tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73130236271186913432024-02-21T02:29:58.948-08:00rationaLadyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-40082015233091893682015-10-22T13:15:00.001-07:002015-10-22T13:22:54.812-07:00<br />
<h2>
<b>Is the world becoming more chaotic? </b></h2>
<br />
<h3>
<i>If so, can we stop it?</i></h3>
Because the population continues to increase around the globe, we're creating more crazy people than ever. More right-wingnuts, more terrorists, more religious fanatics. There will be more mass shootings. More fighting. More fear. There's so much religious zealotry that now vast stretches of the Middle East are virtually uninhabitable.<br />
Ethnic groups hate each other for reasons that should have long since been forgotten. Revenge, honor killings, mutilations, are still more important to some people than their lives. Why are these kinds of 'codes' still in existence? In some parts of the world I might be shot for writing this blog.<br />
The astoundingly astute Steven Pinker says the world is actually experiencing less levels of violence now in contrast to other historic periods. Yet we still have bombings and beheadings on a daily basis. When will we grow up? When will we get civilized - all of us? Is it not possible? If not, why not?<br />
Do we thrive on drama, to escape boredom? Why do so many people see no alternative to violence? Why is perversion attractive? Why can’t we come up with positive activities to offset the tedious existence so many suffer?<br />
<br />
Proportionally there are many more of us - sane, responsible people. But can we prevail? <i>Can the best of us control the worst of us?</i><br />
Science and technology have the potential to save us, as always. Ingenious entrepreneurs and inventors will continue to create gadgets to make our lives more comfortable and entertaining. Researchers will continue to find drugs to cure our ailments - including cancer pretty soon. We will make mechanisms to fight global warming and reverse the effects of the increasing natural disasters.<br />
<br />
But politically in this country we have a party that tolerates, even encourages, ideology and ignorance over intelligence and fact. We have openly racist, belligerent candidates running for the highest office in the world. It should be unthinkable for someone like that to get anywhere near the control over our military (including nuclear) resources. Yet, somehow it isn't. They're not joking. Will we end up with a rational, experienced, even tempered, cautious leader, or one of the rest of them?<br />
The blurring of truth in the media and the avalanche of easily available misinformation is fertile ground for extremism and crazy thinking. <i><b>Fighting hurricanes and earthquakes seems an easy task compared to the fight against the tidal waves of ignorance. </b></i><br />
<br />
Obviously one culprit is economic inequality. As long as huge numbers of people have virtually nothing, chaos is practically guaranteed. Everyone wants to create jobs, but not everyone agrees on how to actually do it. Education is an easy answer. But what passes as education in some places is simply propaganda and brain washing. <br />
<br />
Those of us who have been around awhile tend to have a more measured outlook. We've lived through what were touted as the worst of times before. Does it only seem more frightening now because of the media spotlight? History has always moved in waves, one generation reacting against the previous one and
pulling back from going too far in any direction. Are we due for a
correction soon?<br />
<br />
Some things seem self evident. Fighting violence with more violence never really works. It is diplomacy and 'using our words' that create positive outcomes. Understanding each other's situations goes a long way toward diffusing conflict. Why can’t we do more of these things?<br />
<br />
The human race needs some sort of injection. Of common sense? Good judgement? Emotional intelligence? The ability to properly prioritize? We need to erect verbal dams: convincing counter arguments to stop the flow of extremism.<br />
One solution would be population control. A worldwide attitude that no more than 2 children per family is desirable to provide a good quality of life…it would cut down on the number of crazy people. Another is tolerance, and not just for the ‘neighbors in your gated community’.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXEf7BH80LwJSguNUOD1AejC1L1KT31wYeewWWC8Ebyk4GWl18BYbuCCBcc1ZUo-hmAtSsfTnxV6zXPuTyq7GxKd5sUJUiQynw1AumppNRTfrCEkvONkExJ4-EQwd5BOysEGaxzqja1EV/s1600/tolerate+thy+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXEf7BH80LwJSguNUOD1AejC1L1KT31wYeewWWC8Ebyk4GWl18BYbuCCBcc1ZUo-hmAtSsfTnxV6zXPuTyq7GxKd5sUJUiQynw1AumppNRTfrCEkvONkExJ4-EQwd5BOysEGaxzqja1EV/s400/tolerate+thy+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Is the human race doomed to inertia or a reverse of evolution? To stall and ultimately even start sliding backwards instead of progressing towards a better future?<br />
<br />
There may be no easy answers. Do we have the will and capability to come up with and implement the hard answers?<br />
I just don't know. And I'm beginning to get skeptical.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d8BsLSv7VekTYZQquwRs5BKhjylOoZCrqyWI092Oc5jF9n5F0uBYgiQoN6NgRDsmnRqj-wbG4yp5kfpqsaIZkTsrHjpwZ1ZtgHutGwdGwHYEmv4OZGdH7b7y63Nr3oPiCdIuUwKMXt8r/s1600/sad+emoji.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d8BsLSv7VekTYZQquwRs5BKhjylOoZCrqyWI092Oc5jF9n5F0uBYgiQoN6NgRDsmnRqj-wbG4yp5kfpqsaIZkTsrHjpwZ1ZtgHutGwdGwHYEmv4OZGdH7b7y63Nr3oPiCdIuUwKMXt8r/s1600/sad+emoji.tiff" /></a></div>
</h3>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-57371834001499279232015-10-06T12:15:00.000-07:002015-10-06T12:15:48.667-07:00<br /><br /><b>Our media is a mess.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
A free press is vital to democracy, so how about a <b>responsible press</b>?<br /><br />Seems like they’re all competing to be the biggest muckrakers and sensationalists.<br /><br />It’s quite obvious that one of the motivations in mass shootings is the urge for the spotlight; fame for alienated loners. Yet, even venerated news outlets like the New York Times continue to publish the names of the perpetrators. I suppose all news outlets figure ‘the public has the right to know’ and if they don’t mention the name, other sources will. But does the public really care? I have a feeling we would all value less gun violence over finding out these identities.<br /><br />One example of questionable choices by the media is a recent televised Hillary Clinton town hall event. The network TV reporter asked questions about her E-mails. The invited citizens wanted to hear about women’s issues, gun control, policy and plans.<br />How many times has the media reported on her private server, compared to the coverage for her issue statements: clean renewable energy initiative, economic policy proposals to encourage long term growth through profit sharing tax credit, revamping capital gains tax and reforming executive pay; her continuing efforts to fight terrorism, universal preschool, lowering health care costs, modernizing the energy infrastructure, cutting interest rates on student loans, restoring voting integrity, helping people with disabilities, etc, etc?<br /><br />The public has a right to know those things also. Why do we have to dig through websites to get it?<br /><br />There is still such a thing as truth and facts. The media tries to be very accurate when it comes to information about news events. Meanwhile there are candidates for the most important decision facing a democracy - choosing a president - who are not challenged when they ‘stretch the truth’. In the interest of appearing unbiased, we get presented with smear tactics with no rebuttal. Character matters, which is why the media should challenge those who recycle inaccuracies. More fact checking PLEASE!<br /><br />The pundits tell us a section of the voting public wants ‘Washington outsiders’ as an explanation for why certain candidates are ahead in the polls. But it’s also the result of the choice of news messages. In what seems increasingly to be a popularity contest (when it ought to be more like a job interview), name recognition is the ultimate prize. The media is complicit in pushing certain people to the front.<br /><i>And they should really think about what they’re doing to this country.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-60690973417198250732015-07-14T13:41:00.001-07:002015-07-14T13:49:36.079-07:00Life Saving Technology<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Can’t live without it!</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBdYxm2vSOk0-TMbdS10qp2LhOy5yRCrmrAgtTnNA49YkTAl0U-Fnwzfegu-ky68p2wbZvstQGn8zCL4zIZ50BxshlCbWRAMDWrA2WbtQ7A_RE61Qwpxs7wUWDP8Un8rbp561c3SMR_V_/s1600/I+heart+apple+W2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBdYxm2vSOk0-TMbdS10qp2LhOy5yRCrmrAgtTnNA49YkTAl0U-Fnwzfegu-ky68p2wbZvstQGn8zCL4zIZ50BxshlCbWRAMDWrA2WbtQ7A_RE61Qwpxs7wUWDP8Un8rbp561c3SMR_V_/s1600/I+heart+apple+W2.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Would you spend $350 on something that could save your life? </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">something that could prolong your life?