Mostly Covid-19: the Sleep of Reason

25 Saturday Sep 2021

Posted by michelinewalker in COVID-19, Pandemic

Tags

Bill 105, Covid-19, Cultist, debt ceiling, Francisco Goya, Loi 105, Pandemic, The Sleep of Reason

FRANCISCO GOYA, *EL SUEÑO DE LA RAZÓN PRODUCE MONSTRUOS (THE SLEEP OF REASON PRODUCES MONSTERS)*, 1799, PRINT N°43 OF THE *CAPRICHOS* SERIES (MUSEO NACIONAL DEL PRADO, MADRID). (PHOTO CREDIT: WIKIPEDIA)

I have used the above image several times. It is Goya’s 43^rd print in his series of 80 prints entitled Los Caprichos. It is a fine illustration of cultism and extremism.

—ooo—

The Debt Ceiling

I will be writing about Covid-19. Cases are numerous and given the number of individuals who are contracting Covid-19, we are looking at the harm anti-vaxxers are causing, including self-harm. Reason has fallen asleep. Let us first look at the need to raise the US debt ceiling.

Some of my readers may not have understood a reference to the debt ceiling. It applies to the economy of the United States. This subject is both difficult and easy to understand. Superficially, it goes as follows. If the United States does not raise its debt ceiling, it is proving that it hasn’t enough money to pay its debts. If it does not raise the debt ceiling, it can no longer borrow money and it loses the confidence of investors, the stock market. If investors do not invest, and the United States cannot borrow money, a recession, if not a “crash,” is unavoidable. The pandemic has been very costly, which means that the debt is high, and that the debt ceiling must be raised. A nation cannot put aside its economy. The following article contains a little drawing that may be helpful.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/09/22/debt-ceiling-explained/

At this point, the Republicans (Mr Trump’s party) are suggesting that they may not allow the Biden administration to raise the debt ceiling. It’s a nasty game. If the Republican party prevents the United States from raising its debt ceiling, everyone would be hurt, including the Republicans and our global economy. Therefore, in a comment, I used the expression “to cut your nose off to spite your face,” which means that Republicans would hurt themselves in an attempt to hurt the Democrats. Therefore, sanity and plain common sense dictate a rise in the debt ceiling. One must cultivate a conciliatory spirit.

Covid-19

—ooo—

Loi 105

Manifestations antivaccins: Québec adopte à toute vapeur le projet de loi 105 (msn.com)

MSN Actualités | Actualité du Québec, actualité de Montréal, MSN Canada

Quebec rapidly passes ban on COVID-19-related protests near schools, hospitals (msn.com

Quebec records 795 new COVID-19 cases, five more deaths (msn.com)

Similarly, sanity dictates vaccination. People who are not vaccinated are at risk and these unvaccinated individuals are probably cultists. Tens of thousands will die and the dead will soon be anti-vaccination militants. We are no longer looking at unvaccinated individuals who were neglectful. If they have lost a dear-one in the Pandemic, these persons may be convinced to be vaccinated. Cultists will not. They do not believe in Covid-19 and think the vaccine will poison them. If one tries to persuade them that Covid kills and that the vaccine is “adequate” protection, cultists will dig in their heels. Cultists do not think. They do not use “reason.”

There is plentiful evidence that millions have died globally. Moreover, there is plentiful evidence that following sanitary rules and vaccination provide “adequate” protection. President Biden and Dr Fauci have not died. Nor have the people living in this building. They have followed the rules and most, if not all, have been vaccinated.

So, yesterday, Quebec passed a law prohibiting demonstrations by anti-vaxxers and by Covid related activists near schools or near institutions where persons have not been vaccinated. They must keep 50 meters away. Initially, children did not contract the coronavirus. They are, therefore, the last to be vaccinated, hence Bill 105. If one cannot reason with someone else, a law is passed. Governments protect their endangered population. A person who sues the government for violating his or her freedom will lose. Yet, anti-vaxxers may sue. Under Bill 105, protestors will pay a fine, but they are not facing imprisonment. Not yet.

