From the (conservative newspaper) Washington Post editorial:
"On a day when the Congressional Budget Office warned of looming deficits and a grim economic outlook, when the stock market faltered even in the wake of the government’s rescue of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, when President Bush discussed the road ahead in Iraq and Afghanistan, on what did the campaign of Senator John McCain spend its energy? A conference call to denounce Senator Barack Obama for using the phrase ‘lipstick on a pig’ and a new television ad accusing the Democrat of wanting to teach kindergartners about sex before they learn to read."
The Republican Party is deceiving you, America. McCain may have been a maverick before, but now he has given all his power, and perhaps his soul, to the party that funds him.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Who is Right for the Job? Not Her.
Intelligent women are uniting against Sarah Palin. Check out this blog, with thousands of comments from Americans like me.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Biking around Japan!
My friend Cat, with whom I did a lot of adventuring around Hokkaido, is on another grand adventure biking through Japan. She is with an organization encouraging environmental awareness, and while biking the length of the islands the group is leading all kinds of enviro-events, classes, and other fun stuff. Check out the website, and her well-written blog, at this link!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Contemptous Disrespect from Giuliani, Palin, and the RNC
Giuliani: "He worked as a community organizer, - HA, what's that? Is that a job?"
Palin: "I guess being the mayor of a small town is sortof like being a community organizer, except you have actual responsibilities!"
Tonight's speech made my blood boil. I am deeply offended by Giuliani's and Palin's condescending laughter, prompting the buffoon audience to join in despicable bullying. Since when is it acceptable to make fun of social workers? Why is community organizing not viewed as honorable, selfless service to the greater good? What about AmeriCorps, or the WPA? Why would military service be seen as more valuable than service at home, in our own troubled neighborhoods? If the Republican Party claims to encourage private contributions to social causes (with little governmental funding or support), who do they expect to do the work? Marines with machine guns? The Air Force with airdrops of supplies? Perhaps it's just as we expected: scornful millionaire big-interest-sponsored Republicans really do enjoy castigating teachers, social workers, counselors, and others in the social services industry. And the unthinking masses go along with whatever the "pro-life" candidate wants.
Since when is WAR pro-life? What about malnourished children next door? What about underfunded schools? Millions without adequate healthcare? What about other people on the planet outside of our borders? What about an ailing planet soon unable to host our grandchildren's precious lives?
Humanity belongs to an interconnected web of life, and we all must contribute, actively, to promote goodness and kindness. Blessed are the peacemakers.
Palin: "I guess being the mayor of a small town is sortof like being a community organizer, except you have actual responsibilities!"
Tonight's speech made my blood boil. I am deeply offended by Giuliani's and Palin's condescending laughter, prompting the buffoon audience to join in despicable bullying. Since when is it acceptable to make fun of social workers? Why is community organizing not viewed as honorable, selfless service to the greater good? What about AmeriCorps, or the WPA? Why would military service be seen as more valuable than service at home, in our own troubled neighborhoods? If the Republican Party claims to encourage private contributions to social causes (with little governmental funding or support), who do they expect to do the work? Marines with machine guns? The Air Force with airdrops of supplies? Perhaps it's just as we expected: scornful millionaire big-interest-sponsored Republicans really do enjoy castigating teachers, social workers, counselors, and others in the social services industry. And the unthinking masses go along with whatever the "pro-life" candidate wants.
Since when is WAR pro-life? What about malnourished children next door? What about underfunded schools? Millions without adequate healthcare? What about other people on the planet outside of our borders? What about an ailing planet soon unable to host our grandchildren's precious lives?
Humanity belongs to an interconnected web of life, and we all must contribute, actively, to promote goodness and kindness. Blessed are the peacemakers.
Friday, August 29, 2008
$427 million. That's what the oil and coal industries spent during the first half of 2008 on lobbying and advertising. They're protecting their interests -- and hurting ours.
I just watched a new ad from the We Campaign that tells the truth about what needs to be done -- demanding our leaders FREE US from an addiction to expensive fossil fuels.
Watch it here: http://www.wecansolveit.org/freeusad
I just watched a new ad from the We Campaign that tells the truth about what needs to be done -- demanding our leaders FREE US from an addiction to expensive fossil fuels.