</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><br /> Let me tell you a story. I've had, like millions of others - probably most of us, times when my heart felt like it was beating at an abnormally fast rate. Nothing to be concerned about while exerting yourself. I'd checked it out in the past with a cardiologist, and all looked normal. <br /> But recently I had an episode just while sitting on the couch watching TV. So I checked the heart rate on my applewatch. The bpm were approaching 200. So a few days later I went to the cardiologist, who hooked me up to all those sophisticated monitors and again, all looked normal. They said a fast heart rate was not concerning, unless if was irregular. I was also able to confirm that the heart rate monitor on the applewatch was indeed very accurate.<br /> But just in case, they gave me a little monitor to record tachycardia. The next event indeed did show that I had atrial fibrillation as well. So now I am taking medication, and know to be more careful with caffeine intake, etc. Although my 'afib' is infrequent, it does add to the risk of heart attack and stroke.<br /> So I am very grateful to be aware of this condition. Without the watch telling me that, in fact my heart rate was high, and seriously high, I would not have checked into it. Without the apple watch I can’t differentiate between 75 bpm versus over 100, or - when I should take it easy rather than having nothing to worry about. It's much like a sophisticated biofeedback machine.<br /> Knowing when my heart rate is very high, I can lower it with breathing techniques.<br /><br />So, it could very well be saving my life. I also love the fitness tracking, to see how many miles I walk daily. Plus I don’t miss phone calls anymore! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUh6haarvLD0s0WYgTLQWsMTf5jMeaPkQVkgHsk4u5C6D1hEBfYz1R1jSnNS1VG7KrpIVVBJ2tTeEGDnIzV7KRolIQfJ8T5rYDE1ksXkmPaBBtvrekBcnRnu1LKjaYlJeCOJLVOUhLia59/s1600/dick+tracy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUh6haarvLD0s0WYgTLQWsMTf5jMeaPkQVkgHsk4u5C6D1hEBfYz1R1jSnNS1VG7KrpIVVBJ2tTeEGDnIzV7KRolIQfJ8T5rYDE1ksXkmPaBBtvrekBcnRnu1LKjaYlJeCOJLVOUhLia59/s1600/dick+tracy.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Knowing whether you're perfectly fine or if there's something you need to take care of will give you peace of mind. Both are better than ignorance (nothing blissful about that). No one wants to be surprised by a dangerous condition.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Life saving technology is nothing to scoff at, </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">it might mean you're not smart enough for a smart watch!</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The applewatch will make you more health conscious. I think that's a very good thing. </span><br />
___________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Some heart facts:</b></div>
❤️ Normal resting heart rate is 60-100 bpm. Ideal is 50 - 70. <br />
Lower rate means the heart is more efficient, less health risks. <br />
❤️ Palpitations do not mean you are having a heart attack. (don't panic unnecessarily.) <br />
Here's when you should go to hospital: <br />
<b>chest pains, problems breathing, passing out, dizziness.</b> <br />
❤️ Heart attack symptoms in women can be more subtle: <br />
<b>pain in arms, neck, back, stomach. nausea, sweating, fainting, numbness.</b><br />
❤️ Heart rate and blood pressure are not necessarily linked.<br />
❤️ Heart healthy diet: vegetables, lean meat, low fat dairy, you know! <br />
Eating this kind of diet makes you 30% less likely to die than those who don't.<br />
<br />
____________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-83126241758206982212015-06-01T11:00:00.001-07:002015-06-01T11:00:41.700-07:00We've come a long way, baby<br />After I graduated from college, armed with a liberal arts degree and excellent grades, I eagerly set out into the world (Hartford, CT) going door to door looking for jobs. It was in the very early 70s.<br />The employment offices of companies had pink application forms for women. Invariably I was told there were no positions, but they would 'keep it on file'.<br />At one company, I was filling out the application when a male college grad of the same age came in. The receptionist perked up, handed him the white form, and placed his application in a different file.<br />As I trudged, at slower and slower pace, from one company to another, I was told I would just get married and have children, and they wouldn't want to waste time training me.<br />I was eventually hired at that company ($75 a week!) after acing a math test at an employment agency. Then I was in for a very different education. They had separate dining rooms for men and women. All the men had offices. None of the women did.<br />At that first job, an insurance company, after dropping a suggestion in a box recommending more equal treatment* for the females doing the exact job male executives were doing, I was immediately fired. They saw me as a trouble maker. Meek little me. <br />* (maybe just a telephone for their own use instead of one the whole row of us ladies had to share) <br />There was an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission I could complain to, but discrimination on the basis of sex was a relatively new, ignored, concept in the early years of EEOC. I had to concentrate on supporting myself, so I moved away and went back to school, (despite the obvious danger of becoming overqualified for even more jobs).<br />All these decades later, I have yet to be supported by a man, ever - what all of my potential employers back then predicted would happen. (I have supported a few of them.)<br /><br />My generation was a pioneering one on so many fronts: in the fights - against 'unjust' wars, and for civil rights for all. Women of my age were a bridge from the generation of women before - whose options consisted primarily of getting married or maybe becoming a nurse, stewardess or secretary. Breaking into male dominated fields was not for the fainthearted. Female characteristics that were indoctrinated; being soft spoken, not interrupting, being modest, did not get you far in the business world. Being a 'good girl' was not compatible with being successful. Consequently, many of us didn't have the most important tool of all, self confidence. I still have some trouble dealing with authority figures, and people who have become successful based on the power of their personality. I am no match for them.<br />I'd like to think that in some small way, dropping that note in the suggestion box created a tiny ripple (along with the other acts of protest and subversion my generation performed back then) that helped smooth the way for the current generation. <br />Now my daughter wouldn't think twice about whether she could compete effectively with her male counterparts. Let's hope her future employers have that same attitude. <br />I sometimes wonder what path my career would have taken had more opportunities been open to me back then. But maybe I would still be at that insurance company, and that would be tragic!<br /><br />An equal rights amendment may even be passed in my daughter's lifetime. Even if you think it would be purely symbolic, remember, it's a symbol that would mean a lot to some of us.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-58829020792535961632015-03-02T16:02:00.001-08:002015-06-01T11:29:22.754-07:00<div class="p1">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Love it or Fix it?</span></b></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Re: Giuliani’s recent comments on patriotism</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The way conservatives view this country, versus liberals/progressives, strikes me as similar to how parents might approach the challenge of raising a child who is chronically ill - let’s say with autism. Like all analogies, this is not a perfect one, but here’s what I mean.</div>
<div class="p1">
The conservative parents love their child fiercely, they want to protect her against all harm. They, understandably, lash out at anyone who criticizes her or seems to pose a threat. They put their faith in doctors and specialists, and follow their instructions closely. They come from backgrounds where it is unheard of to question authority.</div>
<div class="p1">
The progressive parents want to <b><i>cure</i></b> their daughter, or at least, fight against the condition to improve her quality of life as much as possible. They won’t give up. In addition to the doctors’ advice, they research scientific and medical discoveries and try new, promising treatments; and gradually, subtly, their child improves.</div>
<div class="p1">
Now, perhaps the conservative parents just didn’t notice their child had autism. They think their child is perfect the way she is, even though others see her inadequacies quite clearly. Or maybe they don’t think extra efforts will pay off, that it isn’t possible for her to get any better.</div>
<div class="p1">
I am very happy to stand firmly in the camp of trying to make my daughter and my country the best she can be. Progressive people have succeeded, and will continue to succeed in future generations as challenges arise. We won’t accept conditions like intolerance without debate and action.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><i>It’s not a question of who loves their child or country more, the more important question is <br />which parenting/governing style produces the best result?</i></b></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I’m glad we have a President who has been so good at fixing things, like making sure all of our citizens have access to health care, whether they have autism or anything else.</div>
<div class="p1">
So much of life is deciding between acceptance of the status quo and working toward a vision of a better future. <br />
Let’s elect people who have conviction, ideas and plans for improvement. </div>
<div class="p1">
