AM- I had a lunch meeting scheduled (that ended up being cancelled) so ran GE track for 8 miles this morning in 63 minutes or so.
I had some time for thinking during the run, so here's a few of my thoughts (which few people on earth will ever read, but writing them is somewhat carthatic).
I'm just wrapping up the 25-ish hours of Dan Carlin's Hardcore History podcast series on World War I (amazing, insightful podcast series, by the way). We look at that war now and are amazed how it actually started- almost a series of misunderstandings and mishaps that no one would back down from. However, I look at the world today and fear we are blundering into a similar conflict. I hear nothing from the mainstream US media except propoganda against Russia, Syria, Iran, China, etc. And the US government has troops all over the world, including right on the borders of those countries. Yet no one really thinks a catastrophic war will start and we see ourselves as world protector rather than an occupier of sorts (why do we need troops in the Baltics on Russia's doorstep???). However, all it can take is some unforseen blunder or misunderstanding and we can find ourselves in a hot war with Russia. I don't understand why the human race, or at least the government leaders, feel the need to bluster and promote power so much rather than work for peace. Sad reflection on them, and us. We're all people, let's not find reasons to kill others just because they live in another country. I think most of the blame for the wars today lies with the US and our "exceptionalism" and invasions, meddling in the affairs of other people.
In unrelated news, I hope the damage from this hurricane is minimal. It's not significant, but my kid's elementary school carnival and my work family day (both with food, rides, etc) may be impacted by the wind and rain.
Finally, company benefit enrollment is approaching and I saw prices today for medical. They are drastically rising again. Even though I work at a top company with "good" benefits, my medical insurance premiums have risen over 500% in the 6 years I've been here, and my deductible has almost doubled. I now have to pay almost $8000 before insurance kicks in a dime. What a joke- yet government tells us their involvement is helping, and inflation is low.
Anyway, my libertarian ranting is over. Moving on...
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