“Obama/Biden are running on the strongest platform for women’s rights of any major party in U.S. history”
Eleanor Smeal, President of Feminist Majority
Check out the powerful video, addressing the prevelance of violence against women, at the above link. One in six American women will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetime.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Safety From Sprawl
A few months ago I read a fascinating story about a couple who, as a sort of performance art/experiment, squatted for several years in a mall, undetected by mall security. The story surprised me, not in the least that some people find shopping malls so attractive or interesting that they would purposely spend such time there. I can imagine myself doing it as an experiment, or doing it as a form of civil disobedience ... but these people did it for those reasons AND because they really enjoy the mall. Safety in conformity, in predictability, in climate-controlled environments. Huh. Check out their website here.
While I was home this month I did some processing of my own personal history. I drove along the new and efficient Sorensen Parkway, which cuts a clean route through North Omaha. During my childhood the Sorensen's path stopped short at a field just behind my home. A large alfalfa field, forest and stream ran adjacent to my suburban neighborhood. As children we befriended the farmer, rode on his tractor, woke up to the smell of alfalfa, played with the cottonwood seed fluff, and explored this peaceful expanse. Our home life wasn't easy, but both my brother Chris and I found freedom and creative expression out there. I wrote poems about the trees that I befriended, and deeply grieved when one old tree died. One of my most spiritually poignant memories was coming upon an adult deer while alone in a silent clearing of the forest; the deer and I examined each other for a long while in the dappled light. Chris, now a successful contractor, built countless underground forts. Mom took us berry-picking to the mulberry trees, and we labored over many batches of sticky purple jelly. Chris' dad built incredible treeforts, sandboxes, horseshoe pits, and bountiful elevated gardens. Together with our farm cousins we caught snakes or turtles, and charged the nervous neighbor kids to see our wild pets. Mom used a loud whistle to call us home before twilight.
Now that forest has been chopped down to make the "parkway", or autoway.
Our house used to back up to that lovely hill of alfalfa field. The children who live in it now look up to the back of a huge strip mall and parking lot. The cottonwoods are down. The raised gardens and horseshoe pits are long gone. A few spindly pines were planted, but not enough to cover the eyesore of the mall.
And this, my dear readers, is where we're going. A useless, forlorn expanse of parking lot and several big-box stores. I walked into the Marshall's with several septuagenarians, and considered making conversation. The looked like long-time Nebraskans. Could they empathize with my bewilderment and grief? Are there shopping malls now in the places that were once holy to these elders? Should I just get on with it, get over it, buy a pair of shoes and call it progress?
Yet this is what Nebraska can look like. A dear friend of mine bought a home near here, on the edge of Lake Cunningham. I'm happy for her future children, who might have the freedom to play in a park that won't be turned into a parkway. Perhaps her kids will work for true progress.
While I was home this month I did some processing of my own personal history. I drove along the new and efficient Sorensen Parkway, which cuts a clean route through North Omaha. During my childhood the Sorensen's path stopped short at a field just behind my home. A large alfalfa field, forest and stream ran adjacent to my suburban neighborhood. As children we befriended the farmer, rode on his tractor, woke up to the smell of alfalfa, played with the cottonwood seed fluff, and explored this peaceful expanse. Our home life wasn't easy, but both my brother Chris and I found freedom and creative expression out there. I wrote poems about the trees that I befriended, and deeply grieved when one old tree died. One of my most spiritually poignant memories was coming upon an adult deer while alone in a silent clearing of the forest; the deer and I examined each other for a long while in the dappled light. Chris, now a successful contractor, built countless underground forts. Mom took us berry-picking to the mulberry trees, and we labored over many batches of sticky purple jelly. Chris' dad built incredible treeforts, sandboxes, horseshoe pits, and bountiful elevated gardens. Together with our farm cousins we caught snakes or turtles, and charged the nervous neighbor kids to see our wild pets. Mom used a loud whistle to call us home before twilight.
