A Delightful Dream – Don Hanley’s blog #30

I have had vivid dreams for years; last night, I had the most wonderful one. In the dream, I am 90 years old and dressed as I usually am these days—a maroon long-sleeved shirt and black pants—and I am sitting in a flower garden.

The flowers are in front of a small house, and a beautiful middle-aged woman is sitting in a chair like mine. She has a delightful, inquisitive smile and asks, “Did I hear you correctly? Your name is Don Hanley, and you are from the 21st century?” I nodded and started to explain, but she continued, “Is that why you are dressed so strangely?”

“Where I come from, my attire is quite common, at least for an old man. Now, to me, you are dressed funny. Where are we, and when are we?” I looked around for the first time and could see the flowers, the small white house, and similar houses in what I assumed was a village square.

“Does this place, or town, have a name? And what year is it?”

“We’re sitting in Nazareth in Galilee, and I’m sad to say, in the Roman Empire. What year? I do not know.” Again, she carefully examined my outfit and muttered a tsk, tsk sound. 

“Oh my, my name is Mary, and my husband, Joseph, is no longer with us. And we had one son, Jesus, whom the Romans murdered just two years ago and, of course, is no longer with us.”

I thought that I must be dreaming, for sure; she did say her son, ‘Jesus?’ I was sure, but I was amazed and blurted out, 

“Oh, Mary, I’m so sorry to hear that. Two deaths in so short a time that is so sad. Yet you tell it like it is not bothering you so much.” I realized I was just rambling foolishly and said, “Oh, I’m sorry for being so thoughtless. I’m sure you are still mourning.”

“Do not worry, my friend. I mourned a great deal when my Joseph died, but my very wise son, Jesus, assured me that Joseph was now living in a blissful state in union with our Father.” She looked so serene as she said this that I couldn’t help but believe her. 

“You know, Don, Jesus was so wonderfully wise. Even as a young lad, he would talk, as Joseph would say, ‘Like he just had breakfast with God.’ Now, I think maybe he did . . . 

He was delightfully thoughtful to his earthly father, Joseph, me, and everyone around him. Oh, and I’m sure Joseph is the only father he ever had.”

Sitting there, I realized we conversed in English like in my “home, century.”

Mary told me, “You speak Aramaic so well as if you were born speaking it. Now, my friend, I hope we can visit again. Now, I do need to take a nap. Will you come to see me tomorrow?”

I woke up feeling wonderfully alive and hoped I would continue this dream. So, the dream helped me to . . .

Nurture my heart and realize that writing my own menu is almost as good as feasting on the banquet.

Why so many dictators? – Don Hanley’s blog #28

I asked AI why do so many people search for someone to be their Savior -- even chose evidently outlandishly cruel and selfish people like Trump and dictators? In seconds, here is Chat’s reply:

ChatGPT

The search for a Savior or a strong leader is a complex phenomenon rooted in various psychological, social, and cultural factors. Here are some reasons why people might gravitate towards figures like Trump or dictators, despite their controversial or negative qualities:

1. Fear and Insecurity: In times of uncertainty or crisis, people may feel anxious or insecure about their future. They might look for a strong leader who projects confidence and promises stability and security.

2. Authoritarianism: Some individuals are naturally inclined towards authoritarianism, valuing strong, centralized leadership. They may believe that a powerful leader can bring order and discipline to society, even if it means sacrificing certain democratic principles.

3. Populism: Leaders like Trump often appeal to populist sentiments by positioning themselves as champions of the common people against an established elite. People who feel marginalized or left behind by societal changes may be drawn to leaders who promise to address their concerns.

4. Charismatic Leadership: Charismatic leaders have a magnetic personality and the ability to captivate audiences. Even if their policies or actions are controversial, their charisma can attract a devoted following.

5. Simplification of Complex Issues: Some leaders simplify complex problems into easy-to-understand narratives. This can resonate with people who feel overwhelmed by the complexity of global issues and are drawn to leaders who offer simple solutions or scapegoats.

6. Identity and Belonging: People often seek a sense of belonging and identity. Leaders who promote a strong nationalistic or tribal identity can attract followers who identify with these narratives and feel a sense of belonging.

7. Media Influence: Media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of leaders. Biased or sensationalized media coverage can contribute to the creation of a larger-than-life image around certain leaders, influencing public opinion.

8. Desire for Change: People may support a controversial leader as a way of expressing frustration with the status quo. The desire for change, even if it involves taking risks, can lead individuals to rally behind leaders who promise to disrupt existing systems.

It's important to note that the reasons people support a particular leader can vary widely, and individual motivations are complex and multifaceted. Additionally, political preferences and choices are influenced by a combination of personal experiences, cultural factors, and the socio-political context of the time.

Thank you - this is the best answer I have found. Is it okay if I share this with mu fb friends?

ChatGPT

Absolutely, you are welcome to share the information with your Facebook friends. If you find the information helpful or informative, sharing knowledge can contribute to a better understanding of complex issues. Feel free to pass along any information you find valuable. If your friends have further questions or need clarification, I'm here to help!

