Tess Gerritsen! Ice Cold: A Rizzoli & Isles Novel! Love This Series!

 

“Why kill them?” she whispered. “Grace was only thirteen—just a girl. Why?” “They do whatever he wants.” “Whatever who wants?” “Jeremiah. The Prophet.” On the boy’s lips, the name sounded more like a curse than a name. “The man in the painting,” she said. “And he shall gather the righteous. And lead them all to hell.” He shoved the fur-trimmed hood off his head, and she could see his profile in the gloom, his jaw squared in anger. “Whose houses were those?” she asked. “Who lived in Kingdom Come?” “My mother. My sister.” His voice broke and he lowered his head in mourning for a village that was now engulfed in flames. “The chosen ones.”

CLOAKED BY A VEIL OF FALLING SNOW, THE ARMY STOOD ASSEMBLED. Jane stamped her feet, trying to stay warm, but already her toes had gone numb and even the scalding cup of coffee she’d just gulped down could not ward off the bitter chill of that Idaho dawn. If she were a member of the strike team, the cold would not matter to her, because adrenaline made you immune to discomforts as minor as subzero temperatures. But on this morning, relegated to the status of mere observer and forced to stand idly by, she felt the chill gnaw deep into her bones. Cathy, standing beside her, seemed not to care at all about the weather. The woman was utterly still, her face heedlessly exposed to the wind. Jane heard the rising pitch in the voices around her, could feel the tension in the air, and she knew that action was imminent. Pasternak came striding back from the huddle of command officers. He was carrying a two-way radio. “We’re ready to move, as soon as they pull the gate down.” He handed Jane the radio. “You stay with Cathy. We’ll need her advice once we get in there, and you’re her escort. So keep her safe.” As Jane clipped it to her belt, an alert came over the speaker. 

“We have activity inside the compound. Looks like two men approaching.” Through the falling snow, Jane saw the figures walking closer, identically dressed in long black coats. They moved without hesitation, striding directly toward the lawmen. To Jane’s surprise, one of the men produced a set of keys and unlocked the gate. The law enforcement team leader stepped forward. “I’m Lieutenant MacAfee, Idaho State Police. We have a warrant to search the compound.” “There’s no need for a warrant,” the man with the keys answered. “You are welcome to enter. All of you.” He swung the gate wide open. MacAfee glanced at the other officers, clearly taken aback by the welcome. The greeter beckoned the visitors forward. 

“We’ve gathered in the assembly hall, where there’s room for everyone. We ask only that you keep your weapons holstered, for the safety of our women and children.” He opened his arms wide, as though inviting in the whole world. “Please join us. You’ll see that we have nothing to hide.” “They knew,” Cathy muttered. “Goddamn it, they knew we were coming. They’re prepared for this.” “How did they get word of it?” Jane asked. “He can buy anything. Eyes, ears. A cop here, a politician there.” She looked at Jane. “You see what the problem is? You see why he’ll never have to face justice?” “No man’s untouchable, Cathy.” “He is. He always has been.” Cathy’s gaze returned to the open gate. The law enforcement team had already walked into the compound, their figures fading beyond the falling snow. Over the radio, Jane listened in on the chatter. Heard calm voices, matter-of-fact responses. “First building checked and clear …” “All clear in number three.” Cathy shook her head. “He’ll outsmart them this time as well,” she said. “They don’t know what to look for. They can’t see what’s right in front of their goddamn eyes.” “No weapons. All clear …” Cathy stared at the distant figures, now receding to little more than ghostly shapes. Without a word, she, too, walked through the open gate. Jane followed her. They moved between rows of buildings that stood silent and dark, following in the boot prints of the police team. Ahead, Jane saw candlelight glowing warmly in the assembly hall windows, and she heard music, the sound of many voices raised in song. It was a sweet and ethereal hymn that soared heavenward on notes sung by children. The scent of wood smoke, the promise of warmth and fellowship, beckoned them toward the building. They stepped through the door, into the assembly hall. Inside, a multitude of candles lit the soaring space. A congregation of hundreds filled gleaming wood pews. On one side of the aisle sat the women and girls in a sea of pastel dresses. On the other side were the men and boys, clad in white shirts and dark trousers. A dozen law enforcement officers had gathered at the rear of the hall, where they stood looking about uneasily, uncertain how to proceed in what was clearly a house of worship. The hymn came to an end, and the final, thrilling notes faded. In the silence, a dark-haired man emerged onto the stage and calmly surveyed his congregation. He wore no priestly robes, no embroidered shawl, no ornaments that set him apart as different or special. Instead he stood before them garbed in the same clothes as his followers, but the sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up to the elbows, as though in preparation for a day’s labors. He needed no costume, no eye-catching glitter to hold the crowd’s attention. His gaze alone, so intense it seemed radioactive, riveted every pair of eyes in the hall. So this is Jeremiah Goode, thought Jane. Though his hair was shot through with silver, it still looked like a young man’s mane, thick and leonine, falling almost to his shoulders. On this gloomy winter’s day, his presence seemed to give off as warm a glow as the flames leaping in the hall’s enormous stone hearth. In silence, he surveyed the audience, and his gaze finally settled on the police officers standing at the rear of the hall. “Dear friends, let us all rise to welcome our visitors,” he said. As if they were a single organism, the congregation rose in unison and turned to look at the strangers. “Welcome” came the chorus of greeting. Every face looked scrubbed and pink-cheeked, every gaze wide-eyed with innocence. Wholesome and healthy was the picture here, the portrait of a contented community united in purpose. Again, in unison, they all sat down. It was an eerily choreographed movement that set off a simultaneous creak of benches. 