Now that forest has been chopped down to make the "parkway", or autoway.
Our house used to back up to that lovely hill of alfalfa field. The children who live in it now look up to the back of a huge strip mall and parking lot. The cottonwoods are down. The raised gardens and horseshoe pits are long gone. A few spindly pines were planted, but not enough to cover the eyesore of the mall.
And this, my dear readers, is where we're going. A useless, forlorn expanse of parking lot and several big-box stores. I walked into the Marshall's with several septuagenarians, and considered making conversation. The looked like long-time Nebraskans. Could they empathize with my bewilderment and grief? Are there shopping malls now in the places that were once holy to these elders? Should I just get on with it, get over it, buy a pair of shoes and call it progress?
Yet this is what Nebraska can look like. A dear friend of mine bought a home near here, on the edge of Lake Cunningham. I'm happy for her future children, who might have the freedom to play in a park that won't be turned into a parkway. Perhaps her kids will work for true progress.
Homaha
This Autumn I've taken the chance to visit Omaha (my hometown) several times to visit family and friends. I'm so grateful for the reliable little car that gets me to and fro. As a bonus, the hybrid car runs on "fairy farts" (or so says our friend Adam).
My new sister-in-law Melisa invited my mom and I to her bachelorette party. We had so much fun and she has a great group of friends!
In September Chris and Melisa got married in Vegas (I like their low-maintenace style), and then threw receptions in Omaha in October. We were really blessed in that a lot of our family, including our Grandma, was able to attend the reception.
And many Aunts and Uncles!
Mom and I are so happy for Chris and Mel, and for their choice to support each other in this incredible commitment.
I also took some time to visit Nick's parents. One day my mom and Nick's mom and I took a lovely walk around a lake near their home.
And one more wedding! My dear friend Ellie, who was my "little sister" when we were at Mercy High School, got married! The ladies got together for a bachelorette...
And the wedding ceremony and reception! Ellie's husband Matthew is an extraordinarily talented glass artist. Their reception was at one of Omaha's art galleries where Matthew does his work.
What wedding reception would be complete without a hot dog mobile!
Much love to you all!
Liberty and Justice for All
General Colin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama in way that gives me hope; not just for Obama's presidential campaign, but also for our country. I have been deeply concerned about the Republican party's insults against Muslim-Americans, insinuating that if Obama were Muslim (which he is not) he would be unqualified for the White House. Republican leaders have repeated this vitriol, and Palin spreads it in her hate-filled speeches. What a bigoted thing to say! The Obama campaign, too, has shied away from visiting mosques or adequately acknowledging the support of Muslim-Americans. I am sad to admit that I think this tactic does not demonstrate courage or decency on the part of Obama's campaign.
Although many inter-religious and news organizations have brought up this issue, I am grateful for Powell's courageous and powerful voice.
Although many inter-religious and news organizations have brought up this issue, I am grateful for Powell's courageous and powerful voice.
Monday, October 13, 2008
GOBAMA!
Today we went to see Michelle Obama speak at a nearby university. The line stretched over 3 blocks long, but the event was well-organized and we only waited outside a little while. Look at this awesome van parked outside the stadium!
Mrs. Obama's speech was wonderful. It brought tears to my eyes to witness this historic moment. She will soon be First Lady! What an inspiring, wonderful couple who truly represents the "American Dream".
Because she spoke on a university campus, Michelle Obama was especially focused on harnessing youthful energy. She also acknowledged the fear that we have under seemingly impossible student loan debt. Both Nick and I served as AmeriCorps Volunteers. It was our full-time "employment", on a very minimal stipend. We struggle(d) to make ends meet while paying for student loans. After serving in AmeriCorps, we both had trouble finding meaningful, decently-compensated employment in our preferred field in social services. Now I'm again seeking work as a "community organizer". I hope, I believe, I pray, that Obama's presidency will help heal our nation after these disastrous eight years.
