Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a national holiday. It has been nearly 53 years since King was taken from us in a senseless assassination of a man who preached peace, non violence and equality. A man who was feared by many because he wanted equality for all regardless of the color of one’s skin. He wanted people to be judged by the soul of their character and not the color of their skin. He was a man who understood the power of non-violent protests. He knew his words and action mattered. He maintained his non-violent protests in the wake of violence by those who were threated by him as well as black leaders who advocated a much stronger approach. Like Ghandi and Nelson Mandella, King was a man of peace who never wavered in his conviction. I have thought a lot about him recently. The U.S. could have used his calming hand in the last year.
A couple of things from Nolan Finley’s newsletter today. “Some of those who stormed the Capitol have come up with a unique defense against trespassing charges. They say since they were invited in by Trump, they weren’t trespassing. And they want the president to pardon them. They should have known better.” Then there is this, “Those who are bitter about the presidential election and are convinced President Donald Trump was cheated need to look to the future. Nothing will change the outcome of the Nov. 3 election. In America, there’s always the certainty that there’s another election ahead, including one two years from now when Republicans can easily retake Congress, if they unify and stop working so hard to convince America they’re lunatics.”
I love this quote from President Elect Joe Biden that was reported in the NY Times today. Here’s Biden’s response to aides who use overly academic or elitist language: “Pick up your phone, call your mother, read her what you just told me,” he likes to say. “If she understands, we can keep talking.” This is so true and is such good advice for our future leaders. KISS.
On-line sports betting is coming very soon to Michigan at a casino near you. Like the lottery and the approval of casino’s it is supposed to add much revenue to the state and local muenicipalities. Only time will tell if that is true.
Inspite of the Michigan men’s basketball teams first loss on Saturday to Minnesota, the team remains atop the B!G standings and maintains their #7 national ranking. Meanwhile the Michigan womens team remains unbeaten and has risen to #11 in the national rankings. This is the highest ranking for the women in program history.
It is good to be back after 3 days. Stay safe, social distance, wear your mask, wash your hands regularly and sign-up for the vaccine if you are eligible.
Quote of the day: We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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