Lieutenant MacAfee called out: “Jeremiah Goode?” The man onstage gave a solemn nod. “I am Jeremiah.” “I’m Lieutenant David MacAfee, Idaho State Police. Would you come with us, sir?” “May I ask why this show of force is necessary? Especially now, in our hour of distress?” “Distress, Mr. Goode?” “That is why you’re here, isn’t it? Because of the atrocities committed against our poor brethren in Kingdom Come?” Somberly, Jeremiah looked around at his congregation. “Yes, friends, we know, don’t we? Word came to us yesterday, the terrible news of what was done to our followers. All because of who they were, and what they believed.” In the audience, there were nods and murmurs of sad agreement. “Mr. Goode,” said MacAfee, “I’m asking you again to come with us.” “Why?” “To answer a few questions.” “Then ask them here and now, so that all may listen.” Jeremiah held out his arms in an extravagant gesture toward his followers. This was grand theater, and he was center stage, with the hall’s arches soaring above him, and the light from the windows beaming down on his face. “I keep no secrets from this congregation.” “This isn’t a matter for a public forum,” said MacAfee. “This is a criminal investigation.” “You think I don’t understand that?” Jeremiah stared at him with a gaze that seemed to sear the air. “Our followers were murdered in that valley. Executed like sheep, and their bodies left to be torn and devoured by wild animals!” “Is that what you heard?” “Is it not the truth? That forty-one good people, including women and children, were martyred because of what they believed? And now you come here, invited through our gates. You men with your guns and your disdain for those who don’t believe what you do.” MacAfee shifted uneasily. In the warmth of the hall, beads of sweat gleamed on his forehead. “I’ll ask this one more time, Mr. Goode. Either you come with us willingly, or we’ll be forced to arrest you.” “I am willing! Didn’t I just say I would answer your questions? But ask them now, where these good people can hear you. Or are you afraid of the whole world learning the truth?” He looked around at his followers. 

“My friends, you are my protection. I call on you to bear witness.” A man in the congregation rose to his feet and called out: “What are the police afraid of? Ask your questions so we can hear, too!” The crowd joined in. “Yes, ask now!” “Ask him here!” Benches creaked as the crowd grew agitated, as other men stood. The police officers glanced nervously around the room. “Then you refuse to cooperate?” MacAfee said. “I am cooperating. But if you’re here to ask about Kingdom Come, I can’t help you.” “You call this cooperation?” “I have no answers for you. Because I wasn’t witness to what happened.” “When were you last in Kingdom Come?” “It was October. When I left them, they were thriving. Well provisioned for winter. Already digging the foundations for six more houses. That was the last time I laid eyes on the valley.” He looked to his congregation for support. “Am I telling the truth? Is there anyone here who would contradict me?” Dozens of voices took up his defense. “The Prophet doesn’t lie!” Jeremiah looked at MacAfee. “I think you have your answer, Lieutenant.” “Not by a long shot,” MacAfee snapped. “Do you see, my friends?” Jeremiah said, gazing around at his followers. “How they profane God’s house with their army and their weapons?” He shook his head in pity. “This spectacle of force is a tactic of small men.” He smiled at MacAfee. 

