Two candidates with limitless credentials,  potential, and promise – one with immense Government experience and the other with immense business experience plus a four year Government experience as President ;  one, a measured official with earnest preparations on weighty political issues and the other with reliance on logic, intuition, and commonsense combining spontaneity.

          The debate took place at a positive and befitting period globally in the history of this millennium (COVID scare) requiring strong American Leadership for not just the Americans but the entire world.

          There has been an air of expectation and great curiosity despite the COVID-19 pandemic restraining the freedom of people as never before.

          The two candidates are the incumbent President, Donald Trump (Republican) and former VP, Joe Biden (Democrat).

          In the background :  (1)  Convention bounces in voter support for both Trump and Biden were not quite significant and sustaining ;  (2)  Base support for both remain strong and firm with undecided voters forming just 4% ;  and (3)  Donald Trump trailing in the polls by atleast 6 to 8% since July.

          The debate was held at the Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio tonight (September 29, 2020).

Chris Wallace, moderator.

          Chris Wallace of Fox News moderated the debate.

          There were six segments of 15 minutes each for a total of 90 minutes with topics covering :  Supreme Court ;  COVID-19 ;  Race and violence in cities ;  Economy ;  Climate Change ;  and  the Integrity of Election.

          Key highlights :

          1.  Figure below represents the debate performance of Donald Trump in terms of the triad constituting Introduction, Issues, and Conclusion :

          Donald Trump had his usual style of aggressiveness with name calling cramped considerably remaining staid for the most part except for his repeated interruptions. With a  clear and firm voice sans gestures he looked entirely different in the debate stage from what I expected at least. He must have surely lost some points  on this score. His switch to show himself to be different in tenor and style may have been responsible for the lost opportunities in defending or countering, be it ACA, recent Protests, or tackling violence in cities. No negative effects ; held outside ; still commanded big audience in rallies ; are how he portrayed his popularity even while Joe Biden described it as being irresponsible. We are opening ; we are recovering ; jobs picking up ; despite everything happening due to CHINA ;  people want to have schools reopened ; have done more to the economy in 3 and 1/2  years despite impeachment hoax and COVID-19 ;  300 federal judges and hopefully 3 great Supreme Court Justices ; have done more in 47 months compared to Joe Biden’s 47 years ;  avoided training military with bad/sick ideas costing thousands of dollars ;  doing what is possible to have crystal clear water, pure air, less polluting transportation without destroying  businesses ; gearing up forest management strategies for control of forest fires ;  are how he highlighted his achievements. To raise Cain on the issue of mail-in-voting when the evidence is still debated in the nature of an explanation may not be viewed favourably but only will serve to induce more stress to the individual. Donald Trump, knowingly or unknowingly, taking this route proving effective or otherwise will be known only in the weeks ahead.

          His policy points were impeccable and his body language transmitted decent confidence. In most of his answers and explanations he must have left something for the audience to ponder over. It may or may not make an impact with the voters, but could help him get some points at least.

          2.  Figure below represents Joe Biden’s debate performance in terms of Introduction, Issues, and Conclusion :

          Biden sounded confident and well prepared. He was able to demonstrate his unmatched legislative experience emphasising his efforts at Healthcare, climate change and racial sensitivity. He painted Donald Trump as a weaker, sicker, divided and more violent leader.

          He chose to describe Trump’s economic strategies as leading to only a K shaped recovery. He  emphasized that the advantage about the tax code that Trump had taken advantage of  will be eliminated when he comes to power. For the repeated charges against his son, Hunter Biden getting all benefits when he was VP, he said : ” We don’t want to talk about families here, we want to talk about all American families “.  One in 500 Africans will be killed if nothing is done to control COVID-19 now. On peaceful protest he said : ” We will change the way what happens to Americans in a more transparent manner “. I will rejoin the Paris Accord ; I support the Biden Plan not necessarily the GND. Two Trillion jobs will be created due to Biden Plan was his answer when seriously (and justifiably) questioned  for the huge amount needed to activate and implement the plan. I am not sure if people would have been convinced really!

