Oak Island Obsession

An obsession is something that is difficult to leave alone no matter how frustrating.  The Oak Island mystery is one of mine.  I am far from the only person obsessed with Oak Island--Rick and Marty Lagina have spent literally millions, spent countless hours on the project and have attracted a lot of support.  Their tv. show has generated more interest and likely more money for the project.   More about them later.

 When my daughter decided she wanted to go to university in Halifax, neither my wife or I had ever been to anywhere in the Maritimes.  I read as much as I could learning about the fascinating history and culture of Nova Scotia.  Somehow stumbled on a book about Oak Island and its mysterious hole.  There was rumored to be a treasure partly because so much money had been spent and lives lost to set it up.   Not sure how long ago the story begins, but the Crusades possibly are an important part of it.

I was a salesman with a lot of freedom and one of my bosses agreed to help finance a trip to the Maritimes and I decided I would try to make sales all over the Maritimes.  I was expected to move my daughter's furniture and sometimes her,  back and forth.  One of my trips I was able to stay in a hotel within eyesight of Oak Island.  The road was blocked.  My timing was good in that the hotel was most empty (about the week before the March break).  Second trip almost full and got a room in the basement.  Not able to get any closer.

I am most certain that the Portuguese had come to the Grand Banks off Newfoundland to fish well before any of Columbus's trips.  And they wanted to keep it secret.  There were Portuguese contacts with the Templars.  The Vikings also preceded Columbus.  Columbus did not come blindly, but had some sort of access to Atlantic information.  It is clear that our history books are very incomplete with much knowledge hidden from view.

I had read about the Templars beforehand. They came into being as a result of the Crusades.  They developed a system of banking which was used in part to protect pilgrims to the Holy Land.  We do know that the Papacy declared them heretics forcing them into hiding.  Templars had discovered other religious beliefs and heard different versions of the life of Jesus.  They were said to have taken valuable religious relics and sought a safe place to hide them.  Henry St. Clair of Scotland took them under protection.  One episode showed a connection between the Templars and Portuguese.

Speculation has it that they traveled to Nova Scotia with the idea of hiding their treasure.  Apparently Henry St. Clair hired two Italian seamen and many ships in about 1198 and we cannot account for where they went, but there are indications they were in Nova Scotia.  Portuguese Templars left a mark in nearby New Ross, Nova Scotia.  Apparently they met with and worked with the local M'kmaq Indians who likely gave them information and perhaps provided some of the labour.  It is thought the Templars had access to mining skills needed to build the system of shafts and tunnels.  One suggestion was that they used Cornish tin miners.  All that could be true or something similar or maybe not at all.   If they did, how much of a secret was it?  Many suggestions involve pirates, Shakespeare, Francis Bacon, Sacking of Havana, French Revolution. A thread that holds much of it together is the Masons.  Masons may well have evolved from the Templars as they shared rituals.

Some of the secret was revealed in 1795 when 3 teenagers visited the island and noticed a block and tackle hanging from a tree over a depression on the earth underneath.  They dug and quickly noticed some logs bundled together to form a floor.  Going further they found every 10 feet there were more logs forming floors.  At one point they saw a plaque with strange symbols.  Going further unleashed a water booby trap.

It seems possible that some of the treasure has already been "stolen"  Samuel Ball, an escaped slave and British Loyalist was a cabbage farmer on Oak Island, after the American Revolution, but somehow bought other lots on Oak Island as well on the Mainland and died a rich man.  The three young boys who discovered the Money Pit in 1795 seemed to have become very well off .  

In the over two centuries since then a variety of men have dug, drilled, drained water and researched.   As I write this it is possible much of the mystery will be resolved. After reading several books I have been watching  5 seasons of the tv. series "The Curse of Oak Island" on DVD.  It has been frustrating in that there are many promising leads, but an endless stream of disappointments.  They seem to have learned much that leads to tantalizing speculation.  The curse is based on the claim that seven people had to die before the treasure would be found and only six had died so far.   By their 5th season they set up interpretive centre with artifacts and photos   Dan Blankenship started effort in 1970 after reading article in Reader's Digest actively involved in his 90's, actually living on Oak Island.  Dave Blankenship, living in Florida,divorced, physical problems joined his father in 1972  after marrying a local woman maintained his involvement to the present time.

