Pope Francis’ time as head of the Catholic Church can be summed up in one image. Easter Vigil 2020 in a ghostly Saint Peter’s Square where no Christian was allowed to set foot. His flock, millions of Christians were prisoners in their houses and the Pope turned a blind eye to the horror. He didn’t say a word, at a time when lowly parish priests across the world risked fines and jail time demanding that their parishioners be allowed to practice their faith freely, a right enshrined in the Constitution all over the so-called free world.

The waiting is killing me, thinks the old man. A dry cackle is forming in his throat, but it wouldn’t do to let it out. What would all the people in the main room think? To distract himself from the inappropriate mirth he goes over his looks once again. His suit isn’t new, but it will have to do. Haven’t worn it in - what? Five years? No, three. Greta’s funeral was three years ago. And Bart said the coat was too tight, better leave it unbuttoned. Who even cares what an old geezer like you looks like? I’m sure Bart will have a laugh when he sees me today, all buttoned up, handkerchief in the right pocket and shoes polished enough to reflect the light bulb above. (What kind of moron came up with the idea of putting a blinding light in white-tiled room, so barren it makes your heart ache. Not to mention the eyes. Should’ve brought sun-glasses.) Bart be damned. I cannot screw up today. Must be dressed to the nines. My chance to be in the spotlight.

Last Christmas, a niece invited us to hear her singing carols with her church choir. Latin, Romanian and a few English carols, among which one I found very intriguing - ‘Mary Did You Know?’ The song goes through all the good things baby Jesus will bring to this world, how the child will rule the world and so on. Not a word about the price Mary will pay for all that. Yes, Jesus pays the ultimate price, but that’s his choice and he can take it up with his heavenly father. In this story, Mary doesn’t have a choice. Mothers in general don’t have much of a choice. Mary is the archetype of the mother who is bound to suffer for the infant she cradles in her arms. This struck me as odd, listening to those joyful carols. Christians have every reason to rejoice at the news of the divine child, but hardly anyone spares a thought for the poor mother.

The trees outside my window are nothing special. Plain linden trees you wouldn’t recognize in a line-up. They give off a nice smell when in bloom and a much-appreciated shade in summer. I guess most trees are like that - trees, with only a select few ever deemed worthy of an epithet like magnificent. Just like humans - each valuable for the good they bring, but few that really stand out.

I was considering something like President TinMan, but Grok came up with PresidentBot and I promised it would get full credit for that. Gotta be nice to the new rulers if you know what’s good for you 🙂 Seriously, now, I’m so fed up with what’s going on in the world that I’ve been asking myself if we wouldn’t be better off with an AI supreme leader. Many of us watching the rise of AI are afraid we may come to a point where machines take over the world… So? How could it be worse?

…except fear itself. I had no idea it was FDR who said that in his inaugural address, but the idea was foremost on my mind today as I was walking home from yet another protest. I know I keep writing about local politics, but I guess if Elon Musk can post about Romania every day and Vice President Vance can warn about the attack on democracy in my country every other day, I am allowed to do the same.