Watch it here: http://www.wecansolveit.org/freeusad
Friday, August 15, 2008
Welcome to Minnesota
Our first month back in Minnesota has been restful and lovely. August heat gave way to brilliant thunderstorms and cool breezes. Now I hear migrating geese flying overhead, indicating the change to come.
Close friends and family helped us pack the moving van to drive from Omaha to St. Paul. Thanks to Chris, Zach, Kala, Jenni, Mary, Rich and Pat.
Minnesota friends helped us unload same moving truck and adjust to our cute new apartment.
Thanks to John, Jen, Emily, Adam and Amber for your assistance!
Perhaps the most significant thing to happen in this time was to meet Mary Grace, my new goddaughter. Her parents Adam and Amber are intentional, adventurous, and easy-going people who are raising a joyful and trusting baby. I am deeply moved to finally meet Gracie. She is curious, thoughtful, and essentially secure; she knows that she is loved and provided for. What an amazing grace, to see a healthy child who will grow to be a healthy, whole adult contributing positively to the world!
This beautiful picture is of her blessing ceremony. Her parents chose for Gracie a small circle of several 'god(dess)parents', of diverse spiritual orientation. We all vowed to contribute to her spiritual development, honoring what questions and answers Mary Grace will come to in her own search for truth and meaning. Full circle: I was also baptized at my godparents' pool! Welcome and blessings to you, Mary Grace.
So thank you for the welcome, Minnesota! I look forward to swimming in your lakes, hearing your music, canoeing along your shores, snowshoeing in your woods, exploring your diverse restaurants, and working for your progression.
Close friends and family helped us pack the moving van to drive from Omaha to St. Paul. Thanks to Chris, Zach, Kala, Jenni, Mary, Rich and Pat.
Minnesota friends helped us unload same moving truck and adjust to our cute new apartment.
Thanks to John, Jen, Emily, Adam and Amber for your assistance!
Perhaps the most significant thing to happen in this time was to meet Mary Grace, my new goddaughter. Her parents Adam and Amber are intentional, adventurous, and easy-going people who are raising a joyful and trusting baby. I am deeply moved to finally meet Gracie. She is curious, thoughtful, and essentially secure; she knows that she is loved and provided for. What an amazing grace, to see a healthy child who will grow to be a healthy, whole adult contributing positively to the world!
This beautiful picture is of her blessing ceremony. Her parents chose for Gracie a small circle of several 'god(dess)parents', of diverse spiritual orientation. We all vowed to contribute to her spiritual development, honoring what questions and answers Mary Grace will come to in her own search for truth and meaning. Full circle: I was also baptized at my godparents' pool! Welcome and blessings to you, Mary Grace.
So thank you for the welcome, Minnesota! I look forward to swimming in your lakes, hearing your music, canoeing along your shores, snowshoeing in your woods, exploring your diverse restaurants, and working for your progression.
Welcome Home! Congratulations! Farewell!
We arrived in Omaha dirty, hungry, exhausted, jetlagged, confused, and maybe a little crabby. It was a whirlwind trip from Furano to Sapporo (bus) to Chitose (train) to Taipei (plane), around Taipei (feet, bus, train), to LAX to Denver to Omaha (plane) to shower. And the next day we had a party for 40 people! The party welcomed our return to the USA, celebrated our 30th birthdays, congratulated us on engagement, congratulated Nick on getting into law school, and bid us farewell in our move to Minnesota. I guess you could say that it was an exciting month.
One part of the excitement was that Nick's brother and sister-in law drove all the way from Madison to celebrate with us that weekend. Hooray and thanks!
Our party was decorated with international coins from our travels, and art from our students.
My mom planned a wonderful theme for requested housewarming gifts. Most people brought one or two small grocery items to stock our kitchen: spices, salt, flour, oil, etc. We are so grateful to have received such USEFUL and thoughtful gifts.
My dear friend Ellie helped set up, as well as another friend Elaine.
Lots of family members came.
And more family and friends.
Rich gave a great toast. We also celebrated Ben & Kat's first year of marriage, and the soon-to-be marriage of Chris & Melisa!
