We are on the Norwegian Encore from Miami to Southampton, UK, and will be at-sea for the next few days.  This gives me an opportunity to wonder how the USA got to the point where a convicted criminal, liar, misogynist and all-around lout, former president Donald Trump, has a 50-50 chance of getting re-elected tomorrow. About the voting public. Most of them have gone through our K-12 school system, which, in addition to academics, teaches you to be a good citizen, with some pride regarding our country.  Just about all states require students to daily recite the  Pledge of Allegiance .  Written by minister Francis Bellamy in 1892, it is short, simple and meaningful. I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. This was adjusted in 1954 when President Dwight Eisenhower, concerned about the Communist threat, asked Congress to add "under God." I pledge allegiance to the flag of the Uni...

President Joe Biden made two talks in Europe: Yesterday at  D-Day ceremonies in Normandy, France.  Today  along the cliffs of Pointe de Hoc about heroism . The value of democracy and how we got here fades with the passage of time.   Who remembers  that 4,415 allied troops, including 2,501 Americans were killed on D-Day 80 years ago.  Worse, in the ensuing Battle of Normandy, 73,000 Allied forces were killed and 153,000 wounded.  German deaths?  between 4,000 and 9,000.   For the sake of tomorrow, let me provide a comparison:        Democracy                                                            Dictatorship        Heroes                                ...