Mrs. Obama's speech was wonderful. It brought tears to my eyes to witness this historic moment. She will soon be First Lady! What an inspiring, wonderful couple who truly represents the "American Dream".
Because she spoke on a university campus, Michelle Obama was especially focused on harnessing youthful energy. She also acknowledged the fear that we have under seemingly impossible student loan debt. Both Nick and I served as AmeriCorps Volunteers. It was our full-time "employment", on a very minimal stipend. We struggle(d) to make ends meet while paying for student loans. After serving in AmeriCorps, we both had trouble finding meaningful, decently-compensated employment in our preferred field in social services. Now I'm again seeking work as a "community organizer". I hope, I believe, I pray, that Obama's presidency will help heal our nation after these disastrous eight years.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
In Intergenerational Conversation
See this video at the link below:
Pete Seeger & Majora Carter on Environmentalism, Hudson River, Urban Renewal, Protest Music, Civil Rights.
Pete Seeger & Majora Carter on Environmentalism, Hudson River, Urban Renewal, Protest Music, Civil Rights.
In a Lower Manhattan apartment, one of the greatest living musicians and activists sat down with one of the country's newest great leaders.
Pete Seeger, with a list of awards and honors longer than the neck on his famed banjo, still works tirelessly at 88 years of age.
He spoke with Majora Carter, the young and indefatigable founder of Sustainable South Bronx, an organization that is re-shaping the neighborhood of her youth through pioneering green-collar economic development projects, about the environmental work he has worked at for more than forty years.
And while he's at it, he also finds time to sing a couple songs, demanding the film crew sing along, because it's not nearly as much fun singing to someone as it is singing with someone.
Monday, September 29, 2008
War and Creation
Toward the beginning of our wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Portland Symphonic Choir chose for our concert series songs about war. We sang Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Dona Nobis Pachem", which includes text by Walt Whitman about the Civil War. Vaughan Williams was a medic in World War I, and was apparently moved by Whitman's poems.
"Reconciliation":
Word over all, beautiful as the sky,
Beautiful that war and all its deeds of carnage must in time be utterly lost,
That the hands of the sisters Death and Night incessantly softly wash again
and ever again, this soiled world;
... For my enemy is dead - a man divine as myself is dead;
I look where he lies white-faced and still in the coffin - I draw near,
Bend down and touch lightly with my lips the white face in the coffin.
-----------
"Beat! Beat! Drums!"
Make no parley—stop for no expostulation,
Mind not the timid—mind not the weeper or prayer,
Mind not the old man beseeching the young man,
Let not the child's voice be heard, nor the mother's entreaties,
Make even the trestles to shake the dead where they lie awaiting the
hearses,
So strong you thump O terrible drums—so loud you bugles blow.
In our day, there is a searing new voice: Soldier-poet Brian Turner wrote from his experiences in Iraq. Read his book, and listen to him read his poems at the above link.
"Reconciliation":
Word over all, beautiful as the sky,
Beautiful that war and all its deeds of carnage must in time be utterly lost,
That the hands of the sisters Death and Night incessantly softly wash again
and ever again, this soiled world;
... For my enemy is dead - a man divine as myself is dead;
I look where he lies white-faced and still in the coffin - I draw near,
Bend down and touch lightly with my lips the white face in the coffin.
-----------
"Beat! Beat! Drums!"
Beat! beat! drums!—blow! bugles! blow!
Through the windows—through doors—burst like a ruthless force,
Into the solemn church, and scatter the congregation,
Into the school where the scholar is studying;
Leave not the bridegroom quiet—no happiness must he have now with
his bride,
Nor the peaceful farmer any peace, ploughing his field or gathering
his grain,
So fierce you whirr and pound you drums—so shrill you bugles blow.
Beat! beat! drums!—blow! bugles! blow!
Over the traffic of cities—over the rumble of wheels in the streets;
Are beds prepared for sleepers at night in the houses? no sleepers
must sleep in those beds,
No bargainers' bargains by day—no brokers or speculators—would
they continue?
