Second Monday Motes

Not a particularly good one: WNBA player Brittney Griner was released by Russia in a prisoner swap for the notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. The first WNBA trade that anybody has given a crap about.

Sad News: U.S.A.F. (ret.) Col. Joseph Kittinger passed away Friday in Florida. Kittinger, 94, held the record for the highest parachute jump for more than 50 years.The cause of his death, which was announced by former U.S. Rep. John Mica and other friends, was lung cancer. Kittinger gained international fame when he completed three jumps over the course of 10 months from a gondola that was hoisted into the stratosphere by large helium balloons. The table of heroes has a new member.

Not the whole story: Everybody has something to say about the Brittney Griner trade. Many are upset that Uncle Joe left former Marine Paul Whelan behind. Many are lamenting the fate of the “decorated” serviceman. I suggest before they start rioting in the streets (snicker snicker) they check out Mr. Whelan’s history. He’s not someone I’d be concerned about being behind bars. He’s familiar with being there.

Terrorism or the beginning of the end: In light of recent assaults on power substations in the South and on the West Coast, authorities are looking into an increasing number of reported threats to power infrastructure. a massive power outage in North Carolina was caused by two substations being damaged by gunfire last week, according to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office. Power companies in Oregon and Washington have reported physical attacks on substations using hand tools, arson, firearms and metal chains possibly in response to an online call for attacks on critical infrastructure. Again, I say, how many apocalyptic books and movies have started with the “power out” scenario? I can name 5 just off the top.

Don’t go to Canada: Christine Gauthier, a 52-year-old retired corporal who competed in the 2016 Paralympics at Rio De Janeiro, testified to lawmakers that a VA official had offered — in writing — to provide her with a medically-assisted suicide kit. The case officer remains unnamed but reportedly made similar offers to at least three other veterans. There have also been reports the same offer has been made to people that are homeless, people with handicaps, and the mentally handicaped. I think this is going way too far.

Reminds me of the JESTERS mean green margarita machine. But that’s another story.