          Moment of the Debate :  ” I am the Democratic Party Approver “,  by Joe Biden to the charges made against him for his tilt towards the ‘radical  left’.

          On at least five occasions Joe Biden fumbled :  (a) when the question of Supreme Court Justice opened, Joe Biden during his time of 2 minutes had this – ” 20 .. 200 million … 200 …  people died on his watch “.  (b) On healthcare Donald Trump said: ObamaCare will end public option and enhance Government take-over “. In his reply Joe Biden started – ” Medicare .. Medicare. .. Medi …”. (c)  During the point on Donald Trump’s tax returns Joe Biden fumbled ” because of property tax . .  tax .. tax ”  (d)  When Donald Trump charged him with calling Africans as ‘super predators’  Biden responded saying ” Systemic ..  systemic ..  justice ..  separate but unequal ..  for African Americans “.  (e)  while raising the issue of forest fires, ” stop ..  stop ..  tearing down forests,  significant .. significant .. significant .. “.

          Coming into this debate with a good lead over Donald Trump, Joe Biden would have sustained his rating and retained the morale of people. His composure on stage may place him well on performance. His ability to overcome anxiety  and his address on issues in positive light to the audience will find good support. Doubts and fear expressed prior to the debate were unfounded.

          3.  A balancing act needs to be done by the moderator as he will be watched by the people, the two candidates, and his own employer. His moment came at the 55th minute of the debate when he reminded Donald Trump about the conditions accepted for the debate and the need to play fair referring to his “repeated interruptions”. Overall, it was a tough task that put the greatest challenge to him, perhaps. He needs to be praised.

          My Conclusion :  I had the unmistakable feeling that former VP, Joe Biden, had negotiated the past master, President Donald Trump well tonight. Whether this debate will have any impact on the result, however, is not definite.

          The debate failed to excite and fulfill the expectations in general.

   ” Dieu avec nous “

   Wednesday, September 30, 2020 – 10.37 a.m. (IST)

   Tidbit : ” He has no plan for Healthcare ; this man does not know what he is talking about ” – Joe Biden about Donald Trump.

” 47 years you did nothing ;  people understand that well ” –  Donald Trump about Joe Biden.

Read More…

          “The Hall and the arena will be reverberated with chants of  ” RBG “,  “RBG”  whenever she steps on the stage and starts to speak. The entire crowd will sport T-shirts with her face and the three letters imprinted in a proud manner making a lasting impact. The Documentary Film about her is the latest craze on NETFLIX sweeping across the nation. At least 20000 people gather in any event when she makes her appearance.”

          RBG was not a famous film actress ;  RBG was not a famous politician ;  she was the famed American Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She will fit well as an ideal Justice in anyone’s metaphorical description of her personality. The news of her passing away on Friday last is like the loss of a long shining star in the galaxy of American Universe.

          60 years back she filled her application for the position of a law clerk in American High Court. Her application was rejected on the grounds of her being a woman. A law clerk essentially does research into the details of a case and presents the same to the judges to help frame their judgements. Those who served as law clerks have risen to the positions of Supreme Court Justices in the past. RBG also became the second woman to hold the position of Supreme Court Justice.

          American Supreme Court has a strength of 9 Justices. They will discuss the cases with full attendance all times, unlike in our case,  where 2 or 3 members can also hold a sitting to discuss the cases. The Supreme Court Justices in U.S.A.  are appointed for life without retirement. If we had a Justice like RBG it will only be right to pray God that she has got the gift of immortality.

          When she was once asked as to, ” how many women should be ideal for the SC “,  she replied :  ” it will be fitting if all nine are women “. Her answer made the reported shaking.

          ” How can that be alright ? ” – when another reporter asked, she again replied : ” For decades all nine Justices were men and didn’t that seem alright ?”. Well known for her open and frank speeches and answers.

