We sometimes forget that every movement in the direction of dermocracy, equality, and social progress – not to mention radical democracy and socialism – is accompanied by – or more accurately generates – a counter movement in the opposite direction. Think, for example, of the election of Barak Obama to the presidency in 2008. In breaking a seemingly unbreakable racist barrier, it not only catapulted an African American into the White House for the first time, but it also triggered a fierce racist counter offensive that caught many of us off guard.

Such an understanding of the dynamics of struggle should remind us of the necessity of sustaining, broadening, and deepening popular coalitions in the wake of its victories as well as counter any sense of self satisfaction and complacency. Freedom, as is said, is a constant struggle.

Golden State was “golden” last night!!! The Warriors, led by Step Curry, are a joy to watch. At times, their movement on the floor is like ballet and their performance is like great theater. I could go on.

A christian zealot in judicial robes. It’s not alarmist to say a theocratic state and society could be in our future. Vote Democratic this fall.

Beautiful day! On my deck drinking Westkill Pilsner. Brewed here in Catskill Mts. A bit pricey, but damn good! A friend of mine once told me his doctor advised him to take fewer pills and drink more Pils. I do my best.

Happy Mother’s Day to my mother, Katherine, and my step mother, Molly. My mother was the emotional ballast and unappreciated caregiver in our family as well as a working woman, piano and organ player, devout catholic, and friend of many and adored by more than a few in the small town in Maine where we lived. But she suddenly left this world much too soon, leaving behind a bereft husband and three grieving and traumatized sons.

Into this emotionally fractured family entered my stepmother, nearly 50 years old and childless up to then, to rescue and give stability to our reeling family. Had she not I’m not sure what would have happened to us, though nothing good for sure. I probably don’t do it well and seldom do it consciously, but I figure I carry pieces of both of them foward in my own journey (or better yet ramble) through life.

Time and moments of reflection only make me appreciate and love each of them more.