<i>Wanting the country to get better doesn’t mean we don’t love it.</i></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-26334202932412852712014-11-30T08:13:00.000-08:002014-12-04T06:22:35.384-08:00<div class="p1">
Why New Yorkers REALLY<span class="s1"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">♥</span></span>NY</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I recently returned from a trip to LA and was almost overwhelmed at the relief I felt stepping off the shuttle bus onto the streets of Manhattan. NY city streets are canyons enveloped by skyscrapers, each striving to be taller than the others. They seem to form a protective womb-like barrier against the forces of nature, while still affording us a glimpse of sun and clouds and stars overhead.</div>
<div class="p1">
From the tops of those lofty buildings we look like silly ants scurrying around in mad enterprise. But up close each of us is propelled by hopes and dreams and projects that collectively reflect the energy and ingeniousness of the human race. I've never experienced that sense in any other place or any other city. Sometimes going anywhere else just seems an exercise in reinforcing my appreciation of NY.</div>
<div class="p1">
Some sunny, less frenetic places seem lethargic in comparison. There's an emptiness and restless boredom never felt in the city that, not only doesn't sleep, but doesn't slow down. It's always entertaining.</div>
<div class="p1">
Oddly, I think of NY city as safe. It hasn't always been, but it is now. If I go to a rural area where it's quiet except for the birds and crickets, I always fear some wild woodsman or animal can break in and threaten me. In our city we don't need guns, we have police and each other to keep us safe. I have no doubt that if I (a little older lady) were being threatened, any number of bystanders (armed with cell phones and courage and concern) would come to my aid. I've benefited from the kindness of strangers often lately. I have no such assurance elsewhere.</div>
<div class="p1">
When New York City suffers, which it does with disturbing frequency, we all suffer. It's what makes for a collective empathy most of us feel either consciously or subconsciously. I think the racial divide is not felt as deeply here because we all live, work and commute in such proximity. We smile at babies on the subway cars no matter what color they are. People who travel in auto cars don't get that chance.</div>
<div class="p1">
Don't get me started on the appeal of the heart of the city — Central Park — or I'd be writing for days. Best backyard ever!</div>
<div class="p1">
Places do matter and they have personalities. New York's is curious, adventurous, ambitious, exhilarating, challenging, intellectual, exciting. Just living here increases the pulse to match the rushing taxis, delivery trucks and bicycles. And of course all the walking keeps us healthier. You don't need that much money to enjoy it. Pubs offer happy hour specials on every block. If you go alone you can strike up a conversation with a fellow New Yorker, or even a tourist. Thrift shops! Sometimes I wonder why anyone would shop anywhere else.</div>
<div class="p1">
There's always protesting at Union Square to demand that injustices are noticed and addressed.</div>
<div class="p1">
NY is not perfect. We have a huge class divide. To some of us it's a tragic waste to mindlessly compete, and ignore other priorities, so your apartment will be grander than others. </div>
<div class="p1">
The best ambitions are directed towards creative output — bringing a vision to life that will perhaps benefit our neighbors in some way — make them see the world a little differently, or at least entertain them. That urge may be contagious. Maybe we pick it up by breathing the city air. That's really what 'make it here' means: ideas, blogs, plays, poems, hip-hop, classical, docs, dramas, laws, libraries, silicon alley… We make it all.</div>
<div class="p1">
Other places can't help but dull in comparison.</div>
<div class="p1">
Thanks so much for reading!</div>
<br />
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-43318175022456741082014-03-19T15:56:00.000-07:002014-03-19T15:56:09.974-07:00Must See Movies<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It recently came to my attention that some of my younger colleagues do not know who Cary Grant is.<i> Quelle horreur!</i> This is practically beyond my comprehension. Have they just been playing video games their whole lives!?</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So to attempt to rectify - here are 2 lists of loosely defined 'classic' films that I urge 'young' people to explore at their <i>most </i>earliest convenience!</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Of course there will be plenty of evolved males and females who can cross over this arbitrary line. Plus I hope those with partners will enjoy these together. Per my personal prejudice, I limited the war movie/violence selection.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
These films are shown on Turner Classic Movies (cable). And almost all can be found on Apple tv.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Enjoy.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhlMbESmmCvyBo97uHFPXBN7oPSYtQ4edGVfITxAfr3KiHthb11M8UDxtHd87Q3ReJBdtXRgsrG6XSqnNv5vZXguA7rpHLi_AH7KA5e4gpLhU764ApLu77r3QjPfOyRKG9av-CnX2bDC6/s1600/MOVIES.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhlMbESmmCvyBo97uHFPXBN7oPSYtQ4edGVfITxAfr3KiHthb11M8UDxtHd87Q3ReJBdtXRgsrG6XSqnNv5vZXguA7rpHLi_AH7KA5e4gpLhU764ApLu77r3QjPfOyRKG9av-CnX2bDC6/s1600/MOVIES.tiff" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-59969231016249642692014-03-10T17:50:00.000-07:002014-03-11T14:16:02.514-07:00My Awesome Dutch Ancestors<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
I have just finished an amazing book called <b>The Island at the Center of the World</b> by Russell Shorto.</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Even if you don't have Dutch ancestors, it's worth reading to get a more accurate, complete view of the early influences of this country; plus it reads like a page turner novel.</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Not only does it include several of my ancestors - discovered by the meticulous 20 year research by my incredible sister - it features some prominently. He calls the couple Catalyntje Trico and Joris Rapalje who arrived in 1624 - the "Adam and Eve of Manhattan" (New Netherlands). How cool is that? </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Several of my ancestors made up one of the first bodies of representative government in the country; 12 people who tried without success to stop Stuyvesant's predecessor, Willem Kieft, from starting a disastrous 1643 war with the previously friendly and generous Indians. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Plus other ancestors assisted in preventing Stuyvesant from a suicidal retaliation against the English (when they - unprovoked - attacked Manhattan). Bad Puritan Pilgrims! If, instead of acquiescing to the English' generous terms, they had 'fought to the last man', I, and a whole bunch of other descendants would not be here. Thank you Nicasius, Joris, et al!</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
It helps to explain my interest in politics, strong support for tolerance, love of literature, easy going child rearing, even my taste for cole slaw - it's in my Dutch DNA. In addition to places: Lang Eylant, Breuckelen, Haarlem, Staten Eylan; we have the Dutch to thank for: District Attorneys, the boss, St. a Claus and St Nicholas stockings, cookies, and lots and lots of bars! New Amsterdam was rough, just as the city is today and we acknowledge - that's a large part of its charm. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Not only is it exciting to learn about history in such a personal way, to know that you come from distinguished stock is kind of emboldening. Now we fight against the powers that be in corporations. Compared to what they did, crossing the Atlantic to an unknown land that didn't even yet have a wooden shack - let alone a Radisson - for them to sleep in? How hard can it be to put up with our modern day disappointments? </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
What would my ancestors think of Manhattan today? Despite their vision that it would indeed become a multicultural booming metropolis based on the bustling trade port it was then, I'm sure they would be completely blown away by the skyscrapers poised on top of what used to be their farmland. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
I wish they could see what our lives are like - that I can order any kind of food to be delivered at my door at any hour - that I have this device called an iPhone that lets me make phone calls, access a web of knowledge and watch videos and listen to music - all at the tip of my thumb. I can cross the Atlantic in a matter of hours instead of at least 4 months. It makes me appreciate those things even more. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
I am so proud of this city that never lost its melting pot roots that go back to the Netherlands homeland. Early Manhattan was welcoming of all the people who came here, and we still are. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
It's good that some things have not changed. </div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-18736737604167053192013-04-20T04:42:00.000-07:002013-04-20T05:07:51.877-07:00<br />