Would the talkers be talking? would the singer attempt to sing?
Would the lawyer rise in the court to state his case before the judge?
Then rattle quicker, heavier drums—you bugles wilder blow.
Make no parley—stop for no expostulation,
Mind not the timid—mind not the weeper or prayer,
Mind not the old man beseeching the young man,
Let not the child's voice be heard, nor the mother's entreaties,
Make even the trestles to shake the dead where they lie awaiting the
hearses,
So strong you thump O terrible drums—so loud you bugles blow.
In our day, there is a searing new voice: Soldier-poet Brian Turner wrote from his experiences in Iraq. Read his book, and listen to him read his poems at the above link.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Maybe You Want to See our Home?
Here are a couple pics of our cute new home in St. Paul. The house was originally built in 1875 (!!!), put onto the foundation later, and was possibly a grocery store at one time. Many, many people have made their home here in the past. I wonder who built it? (Thank you, whoever you were!)
Just this year the landlord remodeled some things. He replaced the windows (energy-efficient and much better than our terribly drafty Japanese windows), hot water heater and furnace (super efficient). It also has new sinks and stove, which I love. At under 550 square feet, we expect our little eco-friendly place will also save us on utilities! Yay!
We enjoy the neighborhood. Our block is full of young families, many working at the universities. Very nearby is an ethnically diverse neighborhood of whites, blacks, Hmong, Koreans, Somalians, and others. At the grocery store we sometimes see African women with head coverings, Central American men wearing skirt-like wraps, and everything in between. Hooray for American diversity!
In our apartment we have three very full bookshelves, several antique pieces of furniture (including a very cool red couch from N's grandparents), lots of storage, and plenty of art. We've hung several colorful obis (the belt-like thing that Japanese women wear with kimono), paintings from my mom, a mobile from South Africa, and a lovely print of the painting in front of which Nick proposed.
It's a nice little home.
Just this year the landlord remodeled some things. He replaced the windows (energy-efficient and much better than our terribly drafty Japanese windows), hot water heater and furnace (super efficient). It also has new sinks and stove, which I love. At under 550 square feet, we expect our little eco-friendly place will also save us on utilities! Yay!
We enjoy the neighborhood. Our block is full of young families, many working at the universities. Very nearby is an ethnically diverse neighborhood of whites, blacks, Hmong, Koreans, Somalians, and others. At the grocery store we sometimes see African women with head coverings, Central American men wearing skirt-like wraps, and everything in between. Hooray for American diversity!
In our apartment we have three very full bookshelves, several antique pieces of furniture (including a very cool red couch from N's grandparents), lots of storage, and plenty of art. We've hung several colorful obis (the belt-like thing that Japanese women wear with kimono), paintings from my mom, a mobile from South Africa, and a lovely print of the painting in front of which Nick proposed.
It's a nice little home.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Applelicious
Two years ago, I lived in a cute little condo in Northwest Portland. Five apple trees reached from my neighbor's property into our yard. With the help of my lovely roommate Colleen, and my ever-willing canning companion Natasha, we made dozens of muffins, many jars of applesauce, and a lot of pie. In the same month I also picked, froze, and jarred sweet Oregon blackberries, which grow in every untamed yard in the region. I sold jam and preserves to coworkers and church friends, to rave reviews.
Last year autumn came quickly. I didn't manage to do any canning in my tiny Japanese kitchen, but we did enjoy many fresh vegetables. We lived in a farming region of the country (our area famous for onions, carrots, and spinach) and never lacked for beautiful food. I made many quarts of ginger-pumpkin-carrot soup, and decadent cream-of-mushroom soup flavored with imported oregano. With the help of a friend I ordered a box of crisp Aomori apples delivered to my doorstep, direct from the grower, at a reasonable price. In the grocery store Japanese apples cost around two dollars, were huge, and picture-perfect. But I didn't need perfection; just fresh and delicious food!