Covid-19 and its Variants: an alarming number of cases

After hearing that we were required to obtain a vaccine passport and that healthcare workers who were not vaccinated before 15 October 2021 would be replaced, I could see light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, but I now see darkness. Governments know how many have died of Covid-19, and they know that the vaccine is “adequate” protection. So, cultists are like Republicans contemplating not raising the debt ceiling. They may and will die to avoid death. Extremism is very dangerous.

Would that their defiance and plain arrogance did not boil down to anti-social behaviour. Cultists are not mere Doubting Thomases. As inferred above, doubting Thomases will be vaccinated if they lose a wife or a husband. I agree, some medications, including the vaccine, are potentially harmful. But the vaccine is all we have.

Once again, humans are proving that they are their own worst enemy. Not only are the unvaccinated cutting off their nose to spite their face, but they are causing others to contract the coronavirus, thereby making themselves agents of the virus, and worse… They themselves will suffer the death they wished to avoid: their own death.

Cultist | Definition of Cultist by Merriam-Webster

Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Alberta on Wednesday, Sept. 22 | CBC News Alberta doctor under fire for spreading ‘completely false’ COVID-19 claims | CBC News

N.S. top doc says anti-vaxx video claiming girl’s heart stopped after vaccine is false | CBC News

Hospital protests pushing already exhausted staff to the brink, says Vancouver doctor | CBC Radio

Manque d’infirmières : Legault défend sa « petite révolution » (msn.com)

—ooo—

Love to everyone 💕

Gnossienne N°1 Alexandre Tharaud (Erik Satie : Gnossiennes)

*The Incredulity of Saint Thomas*
by Caravaggio, c. 1602

The Day After …

22 Wednesday Sep 2021

Posted by michelinewalker in COVID-19, Election, Pandemic

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

a Recession, Cars, Covid-19, Improved Housing, Improved Neighborhoods, Less expensive housing, Safer apartments, the Election, the Liberal Party, the US debt ceiling

—ooo—

Justin Trudeau remains Canada’s Prime Minister, but the Liberals failed to attain the majority he wished for. According to many Canadians, this was an election we could have done without. It was a brief campaign, but all campaigns are expensive. Moreover, the campaign took place during a pandemic. When I went to cast my ballot, I had to disinfect my hands three times and I was given a new mask. Masks, clean hands, and keeping at a distance from others remain mandatory in Quebec and, I should think, everywhere else in Canada.

The Liberal Party

I have voted for the Liberal Party for a long time. Canada owes Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson its social programs, official bilingualism, the decriminalization of abortion and homosexuality, etc. I do not think this legislation would be repealed under a more conservative government, but I remember… He was charitable.

More attention could have been paid to the fate of our indigenous population, but Marie May Simon is Canada’s Governor-General and it was a “snap” election. Other needs must be addressed.

For instance, this citizen has her little dreams. Under Quebec’s “parochial” system, each parish was a small neighborhood, a community. Sherbrooke had a downtown, but going downtown was not essential. My mother took a bus to go downtown. The four surviving children also took a bus to their various lessons: speech, drama, piano, organ… I would appreciate a rebirth of neighbourhoods.

Needs …

Times have changed. Cars are a source of noise and pollution, but they have become a necessity. We therefore require inexpensive and efficient public transportation. I still have a driver’s license, so I am officially allowed to drive, but Myalgic Encephalomyelitis damaged my brain. It attacked my memory, which is a more serious problem as one ages. I also have nosebleeds that can turn into a hemorrhage, and my balance is poor. So, my doctor does not want me to drive. I miss my car. I’m always indoors.

Fortunately, the building where I live is located near a neighbourhood shopping centre, which made buying an apartment at this address a good choice. The apartment does not have many rooms, but it is very spacious and air-conditioned. The loss of one’s car and Covid-19 are more easily managed in a relatively spacious apartment with its own laundry room. Still, I could not escape depression and will therefore be returning to my friend’s apartment. I will have two homes.

