tuesday tickle

Disclaimer: I try not to bunch posts with political content, but it can't be helped that what I relate below happened to occur when it did. 

We attended a town hall meeting last night held by freshman congresswoman Diane Black. She's not actually our congresswoman, but a portion of our county is among her constituents. I had never attended an event like this so I joined Ken at the last minute as he headed to the courthouse.

Attendance was light, about 25-30 people, most of whom were supporters of Mrs. Black, and decidedly conservative, if not Tea Party. As she allowed several times during the meeting, I will note that Mrs. Black and I agree to disagree on most issues. That said: I thought she handled herself well, refrained from badmouthing, and though clearly partisan in her outlook she seems earnest in doing her job well.

The meeting went smoothly until the time when questions came from the floor. The democrats in the room did well to remain restrained until one couple referred to President Obama as an Arab (that was a new one to me!). I don't recall the immediate verbal reaction to that, but it wasn't long before one woman challenged the couple on their statement, asking them a question that ended with, "or do you not like him because he's black?" The crowd went wild, and you could hear the collective hackles go up around the room in concert with the protesting voices. There was a loud response, "he's not black!" (another new one), and then the woman who claimed that Obama is Arab asked, "are you calling me a racist?" The exchange continued in this vein for a brief time, during which the woman who was affronted by the perception that she was being called a racist looked at Ken (who had said nothing) and said, "you need to get informed." The county sheriff, who was present (and off duty) stepped in to calm things down and restore some order to the room.  People who had stood up to engage in the heated exchange sat down. And then the aforementioned woman turned our direction and said, "I am not a racist. I didn't even grow up in the south!" 

You'll understand if that phrase appears on this blog now and again!

monday madness

Okay, let's kick off this Easter Week of celebrating new life and moving beyond the world of death and bad habits by laughing at local politics. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports the following as it pertains to certain action in our local legislature.

Both [state speaker] Ramsey and [house majority leader] McCormick said they see no problem with the Legislature stepping into the domain of local governments in areas like the anti-gay bias ordinance [of metro Nashville] and efforts to block cities from enacting “living wage” ordinances.

“I’d say the states created the federal government,” McCormick said. “The state also created the local governments. So we do have a role. When they can’t come to some kind of logical conclusion at the local level, it is legitimate for us to step in.”

He said it is “also legitimate for us to step in to create a consistent business environment across the state.”

Let me pause for a moment for you to absorb that.

These "leaders" take issue with what they perceive as the federal government compromising states' rights, but see no problem jumping in to take control of local government decisions (with which they object--a bit different from being unable to take action due to financial or other resource constraints).

And Mr. McCormick needs, at a minimum, some remedial work on the history of our government. The federal government was created by representatives of geographic regions seeking unity and the common good. Once formed, states petitioned the government to become part of that body. Tennessee became a state June 1, 1796, but it was formed resulting from a donation of land to the United States by North Carolina.

Show me where, constitutionally, that determining "logical conclusions" is up to state government, or where there is any semblance of a notion that government has a role in creating consistent business environments (other than occupational health and safety regulations). I believe that our leaders are elected by the people, for the people. Except of course those that are elected by corporations for corporations.

Makes me kind of itchy to return to New England. Yankees may be reserved, but the roots of our country's origins run deep there, and common sense is considerably more prevalent than where I now hang my hat.

remembering geraldine

I was in the seventh grade when Joe Duffy, a friend of my parents, decided to run for the U.S. Senate. It was, as I read a review of the race that fall, a pivotal year for Connecticut politics that highlighted the role of primary politics. Joe faced off in the primary against Thomas Dodd, father of now retiring senator Chris Dodd, and beat him. Although Dodd entered the race as an independent, he tipped the conservative end of the spectrum and Joe the liberal end, leaving lots of comfortable room in the middle for the likes of republican Lowell Weicker, who won the senate seat in November.  It would be a stretch to say that I cut my political teeth that year, but it was my first taste of campaigning, which my brothers and I did on occasion in the company of our parents. (Maybe just Mom? I can't recall).

Nearly a lifetime later, I found myself in the political fray again, this time mobilized to action by the inclusion of Geraldine Ferraro on the democratic ticket as vice-presidential candidate to Walter Mondale. It was a tough and disappointing race, but a fun time and a good experience. Memories of that campaign are romping through my mind this weekend after hearing the news that Geraldine has left the confines of this world following a battle with blood cancer. I am remembering her commitment and dedication to the campaign and the democratic party, her graciousness with volunteers, her feisty personality on the campaign trail and, years later when she spoke at a gathering in St. Louis, her seasoned perspective and wisdom on the nuances of politics and the role of women within it. She was a woman of courage and conviction, and not a bad role model for women then, and now, who function in an historically male-dominated arena.

