Footnote Kerfuffle and I Beg Your Pardon

too much to keep up with

Perhaps other people were not as upset as I was about the footnotes in RFK, Jr.’s first big report on making us all healthy again. But as a long time editor, I am a bit picky when it comes to this issue. And interestingly, the fact that I am reading a great book on my Kindle has me flipping back and forth between text and footnotes seamlessly. I suspect that the idiots in charge nowadays really thought that no one would pay attention to these details. Ha ha. Thankfully, the Guardian and other proper news outlets had major headlines about it, which, of course, the White House mouthpiece (aka Bullshit Barbie) tried to dismiss. By the way, I kept thinking this week of “footnote falafel” but since that is a food item I decided that I really meant kerfuffle.

[And as you all know, the reason I am reading on my Kindle is that Leonard Zeskind’s exemplary history of the white nationalist movement, Blood and Politics, was among the 381 books removed from the United States Naval Academy Library; and it is currently out of print.]

Anyway, I went for my morning walkies to check on the new community recreation center which will be open in July, and I am pleased to know that it takes me only ten minutes door-to-door. I hope to be able to take advantage of the swimming pool and other great amenities to keep me alive and kicking—one day at a time.

But living here in Connecticut, I was horrified to see that our former Governor John Rowland was included in the latest pardoning frenzy. This man has served Federal prison time—not once, but twice—and he has now been given absolution from his fellow convicted felon. If I were an attorney, I would be horrified to know that all the work of honest practitioners has gone to pot. I hope Jack Smith et al. form a coalition of lawyers for justice and go after those who refuse to uphold the Constitution.

I know that it all seems too much to process, but democracy really is on the line. I have been watching a lot of different videos, and I know that there are plenty of us here on Substack trying to stem the tide of autocracy. A particular shout out to Katie Phang who has a lot of great guests. I was blown away by her discussion with Stacey Abrams, and someone commented that Stacey should be President. I heartily agree.

So I will end my Sunday post with a heartwarming remembrance. My darling grandson appeared in a photo from the beach riding in a little red wagon, and it took me right back to a picture I have somewhere in this house of his mother and another child in an identical red wagon. It’s good to know that some things don’t change.

RESIST ALWAYS

TTFN