          She fought for Gender Equality till her death. Her favorite call has always been : ” I do not seek any special favour for women. I only ask you to take your legs off our voice box ( neck ). That is enough.”  She was just 5 feet tall and weighed less than 100 pounds. But her personality soared sky high.

          She was already married with one child by the time she completed her studies in Law. She faced innumerable difficulties in securing a job. Reasons :  She was a woman ;  she was a Jew ;  and she was married. Her life was not a bed of roses all the way. It was rough and gnarled too. Without compromising her policies and principles, and remaining completely true to the American Constitution, she raised her voice against discrimination and fought for the rights of blacks and women who were suppressed and sidelined.

          She married Martin D Ginsburg in 1954 and lived a mutually happy life till his death in 2010.

          Unlike in our case, Supreme Court Justices do not have servants allotted for housekeeping jobs. Be it cooking, or any small cleaning job …  they did it themselves. Her husband participated in all activities with full support and engagement. ” He felt that my work is as important if not more than his work, and duly performed all chores with pleasure “,  she said. To have a husband like him in life was in itself a gift – she added.

          When her mother-in-law asked her what were the reasons for the success of their marriage, she said humbly : ” you have to be deaf at times “. She has followed this tenet not just in her family life of 56 years but also in her professional career as Supreme Court Justice.

          RBG suffered from Cancer. It affected her large intestines ; pancreas ; and even lungs. But without flinching for a moment she rose to the challenges of the tasks and performed her duties with vigour. It marked her career success.

          On an occasion her husband remarked : ” Ruth ! You look like a person who has come out of a Concentration Camp. To safeguard your health you need to do something “,  and soon appointed a workout trainer for action. She also willingly underwent the exercise regimen prescribed including weightlifting. It became so popular at that time to induce many to take to the practices of workout in life. A real harbinger.

          Striking a balance between home and work is like a ‘bamboo dance’ in life. When RBG was pregnant, her husband left for compulsory military work. RBG at that time was also seeking admission in Law College. She had doubts if she can really secure a seat. Her father-in-law said in confident and comforting words : ” Ruth, at this juncture it will only be understandable if you miss the law education. Nobody will regard that as a failure. But, if you are serious about pursuing a course in Law, dispel all thoughts and worries about your present condition and seek to focus your attention on how both can be managed.” Words of wisdom, support, courage, and hope. She immediately consulted her husband ; pursued her course in Law ;  and came out  ‘First’  in the group.

          RBG came from an ordinary family. Affording college education itself was viewed as an accomplishment. And she accomplished it with highest rank. And she dedicated her success at her mother’s feet. She also recalled her mother’s words of wisdom and counsel : ” Do not waste your time on emotions as anger, hate, sadness, and jealousy. They will consume your time easily. They won’t take you where you want to go. Focus your attention on what and where you want to go and concentrate “. Mother First.

          RBG’s judgements will always be reflective of courage and clarity. In the case of  “Bush v. Gore” in 2000, Florida District Court delivered the judgement that favoured recounting of the votes. George W Bush went to the Supreme Court on appeal. Five judges were in support of George W Bush and four against. One of the four was RBG. She wrote : ” the majority judgement is against the basic principles of Law. I dissent “.  George W Bush, however, became President. It was 5 – 4 in his favour.

          RBG’s judgement in the US  v. Virginia Military case (1996) while attracting the attention of all citizens also garnered great appreciation. This case pertained to an institution/structure that permitted only males. It was in existence for years. RBG wrote the majority opinion : ” Holding the general notion that women can only do this ; or women will be like this only ; disapproving the highly capable and talented women is unacceptable and untenable”. It ended the Virginia Military Institute’s archaic men only admission policy. It was a 7 to 1 ruling.

          RBG’s judgement in the Olmstead v. LC (1999) Rights of Disabilities : SC ruling in this case marked a big win for the rights of people with disabilities. RBG stated that under the Americans for Disabilities Act, people must be placed in community settings rather than in institutions based on the advice of health professionals. 