I love this photo of us and Moms.
Ray (like another brother to me) and Mom and Chris relived old stories.
Family: Linda, Melisa, Mary, Teresa, LaVonne, and Hailey
Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate!
One part of the excitement was that Nick's brother and sister-in law drove all the way from Madison to celebrate with us that weekend. Hooray and thanks!
Our party was decorated with international coins from our travels, and art from our students.
My mom planned a wonderful theme for requested housewarming gifts. Most people brought one or two small grocery items to stock our kitchen: spices, salt, flour, oil, etc. We are so grateful to have received such USEFUL and thoughtful gifts.
My dear friend Ellie helped set up, as well as another friend Elaine.
Lots of family members came.
And more family and friends.
Rich gave a great toast. We also celebrated Ben & Kat's first year of marriage, and the soon-to-be marriage of Chris & Melisa!
I love this photo of us and Moms.
Ray (like another brother to me) and Mom and Chris relived old stories.
Family: Linda, Melisa, Mary, Teresa, LaVonne, and Hailey
Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate!
24 Hours in Taipei
En route to the USA, we arranged a brief stopover in Taipei, Taiwan. It was hot, humid, and we blew threw like a hurricane. 24 hours to see everything we could! Armed with 2 phrases in Mandarin (hello and thank you), a few yen to spend, and our smiles, we were able to cover much of the city. People were extremely helpful and public transportation was a breeze. Compared with traveling in NYC, Taipei was an absolute pleasure! I was hoping that during our time in Asia we would have a chance to visit China to learn about how the world is changing in the twenty-first century. Although we didn't have time for China, I am so grateful for the quick trip to the semi-democratic island of Taiwan.
Like Thailand, the markets in Taipei were incredible. I was amazed to see a beautiful selection of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, so CHEAP compared to what is available in Japanese grocery stores!
Like many outdoor markets all over the world, you can buy anything there. Beans. Vegetables. Clothes. Chicken with their feet still on. Here you see a shop selling fresh seafood (some still alive) near a shop selling ladies undergarments.
Next stop was Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall, built in the early 20th Century. Spectacular.
Inside was an impressive museum display of China's war history in the past 100 years.
Interesting (and truthful) commentary on Japan and China. (Click on the picture to enlarge the image for reading.)
And really pretty traditional puppets!
Next we visited Longshan Temple, an essential tourist stop and religious pilgrimage site. There appeared to be surprisingly few tourists and many people there to pray.
And last, the famous Night Market! Delightful, if you don't mind chaos. I was hoping that clothes "Made in Taiwan" would be inexpensive, but they were about the same price as in the US. That didn't stop me from shopping. It was the first time in a year that I could shop for clothes that fit me!
Lessons learned: Go to Taipei. Don't fly China Airlines. Get a hostel NEAR public transportation. Eat, shop, enjoy!
Like Thailand, the markets in Taipei were incredible. I was amazed to see a beautiful selection of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, so CHEAP compared to what is available in Japanese grocery stores!
Like many outdoor markets all over the world, you can buy anything there. Beans. Vegetables. Clothes. Chicken with their feet still on. Here you see a shop selling fresh seafood (some still alive) near a shop selling ladies undergarments.
Next stop was Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall, built in the early 20th Century. Spectacular.
Inside was an impressive museum display of China's war history in the past 100 years.
Interesting (and truthful) commentary on Japan and China. (Click on the picture to enlarge the image for reading.)
And really pretty traditional puppets!
Next we visited Longshan Temple, an essential tourist stop and religious pilgrimage site. There appeared to be surprisingly few tourists and many people there to pray.
And last, the famous Night Market! Delightful, if you don't mind chaos. I was hoping that clothes "Made in Taiwan" would be inexpensive, but they were about the same price as in the US. That didn't stop me from shopping. It was the first time in a year that I could shop for clothes that fit me!
Lessons learned: Go to Taipei. Don't fly China Airlines. Get a hostel NEAR public transportation. Eat, shop, enjoy!
Saying Goodbye, and a Bellybutton Festival
July was full of beautiful weather, engagement parties, birthday parties, goodbye parties, and lots of cake.