“Has it worked for you, Lieutenant? Do you feel larger now?” This taunt was more than MacAfee could endure, and his spine stiffened at the challenge. “Jeremiah Goode, you are under arrest. And all these children are now in protective custody. They are to be escorted off this property, where buses are waiting for them.” A startled cry rose from the women, followed by a chorus of wails and sobs. The entire congregation surged to its feet in protest. In a matter of mere seconds, MacAfee had lost control of the room, and Jane saw officers’ hands drop to their weapons. Instinctively, she reached for her own as the fury swelled, as violence seemed just one spark away. “My friends! My friends!” Jeremiah called out. “Please, let us have peace.” He raised his arms and the room instantly hushed. “The world will know the truth soon enough,” he proclaimed. “They’ll see that we conducted ourselves with dignity and compassion. That when confronted by the brutal face of authority, we responded with grace and humility.” He released a deep and mournful sigh. “My friends, we have no choice but to obey. And I have no choice but to submit to their will. I ask only that you remember what you witnessed here today. The injustice, the cruelty of families wrenched apart.” He gazed upward, as though speaking directly to the heavens. Only then did Jane notice the congregant in the upper balcony, filming the entire speech. This is all on camera. The videotaped martyrdom of Jeremiah Goode. Once that footage was disseminated to the media, the whole world would know of this outrage against a peaceful community. “Remember, friends!” commanded Jeremiah. “Remember!” the congregation responded in unison. He descended the steps from the stage and walked calmly toward the waiting police officers. As he moved up the aisle, past his stunned followers, the sound of weeping filled the hall. Yet Jeremiah’s expression was not mournful; what Jane saw on his face was triumph. He had planned and orchestrated this confrontation, a scene that would be played and replayed on TVs across the country. The humble prophet walking with quiet dignity toward his tormentors. He’s won this round, she thought. Maybe he’s even won the war itself. How would a jury convict him when he was the one who looked like a victim? He came to a stop in front of MacAfee and raised his hands, meekly offering up his wrists to be cuffed. The symbolism could not be more blatant. MacAfee obliged, and the clack of the metal was shockingly loud. “Will you exterminate us all?” Jeremiah asked. “Give it a rest,” MacAfee retorted. “You know very well I had nothing to do with what happened in Kingdom Come.” 

“That’s what we’ll find out.” “Will you? I don’t think you want the truth. Because you’ve already chosen your villain.” Head held high, Jeremiah walked the gantlet of police officers. But as he neared the exit, he suddenly halted, his gaze riveted on Cathy Weiss. Slowly his lips curved into a smile of recognition. “Katie Sheldon,” he said softly. “You’ve come back to us.” Jane frowned at Cathy, whose face had gone frighteningly pale. “But you told me Katie Sheldon was your friend,” Jane said. Cathy didn’t seem to hear Jane, but kept her gaze on Jeremiah. “This time it ends,” Cathy said softly. “Ends?” He shook his head. “No, Katie, this only makes us stronger. In the eyes of the public, I’m a martyr.” He regarded her windblown hair, her haggard face, and the look he gave her was almost pitying. “I see the world has not been kind to you. What a shame you ever left us.” He smiled as he turned to leave. “But we must all move on.” “Jeremiah!” Cathy suddenly stepped behind him, her arms thrust out in front of her. Only then did Jane see what she was clutching in both hands. “Cathy, no!” yelled Jane. In an instant she had her own weapon out. “Drop it. Drop the gun, Cathy!” Jeremiah turned and calmly regarded the weapon that was now pointed at his chest. If he felt any fear at all, he did not show it. Through the pounding of her own heart, Jane heard gasps in the pews and frantic footsteps as the congregation scrambled for cover. She had no doubt that a dozen police weapons were now drawn and pointed as well. But Jane’s gaze stayed glued on Cathy. On the raw, wind-chapped hands now clutching the gun. Though any cop in that room could have fired on her, no one did. They all stood paralyzed by the prospect of taking down this young woman. We never imagined she’d be armed. Why would we? “Cathy, please,” Jane said quietly. She was standing closest to the woman. Almost close enough to reach out and take the gun, if only Cathy would hand it to her. “This doesn’t solve anything.” “But it does. This ends it.” “That’s what the courts are for.” “The courts?” Cathy’s laugh was bitter. “They won’t touch him. They never have.” Her grip tightened, and the barrel tilted higher, yet Jeremiah did not flinch. His gaze remained serene, almost amused. “You see, my friends?” he called out. “This is what we face. Irrational anger and hatred.” He gave a sad shake of the head and looked at Cathy. “I think it’s clear to everyone here that you need help, Katie. I feel only love for you. That’s all I’ve ever felt.” Once again, he turned to leave. “Love?” Cathy whispered. “Love?” Jane saw the tendons in Cathy’s wrist snap taut. Saw the woman’s fingers tighten, yet her own reflexes refused to kick in. Her hands froze around her weapon. The blast of Cathy’s gun sent a bullet flying...

~~~

There are so many ways writers and movie producers bring the ongoing battle between good and evil, but those that I have always been drawn to are those that balance joy, love and happiness on one side while the villain gets his justice... Tess Gerritsen and those involved with bringing her books to the screen with the series, Rizzoli & Isles, became one of those that I have chosen to enjoy often, mostly on television. So I was happy to have found this latest book which will have a follow up book with one of the same characters next...

I promise I did not know what this book was about! Yet, once again, an author writes about men of power who use their charisma, power...and...religion... to entice and retain a following... It's happened before. Still, I can't quite figure out exactly how, when sexuality becomes part of that situation, that, still, the followers stay...