Two brothers, Marty and Rick Lagina from Traverse City, Michigan brought together a business partner, experts of a wide range and previous explorers.  They traveled to and consulted with experts including from nearby universities, an American library and European sites.  They decided to set up a television program that has run several years.  Along the way they gave a history of efforts and discovered artifacts and information.  Lots of encouraging developments, but frustrating disappointments. An Oak Island curse was that 7 people would die before the treasure could be uncovered.  Six had died before this video series started. I have followed five seasons of their shows by DVD borrowed from my local library.

There are many intriguing lines of query that perhaps are connected.  Over many books and the tv. series I have read about the Templars, Francis Bacon, Shakespeare,pirates the sacking of Havana, Marie Antoinette, etc.  Speculation is fun

One interesting treasure hunter was Franklin Roosevelt, a Mason.  Even after becoming president he expressed an interest in the search.  Apparently he thought the treasure was jewels of Marie Antoinette.  The Laginas went to the  Franklin D. Roosevelt museum and library where they learned Roosevelt's grandfather involved.  He had made his fortune at least partially through the opium trade with China.  It was thought Marie Antoinette/King Louis XVI who ended being guillotined had trusted the royal jewels to a lady in waiting who did end up in Nova Scotia  including the Mahone Bay area where Oak Island is located.

 Pirates or privateers are a natural suspects as they are already noted for burying treasures that they have stolen.  On the other hand they are not considered sophisticated enough to construct an elaborate booby trapped system found at Oak Island.  But some do in fact have access to expertise.  And some like Sir Francis Drake and Captain James Anderson have royal connections and even more interesting were Masons and privy to secret information.  Captain Anderson actually lived on Oak Island around 1791. Captain Kidd is another name that comes up and I remember him from a mystery book by Nelson DeMille, "Plum Island."  The Sack of Havana by British forces is suggested as they seemed to have traveled to Nova Scotia.  Spanish coins from 1600's were discovered by the Lagina project.

The most fascinating speculation for me is to do with Francis Bacon, the originator of "Knowledge is Power."  One far out story is that he might have been the illegitimate son of Queen Elizabeth I.  He certainly had royal connections and was a very intelligent man.  He was also a Mason.  A lot of people feel that Shakespeare wasn't really Shakespeare and there have been a number of men educated enough to have written the plays and poems.  Shakespeare did not have the education many feel was necessary to be the writer of the classics attributed to him.  It is suggested that the real treasure at Oak Island is not gold or jewels but the original Shakespeare texts and perhaps proof of who really wrote them.   

Some tidbits remembered from the shows: 

French explorer and cartographer, Champlain left out Mahone Bay on map leading to speculation that he wanted to keep that knowledge secret.  At that time the French controlled what is now Nova Scotia.

Coconut fibre was uncovered  in the digging were determined at Acadia University to be over 200 years.  Spanish coins were found suggesting pirates had visited.

Petter Amundsen from Norway visited with a theory.  He believed Shakespeare's first folio had been altered to provide clues which culminated in a astronomical map that pointed towards Oak Island.-

A Templars researcher, Zena Halpern believed she had Templar documents from 1100 and 1300 that showed maps of Nova Scotia and Oak Island.

Legal concerns crop up from time to time, concerning their right to dig and they sometimes had to half some of their efforts..

One hopes that this obsession will be resolved, but if not it has been a most interesting journey. 

A bit more on my interest in Nova Scotia and the Maritimes:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/07/travels-of-salesman-part-two-maritimes.html

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

 Good memories of "Bear Town" and having watched "A Man Called Ove" spurred me  to read the latest book of Fredrik Backman.  At first it seemed very frivolous and "arty."  As pages were turned it turned out to be layered.

A simple story (?) about a messed up bank robbery and an awkward hostage situation.  People meet one another and we discover connections gradually.  The past is always present and steers the future.  You may not be able to hold back a laugh or two. 

The narrative is rendered in different formats.  We think we have a rough idea where this is going and along the way we read some insights that we mostly would agree with, although we seldom give the matters much thought.   It takes awhile (unless you are more observant than me) to catch on to a deeper meaning.

A quote that needs to have context to be appreciated; "We plant an apple tree today, even if we know the world is going to be destroyed tomorrow...We save those we can."  It is worth reading the book including the acknowledgements to understand.