Climate changes: Comfort and Safety

However, given climate changes, fewer cars should be on the road. As well, heat waves kill and may lead to domestic violence. We, therefore, require air conditioning. We also require solid walls. If apartments are inside concrete walls and floors and have fireproof doors, they can contain noise and fires. The door to this apartment is not sound- and fire-proof. So, the door will be replaced by a safer door.

As an amateur “urbanist,” “architect” and “designer.” I also feel the time has come to put various wires underground. We have ice storms that can be paralyzing. Our cities would also look better if wires were buried. The poles could be replaced by trees.

Finally, housing is too expensive and living in a tiny place creates a series of problems. I see lovely little houses on wheels, but they are on wheels and one can look in every direction.

Covid-19: the Delta variant

Children and the vaccinated are contracting Covid’s Delta variant. Vaccinated people are less likely to die, but the Delta variant is deadly. Consequently, as of tomorrow, anti-vaccine demonstrations will be illegal in Quebec, near schools. Demonstrators will pay a fine and some may be jailed. On 20 September 2021, the day we voted, I congratulated leaders in both English and French, but too late to have an influence. Politicians need our support. They must oppose people who do not believe that Covid-19 is real and look upon vaccination as an infringement of their freedom. Children and the vaccinated are contracting Covid’s Delta variant. Vaccinated people are less likely to die, but the Delta variant is deadly. Consequently, as of tomorrow, anti-vaccine demonstrations will be illegal in Quebec, near schools. Demonstrators will pay a fine and some may be jailed. On 20 September 2021, the day we voted, I congratulated leaders in both English and French, but too late to have an influence. Politicians need our support. They must oppose people who do not believe that Covid-19 is real and look upon vaccination as an infringement of their freedom. The province of Alberta has just asked the Federal government for help.

The Debt Ceiling: will Republicans cause a Recession

Anti-vaxxers: a Cult
Impeach President Biden
and now a recession

I read various newspapers, so I know that in some areas of the United States and, I suspect, Canada, opposing vaccination has become a cult. Covid-19 is not a religion, nor is the vaccine. Moreover, there are Covid-19 victims who oppose the vaccine all the way to their graves. Well, they are dying, and it has been their choice. Yet, this is individualism carried to an extreme. No one is free to kill. Killing is a crime.

Covid-19 and other matters, such as the evacuation of Afghanistan, have also been politicized. If Republicans wish to impeach President Joe Biden, they should look at former President Donald Trump’s record. Donald Trump failed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. He thought that Spring would chase it away. The former President also incited Americans to riot. They assaulted the Capitol and people died.

2021 United States Capitol attack – Wikipedia

We are nearing a recession and it appears that Republicans would be at fault. If the debt ceiling is not raised, a recession may follow. A political party is not a cult in search of martyrs. Republicans themselves would suffer. Such is also the fate of anti-vaxxers.

—ooo—

Love to everyone 💕

My post got lost. So I had to rewrite it. I had a copy, but it fell short of the published post.

A Short Holiday …

20 Friday Aug 2021

Posted by michelinewalker in Afghanistan, Covid-19, Epidemic, Sharing, War

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Afghanistan, Covid-19, Despair, Taliban

**Tombeau du chanoine Guilain Lucas, cathédrale d’Amiens** (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

—ooo—

Dear Readers,

As you know, I am on a short holiday. However, I am aware that the Taliban has taken over Afghanistan. I am watching desperate Afghans attempting to leave their country, and it saddens me enormously. If allies of countries that fought the Taliban are not evacuated, they may be tortured and executed.

United States President Joe Biden and many Americans believe that there is no good time to leave Aghanistan. They are quite right. It has been a twenty-year war and many have died or been disabled. Hostilities could continue for several more decades.

It also saddens me that human life is currently threatened by persons who look upon Covid-19 as a conspiracy. How can the pandemic end if people refuse to wear a mask and also oppose vaccination? These individuals are fuelling the pandemic, but do not know they are.

I am still investigating the Quebec Act of 1774. My findings are that the Constitutional Act of 1791 did not void the Quebec Act of 1774. If it had, the Seigneurial System would have been abolished at a much earlier date than 1854.

Human beings have been their own worst enemies for millenia.

