“Change is hard”

News blues…

Our planet is heading towards 100 million Covid infections – a quarter of those in the US – and more than 2 million deaths – 20 percent of those in the US. Yet The Donald is holed up watching TV in the White House, and a second impeachment looming. Nary a word about Covid-19’s toll on the nation.

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What are the roots of the attempted coup on US Capitol? “The Capitol riot has ended the notion that the president’s hardcore base was motivated by economic anxiety. It has always been about race.”

Donald Trump supporters who ransacked the U.S. Capitol last week weren’t short on cash or propelled by severe economic anxiety.
The insurrectionists came to Washington by plane. They stayed in Airbnbs and at the Embassy Suites. They wore costumes and carried weapons and iPhones. Some were cops. There were doctors, lawyers, a Chicago real estate broker, teachers ― even a school therapist. A CEO.
Sure, some of them could’ve been impoverished former coal miners, as so many pundits have described a certain sect of Trump voters. But these people weren’t raging over the decline of the carbon-based economy. This was a riot about race and power. If there was economic anxiety, it was spurred by the rioters’ false notion that their place in the world is under threat.
We can stop talking about how white Americans voted for Trump because of economic interest. His appeal was never about money. (And Trump is leaving office with the economy in tatters, by the way. On Thursday, 1.15 million more people filed for unemployment.)
The insurrection was the violent cry of a group of (mostly) white men, afraid of losing power ― not just of having their savior leave office but more broadly seeing their place at the top of the American caste system knocked down a peg.
…Overwhelmingly they’ve found that Americans who chose Trump were worried about losing their social status, their place in a country where white folks will soon be in the minority and where many women no longer seem to realize that men should be in charge.

Read “Trump Supporters’ Main Problem Was Never the Economy” >>  

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The truth will out: “Bankrolling the Disenfranchisers,” a new analysis, calls out the corporate and trade association political action committees that poured millions in campaign contributions to the 147 Republicans who voted to object to President-elect Joe Biden's win over President Donald Trump. 

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Steve Schmidt, cofounder of The Lincoln Project: The 2nd Impeachment of Donald J Trump 

Latest ad from The Lincoln Project:

How democracy dies  (0:55 mins)

Ted Cruz. 

Josh Hawley. 

Kevin McCarthy. 

These are the names of traitors to the United States of America—and officeholders in our nation’s Capitol.
They must resign, or be expelled.
The defense of our democracy and our Constitution from domestic enemies is our most critical job.
We’re airing ads across Missouri, Texas, California, and in D.C. to remind Americans of the most urgent threat to our Republic.
There is no denying what the stakes are. We’ve borne witness to what falling off the edge would look like.
Our democracy dangled off the point of no return last week, as we watched the President and his sycophants levy a violent attack on the Capitol—and on Congress doing the people’s work inside. We cannot look over that edge again.
We must take steps to back away, and that starts with accountability, first and foremost.
Josh Hawley, Ted Cruz, and Kevin McCarthy must resign—or they must be expelled.
We, the People, demand it.
We hoped the fight for our Republic would take place at the ballot box.
Now, it’s in our shared halls of democracy. We must defend them.
Voters in every state and district represented by a seditionist must know the truth, and must take action.
It is our country’s only way forward.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

My sore throat continues. My various remedies include placing a towel over my head then handing my head over a sink full of boiling water and alternate breathing steam through mouth and nose. (Some recommend flavoring the water with eucalyptus oil.) I gargle with salt water, a easy home remedy recommended to fend off anything more deadly.
Home remedies rife on social media advise eating piles of vitamin D, D3, C, magnesium, and/or zinc capsules, and this, that, and the next thing, consume mangos, pineapples, and avocados, not drink cold liquids, only hot, especially with lemon juice and ginger. I received advice to drink gallons of hot tea, as Chinese do “and look, their Covid infections are waning”. But, I reply, the English drink more tea than the Chinese “and look, their Covid infections are surging…”
My most effective home remedy to date? “Rum therapy”: swallow one Panado capsule (500 mg paracetamol) with a mojito: chopped mint, large squeeze of lime, ice cubes, soda water and a hint of white rum. Drink early afternoon. By sunset you’ll be smiling again.
Note: Dr Internet recommends acetaminophen for sore throats. Not much of a pill swallower, I have no acetaminophen meds in the house, only paracetamol. If you have a choice of meds, go with acetaminophen for sore throat. Better yet, trust your own doctor’s advice over Dr Internet’s. 