 

Be a Cooperator, Not A Competitor – Don Hanley’s blog #29

“You’re shorter than he is” . . .

“You can’t run as fast as she can” . . .

“He’s smarter than you.”

And on and on it went in my early years. And I am sad to report that it still happens in most children's lives. We are led to believe that we must be ‘better’ than many ‘someone’ if we are ever going to ‘amount to anything.’ And that is so damn sad.

I have always liked seeing players in any sport rush over to their opponent after a contest, smile, and say, “Good game.” Whether the winner or the loser, they enjoyed the contest.

So, in my ideal world, we are all friendly competitors because we know we must also be cooperators if we are to have a ‘user-friendly’ and peaceful world.

And yet, we continue to honor sportsmen and women who only admire and encourage the ‘winners,’ I dislike the NFL championship trophy called the “Lombardi Trophy,” whose slogan is, “Winning is not the best thing; it is the ONLY thing.” I have few absolutes in my useful vocabulary, but I do believe that Vince Lombardi was full of shit.

Of course, I would also like to change tackle football and make it tag ‘fastball’ that minimizes injuries and violence. How can we have real friendly competition with another team that has just spent over an hour trying to send me and my teammates to the hospital?  Or to the cemetery?

What I would liked to have heard as a small boy were things like this:

“Good game, boy” . . .

“I’m proud of you, son” . . .

“I think you did your best” . . . 

You can do one thing no one else can: BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF. I have never heard anything like this, and I know that too many children still do not hear these words today, in this century.

Violence does not lead to peace, love, or cooperation. So, please enjoy some friendly competition to see who the kindest person in your world can be and continue to . . .

Nurture your heart and take a look at this menu, BUT do not eat it.

Slavery is Still With Us – Don Hanleys blog #27

I wish that the Civil War in 1863 had freed all slaves and abolished all laws that would allow it. But, in addition to the tens of millions of people still in human slavery worldwide, we continue to have millions of workers who cannot earn a living wage sufficient to buy enough food, adequate clothing and shelter, medical care, and hope and human dignity. We need a guaranteed living income to go with our creative, joyful, and nurturing schools.

These hard-working people don't make enough to get by doing millions of jobs that help the wealthy become wealthier or more comfortable and hopeful. Our economy would fall apart without the low-wage laborers and other workers not protected by the minimum wage laws, and that ‘minimum needs to be raised.

We, i.e., all of us, need to help them. And large corporations need to step up. Every employer who is profitable needs to pay a fair tax large enough to fund a national GUARANTEED ANNUAL INCOME that would allow low-wage workers, unemployed, handicapped, children, and everyone. Enough to provide for their needs and have freedom, hope, and dignity. They earn it. If they are disabled or children, they will become future workers – hopefully with dignity and freedom.

We can also increase the luxury tax on items such as yachts used for “company meetings,” airplanes used to take the wealthy to those meetings, and designer items like suits and dresses that cost 5 to 10 times the average price for a similar average item.

And reform our schools to provide a nurturing environment that brings hope and joy. An enlightened populace can do it.

And we can nurture our hearts and not eat the menus!

A Computer Cannot Replace a Person – Don Hanley's blog #26

Students yearn to be INVOLVED in their learning and life. When they are excluded, they become anxious, depressed, and sometimes even commit suicide. They may feel involved when they play exciting computer games and even become addicted to playing them. But this is a non-life-giving kind of involvement because no game or computer cares about me or you. It cannot replace a human friend or companion. It cannot put its arms around me and say, “Good job, Don.” or “I love you.” It can print or even voice it, but you won’t feel its warmth or caring.

I lived in small towns for most of my first 20 years, and although I lived with my poor working-class family, my life demanded I be involved in work and life. Fortunately, I enjoyed working and being with people I cared about. Over my 90 years, I have observed the increase in the number of mothers who added work outside the home, often because the family needed them to and more often for self-fulfillment. I believe they deserve to do this. An unintended consequence is the number of children coming home to empty houses and/or daycare centers has increased – along with the increase in anxiety, depression, suicide, and use and misuse of computers.

Part of the solution to this human and social problem is to change our schools. We need to make our schools centers on learning, nurturing, caring, encouragement, joy, companionship, excitement, and involvement. These schools must abandon the four-school model and make them K-12 places where every day begins with a wake-up of 20 to 30 minutes when all students and staff sing and dance as a group – to celebrate life and the beginning of a new day. Parents could stay and dance too, and not  just to observe, not to judge, but to be involved! All faculty and staff are chosen because they enjoy life and especially enjoy children of all ages. A school is a place for cooperation and friendly competition. These schools will be more expensive and can be paid for by thorough national and local savings in medical expenses and the reduction of spending on the so-called ‘defense’ and ‘homeland security’ budgets.

So, let the dancing and singing Begin and join me . . .

Nurture our hearts, honor positive menus, and delight in the banquet of life!