<h2>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">IDEAS can be dangerous</span></b></h2>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Although it's too soon to leap to any conclusions about motives in Boston bombing, one thing we've heard via the boys' mother, was the conspiracy theory that the U.S. planned the 9.11 attacks in order to turn the world against Islam. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Whether it's 'Obamacare will kill grandma', 'my God is the one true God', 'your sex is weaker', 'my race is superior to others', or 'those people are evil'; ideas can kill...big time. Battles for hearts and minds too quickly turn into clashes on battlefields.</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
When we hear ideas like this, we can't ignore them. We need to argue against them, point out how irrational the idea is (while striking a balance of sympathy for the individuals espousing them). </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
The notion that a government that some people don't trust, particularly a government that can't pass common sense legislation, or can't hide some of it's most embarrassing secrets, could be capable of pulling off some of the massive conspiracies people attribute to it is ridiculous and should be exposed as such at every opportunity. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Sensible people must put themselves on the line to try to nip things in the bud, expose those who hate and spread lies on the internet, demonstrate against those who picket funerals, and vote out those representatives who encourage ignorance and misinformation to achieve their personal ambitions. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
We can spread ideas of our own, those based on fact and logic and good will. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
In the clash of ideas those should win out, because most sensible people want a world where people get along with each other, and advance civilization, not set it back. It's a war we have to win, and we should all consider ourselves in the battle.<br />
<br />
If you hear something, say something.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-37075190902842874752013-04-18T06:11:00.002-07:002013-04-20T05:09:25.035-07:00<br />
<h2>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BACKLASH please</span></b></h2>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
This is a list of the so called 'senators' who voted no to (even considering) expanded background checks on guns:</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Alexander (R-TN)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Ayotte (R-NH)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Barrasso (R-WY)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Baucus (D-MT)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Begich (D-AK)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Blunt (R-MO)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Boozman (R-AR)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Burr (R-NC)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Chambliss (R-GA)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Coats (R-IN)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Coburn (R-OK)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Cochran (R-MS)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Corker (R-TN)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Cornyn (R-TX)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Crapo (R-ID)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Cruz (R-TX)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Enzi (R-WY)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Fischer (R-NE)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Flake (R-AZ)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Graham (R-SC)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Grassley (R-IA)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Hatch (R-UT)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Heitkamp (D-ND)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Heller (R-NV)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Hoeven (R-ND)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Inhofe (R-OK)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Isakson (R-GA)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Johanns (R-NE)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Johnson (R-WI)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Lee (R-UT)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
McConnell (R-KY)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Moran (R-KS)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Murkowski (R-AK)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Paul (R-KY)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Portman (R-OH)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Pryor (D-AR)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Reid (D-NV)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Risch (R-ID)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Roberts (R-KS)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Rubio (R-FL)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Scott (R-SC)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Sessions (R-AL)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Shelby (R-AL)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Thune (R-SD)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Vitter (R-LA)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Wicker (R-MS)</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
These 'representatives' of the people that pay them to serve their communities, chose NRA money over their duty to keep those people safe. No matter how much they try to delude themselves and their constituents with arguments to justify their behavior, there is simply no excuse for their cowardice. They are selfish and greedy, putting their careers ahead of doing what is clearly right. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
I hope all that NRA money they will continue to get goes directly toward purchasing Ambien so they can try to sleep at night. To those NRA members who, like the 90% of us, do support these measures, please stop sending them checks and swelling their membership numbers. Enough is enough.</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
I urge the voters in these states to send them back to jobs that will do no harm to our nation in the future:</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Alaska</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Arizona</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Arkansas</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Florida</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Georgia</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Idaho</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Indiana</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Iowa</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Kansas</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Kentucky</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Louisiana</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Mississippi</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Missouri</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Montana</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Nebraska</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Nevada</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
New Hampshire</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
North Carolina</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
North Dakota</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Oklahoma</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
South Carolina</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
South Dakota</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Tennessee</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Texas</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Utah</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Wisconsin</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Wyoming</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Thanks to all you sensible Senators who did support this bill, especially Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey for your hard work. Please don't give up on us.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-55571796145052663362012-07-08T07:36:00.000-07:002012-07-09T07:18:51.454-07:00<br />
<h2>
The Human Family</h2>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
There are 2 kinds of people _______(fill in the blank). How many times have we said/heard that? There are endless possibilities, so many ways of dividing ourselves: people who think like us and people who don't, cat people or dog people, famous and obscure, religious and nonreligious, conservatives vs liberal, honest or dishonest, beer drinkers or wine drinkers, party people or couch potatoes, educated and ignorant. Us versus Them.</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
In this age of excessive partisanship our differences seem to define us. One thing all individuals on the planet have in common is our uniqueness. We want to feel special, and that sometimes is achieved by feeling disdain for others. But the things that divide us are superficial. Fundamentally, in the things that really count, we are all the same.</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
What we tend to forget is that we are all part of the Family of Man. We all were once a little baby, someone's son or daughter. We all look pretty much the same in any culture in the world, without our clothes and other trappings. We will all grow old and we will all die someday. If we are lucky in the meantime we will experience love and laughter and friendship and success and comfort. Many of us will be considerably luckier than most.</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