Given the full-blown exposure and cries for information about Epstein and his ten-year friend, there are many seeking answers--True Answers... You know, folks, sometimes I find that fiction has become more...than...fiction... Are we seeking the answers of logic, compassion, love and friendship through books. Things that we can no longer depend upon in reality? I'm still pondering that within me. What I do know and have accepted, I do want good to win over evil. And if I can only find it in fiction, at least for now, then I'll continue to love and read writers like Tess Gerritsen! J.D.Robb! And all the others who I hashtag, mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, etc...

In this book Isles is the main character--Really! Jane is there toward the end, but so much happens before then, that we learn an entirely new side of Maura. Jane is now married! Yes! Never thought that would happen... and Maura is in a serious relationship about which both she and her lover are constantly happy and unhappy. So, after a difficult struggle of deciding on the future, Maura thankfully prepares and leaves for a medical conference...

So routine, that nothing is written about it. LOL Except that she reconnects with another doctor who she had earlier met at a conference and ultimately she joins a foursome to travel for a bit of relaxation...

Except they never got to wherever they were headed. They got lost and in trying to return, their vehicle slid  off the road--a private road which was posted no trespassing... which led to "Kingdom Come..."

When you're in danger, all rules are useless, and so they all packed up what they could and headed down that road into a small community of homes, which all looked the same, and which were all...empty... They had moved into the closest house and looked around. They found tables set with food on plates, as if they had just fled... evidence that somebody had been dragged... There was no explanation, no notes... But all of the garages had vehicles stored in them, ready to go...

They chose a jeep, first, to try to get up the sleek road, but not able to get traction, they began to push... And, one of the men, Arlo, got caught by his leg... They managed to get him back to the cabin. But everybody knew they needed to get Arlo to a doctor. Doug chose to attempt to walk out... He never returned...

In the meantime, Maura was designated to care for Arlo and she knew there was only one option to ensure he wouldn't die--amputate the leg... They had gone through all of the homes, gathered up as many medications as they could find and started Arlo on the strongest available... The wait was interminable, because, of course, they didn't know that Doug would not be coming back...

But then, strange things started to happen. A Face seen at a window... Animal noises? Arlo started to hallucinate, or was he, seeing people coming in to stare at him...

In desperation, Maura decided that she was the only one that could try a second time to get out. Arlo still needed care, so his friend would have to stay. The only other survivor was Doug's daughter who was too young to not remain sheltered... Maura started out and soon began to see tracks of Doug so she started following them.... Until somebody knocked her out, only to have her awaken and being dragged away...

As the book goes on and more people learned that there was a lost group of vacationers out on the hills, bits and pieces began to be shared... The community was headed by a man who was a religious leader who invited in all those who wished to join them... But then another explained that soon younger boys were kicked out and arrived in the nearby town seeking help and food... But one of those young boys was the one who pulled Maura to safety... It was then she learned that he had been forced out, because the "prophet" and older men wanted no competition from the males who had arrived... His mother agreed to have him turned away... And it was his sister who had last been chosen by the Prophet...

While many of us will automatically think of the Epstein case where teen females were molested by older men... But, it is the addition of a strongman, a man of authority, that places the emphasis exactly where it is right now. Was it not the evangelical group that supported the first election of the president. Yet knowing that the man was himself a criminal and more... And that's where the merge of reality and fiction comes directly into the light... How can we, at this time in the United States, differentiate truth from fiction... good from evil... Daily being bombarded by violence coming from all sides--real violence against people living in this state or that, invaded by men with guns and masks who grab people--men, women, and children...off the streets,  who often disappearing thereafter...

It's wonderful to become immersed in a story where we know that Jane and others will be coming to save Maura and others from evil... I need to have this type of ending, knowing that the rule of law is acting as it should, that the police, FBI and others will work to ensure that, especially the children, will be removed from the presence of such evil...

But now we are seeing that evil members are martyred by their followers...and you learn to ignore that even though the book ends with the good guys winning, there is a deep frustration, knowing that reality has become worse than anything we could ever read...

Only hope that the power of Love will survive moves us forward...

I work to choose how and when to share information... This particular book is scary... While it doesn't have a halloween theme, I wanted to kick off the month of scary stuff with this fantastic writer... More will follow... Yes, I know the background of this particular holiday. I also know that Santa has nothing to do with the Reason for the Season... Sometimes we live in a fantasy world, just for the fun of it. I believe that the world has come very far over the last 2000+ years... And, contrary to what is being attempted by the present administration, you just cannot lie and wash away the knowledge and information that has been brought forward... It's fun to dress up for kids. Personally I see no harm in doing so as long as we spend time talking about reality versus fiction to all. I grew up with Count Dracula, zombies and more, just like we have today... It never entered my mind to believe that anything I was doing was evil... Because I was not taught that there was evil in dressing up...