          Ledbetter  v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.(2007) : Addressing the wage gap :  RBG delivered a dissent in support of equal wage and called on the Congress to take action, which ultimately led to the passing of the Lilly Led better Fair Play Act, signed by President, Barack Obama, in 2009. RBG’s farsightedness ;  human rights related equality ;  and her strong stand on justice without any deviation – are what this judgement represents.

          RBG’s impartial stance was reflected in Weinberger  v.  Wieserfeld  case. It held that gender based distinction under 42 U.S.C. No. 402 (g) of the Social Security Act of 1935 – which permitted widows but not widowers to collect special benefits while caring for minor children – violated the right to equal protection served by the Due Process Clause of the 5th Amendment to the US Constitution.

          The list will go on. The ‘rocket star’ status she attained was due to her proud judgements, fairness, purity of actions,  hard work, focused thoughts and unflinching decisions – recognised as being extremely beneficial to the people.

          The three letters,  “RBG” ,  has earned a permanent place in the history of American Justice. Everyone shall bow his/her head to the  ” Angel of Justice”.

   ” Dieu avec nous “

   Wednesday, September 23, 2020 – 12.59 p.m. (IST)

   Tidbit :  ”  True justice is paying only once for each mistake. True injustice is paying more than once for each mistake. ”  –  Miguel Angel Ruiz.

Chuck Schumer and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez.

          Minority Leader, (D),  Chuck Schumer’s  Unity and Legacy ;  and Congresswoman,  (D), New York,  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s  ‘ People’s right being at stake now’  if there is a nomination to the Supreme Court by the Republicans within days speak of  logical positivism. 

          Both spoke from the same podium tonight also speaking for building bridges within the Democratic Party.

          Senator, Chuck Schumer,  while making a strong plea to the Senators, specially the Republicans, to abide by the “last wishes”  of the  ‘ saintly, brilliant, and caring woman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, may have succeeded in evoking the public sentiment ;  sensitivity to the needs of people ;  and to raise seriously the moral judgements of the law makers – in fulfilling her wishes.

RBG’s last wishes.

          Fulfilment of the last wishes adds respectability to the authority that Ruth Bader Ginsburg held in her professional career, and enhances the dignity to the individual.

          It is also important to remember that the last wish at this moment relates to a key national appointment that has implications to the political fight for victory or otherwise in the November 3, General Election; when the following need consideration :

          1.  The real significance of the last wish is not clear ;

          2.  The legality, practicality, and feasibility presenting a dilemma in a sense of whether the wishes can prevail or not ;

          3.  Whether it really supports or clashes with the larger interests of people ;

          4.  Whether it will be viewed as  correct or incorrect in the midst of an election ( with early voting already on ) and not close to an election ;  and

          5.  Whether it will contribute to positive changes, outcomes, and impact on the lives of citizens as a whole.

          The tide of general opinion at this point in time may well seem to be in favour of what the two lawmakers have expressed tonight but the real potential of the decision is subject to ups and downs not just by days but by hours from now.

          Is there a bearer of good tidings that may also be viewed as the most justifiable ?  Nobody will be able to say !

   ” Dieu avec nous “

   Monday, September 21, 2020 –  6.51 a.m. (IST)

   Tidbit :  ”  You are playing with fire ”  referring to Mitch McConnell by Alexandria Ocasio Cortez.

          First drive-in Town Hall in American Election History happened in the era of COVID-19 tonight, with just 47 days left for the Election Day. Masks and Social Distancing religiously followed to ensure safety of the Candidate, interviewer ;  TV crew ;  and the viewers around the country.  There were about 100 cars with some people inside the cars and some standing outside too. CNN organised this Town Hall with Anderson Cooper moderating the event.

          I present my observations here as a Commonsense exponent watching the event on TV with no claim as an expert in Political Science or even as one with a deep knowledge or experience of Politics.

Joe Biden.