On my last day of class at Furebetsu JHS, we cooked! I lead the students in making American-style potato salad, which with mustard and relish is much more flavorful than Japanese-style mayonnaise potato salad. And then we made salsa (tomatoes, green chilies, pickled jalapeno, onion, black olives, onion, salt, lime). I gave them firm instructions to avoid touching their eyes after chopping peppers; everyone but me followed directions. Ouch! Yet all had a good time.
Furebetsu was one of the farthest schools (about 30 minutes) but the drive was always striking. This is Mt. Furano, originally named "Furanui" by the Ainu natives.
At Rokugo JHS, the teacher organized a taste-testing party for my last day. She prepared various Japanese foods and the students had to guess what would be my "favorite" and "least favorite". Not sure what you're seeing? Fresh wakame seaweed, pickled plum called umeboshi, disgusting konyakku, pickled daikon radish, and pickled cucumber. The kids knew me well enough to guess that #1 would be ume!
After my taste-testing, I gave the kids crackers and several American condiments to sample: BBQ sauces, Miracle Whip, Taco Bell sauces, yellow mustard, pickle relish, etc. Most Japanese people don't like spicy food, but the mild taco sauce was a favorite.
We traveled with some fellow JET teachers over a long weekend in July. This is our tearful goodbye: I miss you!!!
My Board of Education threw me a "retirement" party. They called it "retirement" because in Japan it is very rare to leave or change jobs, ever. When announcing that I would stay "only" one year in Japan, I met some shock/resistance from coworkers until I learned to describe my reason for leaving that my fiance is beginning law school. 1) In Japan, most women leave their jobs immediately after marriage in order to become wives. They probably assume that after my upcoming marriage I will stop working. 2) Lawyers are very highly respected, and Japan is a strictly hierarchical society. So my revised answer received hearty congratulations.
Although it was a very difficult year and I don't have much gratitude for some of the people in my BOE, with plenty of alcohol we were able to have a nice time at the goodbye party. But, still assuming my foreign barbarity, my racist boss did ask whether I was able to use chopsticks. After one year living in the country! Grrr.
Dinner was required attendance for all BOE employees. Nijikai, literally, "second time", is the word for the second party after the dinner. What else? Karaoke. My generous shy supervisor, Nishio-san, is always shockingly theatrical in karaoke. Our friend/colleague Iri is a reliably gregarious addition to any party.
On the day of my birthday Nick and I scheduled nothing and planned a special picnic on the Sorachi River behind our home. He set out a lovely meal of imported foods.
My coworker Hayden planned a "surprise" party for me with over 20 friends in attendance. We were given a generous assortment of gifts and Hayden brought a lovely cake. I probably had 5 cakes in one month!
In the last two days we were in town, the city threw its annual Bellybutton Festival. Furano is in the center of Hokkaido, thus called the "navel" of the island. Women and children dress in summer yukatas. Men dress in silly costumes and paint their chests. Then everyone in town forms groups and dances in a parade. Tourists come from all over the country and Asia to see the festival every year.
Takahashi-san and some other employees of City Hall posed prior to the parade.
I danced with the ladies in my Ikebana club, most of whom work in City Hall.
The next morning, exhausted and blistered from dancing in zori, we loaded up our many heavy suitcases to meet our 8AM bus out of town. Many friends and colleagues met us for a final, tearful, sayonara. My time in Furano was very difficult, but most of my struggles were not the fault of anything but misfortune and cultural misunderstanding. I left Japan gladly, as there are several key aspects of Japanese culture which are incompatible with my personality. However, I have deep respect and love for many people I met in my year in Japan. And wonder for the striking beauty of Hokkaido landscape. Arigatou gozaimashita! Ja mata!
On my last day of class at Furebetsu JHS, we cooked! I lead the students in making American-style potato salad, which with mustard and relish is much more flavorful than Japanese-style mayonnaise potato salad. And then we made salsa (tomatoes, green chilies, pickled jalapeno, onion, black olives, onion, salt, lime). I gave them firm instructions to avoid touching their eyes after chopping peppers; everyone but me followed directions. Ouch! Yet all had a good time.
