeply and wants to see it thrive, not just economically or militarily, but morally and ethically. It is more than a superpower. It is a symbol, or at least it has been, of what a free and just society can strive to be. To lose that would be a loss not just for Americans, but for the world.

This blog remains a space for sharing everyday stories, family history, and cultural connections, but it’s also become a place where I speak candidly about the state of the world, especially the one I once knew as America. And I intend to keep doing just that.

Gabriela day

 Today was Gabriela Day, a 3 hour holiday for me.

She returned from her weekend escape to Malta, full of stories, sunshine, and a suitcase full of… well, two things: a refrigerator magnet and a mysterious donut that may or may not have survived airport security with dignity intact. Still, it’s the thought (and sugar) that counts.

She also had photos! Glorious, sun-drenched Maltese moments captured on her phone. Naturally, we attempted to view them on the big screen. But alas, technology had other plans. The TV refused to cooperate, probably jealous it wasn’t invited on the trip. We gave up after a few valiant but futile remote-control battles and agreed to try again next week, when I’m back home and presumably more technologically gifted (or better at threatening electronics with unplugging).

We then tried watching the news. That lasted about five minutes before we realized the world is still on fire and no one brought marshmallows. So, we did what any sane person would do: we turned to Viktor Yushkevich.

Ah yes, our artistic savior. With his gentle brushstrokes and soft commentary, he soothed us like a human lavender candle. Within moments, our frayed tempers and news-induced eye-twitches began to subside. Honestly, Viktor should be covered by health insurance. He paints, we breathe deeply, and all is well.

So yes, Gabriela returned from Malta, the TV staged a rebellion, and Viktor once again saved the day. Just another Thursday.

Driving License

It's just another day spent stuck inside the house, thanks to the weather. Rain, wind, and gray skies have kept me indoors, making the day feel longer than it should. Thankfully, Gabriela is coming over tomorrow, which means I'll finally be able to step out for a while and take care of some things that have been piling up.

One of the more pressing tasks is replacing the right headlight on our car. It's frustrating how quickly these bulbs seem to burn out nowadays, barely lasting three or four months before needing to be replaced. I just changed the left headlight about three months ago, and now the right one has already gone out. It's almost as if the newer bulbs are designed with shorter lifespans, which makes maintenance feel like a never-ending cycle.

Hopefully, once Gabriela arrives, I can get everything sorted without too much trouble.

I had been under the impression that my driver’s license would expire in the middle of August, but after checking today, I realized it actually expires much sooner, on July 7th. That discovery sent me into a bit of a panic. Now I need to start preparing for the theory test, which I have to pass before I can even begin the license renewal process.

On top of that, there are a couple of medical steps I need to take. First, I’ll have to visit my neurologist to get an official statement confirming that my tremors are still not severe enough to interfere with my ability to drive. After that, I’ll need to bring that statement to a medical doctor, who will have to approve me for the test.

These appointments aren’t cheap, between the neurologist and the medical doctor, the cost is about 400 PLN. Then there's the theory test itself, which adds another 100 PLN. All in all, renewing the license is going to cost me around 500 PLN9($105), and that’s only if I pass the theory test on the first attempt. Many people don’t, so I’m definitely feeling the pressure. I don't need more pressure. It bad for my tremors.

Sunday drive

The weather hasn’t been very conducive to taking Joan out over the past three days. She was starting to feel a bit restless after being cooped up in the flat for so long, so I decided it was time for a change of scenery. We went for a short drive out into the countryside to get some fresh air and a bit of peace.

I had been hoping the rzepak, rapeseed, would be in full bloom by now. It’s still a little early in the season, but when it does blossom, the sight is truly breathtaking. Vast fields blanketed in vibrant yellow stretch across the landscape like sunlight poured onto the earth. One of the best experiences is driving between two blooming fields, where the sweet, honey-like aroma of the flowers fills the air, it’s nature at its most fragrant and uplifting.

After our little excursion, we returned home feeling refreshed. To wind down the evening, we watched Viktor paint yet another stunning landscape. This one, titled Heavenly View, was a beautiful interpretation of nature’s serenity, an ideal end to a day that had started so quietly.

NONNAS

It was one of those slow, rainy days, perfect for curling up with a book or watching the world go by through the window. Unfortunately, my to-do list had other plans. Today was house chore day, and as much as I’d rather be doing anything else, the vacuuming, dusting, and mopping weren’t going to do themselves. So I powered through, tackling each task one by one. It’s not glamorous, but these small acts of care keep the home feeling clean and cozy, and sometimes that’s enough to lift the spirits on a gray day.

By the afternoon, I turned my attention to the kitchen. There’s something comforting about making soup on a rainy day, and I decided to put together a simple cabbage and vegetable soup. I’ve learned over time that half a cabbage is more than enough, using a whole one tends to take over the pot! Along with the soup, I made a fresh salad and served it all with hearty whole wheat bread. Simple, nourishing, and satisfying, exactly what I needed.