This year I am in Minnesota, enjoying another beautiful autumn. The Midwest harvest is a little later this year than usual, because of an excess of rain in the springtime. My family's farms will harvest corn and soybeans in a few weeks. Recently I had the joy of picking hundreds of apples and pears from the yard of a friend's home. (Thank you, Anne and Kate!) I spent last weekend peeling, coring, de-worming (ew!), chopping, boiling, baking and freezing. Many thanks to Jennifer and Nick for assistance in the process! I now have plenty of applesauce, apple muffins (100!) , apple pies (2), and buttery apple crisp. Food preserving is exhausting, rewarding, delicious work. I love it.
Last year autumn came quickly. I didn't manage to do any canning in my tiny Japanese kitchen, but we did enjoy many fresh vegetables. We lived in a farming region of the country (our area famous for onions, carrots, and spinach) and never lacked for beautiful food. I made many quarts of ginger-pumpkin-carrot soup, and decadent cream-of-mushroom soup flavored with imported oregano. With the help of a friend I ordered a box of crisp Aomori apples delivered to my doorstep, direct from the grower, at a reasonable price. In the grocery store Japanese apples cost around two dollars, were huge, and picture-perfect. But I didn't need perfection; just fresh and delicious food!
This year I am in Minnesota, enjoying another beautiful autumn. The Midwest harvest is a little later this year than usual, because of an excess of rain in the springtime. My family's farms will harvest corn and soybeans in a few weeks. Recently I had the joy of picking hundreds of apples and pears from the yard of a friend's home. (Thank you, Anne and Kate!) I spent last weekend peeling, coring, de-worming (ew!), chopping, boiling, baking and freezing. Many thanks to Jennifer and Nick for assistance in the process! I now have plenty of applesauce, apple muffins (100!) , apple pies (2), and buttery apple crisp. Food preserving is exhausting, rewarding, delicious work. I love it.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
What does "The Church" say? And what do you say?
On a recent visit to St. Paul's giant cathedral, I happened upon a voter's guide which prompted my pondering the role of conscience in my religion of upbringing, Catholicism, and my chosen religion, Unitarian Universalism.
Here are a few paragraphs from a recent New York Times article about the Catholic vote in our next presidential election. I've included links to two opposing Catholic groups, each of whom are campaigning for a different way of following their Catholic morals.
A publication from the conservative group Catholic Answers has the following direct quote: "Conscience is like an alarm. It warns you when you are about to do something you know is wrong. it does not itself determine what is right or wrong. For your conscience to work properly, it must be properly informed -- that is, you must inform yourself about what is right, and what is wrong. Only then will your conscience be a trusted guide.
Unfortunately, today many Catholics have not formed their consciences adequately regarding key moral issues. The result is that their consciences do not "sound off" at the appropriate time, including on Election Day. A well-formed conscience will never contradicts Catholic moral teaching.
For that reason, if you are unsure where your conscience is leading you when at the ballot box, place your trust in the unwavering moral teaching of the Church. (The Catechism of the Catholic Church is an excellent source of authentic moral teaching.)"
To read more from Catholic Answers, see the link above.
As you may have read in my previous rant about politics, I prefer the leanings of the Catholics in Alliance for Common Good. Perhaps that is because of my broader ethical orientation, especially influenced by UUsim. Here are the seven key principles of Unitarian Universalism. Pay special attention to numbers 3, 4, and 5 in reference to the role of individual conscience.
Here are a few paragraphs from a recent New York Times article about the Catholic vote in our next presidential election. I've included links to two opposing Catholic groups, each of whom are campaigning for a different way of following their Catholic morals.
"A struggle within the church over how Catholic voters should think about abortion is once again flaring up just as political partisans prepare an all-out battle for the votes of Mass-going Catholics in swing-state towns like Scranton.
"The theological dispute is playing out in diocesan newspapers and weekly homilies, while the campaigns scramble to set up phone banks of nuns and private meetings with influential bishops.
