One of the saddest times in my life was when I realized My Little Sunshine Puppy had dementia. As I wrote last year, I hadn’t known that dogs could get dementia. Nor had I had previous exposure to it in people. So I mistakenly thought many of the signs of dementia in Snickers were from physical changes due to old age like cataracts, hearing problems, lack of stamina etc.
Once I realized she had dementia and that it had advanced to a point where her life was no longer tolerable, I knew it was time to let her go gently and peacefully. I owed her that. I scheduled an in-home euthanasia appointment to occur a few days later.
During those final days, I watched Snickers intently and recognized many symptoms of her cognitive decline that I had “missed”.
One night I watched her walk over to her water bowl, hang her head and stare at it. It was like she knew she was thirsty, but forgot how to drink. I jumped out of bed and lifted the bowl up and wet her lips with my fingers. She didn’t drink. Instead she resumed her agitated pacing around the room. Several times that night I tried to help her drink but she never did.
It was heartbreaking to see.
It is still heart breaking to remember.
I watched the Biden/Trump debate that just took place.
I was never a fan of Joe Biden. I remember him running for the democratic presidential nomination several times. I was never impressed. I remember his attacks on Anita Hill and his handling of the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court nomination hearings. I disagreed with him using the “Super Predator” hyperbolic narrative to get the 1993 Clinton crime bill passed. I regarded him as a career politician, a plagiarizer, a liar and kind of stupid – all things I do not respect.
Still, I prefer Biden to Trump.
My opinion after this week’s debate is that there is absolutely no way Biden can effectively serve as President.
He’s got major cognitive issues. Everyone can see them plain as day. Even though I don’t like Biden, it was sad to watch.
His staff and supporters try to obfuscate this reality with spin, lies and bullshit. Why? Because of their own self-interest, obviously. I understand that. I am never surprised when people take actions to ensure their own paychecks, ambition, security and interests are met.
In the debate, Trump destroyed Biden. Or rather, Biden destroyed himself. You can watch for yourself and see what I mean. He’s so clearly cognitively incapacitated.
If it was up to me, I wouldn’t let him drive a car, much less run the country.
That doesn’t change my opinion on Trump at all. He’s a douchebag, lying con man. However, on camera, he comes across as cognitively aware, sharp and on point – especially when contrasted with Biden.
Unless the democrats get another candidate to replace Biden and that candidate does a stellar job campaigning, I predict Trump will win the election. People who saw what I saw won’t vote for Biden even if they despise Trump. I’m no “dementia whisperer” who sees things better than anyone else. We all saw this.
I think many people will abstain from voting altogether out of apathy if Biden is the candidate.
It is interesting to watch all the old people grasp onto power as long as they can – Biden, Trump, Pelosi, Feinstein, Grassley, McConnell. They don’t let go do they?
In the end, it won’t matter. Time marches on for all of us.