—ooo—

Love to everyone 💕

Johann Sebastian Bach – Double Violin Concerto in D minor, 2^nd movement (largo)

La Chanson du camionneur, Fred Pellerin

27 Saturday Mar 2021

Posted by michelinewalker in Pandemic, Québec, Traditional Music

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Chanson du camionneur, Covid-19, Fred Pellerin, Nicolas Pellerin, Quebec, Traditional Music

Fred Pellerin interprète « La Chanson du camionneur »

Fred Pellerin is Nicolas Pellerin‘s brother (see below). Fred is a conteur, but he is also a singer and a musician.

In this song, Fred Pellerin is a truck driver, un camionneur, who talks to his wife who wants to remodel the kitchen of their home. She doesn’t like her kitchen’s melamine counter. I suppose she wants something real, which could be wood. Beautiful wood counters are available in Quebec.

We suspect that our camionneur, truck driver, does not have the means to refurbish his house. He sleeps in his truck. This could be an older Quebec, but truck drivers are everywhere.

Before la Révolution tranquille, the citizens of Quebec were poorer. However, Quebec has powerful syndicates. They rule. Under premier Maurice Le Noblet Duplessis, the days of la grande noirceur, (the Great Darkness), workers were not allowed to strike. I believe I have already discussed the asbestos strike of 1949. It was a violent prelude to the Révolution Tranquille (The Quiet Revolution).

Everything changed after 1960. Maurice Duplessis died and Jean Lesage, a Liberal, became premier of Quebec. When I returned to Quebec in 2002, the province was no longer the same. Most changes reflected a wish to be maîtres chez soi (masters in our own house). Quebec did not sign the Constitution of 1982.

—ooo—

More and more Canadians are being vaccinated, but those who would not wear a mask do not want to be vaccinated. Some have been infected and variants have appeared. The police is protecting locations where the government is vaccinating people. The police is well trained. Persons living in my building wear a mask. Several are medical doctors.

I am still alone and I feel somewhat fragile. For instance, I cannot handle discussing the Royals. I have therefore edited my comments. One cannot tell what is going on. It’s too complicated. All I can say is that Prince Harry loved the military. He has suffered a loss.

RELATED ARTICLE

Austerity in Quebec (4 April 2015)

—ooo—

Love to everyone 💕

Nicolas Pellerin et les Grands Hurleurs interprètent « La Lurette en Colère »

André Derain, 1880 – 1954 (spaightwoodgallery.com)

The Human Condition in the Days of Covid-19

22 Monday Mar 2021

Posted by michelinewalker in Covid-19, Epidemic, Fables

≈ Comments Off on The Human Condition in the Days of Covid-19

Tags

Covid-19, Deux Rats le Renard et l'Oeuf, J.-J. Grandville, La Fontaine

Illustration de J.-J. Grandville (1803-1847)
fable Jean de La Fontaine : Les deux rats, le renard et l’oeuf (la-fontaine-ch-thierry.net)
End Book IX : Address to Madame de La Sablière ; The two rats, fox and egg (la-fontaine-ch-thierry.net)

Once again, I am writing mostly unprepared, but happy to have been vaccinated the day after I dialled the correct telephone number. The better approach is to make an appointment online. Telephone lines are busy. In other words, I was lucky.

I have not fully recovered. On Saturday, I ran a low grade fever, and I felt a little dizzy and exhausted. On Sunday, I was tired. I remain tired and my lungs hurt. However, being infected with Covid-19 is a greater evil than the side effects of the vaccine.

AstraZeneca was used. I was told that the source was safe. A poor source may have slowed down the Vaccination Campaign in some European countries, but it is not too late.

If one reads The Hare and Tortoise, Le Lièvre et la Tortue (VI, 10), one may think that the “cautious” countries wasted precious time. But there is a little godliness in human beings. La Fontaine wanted to illustrate that animals had a soul, not a human soul, but a soul. His two rats find a way of carrying their egg to safety. Animals have all the wit they need to stay alive. And, by and large, so do human beings.

The human condition is at times merciless. So, it could be that in the humbling days of Covid-19, one chooses the appropriate, i. e. reassuring, fable. Ingenuity could correct a delayed start.