We all want to be significant, even if it's just to a few loved ones. We want to be respected, especially by those whom we respect. We don't want to disappoint our loved ones. We want what's best for ourselves, our children, other people's children, our neighbors, our country and our world.</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
We all have aspirations and hope. Not all of us have the resources to achieve our dreams. Some dreams may be incredibly modest. The satisfaction in achieving them is just as profound.</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
We are all touched by the same things. We cry when we see sadness and tragedy. We are all afraid when we see danger. We get angry when we see injustice. We want to have fun. We all dance to our favorite music. We are all happy when we play with a child.</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
We all experience excitement, anger, boredom, anxiety, sickness, hunger, beauty, pride, curiosity, compassion and courage. We can understand and forgive. We seek truth, respect fairness, try to set good examples. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
We cannot escape our human condition. We need to embrace it and make the most of it. We need to understand each other and bridge our differences. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Perhaps each year on our birthday we should all give a moment of thought to how alike we all are and how much better the world would be if we kept that realization uppermost in our minds in our daily interactions and in the decisions we make. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
Our fundamentals are strong. We wake up every day to see that we have not destroyed ourselves. We want to wipe out prejudice and hatred so that everyone is free to enjoy all that life can offer. The current of our history is sweeping us in the direction of individual autonomy and global cooperation. Because of grassroots movements we've managed to make great strides in civil rights for women, people of color and gays - just in my lifetime. (Of course, an official equal rights amendment would be nice, fellas.) There is now no large group of citizens who are officially second class citizens in the developed world. Perhaps in the next generation we will wipe out prejudice, racism and silly sectarian hatred. The Arab Spring continues to expand. Human rights are demanded and recognized in every 'corner' of the globe. As Steven Pinker asserts, we are living in the least violent period of our existence. There will always be those that are short sighted, motivated primarily by greed and self interest. But it doesn't take that many of the rest and best of us to push for the solutions to the problems they cause. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
To see ourselves in a positive light is an intelligent choice. To be an optimist is not always easy, it can take some convincing. But to believe in ourselves is the best way to proceed. We are the species that can deduce black holes and multiple universes and create cures for our diseases. We can overcome our frailties and curtail our destructive impulses. Even though we have the power to destroy our planet, we also have the imagination, technical knowledge and persistence to rescue ourselves from our weapons and our actions. There is always, hope.</div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WUp2pKTgw1dFZKxpys-kdOgTRoGp5-t9E981cY-A-ZZUsF7PsDIfYjHWwDemikphm58VMI2WjiaBwq0skjx58-cDqywVhzxqDrt7v3OUNFYoRHst3pyHeQOJRNKK4XwfJiPDcD1RyYoJ/s1600/me-1202-soldersfarewall970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WUp2pKTgw1dFZKxpys-kdOgTRoGp5-t9E981cY-A-ZZUsF7PsDIfYjHWwDemikphm58VMI2WjiaBwq0skjx58-cDqywVhzxqDrt7v3OUNFYoRHst3pyHeQOJRNKK4XwfJiPDcD1RyYoJ/s320/me-1202-soldersfarewall970.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
This photo is from the book "The Family of Man" by Edward Streichen, the exhibit that showcased the universal condition of our shared labors, rituals, pastimes, joys and tragedies. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<i><b>Every man beareth the whole stamp of the human condition </b></i>- Montaigne</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-15937880214249587462012-05-26T10:27:00.000-07:002012-05-26T11:39:52.234-07:00<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Myth conceptions</span></b></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">52% of Republicans in Mississippi believe Obama is a Muslim<span style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Helvetica;"><sup>1</sup></span>. I suppose it would be meaningless to ask why that would be a big deal. 66% of those likely voters polled don't 'believe' in evolution. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At least 3% of Americans believe they have been abducted by aliens. If a lot of them live in the south, perhaps that explains some of this bizarre thinking! Silly aliens, what will they have us believing next?</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One of those Obama conspiracy theorists is a distant uncle of mine who recently sent me an E-mail purportedly proving that Muslim claim (and other very nasty things) based on erroneous excerpts from Obama's books. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have so many questions about people who circulate such things on the web. I have no question about the individuals or organizations that author them in the first place - they are clearly motivated by political ambition. But my uncle and others, why would they send ugly, libelous rants to their friends without taking even a minute to check on their veracity? I would never circulate some made up story abut Mitt Romney, let's say, about being a member of the Ku Klux Klan, unless I absolutely knew it to be true from a very reliable source. It took me just an instant visit to the non partisan site factcheck.org to find out all of the statements were false. I forwarded that info to my uncle, yet I have not seen him issue an apology or correction to his recipient list.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">btw, I hope nobody extracts any partial sentences from this blog to forward some horrible rumor around the internet! </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Calling certain media outlets 'liberal' is one way to keep people ignorant; convince them not to read or listen to certain things to keep them from seeing an opposing point of view, or in most cases - what's really going on in the world.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The voters should get real, get smart, get sensible. If Obama really was some sort of Manchurian evildoer, wouldn't he have somehow already done more damage than ensuring that my daughter can get health care for her preexisting condition?</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The sad situation is that we can convince some of the people of anything because they are not disciplined in their thinking. Their lives are faith based instead of fact based, so they often put their trust in preachers, politicians and leaders who want very different things than what would help them lead better lives.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Why is it that we tolerate such a huge amount of misinformation and deception? Is it the old 'end justifies the means'? Are these people so totally convinced that Obama is harming this country, that they think any tactic to sway opinions is OK?</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It's sad and dangerous when people misconstrue and make up things like death panels, and non existent tax increases. We are living in different realities. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Clearly we need more fact checking. Perhaps the push for that can come from some of us. More indignation, more pointing out fabrications, more requests for some semblance of truth and oversight in our political advertising (like we have for consumer products). Politifact.com, Fact Check.org, truthfulpolitics.com ... we ought to have them on the top of our browsers. Let's have less 'Pants on Fire' comments, or at least more debunking after the un-fact.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here are a few facts worth circulating:</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Government spending has risen at its slowest rate under Obama than in the past 60 years.<span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Helvetica;"><sup>2</sup></span> Some of us would consider that a mistake in a sluggish economy.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The average number of private sector jobs created under Democratic administrations is twice the average number created under Republican administrations.<span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Helvetica;"> <sup>3</sup></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Since World War II the average increase in the national debt has been almost twice as much under Republican administrations than under the Democrats, accelerating first during the Reagan administration, and then ballooning under Bush (the charts are truly dramatic). <span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Helvetica;"><sup>4</sup></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ironic isn't it, that voters who want the same thing - a fiscally responsible administration, are voting for different parties? Facts are often different from the accepted reality.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All lies are not equal, some politicians lie more than others and some lies are bigger than others. Some say one thing but do another. It might be nice if we all just voted for the most honest (factually correct) candidate. At least we would have some trust again.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here's a sad statistic that should concern people from any political persuasion:</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for the second year there have been more soldiers committing suicide than were killed in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan<span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Helvetica;"><sup>5</sup></span>. Especially on this Memorial Day weekend we can agree this is a horrible situation that we should try to alleviate, even if it means (gasp) spending some tax dollars.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 11.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