Rest in peace, Geraldine. I raise my glass to you and remember you with gratitude and gladness. Women owe you a debt for your part in fracturing the ceiling that holds us down, and for leading the way that others have since followed. It was my pleasure to serve you.

please stand

When it comes to human posture there are certain things that our culture has deemed important. Standing as a sign of respect is one of them. We stand when a judge enters a courtroom, we stand for the National Anthem, many of us were taught to stand when an older person entered a room, we offer a seat on the train or a bus, the list goes on.

There is a wonderful scene in an episode of The West Wing in which the White House hosts a reception for members of the media. One of them is a radio talk show host with a conservative bent. Although most of her colleagues are standing as they mingle, she is sitting enjoying her beverage when the president enters the room for a brief greeting. He recognizes her and baits her into a conversation that challenges some of the precepts on which she bases a rant on homosexuality. We watch the expression on her face move from smug confidence to discomfort, and then she receives the ultimate reprimand when the president reminds her, "when the President is standing, no one sits."

I go on about this because I am aghast at the response to the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama. I include myself among the number of people who were surprised when I heard the news, but I also listened to the rationale from the committee that led them to their unanimous choice. I don't think it's up to the rest of us to challenge in a split second what the committee considered and debated and concluded after a period of months.

And besides, this is Our Guy. The President. The one for whom bands strike up Hail to the Chief when he enters the room. Can we not show a little respect? When the Olympics are in play we tally up our medal wins, and we root for the American whose name we didn't know and probably won't remember two days later. We cheer him or her on, do the solo wave or happy dance, and hug the nearest cohort with great enthusiasm, if not reckless abandon. We know only what the media has shown us about the athlete's personal life and priorities, and yet we hail our athletes as heroes to be carried on shoulders and paraded around a victory lap. It's called National Pride.

So where's the Pride? This is the Nobel Peace Prize! He's Our Guy and we stand behind him, regardless of politics. The culture of "N'Obama" has unleashed a poison into our society that has hit a new low when it comes to the rhetoric of hate and disrespect, and translates into regrettable human behavior. It is not helpful to discourse, fails at persuasion, and worst of all is unhealthy human behavior. Unchecked it becomes modeled to our children and those who are ignorant by choice or circumstance. This is a wake up call to all of us, and if the false adage that silence implies consent is believed, then the bullies win the day.

Stand up. Be respectful. This is Our Guy.

respite

Much as I am committed to the care and nurture of the pups, my endurance is fading. The last time I did this I had the support of Ken and, for several days, Junior and Trisha. It was a shared labor of love. It continues to be a labor of love and a routine has developed that removes a layer of stress. But it is difficult to manage the rest of life (e.g. the other dogs!) and the tasks of my days with a sense that I am doing anything well. By the way, that's Boris to the right. Is he cute or what?

Blessedly I was invited to join some friends last night for dinner. I timed the feedings to bookend my social engagement, which worked well, and it was an evening without stress and a delight to be with friends and eat too much wonderful food. Yolande made me a dazzling gin and tonic offered in a pilsner glass--how's that for a change of pace? My host, Linda, made "roasted tacos," using a beef roast rolled in small corn tortillas and fried (like a tacquito). Lettuce and cheese were available to pile on, and Linda's homemade salsa crowned the taco. Yum! We also enjoyed spanish rice, delicious beans, and a black bean/corn/tomato/onion and cilantro salsa salad topped with avocado. Double Yum! For me there was no such thing as dessert, and I was home and dependent upon a few burps (sorry if that's tmi) before I began to feel relief from my indulgence. It was a superb meal. The change of scenery and the socialiability of the evening proved restorative, and I came home feeling good and with spirits refreshed.

In the sort of timing that one can only laugh about, I was just starting to feed the pups when I went to the door to let in Juliet and Rigel from their little bit of relief. I was greeted immediately with a whiff of skunk, and Juliet was nowhere to be seen. Doggone it! I called and called. No response. I could have gotten in the car and driven through the neighborhood, but in the dark it would be difficult to spot her. I had to trust that she would behave as on occasions past, and respond to the sound of my voice calling her name as I belted it out into the night. I had squealing puppies to feed.

I prayed as I fed, and four puppies later I noted Juliet's shadow outside the door. Thank you, God! I brought her in immediately, and indeed, she had been sprayed. Fortunately it was not as potent a spray as in previous encounters, but she would still need to be bathed. Sigh. Deep sigh! Time to practice mindfulness, and breathe.