Furebetsu was one of the farthest schools (about 30 minutes) but the drive was always striking. This is Mt. Furano, originally named "Furanui" by the Ainu natives.
At Rokugo JHS, the teacher organized a taste-testing party for my last day. She prepared various Japanese foods and the students had to guess what would be my "favorite" and "least favorite". Not sure what you're seeing? Fresh wakame seaweed, pickled plum called umeboshi, disgusting konyakku, pickled daikon radish, and pickled cucumber. The kids knew me well enough to guess that #1 would be ume!
After my taste-testing, I gave the kids crackers and several American condiments to sample: BBQ sauces, Miracle Whip, Taco Bell sauces, yellow mustard, pickle relish, etc. Most Japanese people don't like spicy food, but the mild taco sauce was a favorite.
We traveled with some fellow JET teachers over a long weekend in July. This is our tearful goodbye: I miss you!!!
My Board of Education threw me a "retirement" party. They called it "retirement" because in Japan it is very rare to leave or change jobs, ever. When announcing that I would stay "only" one year in Japan, I met some shock/resistance from coworkers until I learned to describe my reason for leaving that my fiance is beginning law school. 1) In Japan, most women leave their jobs immediately after marriage in order to become wives. They probably assume that after my upcoming marriage I will stop working. 2) Lawyers are very highly respected, and Japan is a strictly hierarchical society. So my revised answer received hearty congratulations.
Although it was a very difficult year and I don't have much gratitude for some of the people in my BOE, with plenty of alcohol we were able to have a nice time at the goodbye party. But, still assuming my foreign barbarity, my racist boss did ask whether I was able to use chopsticks. After one year living in the country! Grrr.
Dinner was required attendance for all BOE employees. Nijikai, literally, "second time", is the word for the second party after the dinner. What else? Karaoke. My generous shy supervisor, Nishio-san, is always shockingly theatrical in karaoke. Our friend/colleague Iri is a reliably gregarious addition to any party.
On the day of my birthday Nick and I scheduled nothing and planned a special picnic on the Sorachi River behind our home. He set out a lovely meal of imported foods.
My coworker Hayden planned a "surprise" party for me with over 20 friends in attendance. We were given a generous assortment of gifts and Hayden brought a lovely cake. I probably had 5 cakes in one month!
In the last two days we were in town, the city threw its annual Bellybutton Festival. Furano is in the center of Hokkaido, thus called the "navel" of the island. Women and children dress in summer yukatas. Men dress in silly costumes and paint their chests. Then everyone in town forms groups and dances in a parade. Tourists come from all over the country and Asia to see the festival every year.
Takahashi-san and some other employees of City Hall posed prior to the parade.
I danced with the ladies in my Ikebana club, most of whom work in City Hall.
The next morning, exhausted and blistered from dancing in zori, we loaded up our many heavy suitcases to meet our 8AM bus out of town. Many friends and colleagues met us for a final, tearful, sayonara. My time in Furano was very difficult, but most of my struggles were not the fault of anything but misfortune and cultural misunderstanding. I left Japan gladly, as there are several key aspects of Japanese culture which are incompatible with my personality. However, I have deep respect and love for many people I met in my year in Japan. And wonder for the striking beauty of Hokkaido landscape. Arigatou gozaimashita! Ja mata!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
An Anniversary: V-J Day
On August 14, 1945, Japan surrendered to the Allied Powers and ended World War II.
This week I visited the beautiful capital of Minnesota in Saint Paul and came upon a rather remarkable monument to WWII. A few veterans joined me in reading the placards. It felt surreal to be 'home' and, seeking to learn more about my new state, the first thing I came upon was the WWII memorial. Unintentional, but probably not a coincidence.
Today I read the New York Times article published on that day, and noticed this remarkable quote:
"If the note had not come today the President was ready though reluctant to give the order that would have spread throughout Japan the hideous death and destruction that are the toll of the atomic bomb."
What?! After visiting Hiroshima a few months ago, and living in Japan for the last year, I am struck by this (unqualified) statement and wonder at its validity. And sanity.