Sources and Resources

Pierre Jules Stahl (éditeur) et Jean-Jacques Grandville, Vie privée et publique des animaux is [EBook #57075]
J.-J. Grandville, Les Métamorphoses du jour is an Internet Archive publication

***

Love to everyone 💕

*Image publicitaire, Ets Bourcheix & fils, nouveautés, draperie, à Clermont-Ferrand*

Covid-19: Vaccination in Quebec

19 Friday Mar 2021

Posted by michelinewalker in Covid-19, Epidemic, Quebec

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

A Story, Covid-19, Long Covid, Vaccination

**L’Hiver**, illustration (George Barbier (illustrator) – Wikipedia)

I apologize for the delay.

An Incident

It all started when my telephone rang in the middle of the night. Someone was at the main door to the building asking me to unlock the door. He said he was delivering groceries. I let him in. It then occurred to me that he could be an intruder and that he could harm one of my neighbours. If so, it would be my fault. I dialed 9-1-1. Two police officers, a man, and a woman came to my door. I told them that I had foolishly let someone into the building and asked them to check the corridors. They didn’t check the corridors. I also told them that persons did ring the door to my apartment occasionally and then disappeared. But matters were different. This time, I had let a person enter the building.

They asked several questions, reassured me, and left. The building was quiet. The next morning, I realized that one of my neighbours had played a joke on me. Who else would know that my groceries are delivered and by whom? Later in the day, I phoned the police and spoke with a person who knew about this incident. I said that, in my opinion, a neighbour had played a joke on me. The gentleman wanted to know how I felt. I was fine. My neighbours were not the target, I was the target.

I have since wondered whether this incident is related to Covid-19. I have been inside my apartment, alone, for a year. However, someone delivers groceries once a week.

The Covid-19 Vaccine

I did leave the apartment two days ago. On Tuesday I received a letter from the government informing me personally that the vaccination programme had begun and that all I had to do was telephone the number I was given or go online to make an appointment. I dialed the telephone number and was vaccinated the following day. Covid-19 is so aggressive that all Canadians will be vaccinated before June 24, the first injection, if AstraZeneca is used. That goal is realistic for Quebec. The team is working so efficiently that several hundred persons are vaccinated in a matter of hours. The government hired a small army.

After the injection, one sits for 15 minutes and, if all goes well, one disinfects one’s hands and goes home. A gentleman called a cab for me. He made me sit comfortably while I waited and he helped me get into the cab safely.

The AstraZeneca vaccine was used. My mouth was very dry after the injection, but there were bottles of water. I was given water. I was not otherwise affected.

Long Covid

The Washington Post reports that many victims of Covid-19 who have been cured are not able to return to a normal life. I suspected this would happen. I caught the H1N1 virus in early February 1976. It triggered Myalgic Encephalomyelitis which did not relent, except for very brief periods, for forty-four years. ME ended when Covid-19 began. Long-Covid patients are vaccinated and it is reported that many patients start feeling better. Do not look upon them as malingerers.

Some long-haul covid-19 patients say their symptoms are subsiding after getting vaccines – The Washington Post

Would that awareness of complications had been present in 1976! I could handle a normal workload by going to bed early and living cautiously. But my workload grew to include too many areas of literature, and the creation of language lab components. I fell to exhaustion and was not replaced, which shouldn’t have happened. I was then maneuvered into selling my house and leaving Nova Scotia. Two years later, I was fooled into accepting an arrangement that ended my tenure without my realizing it. I still ache.

Conclusion

Let’s just say that Covid-19 has been a curse, but that the government vaccination programme is very rapid. I have not experienced adverse effects. As for my neighbours, I sent management a letter they will never forget.

Love to everyone 💕

Leonard Bernstein plays George Gershwin

**La Belle aux moineaux**, illustration (George Barbier (illustrator) – Wikipedia)

Chronicling Covid-19, 2021

07 Thursday Jan 2021

Posted by michelinewalker in 19th-Century France, Art, Covid-19, Sharing

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Édouard Manet, Covid-19, Donald Trump, sharing

**Un bar aux Folies Bergère** d’Édouard Manet (Courtaud Institute) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This painting by Edouard Manet is so intriguing. Where is the gentleman looking at the young woman?