Keep it simple and when it arises, have a serious talk when it is appropriate to do so... Let me know if you disagree... Because I have a lot of books provided through Book Funnel coming... I strive to expose readers to all of the options that we have in life. Only YOU can choose what seems right for you...at...that... time! As long as you keep your mind active and open, you will begin to learn, to differentiate, and, also, discern what God has chosen for your personal path. 

GABixlerReviews

Open Memoir: Lawlessness Rushes Forward in Trump's Administration! Is This The Real World That YOU Want?!

 

I thank God for Lawrence O'Donnell--and other MSNBC News Hosts!

For over 20 years, I have had to be on medication for Job Burnout... What that means, in my case, is that I had been working many more hours to try to keep up with an impossible work load, without any sign of recognition from my superiors that they...even...cared...

I ask, would you have even tried to explain how you were feeling if, from the very first, with four new superiors above you, and not one had ever met with you to talk about the responsibilities of your office? Or, not once, asked to review job descriptions to learn exactly what was going on in your unit? Or, even stopped by once in a while to meet your employees, talk to them, and me, and ask how things were going? No, a new President, a new Vice President, a new Assistant Vice President, and a new Director of my office had rode in on white horses claiming they would save the day, that they knew everything they needed to know and that, an authoritative hierarchical structure must be maintained henceforth... Of course, none of those words were ever said--after all, they were all authoritarian, clearly, and were "Do as I Say; Not as I Do!"

I was in an environment of higher education on a land-grant university campus that operated state-wide, which meant the Federal Government was even more involved than with those who were not land-grant institutions. After I had already submitted papers for retirement, after having gone on an extensive medical leave, after being told by my doctor that I had to choose between my life and my job--frankly, there was no choice, I planned to leave an institution that I had loved for over 30 years, having moved upward from my first job in the Office of Personnel. And, to put the icing on the cake, after having absolutely no conversations with me about my employment with that administration, I was given a letter that my job had been eliminated... But, I remember now, that I did have one conversation with the University lawyer, about handling a dismissal of a man who I had been forced to hire. During that discussion he said something like, "You should be glad to have a job." To which I replied, "I used to have a career and I've never been interested in just a job..." There was never any mention of any wrongdoing on my part... 

In fact, during my nearly 40 years, I had received just one performance review. That was in the '60s when the Director of Personnel gave me a letter of excellent performance. And, oh yes, the new Director of my office had given me a form letter something about my running the Office... as if I was the office manager. But, let's face it, he had no idea what I did and only turned to me when he realized that financial accounting of capital funds had gotten out of control, because he, who supposedly ran that side of the office, had never initiated any action toward financial management!

But, of course, I should at least mention that I had defied my Assistant Vice-President, and refused to sign a request from Human Resources that the actions taken by him, after I was released for return, was formally accepted by me... When I refused to sign, I said, "You may have a right to do what you did; but you don't have a right to my respect for what you did." He turned around and walked out...

And I have been defying authoritarian people ever since... I "could" be tearing my hair out each day if not for my faith in God, the very few personal connections I have made, as well as, having found Lawrence O'Donnell! It's not that I chose him "over" others who I also enjoy watching. But, this man was older, had had experience in Congress, had also demonstrated to me his concern with his "desks for African children" program--which meant he cared... Yes, he cares!!! His empathy as he discusses issues reveals just how much he wants to have all of his viewers know about how he views the impact of that newsbite on our lives....

This was important to me. During the years when Trump first came into Office, I had become a fanatic news watcher. At that time, I had never heard of MSNBC, so I was watching CNN daily. The reporters--at that time--were thorough and many expressed concern for the issues and what was happening... Once I found MSNBC, I immediately saw the difference in passion, of concern, and of working and finding research that supported what was happening that day--that time period! However, a series of recent medical operations made me stop to consider my health. I could not afford to move into another mind-melt. So, I chose Lawrence as the one individual who I recorded--I read most nights from about 5PM on... and I watch him most morning as I take my meds for the day.

My point is, that I have found a correlation between the environmental changes at West Virginia University, as I have seen in the government during the years from 2015 and forward--ten years!!! Unbelievable!

One thing I have learned is most important. My personal anguish and job burnout was and is minor in comparison to what Donald J. Trump has/is doing to the United States Federal Government! Seeing the change of a participatory president, James Harlow, as the first WVU president under whom I was employed, through to the last authoritarian set of individuals who were in their positions at the time I was forced into a medical leave and walked out of the job in response to my doctor's warnings, is, frankly, now not even worth remembering...

Except that as each and every day I listen to O'Donnell, I flash back to what I personally went through with bosses who had no time to know me as anything other than a workhorse they viewed that did a good job performing for them--until I didn't... And "fired" me!

