POSTNOTE Monday, April 22, 2024:  Overnight, two commentaries relating directly to the below: Heather Cox Richardson and Joyce Vance.  Earthrise, eferred to in Richardson’s post.

Monday, April 22, is Earth Day.  Of course, every day is earth day, and has been since the beginning, but this particular day dates to 1970.  More here.

My nephew, Sean, who has been involved in energy finance for 30 years in multiple capacities, sent a thought provoking recent talk on the Energy/Climate Conundrum.  The talk itself is an hour, with Q&A for most of another.  The link is here.  I have watched the entirety, and recommend it as stimulating thinking about a controversial/crucial problem today.  I encourage comments, which I’ll post stand-alone, along with my own, about May 5.

I send this along specifically to encourage thought, and dialogue.  Not everyone is of one mind on earth issues, as you know, but change happens one thought, one discussion, at a time.

Whatever your bias might be – unfortunately, we all are accustomed to polarization – try watching the talk with an open mind, and reflect and discuss what you see and feel.  The future is ours, together.  Have a productive Earth Day, which is every day.

Separate topic: Defendant, Prosecutor, Judge and Jury.

Monday was April 15 and eyes have been and will be on the courthouse on Manhattan NY.

If that is your interest (and I think it is highly relevant), I highly recommend as an ongoing reporter on the legal end, Joyce Vance’s Civil Discourse.  For history in general, Heather Cox. Richardson’s Letters from an American is another commentator I highly respect.   I link her post about history and April 15.  Both writers post frequently on their respective topics: Law and History.

As for the case in Manhattan: much is made of the fact that this is a Jury Trial.   It would take a unanimous decision to end the case. Any split decision would result in a hung jury, and the case could be retried if the prosecution wants.

…the difference between this case and all of the others is that every single one of us will have the opportunity to know everything the Judge and Jury know.  We will be able to see and hear all the evidence, if we wish.  And we are all affected by the outcome.

My guess is that there will be lots of lawyers, judges, professors and students paying very close attention to this trial.

In all cases, it is important to be informed.  Pay close attention.

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I read a particularly interesting article in the April 3, 2024, New York Times magazine that seems particularly on point: check out “What I Saw Working at the National Enquirer…” by Lachlan Cartwright.

What seems a fairly reliable rendition of indictments of the former President is here.

COMMENTS:  Note any comments about Earth Day will be posted in a separate blog on or about May 5, 2024.

from Fred: Thanks Dick. Took a look and the Vance and Cartright articles and was most impressed. I read Heather Cox Richardson every day.