January 2020
in primo, and venues far beyond: Francis Xavier
or insight. As did that odometer
We now learn just last month, unequivocally, what we might have expected. That the Afghanistan War has been fought with no clear objectives nor end game in sight. Nor even a sense of what would constitute victory, after 18 years and counting, through three administrations across both parties.
This revelation comes by way of 2,000 pages of over 400 interviews with top military brass, conducted by the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). Which was released by The Washington Post through a Freedom of Information Act (after a 3-year legal battle).
While waiting in the lobby of the building where I once lived, when for the only time in my six years there, the two elevators were sitting adjacent on the 20th floor. I took notice. Then took the snapshot above, with thoughts of that round-numbered alliterative date, being just a few years up ahead.
As that date has now arrived, this alignment also now reminds me as to how “20/20” has two diverse usages. One literal…one figurative. Eyesight…hindsight. One can expect many references and plays on words for both in this year. And in this piece.
I’ve done this sort of picture taking before while happening upon other rare sightings. Such as when my car odometer registered a repetitive number that I would never see again. I couldn’t resist pulling over and reaching for my smartass-phone. Is this any more or less benign than birdwatching? (That’s a yellow-bellied sapsucker perched up there, by the way).
I can find no word, nor medical condition (OCD-lite?), to exactly describe this proclivity to record once-in-a-lifetime trivial occurrences. The more trivial, the better. But often, the assumption is that it might lead to an interesting association
for example, reminding me of the repetitive lines that end Frost’s classic poem: And miles to go before I sleep/
And miles to go before I sleep. Which I’ve used here before.
So, 20/20.
In a literal sense, it pertains to eyesight of course. Yet only now have I been curious enough to look into the exact meaning and origin of this ophthalmological standard. It is used to express “normal sharpness of vision” measured at a distance of 20 feet. And to clarify that in some comparative perspective, if you are unfortunate, and say, have 20/100 vision, it means that you must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet.
As I read further, I learn that…“The term came into use with the introduction of the Snellen eye chart in 1862, which measures visual acuity.“ And it’s still in use today. Yes, good show, ole Dutch eye-doc Herman Snellen. (How did I ever live without Google?).
The “eyes” have it! Though I’ve been shortsighted on this for so long.
Shifting now to a figurative association, that old saw: “Hindsight is always 20/20.”
Is it?
How does one explain mistakes made over and over that should have been avoided through this 20/20 hindsight, with its supposed enlightenment? How to explain in the face of evidence, maintaining a “fact” that has proven to be false? (“Who ya gonna believe, me or your lying eyes?”). And it’s also a reminder of Einstein’s famous observation (allegedly), that “insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results.”
From where I stand, it seems that hindsight has been 20/100 at times. The latest example being the recent revelations (lost perhaps in the hailstorm of impeachment), about the Afghanistan War. Yes, I know. I didn’t expect to wind up here either when starting out to simply recall a frivolous photo taken through the lens of a trifling predilection in a bygone lobby. I’ve even thrown myself a curve here.
More commonly known as Mother Cabrini, she was the founder of the Missionary Sisters order of nuns. And she is the first naturalized citizen of the United States to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church as a saint.
That she would be recognized by primo at this time, is particularly apropos and hardly accidental, as our country is so intensely divided on issues surrounding immigration. For she is the “Patron Saint of Immigrants;” a further honorific bestowed by the Vatican in 1950.
Unofficially, by the way, she is also considered by some Catholics to be the patron saint of parking spaces. (Seriously. It’s an Italian thing. But if you lose the keys to your car, you pray to St. Anthony, the patron of things “lost and found”).
The Patron Saint of Immigrants: An Homage on One Hand, a Slight on the Other
primo (annoyingly titled in lower case), “is a quarterly publication, for and about Italian Americans. “It features in-depth articles on Italian American history, heritage, neighborhoods, accomplishments and current events.”
I guess I fit in there somewhere, because they once did a piece on me. Which happened to appear in an issue featuring a cover story on the once legendary Penn State football coach, Joe Paterno. Of whom it would be revealed not long after his death, that he covered up some shameful and criminal deeds (“Say it ain’t so Joe”).
With shameful behavior out of the way, along with my shameless self-promotion, we can focus on someone of real achievement and honor, deserving of special notice
Cabrini, who is the cover story of the current issue.
January 2020
The Affordable Facelift Act Updated
With Nancy Pelosi being in the news so much these days, along with the Democratic presidential candidates debating health plan alternatives (when not arguing over the purity of their campaign financing sources), it got me to thinking about the proposal I had put forth on my site well over two and a half years ago. It has since inexplicably disappeared. The work of high-tech gremlins? The Russians? The Ukrainians? The Russians making me think it's the Ukrainians?
Anyway, I would like to reprise that April 2017 piece in its entirety, with some significant re-working. Which could be expected when the subject is cosmetic alteration.