"Their revisions set the stage for a clash of voter guides. Catholic Answers is again promoting its “nonnegotiables” voter guide; a new group, Catholics in Alliance for Common Good, has produced a chart comparing the candidates’ views on the war, taxes, the environment and other issues as well as abortion."A publication from the conservative group Catholic Answers has the following direct quote: "Conscience is like an alarm. It warns you when you are about to do something you know is wrong. it does not itself determine what is right or wrong. For your conscience to work properly, it must be properly informed -- that is, you must inform yourself about what is right, and what is wrong. Only then will your conscience be a trusted guide.
Unfortunately, today many Catholics have not formed their consciences adequately regarding key moral issues. The result is that their consciences do not "sound off" at the appropriate time, including on Election Day. A well-formed conscience will never contradicts Catholic moral teaching.
For that reason, if you are unsure where your conscience is leading you when at the ballot box, place your trust in the unwavering moral teaching of the Church. (The Catechism of the Catholic Church is an excellent source of authentic moral teaching.)"
To read more from Catholic Answers, see the link above.
As you may have read in my previous rant about politics, I prefer the leanings of the Catholics in Alliance for Common Good. Perhaps that is because of my broader ethical orientation, especially influenced by UUsim. Here are the seven key principles of Unitarian Universalism. Pay special attention to numbers 3, 4, and 5 in reference to the role of individual conscience.
There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A Walk in the Woods
Last week Nick and I took a trip up to Collegeville, Minnesota to our university. We still have many more years of student loans to pay off, but despite that I am glad I chose this school. Walking around the campuses of CSB and SJU makes me feel so privileged and blessed to have lived in such a special place. Plus, it's where I met Nick!
Our first stop was the Collegeville Orchard and Petting Zoo. The autumn apples were delicious, and the animals curious!
Next we visited the St. John's Pottery studio to meet Richard Bresnahan, a world-famous potter who studied with a "national living treasure" pottery family in Japan. Richard and his interns were exceptionally gracious and committed to their sustainable, local art.
Next, of course, the Abbey. A remarkable structure that always awes.
As required on every visit to St. John's, we took a walk out to the chapel. The Saint John's University campus is set on the edge of a very large glacial lake, Sagatagan. There is path around the lake that is likened to a pilgrimage where the goal is Stella Maris Chapel. The chapel has been recently updated, and its old glacial stone walls covered in stucco. Stained glass is now in the once-hollow windows. I expected to be saddened by the change, but it looks beautiful and the place still has the same peaceful spirit.
I hoped to do a little swimming once we reached the chapel, but the water was cooooold. Instead I waded and enjoyed the multi-colored granite stones and familiar view. The loons have already migrated but plenty of other curious birds listened in on our conversation. I am so grateful that this was once my home.
Our first stop was the Collegeville Orchard and Petting Zoo. The autumn apples were delicious, and the animals curious!
Next we visited the St. John's Pottery studio to meet Richard Bresnahan, a world-famous potter who studied with a "national living treasure" pottery family in Japan. Richard and his interns were exceptionally gracious and committed to their sustainable, local art.
Next, of course, the Abbey. A remarkable structure that always awes.
As required on every visit to St. John's, we took a walk out to the chapel. The Saint John's University campus is set on the edge of a very large glacial lake, Sagatagan. There is path around the lake that is likened to a pilgrimage where the goal is Stella Maris Chapel. The chapel has been recently updated, and its old glacial stone walls covered in stucco. Stained glass is now in the once-hollow windows. I expected to be saddened by the change, but it looks beautiful and the place still has the same peaceful spirit.
I hoped to do a little swimming once we reached the chapel, but the water was cooooold. Instead I waded and enjoyed the multi-colored granite stones and familiar view. The loons have already migrated but plenty of other curious birds listened in on our conversation. I am so grateful that this was once my home.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Issues, Baby, Issues
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.
"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.
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!
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