However, this picture fits my topic. This post was written yesterday and it is about Covid-19. It’s incredible, but Covid remains a major threat. Yesterday, there were 2,641 new cases in the province of Quebec, revealing that some people celebrated Christmas and the New Year. One couldn’t. However, there was no demonstration against sanitary measures. Somehow, that is not the sort of thing Canadians do.

I pity the people of Washington, DC. There was a huge pro-Trump rally, which means that a thousand or thousands of people were infected. I believe they wanted life to be normal, which has been Mr. Trump’s attitude. Life is not normal and the pandemic will not end if strong measures are not taken. We must accept that there is a pandemic and stay safe. What choice do we have? I’m glad I live in Canada.

Despite the new lockdown, efforts are being made to keep street people safe. As I told you, I didn’t vote for Monsieur Legault, but I admire the way he is dealing with the pandemic. However, after ten months, Quebec still sits at the top of the list of Canadian victims, followed closely by Ontario. Many are working from home, and many are considering instituting a universal basic income. As for retired persons, it seems that pension funds are not decreasing. I keep thinking that poverty is at my door, but that is not the case.

Love to everyone and a very Happy New Year. 💕

**Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe** d’Édouard Manet (Wikipedia)

Amaryllis

02 Wednesday Dec 2020

Posted by michelinewalker in Sharing

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

Amaryllis, Covid-19, sharing, Stay safe

I read yesterday that many of the people who travelled and congregated to celebrate Thanksgiving have been infected with the novel coronavirus. I can understand their wish to escape isolation, but Covid-19 is highly contagious and it may be fatal. Did these people have a right to travel and congregate? Staying at home is not easy. I had a moment of sadness so intense that a young man at the bank called the police.

When I spoke to the two officers, I said the truth. I have been in this apartment since early March, my lovely cat died, and I was not fully settled. Boxes of books must be carried out of this apartment, which I believe could present a danger. I may therefore put them in the hallway the day they leave. The boxes are small and have handles.

Moreover, there are a few compensations that one can arrange. On 4 December, I will share a gourmet meal with a neighbour. The meal will be delivered to her in the lobby of the building. She will then separate it and leave my portion at my door. I will pick it up after she has returned to her apartment, two doors down. We will both enjoy the meal. We will not sit together, but is sitting together necessary?

As for Christmas, it is cancelled. Paulina will be at home and so will John. No one will come to my door. But I will remember the Christmases of my childhood and may re-read The Wind in the Willows. People are rediscovering books.

Today I will order a poinsettia and amaryllis. Last year’s amaryllis is growing again, but it may not flower. These flowers will make the apartment look cheerful.

My freedom ends where yours begins…

I have a little rule and will share it again. My freedom ends where yours begins. There have been demonstrations by people who wish to work and live “normally.” We cannot live “normally.” It is too dangerous. The premier, François Legault, was spotted buying a pile of books, wearing a thick mask.

One is tempted to socialize, but gatherings must be at a distance or postponed. There are four vaccines. Canada has developed its own. In due course, we will all be vaccinated, but our current conditions preclude get-togethers. I was crying when the young man from the bank started to talk to me. His orders were to call the police. He did what he had to do and what he did turned me around. There are very good and kind policemen in Sherbrooke, Quebec. When they left, I was fine. I needed a “break.” As for the remedy, another cat, it made sense. I am still meditating, but I’ve heard of a cat named George who was homeless.

I’m returning to Molière, but re-read Denis Diderot‘s Paradoxe sur le comédien. It is a Wikisource book and short.

Love to everyone 💕

Stjepan Hauser plays Bach’s Air in G

Don’t, Mr. Trump

30 Friday Oct 2020

Posted by michelinewalker in Medicine, The United States

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Abortions, Covid-19, Fooling voters, Mr. Trump's Role, The Status of Women, Women's Health Issues

Afficher l’image source — Leda by Leonardo da Vinci

The choice of a President of the United States may be based on such issues as abortion.