 The book is originally in Swedish and set in that country, but the humans are universal.  The references to Stockholmers can be substituted to your more familiar metaphors.

Normally acknowledgements are skipped or skimmed, but this book offers something unique and something that helps explain the book.  Another book, "Old Age A Beginners Guide"  with a unique acknowledgements:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/03/old-age-beginners-guide.html

I have come to admire the author who was first suggested to me by Chris, a  local librarian.  I liked a movie based on Backman's book and found a co worker who enjoyed the book.  "Bear Town" was about a small hockey town with political and social dynamics, not particularly unusual, but well explained.

"Beartown" is another book well worth reading:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/06/beartown.html

A blog on the movie "A Man Called Ove" might interest you as an English version will soon be available. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/07/a-man-called-ove.html

The Fisherman's Diary

I don't blog every movie I watch, but lately it seems that several seen in a short time are worthy of more attention.  This one is worthy because of its message.  It is of interest because it shows a developing cinema power that boosts options for all of us.   Available on Netflix.

Education is the message.  For girls in many third world countries it is very difficult.  This film is set in a poor African (Cameroon) village.  There is a small private school financed by a moderately wealthy man with some connections.  The father of Ecka loves his daughter, but is dead against education for girls as are most of the fishermen in their community.

Ecka, even at 12 years is very good at organizing the women wanting to buy fish.  She wants to be educated and since her father won't pay for it or even allow it she sneaks to the school house that has holes through the log wall where she can follow the teacher.  Eventually the teacher realizes she is a quicker learner than her paying students.  She tries to help and brings up the memories of Malala who had been shot in her face because of her effort to get educated.  This is brought up another time and at the end in a more triumphant manner.

The teacher is reprimanded for her efforts and then threatened with violence.  Ecka is beaten and hunted down.  Her father's brother suggests to marry her off, although she is only 12 years old.  She is forcibly married to a friend of her uncle and forcibly raped.  She pleads with her father who tells she must go back to her husband.  Her father learns that his brother arranged the marriage to pay off a heavy debt. and is very upset.  Ecka makes another attempt to escape.  The next time we see her she has been entered in a television contest and wins.  There is an appearance years later at a graduation ceremony.    -

Cameroon has two official languages English and French, but well over 200 tribal languages.  In the film you hear English from educated roles and pidgin English whenever uneducated characters are in the conversation.  Most of the dialogue is subtitled, but much of the meaning is easily understood.  I remember being surprised to learn that basketball players Pascal Siakam and Joel Embiid conversing in French.

There is not yet a long history of Cameroon cinema and much of their expertise is borrowed from elsewhere, but they are building up their resources.

Enah Johnscott the director and writer was born in Wum, Cameroon.  In an interview he explained that where he grew up school costs a small, but difficult to get fee each day.  He had to "hawk' goods to get the daily charge for school. He made it to university and got interested in acting through watching fellow students rehearsing.  He felt their scripts were not very good and set out to write a better one.  He attracted attention and was asked to direct a play.  From there he learned on the inter net and YouTube some of the basics of directing.         

Kang Quintus was also born in Wum, Cameron and reached university education in Europe focusing on economics.  He drifted into acting and became very interested in film.  He wrote, acted and produced "Rejected,"(2015) which was filmed in Maryland, and Washington, D.C.  He claims fund raising was the biggest challenge.  Also edited film, demonstrating he has learned a lot, but declares will enter the New York Film School while he finishes up a Ph.D in accounting. 

Rene Etta handled the cinematography  Apparently the script worked best in the rainy season where there was more fishing, but when it rained they had to take expensive delays.  It is well done.  He did two short films, one in South Africa and the other a French language film in Cameroon. 

Music was provided by Ewube who is also a backup singer. for some of the songs.  The soundtrack was nominated for an award.      

Faith Fidel plays the 12 year old girl who is very savvy, but gets beaten a number of times and once raped on camera.  Been in Cameroon films since age 5. 

Damarise Ndamo played the teacher who did what she could to help Ecka.  She has appeared in two television series.

 Ramsey Nouah played the headmaster who was aware of local resistance, but wanted to sneak Ecka into a national contest that would enhance his position.  He has been in over 100 Nollywood  films including some filmed in South Africa and the United States.

The film does not seem amateurish, in fact seems worthy of awards.  Engaging from the beginning.