1 March 10, 2012 Public Policy Poll</div>
<div style="font: 11.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
2 Nutting May 22, 2012 Market Watch, Wall Street Journal</div>
<div style="font: 11.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
3 US Bureau of Labor Statistics Series ID CES0500000001</div>
<div style="font: 11.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
4 Project America "US Federal debt change by President"</div>
<div style="font: 11.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
5 widely reported including Center for New American Security</div>
<div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-39985616321277776932012-04-17T13:18:00.002-07:002012-04-17T17:15:49.016-07:00Be Nice!Be Nice! - they know not what they do. <br />
<br />
typically irreverent, sorry. <br />
<br />
I am, of course, referring to those rural 'fly over' people. Here in THE city, everyone (almost) reads. Ergo, we are much better informed than those who rely on talk radio, or worse, for their information. We are engaged in politics and world affairs because we know it impacts our lives. As we commute back and forth, the construction workers are clutching the free am paper, the Financial clones are perusing their Wall Street Journal, the literary types are hunched over their tablets. We are (quite literarily - new word!) what we read.<br />
It was no shock to learn that Fox news viewers are worse informed than people who watch no news at all, that's probably deliberate. There are lots of politicians out there who are misleading folks instead of leading them.<br />
BUT that doesn't mean we should deride these un-brights as lazy or not knowing what they're talking about. Quite the opposite. We need to show them compassion and understanding. Less Keith Olbermann, more Elizabeth Warren.<br />
The typical citizen doesn't have time to spend an hour or more boning up on world events (although making it a bit more of a priority might help). They are busy raising children and earning a living. They can't be expected to understand the bond market, or the implications of trade treaties, or this country's shift of focus to the Pacific region, if they don't even know about it. We should not be condescending in our tone (I'm trying to avoid that, really). It's not their fault that they live in red states, surrounded by influences so different from ours. We should be patient and understanding if we want to have any chance to win their hearts & minds and trust.<br />
I just recently 'got' why so many ordinary people think global warming isn't 'real' or caused by human activity. It puzzled me - why would they throw their lot in with corporations who don't want to pay to clean up after themselves? <i>Like,</i> who wants more severe weather and coastal flooding? Answer: they associate the global warming 'controversy' (which of course is myth in the serious scientific community) with - Al Gore. They've been indoctrinated not to like him, so that issue became a Republican/Democratic divide.<br />
It seems the 2 parties are polarizing ever more obviously into one party that personifies masculine traits - the strict, authoritative parent; and another with the more feminine attributes of human nature - nurturing and compassionate. Seems like that scientist is right who claims Republicans lack the empathy wiring in the brain. (See: <b>the Republican Brain</b> by Chris Mooney, ex). Some people apparently really don't feel horrified by the suffering of others, and assume that those who express that are being hypocritical or cynical or devious.<br />
When Cheney says he thinks Obama has been an 'unmitigated disaster', I don't know what the heck he means, and it makes me wonder if he really did get a heart transplant. Is he disappointed that O has been in office 3 years without starting any new war? His disappointment couldn't be: saving us from the brink of economic disaster, improving America's image and 'soft' strength around the world, supporting Europe through their debt crisis, using just the right touch with China, bringing home troops from Iraq & Afghanistan, walking that tightrope with Pakistan, supplying health care to our citizens, etc etc. Obviously Cheney is not reading James Fallows as I am. It's like he's in some alien parallel universe. (curse you Quantum multiverse!)<br />
One party wants to preserve us in the status quo, like insects in amber, while the other tries to move us forward, dealing with the issues of our modern age.<br />
It would be nice if the Dem leaders would refrain from rhetorical overreach - 'war on women' sounds so harsh, but we all know the value of framing and sound bites. Incidentally, that term: "<b>Republican War on Women</b>" was first applied by Tanya Melich in her book, subtitled "<b>an insider's report from behind the lines</b>", published in 1995.<br />
Every comment that seems even a bit harsh gets reacted to with increased nastiness, like the observation that Romney's wife has never worked a day in her life. You'd think the commentator was calling her a communist. The effort to point out that perhaps Romney should look to more qualified sources for advice about the economy, was twisted into the implication that being a full time mother isn't hard work. Any time you have 5 million women in a category, you have to go after their votes with all the ammunition you can muster. I myself would prefer the insight of a woman who has to face the pressure of performing in a career, budgeting the paycheck and taking care of a household and raising the children. Stay at home moms should spend their time studying child psychology and behavior, investigating edutainment software and researching education options, not economic theory.<br />
We have to be better than 'them'. We have to, because that's who we are.<br />
Before you call out someone, imagine them stroking a puppy, before you formulate a response. If that doesn't soften you up, try kittens. Let's call it political puppy love. No wonder they all kiss babies.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-19534838645160408422012-02-26T08:43:00.001-08:002012-02-27T06:17:24.013-08:00Choosing a (running) MateOne of the most mysterious questions in life is - what attracts us to certain people?<br />
Even more mysterious is how those same people we used to be crazy about can start to repel us.<br />
When I was (a lot) younger, I met a guy who was intelligent, attractive (my friends were jealous), fun, sexy and a bit quirky, which set him apart from the somewhat stereotypical, predictable guys I knew. I put up with things to have a relationship with him that most women would have given up on (their jealousy faded and was replaced with pointed questions). We had a child, so this guy (can't really call him a man) has been in my life ever since.<br />
Now I consider us opposites in very important, fundamental ways, like: honesty, financial responsibility, emotional stability, political views, fidelity. 'Offbeat' morphed into 'a bit crazy'. 'Boyish" turned into 'chronically immature'. Integrity, unselfishness and credibility are now much higher on my list of must haves. I came to realize he really isn't that intelligent (yes, Harvard failed again), he only seemed that way. <br />
When you're dating, you go to dinner, talk about acquaintances and events of the day, all while your mental processes are busy trying to decide if you want to sleep together. We project traits onto people who resemble others that we admire. I once had a date with a guy simply because he looked like someone I'd had a crush on, then ended up throwing up in his car (my fault, not his)!<br />
When you live with someone, the negatives can start to color our attitudes until we come to consider that person completely unacceptable. Maybe they're chronically lazy, or compulsive about their possessions or neatness (clearly silly values indeed). Doesn't make them terrible people, just a bad fit for you.<br />
It's the same when we chose our politicians (although I don't think it should be). As long as we're in the dating stage some of these would-be leaders look OK. But when we start thinking about living with them for 4 years, forget about it!<br />
Look at the Republican choices: after awhile people discovered that Gingrich is incredibly mean. Santorum doesn't believe in birth control. Romney might be a secret racist (I only recently discovered why Mormonism is so suspect, understandably - especially in the black community). All of their rhetorical overreach takes away their credibility. Would we pick a date by listening to a guy spout a lot of negatives about his rivals?<br />