The Affordable Facelift Act
At one point last month after the newly proposed GOP plan to replace Obamacare was introduced, Nancy Pelosi, stepped up to the podium in opposition, using her motherly “go-to-your-room” voice. She is, as one might have heard, a polarizing figure. (Of course, the whole of Congress is now as polarized as a globe, but that’s another story).
But as she was addressing the press as to why the Republican health care plan alternative was so faulty, I was hardly listening. My mind drifted... I thought… you know what, this is one very attractive 77 year-old woman. My God, how does she do it?!
Actually, we all highly, highly, suspect how she does it. The same way that over 16 million other Americans of all genders do it each year: cosmetic surgery. It has become commonplace and absent any stigma with its once attendant whispered asides, “She’s had work done.”
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), that 16 million number—as of 2015— represented a 115% increase in overall procedures since 2000. “Fake” news? (Not by your chinny chin chins).
Of course, only the more well-to-do Americans can afford such procedures. Which seems unfair. Are the less fortunate to be relegated to a life of losing their looks, on top of everything else they’ve lost? Or never had in the first place?
So, in addition to any health care bills that get passed, isn’t it time that this country adopts… the Affordable Facelift Act? Or, AFLA, to call it by its acronym. Not to be confused with AFLAC, and its duck quaking about insurance. This is about something more than insurance: ILLUSION. The transformation of old into young; ugly into pretty.
Here are some FAQ regarding AFLA.
How might this work?
Like Obamacare, it would cover all pre-existing conditions. In addition to the obvious wrinkling and sagging and drooping (oh, my), it would also include congenital unattractiveness, psychosomatic vanity, loss of self-esteem (regardless of cause), and a straying spouse or partner (whether it leads to divorce or not).
As an added benefit, lies about one’s age would actually now seem plausible.
Would it be restricted to face lifts?
No. Any lifting—heavy or otherwise— including, breasts (up 89% since 2000 according to ASPS), buttocks (up 252%) lower body (up 3,973%) and upper arm (up 4,959%). All true. No fooling.
What about a nose job?
Absolutely. And the “Rhino Provision” (RP) would also cover your children up to the age of 26. And they would not have to be living at home, or have a job, or even like, have any aspirations.
Could I see any cosmetic surgeon?
Yes. You would no longer have to go to Beverly Hills. Though I’d stay out of Costa Rica for something like this if I were you.
Would there be limits to how much anatomy can be lifted?
No. All of the aforementioned could be lifted. Even simultaneously. In fact, there would be reduced deductibles for multiple body-part liftings. The “Mass Anti-gravity Provision” (MAGPro).
How much is the deductible?
That would depend on the nature of the work to be done, how unsightly you look in broad daylight, and who’s paying. But expect it won’t cost an arm and a leg.
However, those in the top 1% would have to pay through the nose (job). The so-called “Sanders Rant Stipulation.”
Would second opinions prior to procedures be covered?
Yes. Called the “Two-face opinion option” (TOO). It is allowed at no additional cost if the second opinion confirms the first (e.g. “Yes. Boy do you need it. What took you so long?”).
Though other second opinions on, say, a rump requiring two seats in Economy, would incur a roll-over co-pay. (Note: Second opinions after a procedure cannot be used in litigation except in California, "The Golden Sue State").
What about missing time from my job?
You would not have to give a reason for your absence beyond a statement of “Undisclosed Enhancement” (UE…or as in, “I’m taking a Huey”), without any loss of pay up to two weeks. But “before-and-after” notarized documentation (with visuals), must be provided upon return.
And importantly, any employer commentary on your new look upon your return, could constitute sexual harassment. (See https://www.gloriaallred.com/).
Would “do-overs” be allowed?
Yes. The “Save Face Option” (SFO). And it is a simple process.
-
Go to the AFLA website for a complete list of conditions under which “do-overs” would be allowed, by clicking on beauty/is/skin/deep
-
Then, and/that/is/deep/enough for an application.
How soon can a plan like this be passed?
On the face of it? Fat chance.
Quote vs. Quote of the Month
In 1889, Pope Leo XIII sent this tiny frail nun, age 39, “to work among the Italian immigrants who were finding neither a welcome nor prosperity in the New World.” Specifically, into a world unto itself--- New York (“If I can make it there, I'll”… etc).
While her mission began in NYC (a rather messy chaotic place at the time), she soon expanded her scope to serve Italian communities in several other American cities including Pittsburgh, St. Louis, San Francisco, New Orleans, Cincinnati to name a few. The work in all these places consisted mainly of operating orphanages and teaching in schools. Later, she would come to open hospitals in many other cities, as well.
From there, her presence would extend outside the U.S. to Latin and South America, where she established convents in Nicaragua, Panama, Argentina, and Brazil. By 1907, the same year that she became a naturalized U.S. citizen (at age 57), her Missionary Sisters could be found in England, France, Spain, and of course Italy.
This is rather remarkable. Even more so, when you consider that her “American career” lasted only 28 years. One account I read, credited her with 67 institutions of various kinds, that she created or opened. Which coincidently, is the age at which she died in 1917. And as a personal reference point, I can’t help but note, that when my grandparents arrived from Calabria, Mother Cabrini was still among the living. And still active.