Back in peaceful Saint Paul, Minnesota, I am so grateful to be home. I am grateful for safety and privilege and familiarity. I think about the challenges I faced as an American in Japan; the struggles of the people of Georgia and Sudan and Iraq and Afghanistan; even the struggle between Clintonistas and Obama. And I know that after a year spent in deep reflection about WAR and the peacemaking necessary afterwards, I just need a break. So today I rest, knowing that there is so much work to be done.
This week I visited the beautiful capital of Minnesota in Saint Paul and came upon a rather remarkable monument to WWII. A few veterans joined me in reading the placards. It felt surreal to be 'home' and, seeking to learn more about my new state, the first thing I came upon was the WWII memorial. Unintentional, but probably not a coincidence.
Today I read the New York Times article published on that day, and noticed this remarkable quote:
"If the note had not come today the President was ready though reluctant to give the order that would have spread throughout Japan the hideous death and destruction that are the toll of the atomic bomb."
What?! After visiting Hiroshima a few months ago, and living in Japan for the last year, I am struck by this (unqualified) statement and wonder at its validity. And sanity.
Back in peaceful Saint Paul, Minnesota, I am so grateful to be home. I am grateful for safety and privilege and familiarity. I think about the challenges I faced as an American in Japan; the struggles of the people of Georgia and Sudan and Iraq and Afghanistan; even the struggle between Clintonistas and Obama. And I know that after a year spent in deep reflection about WAR and the peacemaking necessary afterwards, I just need a break. So today I rest, knowing that there is so much work to be done.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Brief Update
We are on the move! Furano (sad goodbyes, dancing in a parade) ---> Taipei (friendly people, tropical heat) ---> Omaha (welcome home/ engagement/ birthday party) ---> Saint Paul! It's a busy week, full of love.
Monday, July 28, 2008
From the "International Council of Unitarians and Universalists"
Dear U*U Friends around the world,
I have just learned of a terrible incident in the United States that touches our UU family. A single gunman went into the Tennessee Valley UU* Congregation in Knoxville, Tennessee and opened fire. The man was not known at the church. Details are still unclear, but it appears that at least one person is dead and several others wounded.
On behalf of the ICUU, I have sent the following message to the Tennessee Valley Congregation, to UUA President Bill Sinkford and UUA Moderator Gini Courter:
Dear Fellow UU's
On behalf of the Executive and all the national groups represented at the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, I am writing to offer my deepest condolences in the wake of the Tennessee Valley tragedy.
We are shocked an outraged at the violence and violation committed in the sanctity of your church home, a place meant to be a safe haven. More importantly, we are deeply saddened by the loss of life, and the physical and emotional injury this terrible act has brought into your community.
We pray for you and with you in this time of trial. We pray that you will find the strength necessary to survive and rise above this crisis. We hope that your community is able to come together and be the source of strength it has always been for you and that this sad event will help bring you even closer through shared grief and shared healing.
The thoughts of Unitarians and Universalists the world over are with you in this tragic time.
Sincerely,
Rev. Brian J. Kiely
President
International Council of Unitarians and Universalists
I have just learned of a terrible incident in the United States that touches our UU family. A single gunman went into the Tennessee Valley UU* Congregation in Knoxville, Tennessee and opened fire. The man was not known at the church. Details are still unclear, but it appears that at least one person is dead and several others wounded.
On behalf of the ICUU, I have sent the following message to the Tennessee Valley Congregation, to UUA President Bill Sinkford and UUA Moderator Gini Courter:
Dear Fellow UU's
On behalf of the Executive and all the national groups represented at the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, I am writing to offer my deepest condolences in the wake of the Tennessee Valley tragedy.
We are shocked an outraged at the violence and violation committed in the sanctity of your church home, a place meant to be a safe haven. More importantly, we are deeply saddened by the loss of life, and the physical and emotional injury this terrible act has brought into your community.
We pray for you and with you in this time of trial. We pray that you will find the strength necessary to survive and rise above this crisis. We hope that your community is able to come together and be the source of strength it has always been for you and that this sad event will help bring you even closer through shared grief and shared healing.
The thoughts of Unitarians and Universalists the world over are with you in this tragic time.
Sincerely,
Rev. Brian J. Kiely
President
International Council of Unitarians and Universalists
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)