Remembrance(s) of November 2016

WoW! This has been (already, and so far! ) a most momentous month on this continent, and we are not yet half done! This, the second week of November will certainly be one of historical importance with some most significant news stories unfolding. As mentioned in my previous post in October, The USA has just gone through a most remarkable federal election campaign to elect their new President. This is surely one for the history books! Ms Hilary Clinton (Dem) up against Mr Donald Trump (Rep). It all came to a head 3 days before our Remembrance Day.... It became very divisive; very nasty! Check the history books for details (NOT your social media! it's nastier yet!). I was not a fan of Trump; suffice it to say, I felt his tactics were nothing if anything much above bullying. Election night was tense, and finally at 12:45 our time (MST) he had achieved what many though incredible! He had enough college seats to declare his victory!

I later learned that Marijuana bills got passed in more states than Ms Clinton won! OMG

I was none-the-less, quite impressed with Mr Trump's speech; he opened the doors for better relations, and united efforts to lead his country, after so many months of trash talk. Time will tell; but his claim to be a great negotiator; maybe all those nasty comments were his opening positions on negotiating so many changes; like building a wall and having Mexico pay for it; tearing up NAFTA. etc.

The week was far from over as then late on Thursday, Nov 10, we learned of the death of the wonderful Canadian singer-song-writer and poet extraordinaire; the beloved Mr Leonard Cohen died at the age of 82... so long Leonard and Maryanne.

Friday, Remembrance Day (Veterans Day for USA) I hope, gave us all time to pause and reflect and head forward with peace times in mind.

Then to end the week on a sadder note again, a death in the music industry. Leon Russell, died in his sleep at age 74 at his home. a nasty week of news!