Just go, I don’t know why I should be surprised

The weekend was  another fast paced one with list items keeping us on point. Saturday was the busier of the two days including staples such as weeding and mowing the property.  However we also set up our sizeable Halloween decorations which includes five yard inflatables and a LED projector.  We finished up the day planting the poinciana tree I bought for Cindy a few months ago in the yard.  That was an ass busting task as they recommend you create a hole 6 times the diameter and double the depth of the pot the tree is in.  It felt like we were digging for days.

Saturday night we watched Knives Out, which was like a game of Clue in movie format.  It was actually quite entertaining with a number of well known actors.  We both liked it. B+

Sunday morning Cindy joined me for a proper PEV ride, something we had not done together in quite awhile.  We went down to the Greenway and rode all the way through to the beach and back.  Despite it being EXTREMELY hot and humid we both had a fun ride for sure which I think was captured on the video.

When we got home the Eagles game was already in progress against the Bengals, another 0-2 team like the Eagles.  Despite the identical records the general consensus was the Eagles were a much better team and this game should give them the opportunity to “get right”.  Well instead they showed the same weaknesses and inconsistency that had them winless so far.  Let me just scattergun talk about various red flags as I think of them.

Carson again was not good with more turnovers and numerous off target throws that had me shaking my head throughout the game.  The only positive feeling I got was he actually got them in the end zone at the end of regulation to tie the game.  However overall I continue to lose confidence that Wentz will be able to change what he is at his core, an inconsistent gambler. It’s a coin flip if him holding onto the ball is going to help or hurt the team play after play.

The injuries on this team are insane.  Desean Jackson is hurt, again.  He has been injured on and off the field more than he has played the last several years.  Why the Eagles went into this season thinking they could count on him is a head scratcher. Same applies to Jeffries.  The offensive line is a mess as well, Jason Peters was hurt again.  He is practically playing on crutches at this point.  They also lost Goddert and one of their DB’s in the game.

The penalties were inexcusable.  Despite playing like garbage most of the game the Eagles had a chance to attempt a makeable field goal at the end of overtime to salvage a win.  Instead one of the lineman jumps, pushing the Birds 5 yards back and out of field goal range.  It was their 11th penalty of the game.  The game wound up as a tie which is supposed to be better than a loss but it sure didn’t feel that way.  The great news is the next three games are against top notch teams, two of which are on the road.  There is a very realistic chance the team could be 0-5-1.  Wouldn’t that just be special?

Over the weekend I was thinking about the Trump virus and how it has infected the minds of many of my peers.  Everytime I find out someone I know is a Trump supporter I have felt remorse and sadness as I just can’t understand how these individuals that I know to be good and decent people would chose to support someone who is the antithesis of that.  Back in 2016 I could almost excuse it, as a vote for Trump in many cases was more just a vote against Hilary as the DNC stepped all over Bernie to ensure Hilary was the nominee.  However after all that has transpired since the man was sworn into office, if you still support him there is something much more serious and nefarious going on.  His ability to fan the dark flames of hatred, me firstism, and bias is unmatched in presidential history.

So as I thought about this sadness and confusion over just how many people could get ensnared in Trump’s massive web of lies, fraud, and dictatorship I gave pause and realized that this behavior among human beings is actually commonplace.  History is absolutely filled with populations following what are now seen as madmen with blind obedience.  My mistake is thinking that as a society we had matured beyond allowing that to still happen.

This behavior is all around us.  As I was talking to Cindy about this I compared observing Trump supporters invoking similar feelings in me as when I watched Leah Remini’s special on Scientology.  It seemed impossible that a person would believe and go along with the things this utterly ridiculous “religion” demands of them yet thousands believe it hook, line, and sinker.  This is a time tested and proven tactic to control people, speak loudly in an authoritative manner and a large portion of the populace will believe you, adore you, and follow you to their demise if necessary, regardless of the amount of truth in your words.

I feel fortunate that I was never indoctrinated into religion as a child, somewhat insulating me from the mindset that makes people fall into the trap of psychological manipulation for the benefit of someone other than themselves.  Late this weekend some data from Trumps tax returns started to be released, finally.  Shocker, Donald doesn’t pay a lot of taxes and surely utilized fraudulent reporting to ensure that outcome. But to Trump acolytes, regardless of indisputable data, facts, and even recordings of the very stable genius himself speaking incriminating words, none of it matters, because Don tells them it doesn’t. Please vote. I am filling out my mail in ballot today.