Read about Nollywood that contributed expertise for this film:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/07/nollywood-upcoming-force-in-global-films.html

I met Malala's father who gave a presentation at my local library and had a few words.  You can read about that:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/06/let-her-fly.html

"Mandela" a Tamil satire with apt references for the U.S. Senate

 Satires make all sorts of points  If you are not familiar with Tamils you may have heard of the Tamil Tigers, the originators of suicide bombers.  But this is not them, these ones are in a small rural village in India (not Sri Lanka).  They have a long history of film making that includes political satire.  Netflix recently offered this film for streaming.

A homely man, pictured to the left, of a lower caste is early shown no respect.  His caste allows him few opportunities and he is the village barber.  The film starts off with some scattological humor that illustrates how humiliating a low caste person is treated.  In India public toilets were an election promise to dramatically improve economics, feminism and of course health. 

While talking to a female postal employee we learn he has no legal name, just insulting nicknames.  The clerk after trying several names is inspired by a postage stamp and suggests the name Nelson Mandela.  He has never heard of him, but sees a photo that faintly resembles him while the clerk flatters that the two men are both nice and searching for an identity.

An old respected man who has tried to keep two rival factions (here designated north and south) from hurting one another.  Although well respected by both sides they want him to make decisions in favor of one or the other faction.  An early example was that the old man  built the first public toilet--only one, because he thought they needed to learn how to share.  The somewhat hot headed factions decide that they need to elect a leader.  The old man agrees, recognizing he is aging.  Reality is stretched so that after a lot of effort they each calculate that the votes are exactly tied.  After getting his name changed Mandela was sent a voting certificate in public and each side realized he had the critical vote.

The election was called for 4 weeks later and each faction canvassed the voters including on death beds and overseas, but  still could not break the deadlock.  We use polls to determine who is most likely to win, but always qualify the results.  Each side through threats and bribes could force their side to toe the line.  Reminds one of some political parties.  Anyone think of Trump?

Mandela now realizes he has more leverage than ever in his poor life.  At one point even offers his vote in an auction.  This escalates until a younger friend he is fond of, has a life threatening injury and he evaluates his behavior.  The postal clerk who liked him, was disgusted that with the name she gave him, he was behaving atrociously.  He then cleverly got a new school built, roads paved and the one public toilet restored as his price.

The ending was ambiguous but symbolical.  We know Mandela voted, but we don't know for who (we really don't care).  Tension mounts as he refuses to reveal who he voted for and one of the factions (the one that thinks they  lost) is planning to kill Mandela as revenge.  He is with the postal woman who has forgiven him and sending her away for her safety.  While he awaits the elder leader asks him for a shave.  Then people from both sides ask him to perform various barber tasks until virtually the whole village is lined up and the assassins give up.  We are never told who won, but the narrator lets us view the town side as the film fades.

The U.S. Senate is in a unique situation.  The Vice President (currently Kamala Harris) presides, but can only vote to break a tie.  As it happens the Democrats and Republicans each claim 50 voters.  A Republican, maybe Mitt Romney or Susan Collins could side with the Democrats to help pass legislation, but Mitch McConnell has a tight grip with committee appointments and primary support.  The Democrats have a few members in tightly contested states and have been known to vote with Republicans.  It would only take just one defector to defeat Democrat legislation.  Joe Manchin, basically a Democrat, but has voted for Republican measures that he feels his West Virginia constituency would prefer.  He now has the ability to modify legislation towards what he feels is in his best interest.    

The movie exaggerates human nature at its worst.  As an individual we have little power, but those who do have power make the rules and bend them to their benefit.  The two factions could be any two groups that differ in any regard:  Israelis and Palestinians, Democrats and Republicans, a high caste and a lower caste, etc.  Whichever group has the power can easily rationalize why they not only deserve it, but are entitled to do whatever is required to maintain it.

The producer, S. Sashikanth started as an architect and became involved with major projects.  Later he became interested in films and bucked Bollywood traditions that made producers more in charge of financing movies.  He preferred to pitch creative ideas and began producing Tamil language films in 2010.  "Mandela" certainly is creative, making political points in comic fashion.

Madonne Ashwin, the director writer appears to have moved up with this film as he had written only one feature before and had directed short films.  He has created a masterpiece and one expects great things in the future.