Later in the evening, we wound down with a movie on Netflix called NONNAS. It’s based on a true story about a man with no prior experience in the food industry who opened an Italian restaurant on Staten Island, staffed entirely by grandmothers as the cooks. Their love, tradition, and authenticity brought something truly special to the place, and the restaurant is still open today. It was a heartwarming film, the kind that leaves you smiling and maybe even a little inspired. Definitely a feel-good watch to end a quiet, rainy day.

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Miracle?

It was a miracle that an American was chosen as the next Pope. IMO, I think it was a protest vote against the Trump administration. Cardinals from all over the world voted for Pope Leo.

Yesterday, Gabriela was here and she and Joan watched an old, funny movie, War of the Roses. I have been selecting movies that Gabriela hasn't seen before to increase her knowledge of American-style movies. Most of them are comedies, but she did watch the 4-hour-long version of Dances with Wolves. She said she didn't know much about American Indians, so I thought that would be a good movie for her.

Today, we only made a quick trip to AuChan to buy olive oil. I forgot to put it on the shopping list, and I use it for cooking most things.

France will defend Poland?

The treaty to be signed on May 9 in Nancy by Donald Tusk and Emmanuel Macron is a response to the threat posed by Russia. But it is also a response to Donald Trump's policies.

At the heart of the new agreement are provisions on security. Until now, France has decided to provide bilateral security guarantees (apart from those within the framework of NATO and the EU) only to its four major neighbors. These include the 2010 Lancaster House agreement with the United Kingdom; the 2019 Aachen Treaty with Germany, which expanded on the 1963 Elysee Treaty; the 2021 Quirinal Treaty with Italy; and the 2023 Barcelona Treaty with Spain. Now the French have decided to treat a country with less potential, which does not share a border with them, in a similar way. They have come to the conclusion that without Poland, with its strategic location and new military strength, it will be difficult to build a European defense.

From the French perspective, Warsaw is entering the first league of partners, according to diplomatic sources in Paris. While today the Elysee Palace is convinced that the Poles were right in pointing out the true nature of the Russian regime for years, Donald Tusk's government sees the sense in Macron's long-promoted idea of “European strategic autonomy,” which is supposed to facilitate the defense of Europe even if the Americans do not come to its rescue. Source-Warsaw Voice

I guess that is good news for Poland. At least France has nuclear deterrent capabilities.

I never thought that at 81 years old I would be thinking about a war where I and Joan live. We have lived through the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars, although not directly. The closest we ever got was the 1968 DNC Convention in 1968 and the Kent State Massacre.

Kent State happened on May 4, 1970. It's hard to believe that was 55 years ago. It is still so vivid in my mind. 

The Kent State shootings were the killing of four and wounding of nine unarmed college students by the Ohio State National Guard on the Kent State University campus. The shootings took place during a rally opposing the expansion of the war into Cambodia by the United States.

Students Allison Krause, 19, Jeffrey Miller, 20, and Sandra Lee Scheuer, 20, died on the scene, while William Schroeder, 19, was pronounced dead at Robinson Memorial Hospital in nearby Ravenna shortly afterward

Love and "I have'nt read it"

Now that I’m retired, I have more free time than most people who are still working. In theory, retirement should bring freedom—the chance to explore hobbies, take long-awaited trips, reconnect with passions set aside during working years, or simply relax after a lifetime of effort. But for me, this chapter of life has taken on a very different form.

 

Though my calendar no longer includes job responsibilities, deadlines, or meetings, my time is far from unoccupied. In fact, it’s more demanding and emotionally complex than anything I've ever experienced in the workforce. Nearly every moment of my day and night is devoted to the care of my wife, my life partner of nearly 50 years. She is in the latter stages of dementia, and her condition requires constant vigilance, patience, and compassion.

 

This is not care in the abstract. It is deeply personal, physical, and emotional. It means feeding, bathing, soothing, guiding, and above all, being there, fully and without pause. It is a 24/7 role that tests the limits of stamina, spirit, and at times, sanity. There are no days off, no vacation, and no time to emotionally retreat. Each day begins much like the one before it, and ends with me helping her gently into bed, hoping for a peaceful night.

 

And yet, despite the fatigue and the emotional toll, I do it without hesitation. I do it because of love. Because of the life we built together. Because she deserves dignity and comfort, even as her mind continues to betray the vibrant woman she once was. There is pain in this journey, an ongoing grief for someone who is still physically here but slowly slipping away. But there is also grace, and moments of deep meaning that words can hardly capture.

 

Still, after she’s finally settled into sleep and the house is quiet again, my mind turns elsewhere. I use what little solitude I have left each evening to reflect, but also to look outward, to examine the world we now live in. I open my laptop or turn on the TV, searching for updates, truths, and warnings about the steady, relentless erosion of our democracy.

 

Each night, I search to see what catastrophic thing has been done on behalf of Donny Two-Dolls, what new distortion, abuse, or corruption has been pushed into public view, often normalized through repetition and silence. It is a never-ending saga, and each revelation is more outrageous, more dangerous, more corrosive than the last. I check several sources, comparing facts, perspectives, and evidence. Occasionally, I come across one I hadn’t known or thought about, a deeper cut, a buried report, a chilling connection.