          1.  COVID-19 was the first issue as was expected. Figure below represents Joe Biden’s Strategic Control Measures :

          The three elements cited include : (a) proposal of National Standards for working safely ;  (b)  rapid testing and tracing plus use of protective gears ;  and  (c)  use of federal funds as resources.

          His responses to questions were standard with no new additions to what everyone must have learnt thus far. He reiterated his earlier statement that Governors should enforce mask wearing for saving the lives of people.

          To Attorney General, Barr’s recent observation that likened COVID-19 lockdown to ‘slavery’,  Joe Biden countered in terms of what he felt, understood, and experienced as ‘Freedom’ in this country – ” Freedom being taken away is to not let your children to go to school ;  not to let your kids go out for entertainment ; and to not let children be able to meet their affected parents in hospitals “. In the same time he also opined : ” That $ 200 billion are needed to get students to resume their studies in schools. You cannot compromise the immune system “.  One has to make one’s own inference !

          He was not convincing in his answer to the question : ” how will you stand up for healthcare workers who earn less than $15 per hour with great difficulties in these circumstances ?”. His reply : “not getting even $ 15 per hour is disturbing and please go to Joe Biden.com for details that I have laid out “. No specifics cited.

          He was also not convincing in his answer to the question : ” how he will modify healthcare plan to be of use to everyone ?”.  His reply : ” I’ll reinforce ACA with a public option “,  didn’t seem to carry much conviction either.

          First 30 minutes was a bit difficult to deal with, for him.

          2.  Figure below represents Joe Biden’s Strategy to bring accountability within police department:

          The three elements making up the triad are : (a) background checks ;  (b) efforts to deescalate the situation ;  and (c) making sure psychologists and psychiatrists deal with the victims duly. His singular goal will be to make the department function in a transparent manner. Resonated well with the listeners.

          3.  Figure below represents Joe Biden’s Strategy for Criminal Justice Reform :

          The three elements making up the triad in this are :  (a)  to make the system completely transparent ;  (b)  ready to condemn violence of any kind ;  and  (c)  remaining firm on not involving military in any domestic unrest. He admitted the First Step Act proposed during his term as VP could not be completed due to reasons unanticipated. President Donald Trump, however, succeeded in getting the attention and praise.

          4.  Uncertainty about mail-in voting can be tackled by : (a) striving to ensure that legitimacy will not be questioned by unfavourable actions ; (b)  sprucing up the Postal Services ;  and  (c) actions to enhance the confidence of voters for mail-in voting. Hard task with no specifics.

          5.  Joe Biden will deal with fracking to be beneficial to people by not referring to Climate Change as a ‘hoax’  but by using that as an opportunity to create more jobs in energy saving technologies.

          6.  Joe Biden will treat  Russia  as an Opponent,  and  China  as a serious Competitor. He avoided the word  “enemy”  in describing them.

          Conclusions :

          1.  Joe Biden’s answers were reasonably  empathetic, facts based,  following science and expertise,  honoring the guidelines of specialists, and committed to people welfare. It occurs to me though that he missed the opportunity to deliver a strong performance.

          2.  His tone and tenor in this Town Hall showed that he will be adopting an aggressive approach – as I understand just like an aggressive marketing and ad campaign strategies will adopt – and acting with force in order to succeed in this election.

          3.  He may have to an extent succeeded in driving his points locally, regionally, and nationally through this Town Hall performance, but it remains to be seen if this will drive Citizens to vote in huge numbers as Democrats wish to happen.

Drive-in Town Hall

   ” Dieu avec nous “

   Friday, September 18, 2020 – 8.05 a.m. (IST)

   Tidbit :  ” A divided nation ;  and a world in disarray is what  Trump has given ” – Joe Biden in the Town Hall.

Oregon fires.

          ” Symptoms by themselves are not diseases “,  say Medical experts often. 

          Headaches, fever …  are only the signs, symptoms, and external manifestations of diseases according to Medical experts.

          In the same manner, COVID-19 has also to be viewed as symptoms of more serious problems facing our lives.