Alas, my various remedies work only during daylight. Overnight my throat infection blossomed. I spent an uncomfortable night, despite several forays to the bathroom to gargle salt water.
This morning, after shining a flashlight/torch down my gullet, I see one tonsil is more inflamed than it was yesterday. I thank my lucky stars both tonsils are not inflamed.

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News from the US Embassy in South Africa:
Health Alert: South African Department of Home Affairs Announced the Temporary Suspension of Marriage Services in South Africa
Location: The Republic of South Africa
Event: The South African Department of Home Affairs announced January 12 that they are to combat COVID transmission. These include applications of Smart ID cards, applications for passports, and marriage services such as solemnisation and registration including those of foreign citizens.
Actions to Take:

• Visit the DHA’s webpage for more details on this announcement 
• Visit the Embassy’s COVID information page for additional information on COVID in South Africa. 

I recommend the info available on this last bullet point….

Beware: Getting married or not, South African Department of Home Affairs is the last place anybody with a modicum of sense would visit during a pandemic.
Having spent literally years trying to get a passport and an ID card completed in South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, I’d say one would be hard pressed, during a normal (non-pandemic) day, to tell whether Home Affairs has “temporarily suspending many services” or is operating. The pace is about the same for both operation and suspension of "many services."
After years visiting KZN Home Affairs head office, I finally stumbled upon how to complete paperwork: do it via the South African Embassy in Los Angeles, Ca. 

What had not been completed over 6 years of trying took 6 months in LA. 

That is, I received a passport. 

The ID card? Nope. I still do not have and ID card that can be applied for only in South Africa. 

The rumor that I could obtain one via my bank turned out to be half true: only via banks in Gauteng Province.

Covid conscious

If cats can socially distance,
why can’t humans?  
Credit: Coleen Joice Aquino

News blues…

Covid is stressing Western Cape residents and health care workers to their limits. There’s even talk of potentially bringing in the SADF - military - to ensure compliance with basic preventions such as wearing masks, hand sanitizing, and social distancing  (4:04 mins) What does it take to make the uncompliant Covid conscious?

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A helpful coronavirus dashboard presents a series of virus-related topics, from health care to available resources 

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Holidays in South Africa are accompanied by the growing tally of deaths on the roads. This year the tally is lower than last year but still outrageously high: 690…and counting. KZN has the highest rate of fatalities.   (5:25 mins) 

Healthy planet, anyone?

 Credit: Nicholas Georgiadis 

Ivory from a Portuguese trading ship that sank in 1533 preserved  genetic traces of elephant lineages  that have vanished from West Africa. The ivory from the shipwreck was identified as belonging to  forest elephants rather than  the species’ larger, more well-known savanna-dwelling cousins. 

In 2008, workers searching for diamonds off the coast of Namibia found a different kind of treasure: hundreds of gold coins mixed with timber and other debris. They had stumbled upon Bom Jesus, a Portuguese trading vessel lost during a voyage to India in 1533. Among the 40 tons of cargo recovered from the sunken ship were more than 100 elephant tusks. 

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

Covid has confined my elderly neighbor to her house for 9 months. I visit her once every 8 to 10 days. Recently, I arranged for our domestic worker to work for once a week for this neighbor. Yesterday, after our domestic worker spent the morning working there, my neighbor notified me that her neighbor, a physically compromised diabetic, was tested for Covid. He expects results of the test later today.
To date, this neighborhood has been mercifully free of Covid infection. If this neighbor has contracted it, already tight restrictions will tighten and fear and suspicion will increase.
With the emergence of the even more highly infectious Covid variant, I’m more freaked out more than I expected.