Bararath Sankar wrote the music.  He got his start in music departments with "Nila" (2016).   Has written lyrics, been a playback singer (including this film) and a mixing engineer.  He wrote the music for "Dharala Prabhu" (2020) that I bought one of his songs thru iTunes. Dharala Prabhu was a remake of "Vicky Donor"  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/04/vicky-donor-cf-dharala-prabhu.html

Cinematography by Vidh Ayyanna and editing by Philomin Raj.

Yogi Babu played Mandela from a very humble man to an arrogant one and back.  He started in a major role in a Tamil tv series running three years in 2004.  He has appeared in numerous films including "Chennai Express" (2013) and "Mersal" (2017). 

Sheela Rajkumar plays the postal worker who took a liking to Mandela after she picked his name.  She has been in Tamil films since 2017 including a long running tv. series.  Also appeared in "Kumbalangi Nights" (2019), a Malayalam film.

Sangili Murugan played the elder authority that tried to bring democracy to a small village.  He has been in films since 1981.

"Mandela" was a simple story about political corruption that is universal.  A small, seemingly backward Tamil village displays the same characteristic that are duplicated on the big screen U.S. senate only with more money.

As usual I have bolded the movie titles I have seen for their first time mention. 

About the original Nelson Mandela, http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/12/nelson-mandela.html

Chernobyl

 It is hard to comprehend the horror of what happened at Chernobyl in Ukraine.  At the time it was part of the Soviet Union and it appears there was a great deal of ignorance about the threat to human life.  People in power thought they understood and were resistant to scientific opinions.   Fortunately some courageous knowledgeable people persisted and helped to ameliorate the damage or the rest of the world would have been more greatly affected.  The root cause of the disaster was lies and the film makes it clear that lies were found at all levels.

My daughter suggested I might be interested in this.  A mind opening choice.  Like everyone else at the time I was aware of it and periodically would read about increases in cancer in areas nearby.  This series first appeared on HBO, but I saw it from a DVD from my local library.

The Soviet Union wanted to keep information from reaching beyond their borders, but radiation was detected in Germany and Sweden and traced to Chernobyl.  The Soviet authorities then realized it was better to open up, but tried to control the flow of information. Some people willingly risked and sacrificed their lives for survival of the rest.

The action ends with a show trial.  The writer took liberties to highlight the role of the lies that led to the disaster.  The Soviet prosecutors wanted it to boil to a manufacturer's error but some of the truth came out when the main character emphasized the role of lies at all levels.  With the credits, facts about individuals as well as statistics about the effects are displayed.

Craig Mazin, executive producer  created the series idea and script.  He has written scripts for "The Hangover, Part II" (2011) and "Identify Theft" (2013).  For a time he was a college room mate of Ted Cruz, but markedly differs in his views.

Johan Renck, the director/producer got his start in his native Sweden.  Music was a big part of career and has worked with Madonna.  He has directed episodes for "Breaking Bad" (2009-2011)  and "Walking Dead" (2010).

Hildur Guonadottir, the composer and Oscar winner for Joker has done many films including "Tom of Finland" (2017) " and  "A Hijacking" (2012).  For this film Hildur traveled to Lithuania and the site used in the movie to listen to the sounds made by the decommissioned power plant used in the movie.  The music was composed after listening to the heard sounds.

Jacob Ihre, Swedish born  cinematographer has filmed such movies as "Odesa...Odessa" (2005),  "Oslo, August 31st" (2011) and "The End of the Tour" (2015).

Jinx Godfrey consultant editor for "My Octopus Teacher" (2020). Pray for Ukraine(2015) & "Winter on Fire:  Ukraine's Fight for Freedom" (2015) , "Man on Wire"(2008), "The Theory of Everything" (2014).

Jared Harris plays a nuclear physicist who early recognizes that the Chernobyl explosion is more significant that authorities recognizes.  Throughout he is at loggerheads with authorities, but gradually winning them over as he in turn recognizes he has to be diplomatic to have an impact. The son of Richard Harris, he showed little interest in theatre until attending Duke University.  He acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company and later performed with the New York Shakespeare Festival. He won an Obie Award with an off Broadway play.  His films include, "The Last of the Mohicans" (1992), "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (2008). and "Lincoln" (2012).   Some of his favored roles were with the tv. series  "Mad Men" (2007) and "The Crown" (2016).  He received several awards for his role in "Chernobyl" including a BAFTA for leading actor.

