It seems like trying to take a vacation from the various happenings in America is difficult. Each day when I avoid watching the news, something seeps in anyway, so I have decided to drag out the computer and continue these musings on a variety of subjects.

Democrats appear unable to develop a message other than one that says in effect “we aren’t perfect, but they are crazy.” I would suggest that this is not a formula for victory or governance. I really think the country is ready for some kindness in expressing ideas rather than a Twitter storm of blame and invective. I recognize how hard it is to not respond in kind for both sides, but that is how we got where we are and continuing this lowering of acceptable behavior is not going to “Make America Great Again.”

The North Korea gambit looks to be failing which was predictable. Unfortunately, Kim got what he wanted and now we will see the Art of the Deal, North Korean style. We get nothing except empty rhetoric from them and disinformation from our President. Sounds like the same deal as when Trump overpaid for the Plaza Hotel.

The trade war that will be easy to win, according to the President, is going swimmingly. We will have price increases for consumers and alienate our allies. It is odd that the President has kind words for our adversaries (e.g. Kim Jong-un and Putin) while insulting our allies (e.g. Trudeau and Merkel). I must confess, I am tired of the tone. It engenders behavior like refusing Sarah Sanders a meal because she works for Trump. I appreciate the ironies, but it is not acceptable behavior. Some of you may remember when people were refused service because of their race. I thought we were past this and think that liberals who find this acceptable are on the road to being as “deplorable” as they find Trump.

And, now, we begin a new fight over the Supreme Court. I am sure it will be awful and no one will emerge looking good. Democrats and Republicans alike will use this vote as a litmus test instead of actually asking our Senators and members of the House their judgment. Nothing good will come from this for either side. Trump will claim victory or victimhood depending on the result as will the Democrats. This is why I plan to stay in Portugal for another few weeks. With all of their problems past and present, people here disagree agreeably. While the conspiracy industry is alive and well, it is not part of the daily communications from the President or Prime Minister or the members of Parliament. It does make the summer more enjoyable. Maybe our parties ought to try it.