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I’ve been in South Africa since January 28, 2020. I expected to return to California on May 28, 2020. Then, I planned to return mid-March 2021. Now? Who knows when I’ll return? A notice issued yesterday from the US Embassy:

Location: The Republic of South Africa
Event: A new variant of the COVID-19 virus, known as 501.V2, is driving infection rates in areas of South Africa. This discovery is gaining increased international attention and currently as many as 15 countries have banned flights and travelers who have spent time in The Republic of South Africa in the last 10 days.
Actions to Take:

• Travelers should consult with their airlines to inquire about potential flight cancellations and rerouting
• Check destination and transit countries' rules and regulations regarding traveling from South Africa
• Exercise increased hygiene measures and social distancing in South Africa, especially in areas where COVID case numbers are increasing.
• Visit South Africa's COVID information and resource portal, https://sacoronavirus.co.za, for additional information.
• • Monitor local and international media for continuing developments.

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I’ve been fretting about what my mother would agree to do on Christmas Day. My brother invited her to his house then changed his mind. The gathering planned by his large and exuberant family morphed from “just family” to “just extended family” to “what the hell, everyone is welcome!” Not a safe situation for anyone, never mind a fragile 87-year-old.
I hesitated to bring her to this house as I was stymied by how to, 1) carry her up the 20-plus steps to the dining area, and 2) shoehorn her - and The dog - out of the house to return her to the Care Center afterwards. Calling the cops or ambulance personnel to extract an old lady who refused to depart her own home for a Care Center she “hates” would not align with the spirit of the “festive season.”
Miraculously, we agreed I’d bring her a platter of mince pies – a British colonial “festive season” fruit pastry – and spend time with her at the Care Center.
Then, inspiration! I purchased enough mince pies for the whole of A Wing and, on Christmas Day, we’ll share mince pies and fruit cake with all her fellow A Wing inmates. I’ll also encourage people to approach my mother in friendship as she’s “too shy to reach out directly.”
Lordy, I hope this breaks her stubborn regime of self-imposed, reclusive isolation.

Alas!

Another week of pandemic, but Lockdown eases in South Africa. As of Sunday, we the people of South Africa go to Level 1, with restrictions eased. Alas, many countries are experiencing a second wave. 

Things don't look good anywhere. I began this post early this morning but put it aside to fulfill other obligations. Coming back to it at days end, the number of infections and deaths have increase. 

Below, the numbers from this morning – 6 hours ago – shown in “(x )” and italics.
Worldwide (Map) 
September 17 – 29,902,200 confirmed infections; 941,400 deaths)
(September 17 – 29,764,000 confirmed infections; 939,450 deaths)
September 10 – 27,766,325 confirmed infections; 902,470 deaths.
US (Map)
 September 17– 6,630,100 confirmed infections; 196,831 deaths
(September 17– 6,631,650 confirmed infections; 196,800 deaths)
September 10 – 6,360,000 confirmed infections; 190,820 deaths
SA (Coronavirus portal)  
September 17 – 653,445 confirmed infections; 15,705 deaths
(same numbers/not updated)
September 10 – 642,431 confirmed infections; 15,086 deaths

News blues…

President Ramaphosa addressed South Africans last night with good news: as of 20 September, we’re going to Alert Level 1. This includes:

• Further easing of gatherings - up to 50 percent of “normal capacity of a facilty” up to 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors.
• Keep wearing masks, sanitizing hands, keeping social distance
• Funeral capacity up to 50; vigils not permitted
• Exercising, etc., up to 50 percent of venue capacity – subject to social distancing
• Sporting event restrictions remain
• Voting – subject to health protocols, as are jails, schools, etc.
• International travel: gradually and cautiously easing restrictions after Oct 1 2020 with continued restrictions for countries with high rates of infections; Main airports only: Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town; travelers must hold negative test result not older than 72 hours; No test? Required to remain in mandatory quarantine at travelers own cost; Showing symptoms? Quarantine until repeat tests are negative;
• Visa applications open and longterm visas will be reinstated;
• Curfew hours: midnight to 4am
• Alcohol for home consumption purchased between Monday to Friday from 9am to 17:00pm; Onsite consumption at licensed establishments with adherence to curfew
• Economic sectors open but careful!
• Wear masks, socially distance, wash hands, ventilate all buildings
• Let’s rebuild economy and restore growth and jobs.