That she was canonized in 1946 only 29 years after her death, is also noteworthy. In “Catholic time,” that is considered yesterday. (It took another superstar nun, Mother Seton, 149 years to achieve sainthood). So she was a saint who had existed in what we would call modern times.(And yes, I know that Mother Terresa has since set a new sainthood speed record).
Saints are invariably abstract figures who lived many centuries, if not a millennia ago. We know them only by their statuary or stained glass, along with some anecdotal notes and folklore added to the backs of their bubblegum cards. But Mother Cabrini has a record of accomplishment that is tangible and verifiable. A person who took action that went far beyond offering “thoughts and prayers.”
Cut to 2018. The First Lady of New York, Chirlane McCray, was spearheading a project entitled “She Built NYC.” The goal of which, is to get more statues of women installed around the city. It's a project with merit. Statues of men, often on their high horse, invariably dominate parks and public squares. In this regard, women have been dramatically underrepresented. (From Under My Radar an Artist Emerges SEPTEMBER, 2018 MUSE-LETTER).
McCray set out to select seven women to be so honored (without the horse of course, of course). And so, New Yorkers were asked for their input online. In effect, to cast a vote. It resulted in 3,000 submissions naming 320 different women.
Despite being gone for over 100 years, and being a member of the clergy, and a Catholic nun at that, Mother Cabrini with 219 “votes,” won going away! The nearest runners-up, including America’s first black Congresswoman Shirly Chisholm, received 91-93 votes.
The results were apparently surprising, indeed shocking, to Ms. McCray and husband Bill de Blasio. Therefore, and without giving a reason, McCray chose to ignore the results as they obviously ran counter to the women she had in mind, who were statue-worthy while covering a spectrum of political correctness. Mother Cabrini (some old nun who surely no one would have heard of, or remembered?), was bypassed for seven other women, despite their getting far less votes (an Electoral College sort of thing I guess).
Not surprisingly, this caused an uproar in Italian American communities. So Governor Cuomo, often at odds with Mayor Bill de Blasio (whose original name was Warren Wilhelm Jr., I’m just saying), stepped up last month, and promised that a statue will be built. And not at the city’s expense. It will be set down in Battery Park City, on a spot facing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Which is a fitting place for the Patron Saint of Immigrants. And I'm sure it will be a draw. As it should be. ("Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied")
* * *
Coda: In the spirit of recognizing those who took action in the cause of social justice for immigrants of a shared heritage, a future piece, Beyond That Poem, will focus on Emma Lazarus. Her death preceded Mother Cabrini’s arrival in New York by two years.
A Poet/A Colonoscopy
Once I could capture a spirited sun
rising and setting
look at the moon in a thousand ways
wax lyrical
now at a loss for words
on a father’s watch
a mother’s broach
how a hero assumed his stance at the plate
in this room where no one comes and goes
talking of Michelangelo
words rearranged
in the drama of memory
just mumbling here
that river of the mind
that comes and goes
lying in limbo
in disposable dressing gown
when love was just a puppy
finding its tail
backside on parade
that unblemished gem
that was that one summer
in a fetal position
when all senses were awakened
to a dry run at death
this alien abduction
once the tender touch
of a mother’s hand
for the purpose of some deep probe
Amazing Grace
but now I’m found
in a place where even poets
dare not go.
These so called “Afghanistan Papers,” are a not so thinly veiled reference to “The Pentagon Papers,” whistle-blown by Daniel Ellsberg almost fifty years ago.
On top of which, there’s this startling admission last month in an editorial piece by a woman named Lauren Kay Johnson, an Afghanistan veteran and writer, headlined...
I helped craft the official lies to sell the war in Afghanistan
Excerpts from within include…
“… I witnessed the disconnect between what happened on the ground and the messages the public heard about it. As my team’s information operations officer, I played a direct role in crafting those messages….”
“…But my job wasn’t only to mislead the American public. Our information campaign extended to the Afghan people and to higher-ups within the American military itself…”
Ken Burns, maker of the ten part 18-hour documentary series on the Vietnam War, remarked on Twitter: “Mark Twain often said that ‘history doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.’ ‘The Afghanistan Papers’ and ‘The Pentagon Papers’ certainly rhyme in that sense.”
In this case, it’s the “ayes” that have it.
Happy 2020, in what should be a tumultuous year. Literally and figuratively. At home and abroad.
Featuring...
-
The Affordable Facelift Act Updated
-
Quote vs. Quote of the Month
-
The Patron Saint of Immigrants:
An Homage on One Hand, a Slight on the Other
-
A Poet/ A Colonoscopy
-
20 20
muse-letter \’myüz-‘le-tər noun
1: a personal message, inspired by a muse of one's own creation, addressed to a person or organization, in the course of which, the sender becomes absorbed in thought; especially turning something over in the mind meditatively and often inconclusively.
2: a letter from a poet, or one who envisions oneself as such, in which he or she “muses” on that which is perceived to be news, or newsworthy, usually in some ironic or absurd way.
"
"