We have to be careful not to be swept off our feet. When you're alone and lonely the guy/gal who shows interest in you looks very good. When you're with an unsatisfactory partner, everyone else starts looking good.<br />
When choosing a mate in both our private and public lives we want someone with substance, not just style. Someone who will be smart about when to spend money and when not to. We want someone with sound suggestions, not silly or disproved ideas (trickle down - really?!) We want someone who is able to compromise, who respects others, who will protect our environment (your turn to take out the trash); someone rational, moral, patient, with intelligence and empathy; a hard worker, making friends - not enemies - with the neighbors (yes, that includes trying - even with nasty, noisy neighbors like Iran). We need a person who values education, someone who will look out for us, keep us safe, get us through bad economic times, focus on important things like jobs; use diplomacy and communication.<br />
Don't be seduced by the guy that offers you a great night on the town, or a tax cut in your pocket, and nothing else. <br />
For the long term we want someone we'll be proud to introduce to our friends and family, not just someone who looks good after a few martinis or a beer bong. We want them to prove themselves worthy of our commitment or our vote. We want the best we can get.<br />
And if we are lucky enough to find the right person, let's hope we have the good judgement to realize it. Don't overlook that nice, boring gal who has the right stuff when it comes to important, core values.<br />
<br />
We should use our intellect, not pure emotion, to make good selections for the people in our lives - both public and personal. They will be play a huge role in our lives, with ripples reaching far into into the future. Whether it's senator or president, wife, husband or partner; these are jobs, and we should interview and audition them carefully, or we may be very sorry indeed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-33775478536999550502012-01-09T12:39:00.000-08:002012-01-09T12:39:31.847-08:00How 'Big Government' has benefited meLet's start with my Dad. Because of the New Deal policies of FDR, he was able to go to college and became an engineer. If he had not, he would most likely have ended up working on the railroad like his father. He wouldn't have moved to Philadelphia, he wouldn't have met my mother and I wouldn't even exist. Thank you Democrats.<br />
But presuming I was born, we would not have had a middle class life, and perhaps I would not have had the means to go to college either. Instead of living in a reasonably nice suburb, perhaps we would have remained in the poor rural Pennsylvania area where my Dad grew up. My sister would not have gone on to get her PhD, and all of the students she has taught through her career would have missed out - to their great detriment.<br />
Let's presume I did somehow get to college, and had roughly the same life I have now - I would not be living in New York City. Republicans would do away with rent stabilization in a heartbeat, so to work here I would have to be a commuter - which, most likely, would have resulted in my working elsewhere. So that means I wouldn't have met that guy and had my wonderful daughter.<br />
But let's presume she got born somehow too. She has a preexisting medical condition, so especially if she ends up as a freelancer - which is very likely - she would probably not have medical insurance even if she could afford it. She wouldn't be able to afford her many medications (one of them costs about $25 per pill - that's right - per teeny tiny little pill - that manage her crippling migraines).<br />
Thanks to "Obamacare" I'll be able to keep her on my insurance until she's 26. This means so much to us, Thank you Democrats.<br />
Thanks to the excellent education system, she benefited from going to the top Public schools in New York City. She would not have had that variety of choice and challenging learning environment anywhere else. (Obama mentioned her High School in one of his speeches). Because of public transportation, she'll be able to get around the strange city she'll be in for college, and ride home on the train. Thank you Democrats! <br />
In a few years, after a lifetime of multiple jobs, having my own businesses and much hard work, I'm looking forward to retiring. Without Social Security and Medicare, I wouldn't be able to consider it, despite saving my entire adult life in IRA's and my 401K. Thank you Democrats.<br />
Small government apostles don't believe in banding together to create social programs that help citizens (except when it's them). They think we should all be on our own, pitted against profit hungry corporations, letting free markets run amok without regulations.<br />
No student loans, no public health insurance, no progressive income tax, no environmental or consumer protections, no workplace safety protections. Fewer police and Fire houses - want to think about those consequences? No libraries, no Sesame Street. How about some new roads & bridges? Should we get rid of the FDA and just ingest any drug or food product that comes our way? No regulation of banks? How about the Coast Guard? Even though I never go near the water, let alone going in it or on it, I'm sure willing to pitch in to help people get rescued, why isn't everyone? I even like the idea of having public beaches, parks & playgrounds, even though I may never set foot on any again. Isn't it worth a few tax $ per citizen to provide safety nets and safeguards? My family sure thinks so.<br />
So if the Republicans had their way 1) I wouldn't exist. 2) my daughter wouldn't exist. Or I'd be living somewhere I don't like, doing something I don't like, with a lousy standard of living and a lot more worries. (let's hope I'm exaggerating!) <br />
And so would a vast majority of the country. Without the New Deal, the country wouldn't have pulled out of the Depression (when FDR cut back spending due to backlash, there was another immediate recession, necessitating the Second New Deal). Just as Obama's steady hand dealing with the recent recession has prevented further financial disaster and resulted in our current financial recovery. Thank you democrats.<br />
Of course with Republicans we would probably have more wars to watch on TV: Libya, Iran, Egypt? Anybody still pissed at the French? - let's go kick their ass!<br />
Those soldiers sure wouldn't be coming home from Iraq.<br />
THANK YOU Democrats.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-83872460177303254002012-01-01T15:15:00.001-08:002012-02-25T15:35:01.245-08:00A Call for a Virtual Peace Corps<i>blog for your (political) lives! </i><br />
Young people are, as they have been in every generation, our hope and 'salvation'. Young people are fresh, open minded, not stubborn or intractable like older folks. Because they are still forming their opinions, they are less opinionated. If you believe that it's not guns - or bombs - that kill (although weapons certainly do facilitate); that it's people's beliefs and hatred that kills - then you may wish to be part of the solution: to change people's minds. Banning weapons is not easy - it's more effective to convince people not to use them. Young people today have a bigger challenge than the Baby Boomers. My generation saw injustice and rallied against it - civil rights, women's rights, the Vietnam war; we protested and we won - we made great strides. It was a deeply satisfying feeling that we could and did change our world. Now the world is faced with terrorism, of many kinds. Not just a clash of cultures and lifestyles, but of philosophies, with no geographical borders.<br />
Most alarming is the assault on rationality. This generation has powerful tools for the spread of understanding - social networking. Reach out to those on the opposite side - exchange ideas and info. It's not as exciting as marching in the streets. It is appealing and rewarding to be part of a cause. Check out message boards and start a polite dialogue. Participate in exchange programs if you have the means. Be a representative for good.<br />
'Friend' an extremist, or an evangelist, or a TeaPartier. Avoid proselytizing - the last thing we need is digital missionaries. Get to know them, aim for mutual understanding. The world does need more reasoned dialogue. It's time to discourage extremism and craziness (here and abroad).<br />
So how can we explain our viewpoint to someone who thinks very differently from us? More challenging - how can we explain how we think if we are interacting with people who are acting out of emotion or 'people of faith'? Be respectful. People believe in all sorts of things, some people firmly believe they have been abducted by aliens, and would challenge you to prove them wrong. Can we change someone's mind? It's almost impossible, since we are all products of our environment. People on the other side of the world grow up listening to their elders' teachings, people they admire and trust. They have been indoctrinated, just as we have been, with certain ideas. Why are people so inclined to mistrust? Partly because of isolation and lack of diversity. Fear of the unknown. Different does not equal scary. <br />
