There have been plenty of words this week, trailing around, in and out of my head. I will not lie, many of them are frightening. Like when Trump said, “we should use some of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military National Guard,” (abc news). And by dangerous, he included Portland, OR, which for anyone who has visited recently seems to be more absurd than just about anything he has said to date. In fact, “Portland has more than 100 miles of neighborhood greenways in every part of the city” and is a cyclist’s paradise filled with safe, beautiful paths and low-speed streets (portland.gov). (Just check out their beautiful airport– I swear you will never leave!) Trump’s lies that get pumped out as echoing sound bites are certainly the work of some legendary marketers, but it doesn’t change the fact that he is indeed a lying felon.

Thankfully, there were other words that spoke to me this week for which I am glad.

In 2019 Jane Goodall sat down to an interview with the New York Times. This week, as I thought about her life and recent death, I reread the interview. Sadly, her sage words seem in even more contrast with today’s business community than they did years ago, but perhaps even more vital to hear again.

What’s your message to business leaders today?

One million species are in danger of extinction. So what I say to the business community is: Just think logically. This planet has finite natural resources. And in some places, we’ve used them up faster than Mother Nature can replenish them. How can it make sense if we carry on in the way we are now, with business as usual, to have unlimited economic development on a planet with finite natural resources, and a growing population? (NYTimes). She encouraged consumers to think about their choices too. She is still right. I am forever grateful for her life’s work, and her inspiration.

I do love listening to Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ podcast, Wiser than Me. This week I listened to Julia talking to Catherine O’Hara, which, yes, was hilarious, and poignant and perfect. As Julia always does, she asked her guest her age, and how she feels about it. Now, at 70, O’Hara commented, “That’s what’s wrong with aging. You start to see things a little too clearly (Wiser than Me).

Although we see plenty of evidence to the contrary, for me, clarity about a great number of things is obvious and as I advance in years, this perceptive is growing. I have many decades, a vast history actually, of evidence at my disposal. Sure, I could be hoodwinked if I don’t keep vigilant about the power of AI or other such social-media fraudulent posts, but we do know an angry bully when we see one. We do see an entire country being torn asunder instead of being joined together. But we also see ripples in the tide. People rising again. Speaking out. Asking for our support. I aim to give it.

I also read Pope Leo’s comments this week, echoing words I have thought about for years.

“Someone who says I’m against abortion but is in favor of the death penalty is not really pro-life,” Pope Leo said. “And someone who says I’m against abortion but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro-life” (npr). Bravo to the Pope!

I would add to his remarks: how can you be pro-life and pro-military weapons in the hands of every angry white man ready to gun down innocents? how can you be pro-life and not pro-universal health care? or support public education? My list is a long one. I have little patience for those who dismiss violence in our schools and synagogs with a misguided interpretation of the 2nd Amendment but call themselves pro-life. Just call it anti-choice for women. That is all.

I am glad the Pope spoke out. I am grateful for podcasts that make me laugh and escape especially while the Republicans, who hold every branch of our federal government firmly in their control, continue to dismantle what is left of civility and humanity, while placing blame elsewhere. Trump has taught them well.