Yes, I was once a 9-5 classified employee (although it was 8:15 to 5). That was in 1963 when I first started in the Office of Personnel. Later I moved into the President's Office and worked for two Provosts one after the other (title for VPs at that time) as Secretary. I then moved into a technical position in the Office of Facilities Analysis and Utilization and then continued upward until I reached a non-classified position. What that meant was that I worked any amount of hours in order to get the job done...without additional compensation. BUT, the director of that office, William Campbell, was an excellent supervisor, both interactive with his staff--we felt appreciated--and willing to train. Our office was the first-ever office at WVU and was established to centrally handle all things related to facilities management as required by academic units and auxiliary programs, and the federal government. Under President Harlow, all of the Provosts were, what you might call, his cabinet (including the Medical Center which was a first, so I also responded to the Vice-President, Health Sciences Center, as well as all Vice-Presidents physically located on the main campus--Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Athletics, Off-Campus Activities.

Bill Campbell was well-respected and later, the Office of University Architect, which handled Capital Planning and Construction, was placed under his management. Only one staff architect was retained from the previous office. By that time, I was placed in charge of all activities which were previously directed by Campbell. He began to deal with an entire set of issues, none of which could be handled by the remaining architect. In fact, that individual's inexperience in dealing with the overall planning process, soon resulted in a need to relocate him and begin to add new positions which would merge the analysis side of the office with the capital planning side which was now to be developed. By the time that major leadership changes began, I was promoted to Associate Director of a unit now called Office of Facilities Planning and Management. It was soon clear that the new management planned to eliminate Bill Campbell who would be replaced with a "good ole boy" associate of the new Asst. VP. Next, when a vacancy occured in my area, I was forced to hire another "good ole boy" associate of the Asst VP... All men; all from Military Sciences ROTC.

At the point, when I later had lost a year of my lifeto conduct a complete audit of capital funding allocated to WVU, because the new director did nothing to deal with the financial management of capital construction, I returned to directing  the unit for which I was responsible. Soon, I knew that the last hire which had been forced unto me, was unable to perform at what was a first-level manager position, but which was very numbers/detail oriented in a discipline that at that time was not being taught, but had to be learned through self-study. It was clear that the former Major had no awareness, nor interest, in learning what he needed to know in order to handle that first-level managerial position. In fact, as things were boiling up, this man came to me to share that he had gotten an "A" in one class now being taught under Educational Administration at WVU. He expected, I could tell, that he expected me to be happy. I couldn't be and said, "You expect me to be happy about taking a class and learning what you should have, by now, learned for the job you were hired to do?" This type of comment was what I was experiencing as things led up to my total collapse, which, by the way, for your information, resulted in my not being able to stop crying. My body had tried, but I had failed my body. It rebelled for my treatment. And, rightly so... Did I have a choice? I didn't think so. I had invested over 30 years at WVU and I knew it was the change of superiors that was at fault.

So, regurgitating all of my personal experiences is only to point out that in my own situation, lack of knowledge about the work required and an unwillingness, or, a lack of actual experience in order to visibly see and learn what was the total scope of responsibility for their new positions, to be learned by new authoritarian-type individuals, led to an ultimate total collapse of my unit, of which I was Acting Director by that time.

An interesting tidbit that my dedicated secretary told me later was that, an applicant for the Director's position was offered the job. He had worked at the University of Maryland where Bill Campbell had worked. When this man came looking for me, he learned that I was on medical leave. He wanted to talk with me; I had headed up a Facilities Conference that we hosted on the WVU campus and he had gotten to know me quite well through early planning, etc. When he asked if he could call me, my secretary told him that I wasn't accepting calls from anybody but her. He turned down the Director position. Of course, if I had known... but that's just not what happened, so why bother considering the "what ifs" in life...

Soooo, Trump who was once voting democrat, apparently saw that the republican party seemed to be the proper choice for a possible leap into the power of the presidency. He was right. By that time, the evolution of both parties was significant, as can be found in learning about our history of government politics. In essence, through reading many books and/or videos, I've concluded that the two parties have switched places, sometime around the election of Reagan, the first entertainer hired for the presidency...

Now is a perfect point in this presentation to point out that, until 2015 when I was settled in my new log cabin, doing gardening--actually cleanup of a property which had been neglected for many years due to the death of both owners. After I purchased my home,  in 2015, I heard just one video which was heard across the nation about the Trump candidate, and which led to the Major Women's March on Inauguration Day, 2016. When a man, even if talking "good ole boy" or "locker room" talk as some called it, trash talking with another guy, claimed that because he was a celebrity, he could walk up, grabbed them by the pxxxx, and get away with it... I was, frankly, immediately on alert. I had had my share of sexual invitations while working as a single woman. I had handled them "professionally" as I wanted to do. At no time, was I to have, from men on campus, anything as vulgar, or crudely presented, as I heard from Trump. As I later learned in E. Jean Carroll's book, and from news, of Trump's exploitation of women in all forms, I was incensed... Let me just say, when Trump/Clinton were debating and Trump roamed around behind her as she spoke, I would have turned around and said, "I'll stop until you start acting like an individual who is a candidate for our presidency..." Shoulda been there! LOL

Then when I faced both family insults about my choice to become a democrat and vote against Trump, as well as learning that Evangelical Christian leaders had made a deal with the Devil/Trump. I became somewhat obsessed... I knew immediately as a book reviewer, that I had to start doing my research!