The health of a woman should not be used to sway voters. Besides, women are being insulted. They are full-fledged citizens of the United States and they know right from wrong. They are responsible individuals and cannot be looked upon as frivolous.

Abortion and birth control are not a clear “yes” or “no” issue. A person may be against abortions, but find herself needing an abortion. There are women whose health and life preclude a pregnancy, and women who are taking medications that may endanger the health and life of a fetus. The fate of these woman and the fetus is not for the White House to determine. Nor should Washington interfere with a doctor’s duties towards his patients.

Millions of women would like to have a child, but cannot conceive. As for women who are fertile, they have a right to control their fertility.

Our society has given abortions a bad name, which is very wrong. Our society has also been intolerant of sexual orientation. As long as no one is forced into sexual intercourse, and children are protected, sexual intercourse is a gift to mankind. It must be consensual, even in marriage, but it is pleasurable, comforting, and it allows a woman to bear and give birth to little ones.

It is very painful not to have the child one thought one would have. Childless persons do not have a family.

Canada has decriminalized abortions. Women were resorting to the use of coat hangers or went to charlatans who could cause their death and whose fees were unacceptably high. They had turned the government’s failure to protect its citizens into a lucrative but secret industry. That is unacceptable. Women also committed suicide.

The time has come for governments around the world to look upon women as responsible citizens who would not resort to frivolous abortions. It is a matter of education. At this rather late day, women are on the same footing as men.

President Trump and Moral Issues

President Donald Trump downplayed the novel coronavirus. He had to listen to Dr. Fauci and other experts in epidemiology. He didn’t. He also kicked the WHO, the World Health Organization, out of the United States. I hope he will pick up hospital bills as well as funeral costs. He was not there when he should have been and he let thousands of Americans be infected .

In short, politicians who use their stand on abortion are seeking votes and, in the case of Mr. Trump, this stand does not represent his genuine feelings. Politicians are merely using women. They are not qualified to decide whether a pregnancy is physically and emotionally safe or unsafe. Most are not medical doctors and they are not one’s personal medical doctors. Besides, if one candidate to the presidency uses his stand on abortion to gain a vote, first, he may be lying and, second, he may be forcing an opponent to take a stand on a medical and very private issue.

I lost fourteen brothers and sisters to a congenital blood disease. My mother was pregnant knowing the child she bore was unlikely to survive. Religion was a factor. I have always wondered whether giving birth to children who would die was morally right or wrong.

When one of his sons died, I saw my father collapse. His friends, both medical doctors and dear friends, led him out of the room. He never recovered.

Love to everyone 💕

Étude de Sainte-Anne par Leonardo da Vinci

Strange Days

03 Saturday Oct 2020

Posted by michelinewalker in Human Condition, Sharing

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Covid-19, Félix Vallotton, freedom, memory, passwords, President Trump

**Honfleur** par Félix Vallotton, 1901 (Wikipedia)

First, I would like to say that I’m very sorry President Trump and the First Lady, Melania, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. It is a life-threatening illness, and it happened on the eve of the election of a president of the United States. Yes, President Trump denied the illness, but so did millions around the world. Who can imagine so tenacious a virus as the novel coronavirus? It is best to believe a genuine problem has arisen, just in case. Many feel that the compulsory use of a mask is an infringement on their liberty. It’s prudence.

Second, and rather humbling, I was unable to remember my password to Microsoft, except for four digits. I had just acquired a smartphone, which became an obstacle. I had never used a smartphone and it seems the number had been disabled. They would not use an ordinary phone and the one I have has a new number. I did enter the correct number several times, but I was suddenly required to purchase Office 365. So, I started to worry. Microsoft should ask for a person’s consent before using a credit card. What if a new purchase does not cancel a previous one?

I have used the art of Swiss French artist Félix Vallotton. He was one of the Nabis, but they parted ways. L’Affaire Dreyfus may have been a source of division. (See Félix Vallotton, Wikipedia.) I should list posts I wrote in 2013.

Love to everyone 💕