Stellan Skarsgard played a high ranking Soviet security officer who at first wanted to do everything as directed by Communist bureaucratic dictates, but later realized the scientist's had the truth.  Some of his films include "The Hunt for Red October" (1990), "Good Evening, Mr. Wallenberg" (1990), "Insomnia" (1997), "Amistad" (1997), "Mamma Mia" (2008), "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (2011), "Mamma Mia Here we Go Again" (2018).  Born in Sweden, he performed on stage and as a teen starred in a tv series.  He sang in "Mama Mia" which was used songs from the popular Swedish group ABBA.  He also starred in a British tv series, "River" (2015).

Emily Watson played a nuclear scientists( really an amalgamation of several scientists) stationed in nearby Belarus, then part of the Soviet Union.  She was able to influence some of the cleanup efforts and was pressing for the truth to come out.  She got an Oscar nomination as leading lady on her debut film.

 Jessie Buckley played the pregnant wife of one of the fire fighters who lost his life after radiation exposure while she received dangerous radiation while visiting him.   Irish, singer,  She sung in many musicals in England.   She has acted in many films including "Judy" (2019) and the television series, "Fargo" (2020).

Geography does matter and so while watching I checked out Belarus and its capital Minsk where some of the radiation reached.  These are places that matter, but which most have a distorted awareness of.

In the end it turned out to be a series of human errors that seemed impossible.  Although many corrections have been instituted, one must be concerned about humans.  There are business interests associated with nuclear power and like any institution there is a layered bureaucracy.  There are terrorists trying to figure out how to get their hands on bombs and some of whom see nuclear power plants as targets in themselves.  You will not easily forget the suffering images shown in the movie.

Note:  I have bolded titles that I have viewed.

Voters' Rights

The Republicans lost the presidency and control of the Senate, although they did improve their minority position in the House.  Control of everyday life seems to be with legislators, but really it is the voters that need more control.

 Instead, after reviewing their strategy and analyzing the results, Republicans at the state level have decided to tighten up voting regulations which to most observers (myself included) will make it more difficult for citizens to vote.  They say they are concerned over election security, but others are more honest and admit they need these new rules to ensure they get elected.  Georgia has been pretty blatant, but others are doing the same thing.

One politician, pretending to be frank suggested some people are not qualified to vote as they don't understand the issues.  He's right.  None of us do.  The people he thinks are qualified really have been fed so much misinformation  that they often vote against their own self interest.  Few are really taught critical thinking and are susceptible to repetitive advertising.  The wealthy, with vested interests control a large share of the messaging that goes on.  In turn their elected legislators set the rules.

No one understands all the issues.  The issues are explained and prioritized.  Most voters have their own set of priorities and if they hear the right words from a candidate that simplifies their decision.  Unfortunately many of the words can be misleading and others confusing.  It is difficult to determine what is really in the voter's best interests.  It boils down to government policies effect everyone and all responsible citizens would want to vote for someone they trust to make the right decisions.

Very often the Constitution is cited as the most basic law of the land, but because it was written by men with vested interests it is not perfect.  The idea of balance is a good one, but in reality is difficult.   The southern slave holding states were concerned that they could be outvoted by the northern industrial states and forced some compromises.  Relatively less populous they got an agreement that slaves could count as 3/5 of a person so that their populations would be closer to that of the northern states.  To really make up the difference they also engineered a setup where each state had two senators regardless of population.  As one of two legislatures that meant they could balance against the House of Representatives that was based on population.  Furthermore in deciding the presidency the electoral college was set up so that each state would be given electoral votes equal to the number of Senators plus the number of Representatives.  A small state actually had comparable  leverage to the bigger states.  In the beginning the senators were actually appointed by each state legislation which would be one step removed from the voters, who were only propertied white men at the early stage.  The result of all this was that of the first 12 presidents 10 were slave owners with the exceptions of John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams.

A more modern innovation has been gerrymandering which has been done by both parties.  The state decides the boundaries of each representative district.  Computers have enabled the parties in control of state legislatures to calculate where the most optimal lines can be drawn.  It has now become common that while one party gets the most votes in a state, the state may send to Washington more representatives of the other party.  The decision of which candidates represent a party is generally chosen by fewer voters in primaries.  Thus we have elected members more afraid of primaries than the general election with good reason.