Start with humility. We are not better. Our government does not necessarily make us more free than other citizens. One god is not more merciful or loving than someone else's god. We're all on the same side. All members of the Family of Man. People who think differently are not our enemies. Different opinions are interesting, stimulating. We can discuss without arguing. Try to divorce yourself from your emotions, because no one can discuss things logically and effectively when they are upset. Defuse the clash of civilizations. (Even if it's just Red State vs Blue state - Republican vs Democrat) A secular society does not equate to valueless. On the contrary, some believe doing the right thing simply because it's the right way to treat our fellow man, not doing so in order to gain a reward or avoid punishment, is more moral. Value rationality versus mythology. Extreme religion is an excuse for hatred, racism and violence. It's time to stand up against that. It's time to tackle extremism. Inflammatory rhetoric is the first step toward violence. Denounce hate speech. Take responsibility. It's best to live in the present, plan for the future, but let go of the past. Old animosities lead to a cycle of recriminations. Other people do have legitimate grievances - sometimes about policies you may personally support. Especially in the anonymous online world, people will insult you and possibly upset you. Shed the anger. Don't stoop to their level. Live and let live. <br />
Listen. Instead of changing their minds - maybe they will change yours - be open to that. Put yourself in their place. Ask questions about their lives. Some countries particularly suffer from unchecked population growth that leads to alienation. The unemployed will increase around the globe. Find common ground, like global warming or economic concerns. Share your interests: video games, fan fiction, TV shows; sometimes diversion is the best tactic (ask any toddler's parent). People need projects to feel useful and stay out of trouble, engage that energy. Ask them for specifics. Why do they believe their viewpoint is correct? Check the facts - not just yours - but what they base their arguments on. Push them to think more logically, and not reach hasty conclusions based on one side of a situation. <br />
Form informed opinions. Educate yourself. Curiosity about the world is the driving force for mutual understanding. People who read Steven Hawkins can converse more intelligently about the universe. People who have read Steven Pinker can discuss nature vs nurture with authority. Opinions should be formed on the bedrock of knowledge. Leaders who form beliefs based on listening to others without that intellectual authority should not be taken seriously. Steer people to objective, factual web sites for info - not sensational, biased media outlets. <br />
Celebrate genius, talent and scholarly effort. When did 'elite' become a 4 letter word? Why do some people distrust intellectuals? We need to swing back towards sense, not sensationalism. Time to stop dumbing down – and smarten up! A large segment of the world is listening to the wild and wacky instead of the best and the brightest. They're deciding who to trust based on symbolism instead of substance. Worse, deciding who to distrust based on rumor and misinformation. <br />
Make a difference, even if it's tiny. As Edward Kennedy said in eulogizing his brother Bobby: <i> </i><br />
<i>"Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, (you) send forth a tiny ripple of hope...building a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.</i>" <br />
It's worth a try. Take the country and the world forward. <br />
<br />
- author of <b>A Kid's Guide 2 Politics </b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023627118691343.post-77286231345999653732011-12-25T14:50:00.001-08:002012-02-25T15:09:27.137-08:00The Love of my life - by a Mom"The talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what you have, instead of what you don't have."<br />
- Woody Allen<br />
<br />
Some people seem to float through life, having everything fall into place effortlessly. They have good jobs, they find love, they have good health, they take vacations, they go to Broadway plays; life is good.<br />
For others...not so much.<br />
For my lovely daughter, in particular, life is much more of a struggle - she is quite literally, in constant pain. When she was in Elementary school, she got a small fracture in her foot, which turned into a rare chronic pain condition that required a year of painful physical therapy, and months on crutches and various orthopedic boots, to fix. She had 4 recurrences of that. In elementary school she was teased and accused of faking it (why anyone would want to do that never made sense to either of us). In Middle School her 2 close friends dropped her when she couldn't keep up with them.<br />
Then it got worse. She developed another (incurable and mysterious) chronic pain & fatigue condition in High School, while attempting to fulfill the gym requirement. Since this condition was not localized - she has pain in almost every part of her body, every day - she could not continue going to school.<br />
Fortunately, the excellent Board of Education in New York City (thank you tax payers!) has a Home Schooling program for students in need, so she has continued her studies at home with the help of excellent, patient, understanding instructors. But she is now socially isolated, except for me. Needless to say, this has an emotional toll. This is an invisible condition - you can't tell there's anything wrong with her from her appearance, so she faces skepticism as well as feeling constantly ill. It is natural for people who are in constant pain to contemplate suicide, even without the side effects of their medications, so that is a concern.<br />
Before this, my daughter was (I say with all modesty) a star with great potential. She was accepted into the best schools in New York. She is very intelligent, has already created a well travelled web site and helped write a children's book. She is pretty, has enormous empathy and was all set to get a Ph.D. in Psychology. Now we face an uncertain future.<br />
As her Mom, I've had my own set of issues, dealing with schools, therapists, doctors and my own guilt. I've witnessed my daughter being questioned (behind closed doors) about whether I abused her, I've worried that doctors think we're shopping around for pain meds as we continually search for treatment that will make her life more manageable (the doctors and specialists have all been very supportive). Moms are supposed to keep their kids healthy, and fix them when they're not. Should I have enforced better nutrition? Should I have protected her more against possible injuries? If I'd made some different decisions, could she have been well enough to continue in school? If I were a 'Tiger Mom', would she be healthier? Tip - thinking these types of things is not productive and you have to talk yourself out of them.<br />
OK - so are you ready for the good news? Here it is. My daughter and I have always been very close. That has not changed, despite the pressures her health has posed. She and I both manage to stay upbeat (for the most part). Now, don't get me wrong, we're not those heroic types you see who are nauseatingly cheerful. No, we both have a very dark sense of humor now. But she has (nerdy) pursuits that she enjoys (thank you internet!) and we can entertain ourselves. Yes, it is possible for a rapidly aging woman and a teen to have a close, loving relationship. I'd rather spend time with my daughter than anyone else I know (and vice versa). I've managed to live with her for over 18 years - something I never thought I could accomplish with anyone!<br />
<br />
So those of us who have misfortune thrown at us (what is it, bad luck? lack of self esteem? taking things too casually?) can deflect it. Humans can face what they might consider the worst thing that can happen - and they survive. That's not to say it doesn't change us. And I'm not so sure it makes us stronger either - we all have reserves to draw on - my daughter and I would have been very happy to never have to be this 'strong'. You adapt and do what you need to do. At all cost, don't allow yourself to think of how things could or should have been. Whenever you start thinking of some reality that's different from what you're living through - make sure you imagine an even uglier one. I call it the 'On the Other Hand...' approach. Having challenges and a purpose can be more satisfying than having an uneventful, aimless life (repeat that over and over if you have to). At least my daughter and I share a common goal - for her to have better health (and maybe soon, a boyfriend).<br />
For those people who seem to have it all, well, sometimes looks are deceiving (it's OK to think there's some hidden turmoil below those perfect public faces). It's the human condition to feel pain. For some of her friends, losing a girl friend or boy friend brings a different sort of pain that can feel more acute than her loneliness, aching body parts and migraines (and stomach issues, hives,...oh, never mind).<br />
It's not relevant really if other people have it better or worse than you (or if you're not alone in your predicament). There will always be those who are richer, better looking or more fortunate - or - a lot less fortunate. Happiness comes from human connections and doing things you enjoy.<br />
I have no specific hopes or dreams for my sweet daughter. My expectations for us both are just to try to enjoy life as much as we can, and treasure those days when she's well enough to go out and sit and watch a movie in a theater, instead of on our couch. I hope she will 'get a life' someday soon, but life comes with all kinds of challenges. We just have to make do.<br />
<br />
<i>this blog was first published in May 2011 on '... and several butcher's aprons' nycityman.blogspot.com </i><br />
<i>update: My daughter is now away at college, preparing for a career and a happy life.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0