Yet he was reelected... Unbelievable! There are now rumblings about whether Musk had his staff hack into election machines, much more secretly than did Russian hackers during the 2016 election. However. I had thought of it, but then I remembered that for the first time ever, Trump said he had a "mandate" to act, I started to add 2+2...+3... get the idea... All the billionaires watched and learned about Trump. He wanted unlimited riches, power and glory... To even get anywhere, he would have to use "criminal actions" to get it... Power-hungry people came out of the underground... Project 2025 came into existence, which is the actual words that have been used for ALL Executive Orders signed, but not initiated by Trump--except maybe one of his latest, which was to withdraw Biden's ban on plastic straws. With all of the McDonald's he eats, straws are a very important need for President Trump...

And I have become more sarcastic, more short on patience, more acutely aware of the lowering of common sense intelligence of the average American who, in the past, may have not paid much attention because the government was at least visibly doing the things that affected them personally... For me, Affirmative Action, Equal Pay for Equal Work, Need for dual-career marriages due to low salaries, and more... But most of all, the loss of Truth as our guiding interaction on all things affecting the entire population of the United States.

What I have learned through the last 10 years with Trump in the picture, leading the people of America with lies, disinformation, and, importantly, lack of any information unless somebody became a whistle blower in some way, together with the proliferation of technological advances which have moved so fast that a visible loss of control has resulted in, at least for me and others with whom I've talked, a total lack of confidence in a government--a population percentage--that would choose to listen to conmen rather than working to seek out the truth and VERIFY!

God is a God of Truth...

What do you think He is thinking as He watches those who have chosen Trump, one who attempts to act as if he acts for God and can do no wrong...

Pray for God's Truth and Power to touch Those Who May Hear!!! Seek His grace for those who voted for what has/is occurring... When men choose to take away needed money to help the indigent in foreign lands, we know that decision was NOT to respond to Jesus' request to take care of those in need.  When a decision to eliminate public schools, it is the same principle, many cannot afford to send children to private schools...Lord give those who know Thy wishes, the strength and patience... Lead us to the Truth! God's Truth!

Gabby

Velshi, Books, and What is Really Happening in America... Consider Whether or Not You WANT to Prepare Better!

 

I have to admit that I thought I was running as fast as I can, metaphorically, that is. The urgency is high, but I have to realize that I can't possibly become aware of all the things that are affecting our daily lives, in these days of chaos... Still, when I happened to turn on a program, Velshi on MSNBC, I felt a sense of panic again. At this time, I've at least calmed down in recognizing that I can only do as much as I can...and it is UP TO YOU MY READERS, to decide whether you become as concerned as I was...

On the way to a video regarding the first book author who was a guest on Velshi this morning, I saw this video about Rob Reiner's increasing concern. He speaks as an activist, far more involved than I could ever be... So I decided to begin with sharing his words...

Velshi has been running a series on Banned Books, ever since the Republican Party started their crusade against just about anything other than...say, the Bible, and even that book had The Book of Solomon identified NOT to be read by fragile white children. You know, those who apparently are never to be exposed to the idea of sexuality--until the day when their innate curiosity and biological urges are more important to them than what their banned books parents have been willing to help them understand and learn in a safe way...

A Democracy Relies on Informed Citizens...  

Banning Books Imperial Society...

If Our Government Leaders Have No Empathy for All of its citizens, then there can be no democracy

My Apologies to Those With Whom I've been working on special projects.

Some things just can be ignored...

Because that's what The Authoritatarian Republican Party (Fascist?) Wants !?1

But the introduction of today's two books, I admit, threw me into a spiral into turmoil, anger, and, even worse, an overwhelming feeling of being... overwhelmed... What in the world is going on? How much worse can it get in America (and in other parts of the world).

The first book was by a history professor, and things were moving too fast, that I finally landed on the word Lucid, to ensure I could do the appropriate searches for her. Lucid, by the way, is a subscription to various methods of learning about being Lucid in today's world. As of now, I've subscribed just for the free material to see what it will be covering.

