Bits and Pieces

Puerto Rico vs Storms: Another blow to Puerto Rico by a hurricane. For a lovely land of lush vegetation and beautiful ocean landscapes, Puerto Rico is a sitting duck for passing tropical storms. The people of this island have survived many storms, but in recent years, the toll seems worse and worse. Replacing infrastructure so it is less vulnerable is one long-term answer. Replacing stormy worthy housing is another long-term solution. But who is willing and able to make this happen? Puerto Rico does not have the financial capability of doing this, but our federal government is. Perhaps a real working partnership between the US government and Puerto Rico's is the answer. Long-term solutions may build a sustainable economy that pays its own way forward. Meanwhile, these are US citizens in trouble and our help is very much needed.

Putting on Shoes: Recent falls have injured back muscles and knees. Thirty days have passed, and mending has happened. However, an intended walking exercise was dashed when putting on shoes was a requirement. Somehow the shoes were put on the feet. Carefully and painfully each shoe finally made it to its intended place. Not without pain however and with laces undone. Next, tying the shoes. Seems a neighbor was needed for that task because I could not do this for myself. Tried but failed. Then, the walk commenced but turning was nearly impossible. 

Who knew that shoes were such a problem?  Well, the back muscles and knees knew! They were heard loud and clear. Back to the drawing board to learn how to do this myself.

Listen to Bill Gates: The state of the world is not good accordingly to the Gates Foundation. Both Bill and Melinda Gates agree with this annual assessment. Poverty, health, education and economic viability of poor nations is slipping, not gaining ground on worthwhile goals. Health includes potable water supplies, sewage treatment and healthy food supplies. Technology is available to address many of these problems. The Gates Foundation has proven that. The people in need are well defined and easily found. What is missing is the will of the global community to put the pieces together to solve these problems. 

These are world problems. How we all respond to them defines who we are as a global community. I hope that message is heard and causes meaningful change. It is up to all of us to lead the way. What happens to the least of us happens to all of us in the global community. 

September 20, 2022

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