“Disputatious country”

Disputatious: argumentative, quarrelsome, contrary….
I’ve promoted The Lincoln Project here numerous times, not because I hold Republican values, but because 1) it’s the first time in US history where Republicans have fought ferociously to unseat a fellow Republican, 2) I respect their point of view (not however, I admit, to the point of sending them money). 

This “60 Minutes” clip highlights the values behind The Lincoln Project’s effort to unseat The Donald (2:15 mins)

News blues…

More than 40 million people around the globe confirmed to have contracted COVID-19. European countries battle a second wave. With more than 8.15 million Americans confirmed infected and more than 220,000 dead.

Nevertheless, US President Donald Trump repeatedly shuns advice of public health officials, mocks science and scientists and Dr Fauci,  and now mocks his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden, for listening to scientists.
Michael Osterholm, a renowned infectious disease expert, said “the next six to 12 weeks are going to be the darkest of the entire pandemic” in the U.S. And, those brave, upstanding, loyal-to-Trump elected Republicans? Well,

after four years of looking the other way and pretending not to read his tweets, a growing number of Republican senators are suddenly attempting to distance themselves from Donald Trump and rewrite history about their support for a president who, at least according to public polls, is likely headed for a big loss in next month’s election.
The epiphany some GOP senators are having just two weeks before Election Day may have less to do with their convictions and more about positioning themselves politically for a post-Trump world if the polls prove right and Joe Biden becomes president.

Moreover, sinking in the polls, Trump said at a recent campaign rally,

"Don't forget, I'm not bad at that stuff [raising campaign funds] anyway, and I'm president. So I call some guy, the head of Exxon. I call the head of Exxon. I don't know."
Trump went on to describe a hypothetical conversation: "How are you doing? How's energy coming? When are you doing the exploration? Oh, you need a couple of permits?"
"When I call the head of Exxon I say, 'You know, I'd love (for you) to send me $25 million for the campaign.' 'Absolutely sir,'" Trump added.
"I will hit a home run every single call," Trump said. "I would raise a billion dollars in one day if I wanted to. I don't want to do that."

After the president of the United States publicly admits he bribes Exxon Mobile (“do me a favor, though”? ) Exxon Mobile representatives responded,

In an unusual political statement, one of the world’s largest oil producers… posted on Twitter late Monday to clarify that it never spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump about a contribution to his campaign.
Exxon’s tweet came hours after Trump boasted at a rally that he could call a company in need of some permits…and easily get a $25 million contribution. But he wouldn’t do that, Trump said, because he’d be “totally compromised.”
After some on social media took Trump’s hypothetical call seriously, Exxon wrote on Twitter: “Just so we’re all clear, it never happened.”
Exxon’s statement may have only confirmed what was already understood, but it was a rare post for an oil giant that uses Twitter sparingly and largely to promote its efforts on everything from face mask production to methane emissions reductions. It’s the first time in at least a year that Exxon has tweeted about its relations with the president. 

***

The Lincoln Project:
Mourning in Ohio  (0:55 mins)
Hello, Mississippi  (0:25 mins)
Meidas Touch: End the chaos, vote him out  (0:55 mins)

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

After 208 days of lockdown, I admit my spirits are beginning to slump.
With the house on the market and no nibbles from anywhere or anyone, I’m questioning my raisons d'être .
What if this place never sells? Well, not for a fair price?
I’m advised by friends and my small support system to “take some time off. Break out of your rut. Go out and meet new people.”
Good advice.
I intend to take it.

***

My link to my American family and friends – dependent on technology - is slumping, too. The battery on my elderly, recycled iPhone 6S, with the FaceTime app (only Apple offers the FaceTime app) requires constant hookup to power for any semblance of battery recharge. Since Apple no longer services iPhone 6, I’ve no hope of replacing the battery for what would have been the second time.
I explored the possibility of purchasing a new iPhone SE – the so-called “affordable” iPhone. Yikes! In South Africa, a iPhone SE, 128 G, costs more than ZAR 12,000 - US$750 at minimum, not including tax, duty, etc. The iPhone SE, 64 G cost an arm and a leg outside the US:

Starting at $399, the iPhone SE is the cheapest iPhone in Apple's current iPhone lineup. But this is the price you pay if you live in the US. Apple charges different prices for its iPhones from country to country, depending upon local taxes, GST and how the local currency compares to the US dollar. 

I’m now exploring the possibility of living without an iPhone so without Facetime – my lifeline to family who provide long-distance love, fun ideas, their new discoveries, and my much-needed change of pace. 

Can I do it?
Should I do without?