Author Ruth Ben-Ghiat's book follows the leaders of fascism through history up through and including Trump and Putin... all purported to follow a specific pattern(s) by which they have succeeded in moving to, or creating, an authoritarian fascist country. I had learned, already, that Trump's actions were Fascist... Ironically, he became almost outraged about the people who identified as ANTIFA  Learn more at, for example, a news coverage.... at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-is-antifa/

Yes, it is really not an organization, but a philosophy that many have seen that Trump's actions leaning toward fascism... 

Now we learn of the new book, STRONGMEN: MUSSOLINI to the Present by Ruth Ben-Ghiat. I have not read the book, but, I, along with all of you, hopefully, plan to listen carefully to her discussion as presented in the following video.

 

Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present - One of the actions pinpointed by the author was the routine practice to keep having elections, which implied to the country's residents, that there was a free election of their leader. At the same time, the mechanics (hacking is the only way I can think of explaining) of the equipment used for elections would be done "under cover" so that the authoritarian leader would always win!

It wasn't hard for me to immediately think about recent breaking news by Politico about the RNC's plan for future elections! It's Going to be An Army! If you have not already heard about the latest shenanigans of republicans, the link is provided, noting that they will have an "army" to challenge anything and everything related to elections! UNBELIEVABLE! And yet, IT IS QUITE BELIEVABLE GIVEN WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING BY THAT PARTY. WHICH IS NOW ALREADY BEING IDENTIFIED AS THE AUTHORARIAN PARTY OF AMERICA...

The Second Book hits anybody who has been horrified by the Texas school shooting, et.al., that have happened Every Day for about a month. Most of us are acquainted with SWAT, as a result of a television program. SWAT is a supposedly highly trained group of individuals who are used to handle high danger situations. You guessed it, they are the only ones that use the high-power, multi-bullet, fast-kill guns (my descriptive words). 

Apparently (not researched to confirm) more and more police are establishing SWAT Teams. The thing is that, since, hopefully, in most areas, there is not sufficient incidents at which SWAT would be required.

Consider, as was discussed, that the group who first arrived in Texas. Say, for instance, that in Uvalde, Texas, was SWAT. Would that be good or bad? My first thought was that it could have been good, but then, it is now well known, that the head of the first responders not only did not carry his radio, but that he kept his officers from entering the school, assuming that there were no children now alive, even if shots were still going off...  And even while 911 calls from children within the school, continued to be received (but not communicated to the police leader).We all will be watching to see what the formal investigation by the federal government will actually reveal...

But, for now, let's consider that even small towns would be "equipped" as SWAT... Yet, because they have few really dangerous situations, they would still be fully "loaded" to take care of, for instance, domestic disturbances, a story robbery, or a drug bust... Being trained to shoot first, apparently, has already resulted in, in my memory, the death of a woman whose apartment was taken by police for drugs...only to later find that the police were not at the right address!

Yikes! I would never not want to be without police support. On the other hand, I will never forget the young 17-year-old boy who took his gun, purchased for him by somebody else, who crossed state lines, pretending to be there only to help if medical assistance was needed... Yet, was followed by a photographer, had announced on a social site that he would be going...and, who, carried a deadly weapon...for his own protection... Yet he was the one who murdered that night...was not charged for those deaths...and was supported and praised by the RNC at a national meeting, even implying he was needed for jobs in the future... Scary is the only word that comes to mind about that situation and the potential of so many others...

I don't know what is going to happen in the future. All I can do is share my devastation that, with the placement of, in my opinion, a criminal, guilty mostly for the insurrection of January 6th...plus all the damage he'd done to eliminate restrictions such as safety for workers, while allowing rich owners to get even richer... via, especially, with a tax cut that wound up only serving the rich! What I do know, is that I can feel the danger in the air...It is toxic! It is insidious, and almost overwhelming in even allowing and speaking of what they plan to do. You, who are republicans... I don't even know how to talk to any of you any more. I'm am scared to death of where the future seems to be heading...

Yet I feel compelled to point out, again... that, even though the Evangelical Christians, have apparently merged their future into the plan of action for this Political Party, I do not believe that God supports what is happening. Violence, deception, hate, prejudice, seeking power for its sake, seeking money through criminal activities...just...cannot...be...ordained...as...part...of...MY God's plan...

And by the way, talking about criminal actions...have you heard that Trump's son-in-law, as they were leaving office, managed to make a deal for handling of billions of the Prince's money... Again, things are coming out so fast, I'm not sure of details, other than the WHO involved and the WHEN it happened.

Finally, I've been trying to provide a little lighter discussions and spotlights on my sister blog, Just My Personal Opinion, Of course. I can guarantee only one thing...You'll never know what topics will be covered...and I'll be trying to have a little fun in sharing my opinions... Why not bookmark it right now! Or link will always appear at top right on Book Readers Heaven Blog...

God Bless,

Glenda