Ramaphosa addressed Gender Based Violence (GBV) as a crisis made worse by the pandemic.
He also advised South Africans to celebrate upcoming Heritage Day as a time to enjoy family and to reflect on the journey we’re on with Covid-19, to remember those lost, to rejoice in our national heritage, celebrate the global phenomenon Jerusalema – and to sing, dance with “good moves”, and to rollup our sleeves to restore national prosperity and development.

Gosh, the man is presidential. What a novel concept for my American self! 

Watch Ramaphosa's address to the nation. (36:00 min) 

Compare the President of the United States on masks, etc. response to how humans can protect themselves from Covid-19 (if they feel like it). Trump contradicts and demeans CDC director  (10:00 mins)

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The Lincoln Project urges:

There is a critical shortage of poll workers.
Due to Trump’s catastrophic failure in stopping the spread of coronavirus, there will likely not be enough poll workers for this election. Insufficient staffing could cause polling locations to close, leaving many people unable to cast ballots.
If you are able and comfortable, we highly encourage you to sign up to serve your community as a poll worker and help ensure every voter is able to cast his or her ballot securely.
Donald Trump's failures and attacks on our election are an existential threat to our republic.
In sowing distrust of our electoral processes and encouraging his supporters to vote twice and police voting locations, he seeks to intimidate voters, cast doubt over our free and fair elections, and claim an illegitimate win.
We cannot let Trump steal this election by defrauding our country. Serving your community and our country as a poll worker is an act of patriotism; there's nothing more American than helping protect democracy. Having fully staffed polling locations is absolutely critical for the security of our election during the most consequential vote of our lifetimes. 
Signing up to be a poll worker is fast and easy—you can get started right here.  

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RVAT: Paul has a question for Christians who support Trump.  (2:23 mins)

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An alert travel advisory received from the US Embassy in South Africa

The Department of State revised its Travel Advisory for South Africa on September 15, 2020. 

The Department continues to advise travelers to exercise normal precautions in South Africa. Reconsider travel to South Africa due to COVID-19.  Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, civil unrest, health, and drought.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19  page before you plan any international travel.   The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for South Africa due to COVID-19. 
South Africa has lifted stay at home orders and resumed some transportation options and business operations.  Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page   for more information on COVID-19 in South Africa. 

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, is common. There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark.
Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. These can develop quickly without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent.
Parts of South Africa are experiencing a drought. Water supplies in some areas may be affected. Residential water-use restrictions are in place in Cape Town and other municipalities. Read the country information page. 
Please see our Alerts  for up-to-date information. If you decide to travel to South Africa:

• See the U.S. Embassy's web page   regarding COVID-19.  
• Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19. 
•  Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless you are with someone familiar with the area.
• Do not display cash or valuables.
• Drive with doors locked and windows closed.
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location. 
• Conserve water and follow local guidance on water use for tourists and Save Like a Local.
• Check the City of Cape Town website  for up-to-date information and guidance on how to manage water consumption.
• Monitor water levels at the City of Cape Town’s Water Dashboard.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for South Africa.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.

• Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 

Yikes, I’d be discouraged from visiting a country with this many cautions – if I wasn’t already Locked down here!

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AMERICAN? VOTE IN UPCOMING ELECTIONS
If you have not received a requested absentee ballot in time to return it to your state, you can use The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup ballot to vote for federal offices. The FWAB is available online at this link:  https://www.fvap.gov/eo/overview/materials/forms.

Hard copies of the FWAB are also available from your nearest U.S. Consulate. If your state absentee ballot arrives after sending in the FWAB, fill out and send in the official ballot as well. Your state will count only one. The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot – FWAB States administer elections in the United States and send absentee ballots to voters away from their voting residence.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

My mother’s first full day at the Care Center. I phoned in the morning and she reported all went well overnight. Important to note that Jessica, the dog, was well rested, too.
Care Center misplaced the forms I’d filled out back in March when I first attempted to get my mother into care. Then the pandemic scuppered all plans. Soon as Level 2 was reached, I approached the Center again. That was 6 months ago. So, re-doing all forms again.