          Climate Change,  Environmental Degradation,  and loss of lives – not just human but all other animals, birds, (land and marine) and even plants – have been recognised as posing serious danger accelerating the destruction of the World itself. It is like Nature flying into a fury when a series of contagious diseases strike at the lives of people all over the world.

          The world stood in shocked silence when the Amazon Forest Fires erupted last year. Following that was the Australian bush fires spreading the smoke over New Zealand, Pacific Ocean, South Africa, and upto Argentina revealing its deadly serious nature.

California fires.

          America now faces the fury of Nature in two ways :  COVID-19  and  Wildfires in the West. Thousands of people from California, Oregon, and Washington have been shifted to safe havens. Some small towns in these areas have been completely ignited and destroyed. Lakhs of hectares of farm land (arable land) have also been affected, according to reports.

          People all over the World have been the victims (at some point in their lives) of Nature’s Fury in terms of floods, drought, cyclones/storms, …

          The seriousness of these disasters also increase by each season. Just to escape and prevent oneself from these deadly happenings, individuals have been compelled to suffer losses of either property or even their lives.

          COVID-19 is not an exception to this fury. It cannot be dismissed as a one time disaster. Our future will definitely be marked by such occurrences every few years. We have been witness to this phenomenon already.

Animals likely affected in Amazon Kindle of fires.

          The destruction caused will not be limited to human lives but also that of other creatures too. We may be the late sufferers even as we represent and be the cause of other creatures’s   sufferings for centuries.

          Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in its report had recorded that from 1970 to 2006 there has been a 68% decrease in World Wildlife. In its report, ” Living Planet Report 2020″, it has monitored and recorded the status of 21000 species of animals revealing shockingly surprising facts. In Latin America, specially, it says that animal life has been endangered for more than 50 years. In the Asia Pacific region, a significant reduction in their numbers has been evidenced. India sports the most worrying situation comparatively. It has cautioned that 12% of wildlife and 3% of birds are on their path to destruction. The report emphasises its role in safeguarding animals –  land and marine – and birds in the world.

          Since 1970 there has been a decrease of 4% every year adducing human causes as the chief reason for the fall observed. About 75% of the habitable areas have been changed in one way or another by human actions.

          Conversion of forest areas into living areas for human habitation spread fast. Result : the destruction of wildlife habitat and their lives. Even the seas are not spared. Fishing industry is an extremely profitable business. Coastal, freshwater, and deep sea fishing pose dangers to the lives of marine species.

          The brief description above is enough to view the COVID-19 and Wildfires in the West (U.S.A.) as merely the symptoms, warnings, and a portentous sign to major catastrophes in the future. 

           With the Presidential election slated for November 3,  with mail-in ballots already in process, the two challenges above hold the potential to be transformed into political vulnerabilities.

          American citizens will be eagerly watching the Leadership moves and strategies of control by the major candidates with keen interest.

   ” Dieu avec nous “

   Saturday, September 12, 2020 –  11.59 a.m. (IST)

   Tidbit  :  ”  It is known wildfires behave unpredictably – this is fundamental – but it is the experience that humans in the presence of wildfire are also likely to behave in aberrant and unproductive ways ”  – Michael Leunig.

          Today,  September 11, 2020,  marks the 19th  Anniversary of the  US  9/11  Tragedy.

          If there has been a single event with its impact and restoration that bears testimony to USA living true to an example of the World’s Super Power, it was the 9/11 Tragedy.

          Officially known as the  “Patriot Day”,  it is a day to remember, respect, and rehabilitate the heroes loved and lost in that tragedy with full strength and spirit of the citizenry.

          It is worth remembering what Rudy Giuliani, the then Mayor of New York City said :  ” The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more united. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic, and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom “.

          President, Donald Trump, will visit the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, today. Joe Biden, former VP and presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party, will also visit the Memorial today.

          About 9/11 in brief :

          A series of 4 coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group, Al-Qaeda, against the US on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. The twin towers of the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and  Somerset, Pennsylvania were the targets.

