Together We Are Stronger Than Any Wall

I was walking down Abbot Kinney this morning, and stopped to admire this poster while I waited for the light to turn at Venice and Abbot Kinney. "Together we are stronger than any wall."

How true is that? And it applies not only to Trump's ridiculous wall, but to those imaginary walls that we tend to put up between us. Like in Venice now, between the Haves and the Have Nots (though that goes for the entire country/world as well). Like between "Dotard" Republicans and "Libtard" Lefties (both slags that I can't stand). Like between neighbors that don't bother to know each other, and build walls to keep themselves in and everyone else out. It's so basic to realize that by working together for a better situation for everyone absolutely makes us ALL stronger. That is elementary stuff. Golden Rule essential knowledge.

Let's learn this lesson finally, shall we? Thanks to whomever put up this excellent reminder that all the beautiful people in our community living in harmony makes the whole that much more solid. Awesome. 

In Celebration Of Nelson Mandela

The entire world memorialized Nelson Mandela today, as his South African service was broadcast globally. Barack Obama was there, and I'm so happy that Mandela was freed and Obama was made President in both of their lifetimes - and mine. Seemingly impossible at one time, we now know that nothing is. ("It always seems impossible until it's done." - Mandela!!!)

Locally, street posters of Mandela went up overnight by political/satirical artist, Robbie Conal, this time in pure celebration. I was delighted to wake up to one posted right in front of my house! A touching reminder that we all just have to keep on walking ... toward freedom. Now, Mandela is truly free, and will serve forever as an example on how to live with dignity and grace.

My favorite Mandela quote (among many, many sage words) is this:

“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.”

What a special man, indeed. And now it's up to the rest of us to carry on his legacy of peace and forgiveness. Not easy by any means, but because of people like Mandela, we know it IS possible.

On it.