November 2025

28 and 29 Nov 2025

“Two days of “sign waving”: Yesterday, Black Friday, we were in Jacksonville at the HUGE St. John’s Town Center. 

 

 

Veterans held the coffin flag of a father and WWII veteran. He helped liberate Dachau and earned the Silver Star for courage. He was anti-fascist (Antifa) long before the word became political. The fight for humanity continues. 

On a lighter note …Despite the chilly weather, Firepit warmed us with music that included Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Woody Guthrie, Patti Smith, etc.

Today, continuing with an economic theme, I added a couple more signs to our weekly Neptune Beach sign waving. Then it was time “to walk the talk,” so I took Dave out for lunch at one of our local, small businesses. 

 

“I pledge to be a conscious consumer. I will support businesses that invest in our communities and withdraw my dollars from those that don’t. I will spend intentionally, stand in solidarity, and make sure my money reflects my values. We ain’t buying anything less.” - We Ain’t Buying It Pledge”

22 Nov 2025

“Food Drive Week #4: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” - Matthew 22:39

And “sign waving” … This week a group of military veterans in Congress released a video reminding military and intelligence service members that they are required to refuse unlawful orders. 

The core legal concept the lawmakers invoked is correct: military personnel must not carry out blatantly unlawful actions, and their oath is to the Constitution; but the legal standard is narrow, not broad. Unlawful orders are not simply orders someone dislikes or finds questionable. They involve clear violations of U.S. or international law, such as intentionally targeting civilians or committing acts explicitly prohibited by law. A lawful order that may be controversial, politically fraught, or later judged unwise is not “unlawful” under the UCMJ. (Uniform Code of Military Justice)

Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers exist at every command level, and the system emphasizes clarity through the chain of command rather than personal legal interpretation by individual service members.

The lawmakers intended to reassure service members that constitutional norms still matter, especially during this volatile political time. Meanwhile, I expect service members will have been briefed (again) on Articles 90 and 92 of the UCMJ.

The video concludes with the words spoken by Captain James Lawrence, USS Chesapeake, to his men when he was mortally wounded during the War of 1812: “Don’t give up the ship.”

With loyalty to our Constitution and adherence to the law, we must not “give up the ship” - we will persist.”

15 Nov 2025

“Food Drive Week #3: ‘Righteous anger is usually not about oneself. It is about those whom one sees being harmed and whom one wants to help. In short, righteous anger is a tool of justice, a scythe of compassion, more than a reactive emotion. It is a chosen response and not simply an uncontrollable reaction. And it is one's collective responsibility, and one's feeling of deep, empowering connection.’ - Archbishop Desmond Tutu 

We seem to connect easily with the hungry. We feed them. So why is it so hard for people to connect with the young girls who were sexually abused by powerful men? Hungry people should be fed and the violated should have justice. We should all be standing up and speaking out in support of these victims instead of trying to protect the men. I am righteously angry.  

The House of Representatives is set to vote next week on the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This legislation aims to compel the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all unclassified records related to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein. Contact your Representative and ask that she/he vote in favor of the Act. Connect with the girls, spend two minutes seeking justice for them.”

8 Nov 2025

“Food Drive Week #2 - Florida Governor DeSantis has ruled out a state-level program to fill the funding gap created by the federal shutdown. He dismissed calls from Democratic lawmakers and county officials to declare a state of emergency for food insecurity, stating that the federal government is responsible for the funding of the program. 

Meanwhile… Neptune Beach Coalition unites in a shared commitment to help our neighbors. (Also, two women drove by, saw us, went to a grocery store, and dropped off food donations!)

Veterans' Day!

“We love our country. We love our families. We cherish our freedom and independence. And we always come together to defend and protect our nation. Let’s remember: Unity doesn’t require uniformity. Just a shared commitment to the common good.” - Neil Ghosh”

1 Nov 2025

 

I received this message Thursday from the BEAM CEO. I volunteer in the BEAM food pantry. - “Urgent - with federal SNAP (food stamp) benefits being suspended due to the government shutdown, thousands of families in our community are due to lose the support they rely on to buy groceries starting THIS WEEKEND!

BEAM is preparing to make sure no neighbor goes hungry — but the need is growing by the hour and will be significant by next week.

I’m asking — from one neighbor to another — will you help us respond immediately by making an emergency donation? “

Many thanks to my fellow Neptune Beach Coalition “sign wavers” for responding with your generous food donations today- that was right-neighborly of you!  

Firepit provided welcome musical encouragement!

Your gifts have been delivered and are on their way to a neighbor’s pantry. Our Food Drive will continue next Saturday.”