          American Airlines Boeing 767 loaded with 20000 gallons of jet fuel crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City at 8.45 a.m. It hits between floors 93 and 99.

          United Airlines Flight 175 struck the World Trade Center’s South Tower, causing it to burn at 9.30 a.m.

          United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into an open field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, killing all passengers, crew members, and terrorists on board.

          19 hijackers belonging to the Al-Qaeda group committed the attacks. Deaths included 2606 in the World Trade Centers ;  265 on the four planes (including the terrorists) ;  and 125 at the Pentagon.

          Everyone in the Windows on the World, the greatest restaurant New York City has ever seen, located on the 107th floor of the WTC giving a soaring view of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey –  all died. Clean up took 9 months. 1.8 million tons of wreckage cleared.

          Immediate impact/response :  (a) Greater Focus on home life and time spent with family ;  (b)  Higher Church attendance ;  and  (c)  Increased expressions of Patriotism such as the flying of American flags.  US stock markets fell more than 10% in the days immediately after.

          The ability of the two Towers to withstand aircraft impact without immediate collapse (it later collapsed) was a direct function of their design and construction characteristics.

          Fire in Ground Zero continued for 99 days. Ground Zero was 70 feet deep, in Lower Manhattan. ” Freedom Tower” – ‘One World Trade Center’ –  was built on Ground Zero and opened on  April 27, 2006. It has 94 floors.

President, George W Bush.

          September 11  became the  “Patriot Day”  and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The USA Patriot Act, an act of the US Congress was signed into law by President, George W Bush. War on Terrorism was announced by the President.

          Threatening terrorism against the US is a Class C felony punishable by 10 year’s imprisonment under 18 U.S.  C.  2332 b (c) (1) (g). 

          Here is citing my A to Z of the qualities of Americans that sustained their superiority and helped tide over the most challenging tragedy in the beginning of the new millennium :

          Avant-gardist nation in general and special terms ;  Brilliant minds ;  Courage and Care of every soul ;  Decisive Plans for growth and welfare ;  Exalted ideals and Patriotism ;  Free Enterprise Legend with Fighting Spirit ;  Great Achievers ;  Henotic union with the divine ;  Innate abilities to learn and practice ;  Jurisprudence system influencer ;  Karmic gains ;  Leadership Excellence at several levels ;  Mythical friendship with India ;  Non-pareil of nations ;  Oomph of scientists and innovators ;  Purposeful and powerful goals ;  Quest for truth and knowledge ;  Real World approaches ;  Spirited Communities ;  Trusted allies ;  Unique nation of ideas, talents, and opportunities ;  Victorious Defense Capabilities ;  Winter Wonderland ;  X Factor giving an unyielding aura ;  Yellow-brick-road to freedom that every individual wants to cherish ;  and  Zealous supporters of work, freedom, and dignity.

          Let your pride flourish strong.

   ” Dieu avec nous “

   Friday, September 11,  2020 –  6.19 p.m. (IST)

   Tidbit :  ” America was not built on fear ;  America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand ” –  Harry  S  Truman.

          About 80,000  people commit suicide every year in India. For each suicide approximately 135 people suffer intense grief, or are otherwise affected. There is one death every second, and 20 million suicide attempts in the world. The two States which rank the highest on this in India are Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. They seem to have secured their places for years !  That Tamil Nadu ranks high on the list of “family suicides” is the most unfortunate, unpleasant, and upsetting situation. The only silver lining, if one can take solace, is that it affords an opportunity for medical specialists on mental disorders to use this as the Golden Opportunity for providing Commitment and Action on measures of prevention.

