Stop Talking and People will Like You Better...

http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/15/politics/donald-trump-press-conference/index.html

History vs. Hate and Truth vs. Hysteria

Working for an organization that promotes the preservation and understanding of history has not changed my mind about the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia. But amidst the hysteria of political correctness, there is actually a historical aspect to consider; as well as a political one.

First of all, let me go on record as saying the white hate groups are wrong. That kind of thinking is as anti-American as it gets. But let me also add that any hate-group of any ideology, racial identity or religious or political affiliation is also bad.

But when we are talking about removing historical statues, memorials and the like, we are also treading on questionable grounds. If someone finds something objectionable, does that give him/her the right to destroy that portion of history? If so, should we also re-write the textbooks and historical accounts so that they no longer reference slavery and other social injustices? Holding history up to a measurement without considering its historical context is really not a good way of evaluating its worth.

Does this mean that I want to see a lot of confederate flags waving wherever I go? Absolutely not! The confederacy lost the war and therefore does not "get to" be represented—except perhaps, as a historical footnote.

But to forget the history that has led us all to where we are today is a grave mistake. Likewise, to glorify the divisions in our society is a crime against the population as a whole. I believe that we can benefit from history, truth and tolerance; and that hate and hysteria will only breed more of the same.

—KJC

Sunday Chicken Dinner

Grilled over charcoal

Fireworks at the Capitol

Minnesota State Capitol Grand Reopening

https://mn.gov/admin/capitol-grand-opening/schedule/

Neither Here Nor There: When Death Visits

While I knew he had been in a battle with cancer, the last I had heard from my former coworker was that he had beaten it. Today I received an email that said he hadn't. That same ending had also happened to my friend Fred about ten years ago.

Very early this morning, I had a dream about my friend Charlie who died five years ago from cancer. In the dream I knew Charlie was gone and I had actually talked to his family; rather than him. I had known Charlie and Linda and their kids for a long time. After the news of my coworker, Mark's recent passing I decided that maybe it was a good time to try to connect with Charlie's family. That was when I discovered his wife Linda's obituary—dated a little over a year after Charlie had died. I had no idea Linda was gone too.

So for the moment I am reeling in shock at the events of this morning. It started with a dream and the reality manifested itself during my day. It is rather surreal as in neither here nor there. Or perhaps it is both here and there. For now, I am here and they are there—wherever there is.

The Dangers of Urban Camping

The dangers of urban camping should never be taken for granted. For example, if the camper in the picture to the right rolled out of his tent while sleeping, he might end up on Interstate 94!

Legal Discrimination

I would just like to point out that if you create an organization or program to promote diversity, and this entity excludes all persons from one racial group in favor of others, that you have created and perpetuated racial discrimination in the process.

Northwest Fur Post

Worth its weight in beaver pelts, is a visit to the North West company Fur Post. Our guide took us into the year 1804 where French Voyageurs labored in the (British) fur trade with the Ojibwe.

Duluth

With all of the wonderful places to visit while in Duluth, my favorite is still Canal Park and the Lake Superior Marine Museum.

Duluth Train Depot

We visited the Duluth Train Depot so my son could ride on Thomas the tank engine and Percy. I enjoyed the train museum. This is one of many places to see in Duluth.

Split Rock Lighthouse

We traveled to Split Rock Lighthouse and though the weather was rainy, we still enjoyed the sights and sounds. This is a definite "must see' experience when near Duluth/Two Harbors, Minnesota