 

 https://longer.blue/posts/4D7Tm1KoAc?posted=true

Letter to Senator

Time to ACT--Tuesday, the Senate will vote for the new commissioner of Social Security, Frank Bisignano. The man is totally unfit for the job. I urge you to call or send emails to your senator(s) and tell them to vote NO. 

Dear Senator Duckworth, 

On Tuesday morning, the Senate will face a defining vote: whether to confirm Donald Trump’s nominee for Social Security Commissioner, Frank Bisignano. The stakes could not be higher. For months, the Social Security Administration has been engulfed in chaos, much of it stemming from Elon Musk’s influence over the agency through the DOGE initiative, a so-called modernization effort that has instead gutted services and paralyzed operations. 

Frank Bisignano proudly describes himself as “a DOGE person,” aligning himself with the forces responsible for this unraveling. That puts him in lockstep with the current acting commissioner, Leland Dudek, who has aggressively slashed staff and shuttered local offices under Musk’s direction. The result? Millions of Americans—seniors, people with disabilities, and survivors—are being left in the lurch. 

Worse still, during his Senate confirmation hearing, Bisignano blatantly lied under oath when asked about his coordination with DOGE. He denied any involvement. But thanks to a courageous whistleblower inside the agency, we now know the truth: Bisignano was directly engaged in crafting the very policies that have undermined the SSA. Senator Ron Wyden called out this deception, but it’s clear the full weight of the evidence has yet to be acknowledged by many in Congress. 

Bisignano’s track record in the private sector should serve as a loud warning. At multiple companies, he implemented extreme staffing cuts and fostered toxic work cultures. 

The Social Security Administration, already reeling from low morale and shrinking personnel, can’t afford more of the same. If confirmed, Bisignano would likely accelerate the deterioration, making the agency even less responsive to the needs of the public. 

Even more disturbing is his unwillingness to challenge Musk’s outrageous claim that Social Security is a “criminal Ponzi scheme.” At no point has Bisignano defended the program or shown loyalty to the tens of millions of Americans who depend on it. Instead, he’s chosen to side with Silicon Valley’s most destructive voices. 

Social Security deserves a commissioner who will put beneficiaries first, not billionaires. The Senate must reject Frank Bisignano’s nomination and demand a leader who is committed to restoring public trust, rebuilding the workforce, and strengthening this vital program, not tearing it down. 

Any senator who truly cares about the future of Social Security should vote NO. 

Respectfully, 

David Piekarczyk

Constitution Day.

Today is Constitution Day in Poland. The Constitution of 3 May 1791 is considered one of the most important achievements in the history of Poland.  The memory of the 3 May Constitution—recognized by political scientists as a very progressive document for its time—for generations helped keep alive Polish aspirations for an independent and just society, and continued to inform the efforts of its authors' descendants. In Poland it is viewed as a national symbol, and the culmination of all that was good and enlightened in Polish history and culture.

I can't help but compare it to the horror show in the United States where the President and his "cabal" are trying to tear their Constitution apart.

Meanwhile: Ukraine

Mid-April comments by Trump that the US was willing to recognize Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region in exchange for a peace deal were widely condemned by Ukrainian politicians and media as a betrayal and evidence of American plans to throw Ukraine under the bus in exchange for better relations with the Kremlin.

“Well let’s remind everybody this is not our war…And it’s a war that has no military solution. In essence, Putin can’t take all of Ukraine. The Ukrainians can’t push the Russians all the way back to where they were in 2014. And so the question here is, who is the only leader in the world that can talk to both sides and hopefully bring them to a deal, and that’s President Trump,” Rubio said in his April 18 comments.

Ukrainian media following Rubio’s remarks widely predicted the US would back out of active efforts to promote a Russo-Ukrainian peace. In mid-April, lawmaker Mariana Bezhula, citing diplomatic sources, told Telegram followers Trump deal-making efforts were “over,” and that in the next few weeks the US would back away from Trump’s campaign promise to end the war quickly.

A 100-day attempt by the United States led by President Donald J. Trump to impose a quick end to the Russo-Ukrainian War has failed and so the White House will wash its hands of the mess and move on, administration officials admitted on Thursday.

Protest Day

Annual May Day rallies in cities across the country swelled with thousands of anti-Trump demonstrators on Thursday, as outcry continued to grow over the president’s agenda and expansion of executive power.

Protesters denounced the administration’s effort to roll back workers’ rights, a particular sore spot on a day dedicated to celebrating organized labor, as well as plans to cut education funding and carry out mass deportations.

A separate effort, which organizers billed as a National Day of Law brought legal professionals to the Supreme Court in Washington and federal courthouses across the country on Thursday to push for judicial independence and oppose efforts to intimidate law firms. 

 

Police closed streets for the crowds in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Washington. But protesters also rallied in small communities that voted overwhelmingly for President Trump, including places like Norman, Okla., Sauk City, Wis., and Hendersonville, N.C. Groups held signs in front of municipal buildings and public schools, and some demonstrators wore red to indicate support for public education. 

 

The protests, more than 1,000 were expected across the country, were spearheaded to coincide with traditional May Day labor rallies by 50501, a coalition of grass-roots activist groups, as well as by labor, nonprofit and civil rights organizations.