When it's all Bad News

Google puppies

It's not often that I'm without words to write this weekly communication to you. Over the past few years, I've published as we experienced all manner of crises and news. Forest fires, climate change, personal and public losses – I can usually rally some rational thoughts to offer and send along. This week, however, I'm feeling buried in headlines. Dark clouds have gathered from the Middle East to China to Russia and small-town America. The very worst of human instincts and actions are on full display. Innocent families fleeing for their lives as religious and territorial conflicts spill across borders. Hate, extremism, and greed that claims innocent lives permeate something we call civilization and reaches around the globe to my front door in Placerville, California, a historic Gold Rush town, population about 11,000.

Briefly, here's what happened. The County Board of Supervisors had proclaimed July "American Christian Heritage Month" and was considering rescinding that decision. The Zoom feed for the meeting exploded with antisemitic, public participants saying the Holocaust was a hoax, calling Jewish people “vile leeches” who ought to “go back to Israel.” Calls were laced with "Seig Heil" and "Heil Hitler." One Supervisor vehemently objected and was told there were no rules allowing the board to shut down the barrage of racist hate. So they were forced to listen as one caller said “F__ck these Kikes that run the government … White power!”

So, from here on the sweet streets of Placerville to the other side of the world and back – humans embrace the worst characteristics of our species. This week, I'm finding it unbearable and am without words to comfort myself and send you a message of hope. But no worry, I'll get that perspective back. To begin that process, I'm posting a few items that show our 'better angels’ are alive and active:

• Pakistan Glaciers – a Game changer for Climate Change.

• Chicago Woman, 104, skydivers from plane, aiming to break record for world’s oldest skydiver

• Man, 72, Graduates College With His Biggest Fan Cheering Him On - His 99-Year-Old Mother!

• Good News Movement – Dive in!

• Wiener Dog Gives Birth to So Many Puppies It Might Be a World Record

There, I feel better already! You??

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Thanks as always for your attention - and for indulging my mood this week. Think I’ll take a 2 day break from my news feed! How does tragic, disturbing news affect you? Let me know - say hello - your ideas! Darby@darbypatterson.com