 By Samir Shukla
During an early November trip to the Florida Keys, while wading in knee-deep blue water, I gazed at the schools of tiny fish hovering around my legs, quickly swimming away at the slightest movement I made. In the distance I spotted a floppy pelican dive into the water and emerge with a mouth full of fish and salty water. I thought of the billions and billions, maybe trillions, of creatures lurking in the seas and bodies of waters around the globe. Of course, I’m only talking about those visible to our eyes, forget about the microscopic life forms. It is an unfathomable number.  By Samir Shukla
My brain is becoming a square sheet of paper trying to fit into the round holes of digital whirlwinds. It’s a slow-motion stroll battling the roller coasters of our mind-numbing digital world, continually held like some glowing priceless metal in the palms of our hands. This madness afflicts all. It spares no one. I have recently increased my efforts to imprint memories directly on my brain, rather than turning them into binary abstractions on a hand-held device. The endless collection of data, photos, videos, apps, is a runaway train looking to slow down  By Samir Shukla
I often wonder what drives people to run for political office. Some are idealistic, some are seeking power, some like the notoriety, while some genuinely want to help make a difference in people’s lives and help guide the direction of the country. People running for office can range from naively honest to pathological liars, with each candidate stacked somewhere in between those bookends. Extra thick skin is requisite for anyone even thinking about running for office. One thing is for sure. Many more good people would seek office via elections if the endeavor had not become so degrading.  By Samir K Shukla
There is a new clamor in the political world. Once again there is talk of starting another major political party. There is more than talk, there is effort. It is called the Forward Party. I’m not going to get into who is involved in forming this party. It may be a worthy effort but will end up as wishful thinking, possibly elevating fringe candidates in future elections by taking votes away from moderate candidates in both established parties. The problem is that the two current parties – the donkeys and the elephants, are so entrenched in the American political ethos, that an effort to attach a third critter to pull the wagon called America may drive the country further apart. Alas, the Forward Party will join the Libertarians, Greens, and myriad others into obscurity very quickly. Unless a new party defines specific issues, topics or agendas, goals worth pursuing, people will not be interested. Bringing a mistress into a troubled marriage won’t solve the troubles.  By Samir Shukla
The lovely summer is chugging along, now passing through sultry August. Heatwaves are crisscrossing the planet. Weather patterns are clearly amplified. Humanity continues its path for total planetary domination. Life goes on, while our little blue marble slaps us back into reality now and then. Right now, I’m sitting on my deck, about an hour before midnight, a soothing warm breeze is passing through the area. The night noises are keeping me company as I write this. A few thoughts cross my mind and help pass the time. |
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