A rule in the Senate (not originally in the Constitution) requires that on particular votes 60 votes (out of 100) are required to pass laws.  Currently that means that Republicans can block much legislation.  The Democrats currently have 50 members, but the Vice President can break ties when the filibuster is not in effect.  There are tricks that can be done, but the minority Republicans have disproportionate leverage.  It is now such that the minority party (representing fewer voters) can block legislation that is favored by most Americans.

It is easy to see how vested interests can leverage power.  What about the voter?  They should be able to have their wishes respected, but in fact it never seems to work that way. 

The Democrats are not angels, but one needs to study the Republican agenda.  Basically they want lower taxes, fewer regulations and less government spending.  Everyone can easily agree to less taxes and at one time or another complain about bureaucracy.  Government spending is subject to personal opinions and one can be certain there are differences between well off people with power and the majority that are less well off with little power.  Still most voters understand that the Republicans represent big business.

What can Republicans do to gain support from voters?  They have the money of the rich and powerful (or most of it) to not only bombard their messages (please note how legislation and courts supported by judges picked by Republicans has allowed the rich to more anonymously donate more money).  The message is easily distorted.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/01/one-issue-voters.html

One of their favorite tactics is to smear any progressive legislation with "Socialism" trying to associate that with evil, ineffectual dictatorships like the Soviet Union or Venezuela.  There are already many Socialist tools in America that have made life better for millions with social security being only one example.

Most people can understand the Republican economic agenda favors the wealthy and in practice hurts the majority.  They have learned that people can be persuaded to vote on their issue priorities.  The Republicans have found a few issues that are decisive for many voters.  Abortion is a big one.  Another big one is gun rights.  As gays have gained some rights others want to cut them down.  On top of all this is racial prejudices and fears.  Pretty much all of these are distorted to the detriment of all voters, but they see their one issue as being paramount.  Progressive legislation which would benefit all is dismissed.

Polling results on specific laws often favors Democrats but they do not get the power.  Think of the Republican appointees to the supreme court.

The Republicans with their wealthy supporters are able to control much of media attention.  Blatant misinformation is all too common often delivered in self righteous tones.  Jane Mayer has some relevant thoughts on how dark money has become dominant; http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/07/dark-money-by-jane-mayer.html

Fair elections give credibility which in turn makes it easier to govern.  Better decisions are made.

What can be done to protect the interest of Voters and Promote Good Government?

Many Europeans and even American political parties do not accept a head of government candidate unless they reach at least 50% plus one.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/03/two-round-elections-food-for-thought.html  Why should the most powerful politician in the world be elected with less than 50% which means really over 50% prefer someone else?  Get that 50% fairly and those on the losing side can better accept the result.

Recognizing that despite what many claim, they really are voting for a party, a set of policies and/or traditions Proportional voting makes sense.  In the United States it could be done either nationally or more likely based on each state's population.  This would encourage multiple parties which more accurately reflect human opinions.  More of my view:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/12/your-guy-didnt-get-in.html

Yes it does make sense to vote for good people and to represent your specific local concerns.  It is possible to combine regional candidates with proportional representatives in at least two ways.  One is that in each agreed upon regional area you can vote for a candidate who wins first past the post while other seats are allocated on a larger scale. Two you can have lists that let voters know where their preferred and local candidates rank  so they can evaluate the probabilities of getting the representation they want.  This encourages political parties to be careful in how they decide on lists and not just favoritism.   There are voters who do vote for the person, even against other preferences.

For practical reasons after election results are finalized each party needs to be concerned how they represent the different regions of the country.  It would be relatively easy for the party with the most members, especially if they are well distributed.  Parties with lesser members need to take care of regions that voted for them and look for opportunities to cover areas not covered effectively by other parties. 

Minority party rights are needed to assure voters that their voice does count.  Just because one party lost the election, doesn't mean their voters can be disregarded.  Looking at history it is very common for new ideas to be rejected until they are recognized for their value.  -Filibusters originally gave a minority party to draw attention to an issue.  Having a platform to express concerns opposed to established policies is important.  Under proportional representation most governments would be coalitions, but on some issues more than 50% votes should be required.  Inevitably there will be ideas that take a long time to percolate into acceptance, but the alternative might be a dictator who may or more likely not be both benevollent and knowledgeable.

