Cuba celebrates its revolution today. Never an easy process, full of obstacles – not least the U.S. blockade – and its share of mistakes as well as remarkable and hard earned successes. It remains an inspiration to people in the Global South and for many in the U.S. fighting for a more just and equal society. Without the leadership of Fidel, Raul, and their comrades in close association with the Cuban people neither the revolution nor its advance would have been possible. Viva Cuba!

Leaving on a 9 day road trip tommorrow with my brother. Destination is Nova Scotia, including Cape Breton, with hope of hearing plenty of Celtic and Arcadian music. On the way will meet up and stay with old friends, probably sharing a glass or two of the grain or the grape. Should be lots of fun!

Neil Young’s advice on aging, “Better to burn out than it is to rust.”

We heard this week powerful testimony shining new light on Trump’s ruthless and unrestrained assault on our country’s election process and democracy. Everyone who spoke at the hearing was compelling and convincing. Congressman Raskin’s summation at the hearing’s end was brilliant.

These hearings have gone beyond my expectation and, likely, the expectations of millions of viewers. I have to think the democratic sensibilities of tens of millions have been heightened and the danger of authortiarian-fascistic rule is more palpably felt. When combined with the Court’s rulings in June – the overturning of Roe v.Wade, first of all – it is hard not to think – and some recent polling suggests so – that the election landscape is shifting.

The Republican Party by its words and actions has removed itself from what might be described as the normal (or the historically constituted) continuum of US politics. Its mission, in contrast to the Democrats, is to lay waste to the structures of democracy and democracy in toto. If that doesn’t motivate you to become involved in the fall elections, I’m not sure what will.