          The chief reasons for most suicides lie in “misunderstanding”  of the situation, circumstances, purposes, comments, instructions, intentions  …  …

          Recently ( February 12, 2020 ) there was news regarding the suicide of a farmer, aged 50 years, from the town of Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. He was suffering from mild urinary tract infection and went to Ruia Hospital, Tirupati, for treatment. The doctor prescribed some medicines and advised him to wear face mask to prevent the cold and fever from spreading while emphasizing the seriousness of contagious diseases in present day environment. His casualness of the gesture was not deliberate, though. But, it only served to confuse the patient further. Upon returning home he chanced upon watching on TV news Information on Coronavirus disease preventive measures of social distancing and wearing of face masks. It frightened him and he immediately started shouting : ” I have COVID-19 ;  don’t come near me “.  When neighbours tried to approach him to calm his nerves, he started pelting stones at them. After sometime he became quiet and relaxed and neighbours returned to their places. During that night itself, however, the farmer committed  ‘suicide’  by hanging himself from a tree on the backyard.

          If the suicide had happened decades or years ago, it would have been dismissed as the result of unawareness or lack of education. Today, it makes one wonder how and why this happens in this age of modern practices.

          When WHO embarked on the program of at least 10% suicide prevention in the light of increasing deaths due to suicide(s), factors covering Stress due to on-line Education ;  exam sensitivities ; and now the Coronavirus have become an integral part of preventive measures.

          ” Suicide to be viewed as a Social Problem and not just a death of an individual ”  requiring a change in approach to the problem in general has become the social imperative of Quality Medical Care now.

          Some guidelines in this respect are already framed :  Affected individuals should be able to speak in a candid and frank manner ;  Counsellors should be able to listen to them with care and intent ;  Information regarding the affected individuals should be sent to nearby hospitals and counsellors in the area ;  Necessary actions to help deal with mental disorders should be made available ;  Follow-up regarding physical and mental health of the affected individuals should be recorded ;  Name, address, and contact relations of the affected individuals should be registered.

          Under the aegis of Chingleput Medical College in Tamil Nadu, a Suicide Prevention Consulting Activity functions 24×7.  Phone 104 can be contacted for information and preliminary consultations in brief. For consultations at length, private Counseling Centres are informed. This is not a matter of cure in a day or two. But their activities have a key functional role in Suicide Prevention.

          Business losses ;  Failure of farming industry due to calamities, natural or otherwise ;  Chronic ailments without cure ;  Alcoholism and other illnesses of Drug Addiction have been the causative factors for guidance among individuals between 18 and 30 years of age. Added to this is the failure in examinations, specially, in the last two decades or so.

          According to a report from a private Service Organisation, the following are evident :  About 25% of students in the age group 14 to 18 are unable to read even a full sentence in English ;  17% out of these cannot read a complete sentence without mistake(s) in their own vernacular language ;  75%  cannot do a subtraction (-) ;  53%  cannot do a division (÷).  It was however not surprising that they all did well in mobile use conversations and computer usage. A good number of suicides include these groups of individuals due to problems in their growing years.

          That a significant % of suicide deaths come from South India is a sad commentary in itself. In terms of general education this region has its fair share of success in many fields/sectors. This region is also not susceptible to natural disasters,  calamities, adverse environmental conditions,  riots and other disturbances,  or starvation and deaths. But the fact that suicides are still happening is the most disturbing piece of news.

          We need to come out of the emotional feelings of pressure due to any imaginary absence of well wishers. We should learn the secrets of life and its success. Without being obstinate be ready to be flexible like the  ‘Naanal plant’ (ready to bend against the gust of wind).

          ” Those who win never quit ; those who quit, never win “.

          We read reports of mine workers being rescued several days after the disaster. We hear the same about those caught in landslides too. That they survive without air, light, or food during those days exemplifies their resolve being strengthened amid life threatening difficulties. Faith and belief succeeded in the end.

          Let us also live in faith, belief, and endurance.

          ” LIFE  IS  TO  LIVE ;  NOT  TO  COMMIT  SUICIDE “

   “Dieu avec nous “

   Thursday, September 10, 2020 –  11.59 a.m. (IST)

   Tidbit  :  ” Never, never, never give up ” – Winston Churchill.