Misinformation is too often a decisive factor.  During an election campaign time is very precious and it often seems that existing remedies take too long.  The politicians has concerns to control the flow of information and it must be admitted that some information is honestly mistaken.  Context is often ignored and creates its own distortions.  Independent authorities could be helpful, but difficult.

The number of Senators can be somewhat adjusted.  The city of Washington has more people than a few of the states.  Puerto Rico has a unique position, but is not recognized as a state.  Should these two areas be recognized as states there would be 4 more Senators that at present look likely to be Democrats.  Of course as a political issue there will be those who want to stop it and will use all their resources against it.

The voters did put candidates in power and should not be surprised that they want to stay in power.   The suggestions are really at best a starting point.  Political power either shifts very slowly or very abruptly.

If you are curious about my political evolution you can read:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/04/my-short-but-educational-political.html

The Lighthouse of the Orcas

During the Pandemic movies have provided me with enjoyment and solace.  Streaming services and the library offer a lot of treasures and one can be selective.  My tastes are likely not exactly the same as yours, but there are as likely also commonalities.  "Lighthouse of the Orcas," available on Netflix is very moving.  Based on a true story means it has some relevance.  With a real natural theme it will resonate with most humans.

The movie offers a closer more intimate view of killer whales.  The protagonist based on the life of Roberto "Beto" Bubus who physically contacted and played with the whales.  The killing part is brief and perhaps brutal, but also natural when the whales come on shore and kill a sea lion.  Beto loves the seals and sea lions and rides a horse.

The movie starts with a mother bringing her 11 year old autistic son from Spain to the Patagonia region of Argentina based on a nature video that stirred her son.  The lighthouse keeper who is under pressure not to have physical contact with the whales is not very co-operative with the mother's desire to help her son and quickly dismisses her.  He decides to look up autism and changes his mind.  Nonetheless his boss is adamant that he would not allow any physical contact between the boy and any whale.  Firing is threatened.

He sets out to win the boy over and it is very small steps that move in the right direction.  There are feelings developing between the mother and Beto, but she resists because she fears being abandoned as her husband had done.  While progress is being made with the boy and the relationships, the father back in Spain is making legal demands that cannot be denied.

Autism is portrayed realistically.  The boy mostly has a vacant stare, except is disturbed by noise and other children.  When he is happy he wiggles his fingers.  The whales get his attention and he responds by following how Beto gets the whale's attention by pounding on the water.  He later shows interest in grooming a horse.  In reality Beto did go on to work with other autistic children showing that nature therapy often helps autistic children. 

Gerardo Olivares, the writer and director born in Spain had done a lot of traveling doing documentaries involving wildlife and later began working with fictional features.  He has also been a cinematographer and editor.

Pascal Gaigne, wrote the music.  He was born in France, but now lives and works in Spain.  The award winning composer has worked with directors from Spain, France, Cuba and Finland.

Oscar Duran handled the cinematography.  One of the outstanding features of this movie is the whales which are mesmerizing.  Filmed mostly in a remote part of Argentina.

The actual subject of the film, Roberto "Beto" Bubas wrote the book of his experiences that is the basis on the film and took part with a stunt role. 

Maribel Verdu, plays the mother coming from Spain in hopes that her autistic son might benefit from meeting a man known to work with whales.   She was born in Spain and has acted in Spain, Mexico and Argentina.  She did television commercials before getting into films at the age of 13.  The award winner has appeared in such films as "Belle Epoch" (1992), "Y Tu Mama Tambien" (2001) "Pan's Labyrinthe" (2006), and "Biancanieves" (2012).  After two years without a role she had given up on acting until Guillermo del Toro approached her for "Pan's Labyrinthe."

Joaquin Furriel played what might be called a whale whisperer who lives by himself.  Born in Argentina he started acting in television series in 1998 and did his first feature in 2011, but still spends most of his efforts on television.  

Joaquin Rapalini plays the 11 year old  autistic child so well that some assumed he was hired because he was autistic.  From Argentina he performed in a few films before this one and has done a few since. 

A trip to Nova Scotia and a few hours on a whale watching cruise are very fond memories.   It is wondrous watching such creatures in their natural environment.

The idea of animals helping treat autism and other conditions was explored in two earlier blogs regarding equine therapy.  Check out:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/05/the-power-of-horses-to-heal-riding-home.html and http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/11/horses-in-modern-world-psychotherapy.html