A bath later, I was more than ready for bed. I slept fitfully, and this morning the routine begins again, with the addition of cleaning the bathroom and doing additional loads of laundry. I do love my life. Really. I'd just rather do without the skunks. As long as they're around, however, just keep those gin and tonics coming.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

I am feeling obliged to weigh in on the Obama school address. Can I just say, "what is with you people?" The resistance is beyond ridiculous, and the behavior speaks volumes about ugly traits that reveal some serious immaturity in this country, never mind racism, bigotry, and the very partisanship of which Obama is being unjustly accused. Indoctrination? Please. This is the President of the United States. Consider the weight of the office and the respect due to it if nothing else. Let his voice be heard. If there is something problematic in it then a teachable moment is available to every student and parent to talk about the issue at hand. Show courtesy, respect, and yes, patriotism. If this was G. W. B. (and I don't mean the bridge), not my favorite politican by a long stretch, I think I would actually feel proud of him for stepping up to the plate to say something of value. My very own county is citing a "scheduling conflict" as the reason for not showing the address. Pathetic, cowardly, small-minded, and intentional ignorance are a few of the epithets that come to mind. Get a grip, people!

Okay, I am now off my rant. I'm proud of you, President Obama!

hablamos espanol

I am happy to report that a ballot initiative to make Nashville an "english only" locale has failed. Small minds believe that what binds a community is its common language. I understand the frustration of trying to communicate with others whose english is heavily accented, but that personal frustration has no place in determining whether or not a member of our society in distress should be able to communicate with government or other officials in order to get information or express their needs. To me this is bigotry, plain and simple: "be like me, deal with it."

It's been a good week for celebrating citizenship.

In that vein, today our diocesan convention begins. We don't have anything particularly decisive on the agenda beyond the usual elections and budgetary decisions. In fact, contrary to the "noise" that tends to dominate the headlines about fractiousness in our Church, there are some really wonderful things taking place right here in our diocese. I'll try to share some of that soon. Still, I suspect it will be something of a long couple of days, so I've got a knitting project ready to go to keep me from getting utterly bored.

Off to take care of a few things before we head downtown. I may not have time to report in tomorrow, so I'm wishing you all a happy and blessed weekend.

conflict

The original title of today's post was "i'm so excited I could just plotz!" Today is one of the most momentous in our country's history, and certainly in my own life. I have been looking forward to being home and watching TV coverage all day, weeping through the swearing in, and enjoying the festivities from my carefully scoped out and personally claimed spot on the couch.

That was until Ken bent over to put his socks on and sent his back into terrible pain. My day has just been derailed. It has become all about Ken. I will be the dutiful wife and get him to the doctor, pick up prescriptions or whatever else might be necessary to help him feel better. I will Do The Right Thing. And I am very upset.

It's not Ken's fault that the timing of this episode coincides with Obama's inauguration. I'm not mad at him (though I am annoyed with his attitude). A little empathy would be nice. I've only been looking forward to this since November 4, and I will get over it. After all, there are many people who won't be able to watch today's events live, as they unfold. There will be highlights and replays throughout the day and this evening. I might be able to see some of the good parts live, but I'm bracing myself for disappointment.

Let's just say that I'm crushed. I won't be able to get this day back, and it means more to me than I have words to express. I will wear my "life is good" shirt with the red, white and blue design on it, and give thanks to God for the miracle of Barack Obama becoming our president. Y'all do know that the word Obama means "blessing," don't you?

Enjoy this day. It is a blessing and a miracle. We'll be going to the doctor and there are people without medical care. Our household is college-educated with one advanced degree and others lack adequate access to education. We have a roof over our heads and cable to watch historic events while others are homeless. I don't feel sorry for myself. Life is good. And today life will begin a journey toward better for a whole lot of people. Thank you, God. Thank you Barack and Michelle. And thank you Sasha and Malia for sharing your daddy with the rest of us.

will everyone please relax?

There is way too much broohaha over Barack Obama's choice of Rick Warren to offer the invocation at the inauguration. The most vocal rejection of this choice comes from gay rights activists because Rick Warren believes that marriage is defined as a union between a man and a woman. There are others who think that Warren is tainting himself by associating with Obama at all. It is the usual in politics--you can't please everybody.

Personally, I think Warren is an inspired choice. Choosing him extends an olive branch of sorts to the conservative right. They should appreciate the enormity of this--I can't think of a conservative who would have acted in like manner (I'm not saying there aren't any, but none in the public eye come to mind). Warren's role at the inauguration signals to the right what Obama said in his acceptance speech on election night, "I hear you." He understands clearly that he is president of all the people, not just those with whom he agrees or those who voted for him. Warren is offering a prayer, not policy. Billy Graham did the same.

Rick Warren is not a bad person. He is not arrogant or rude, and perhaps more importantly, he does not demonize those with whom he disagrees. He is a man of clear and strong convictions, passionate about his faith and about sharing that passion with others so that their faith may, in turn, be enriched. I think that's a good thing. He is also opposed to gay marriage. His understanding of scripture leads him there. I do not believe, however, that this belief defines him as a person. Each of us is greater than the sum of our parts and our beliefs. It would be one thing if Rick Warren was on a crusade to persecute gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered people, but he's not. He is simply like many other conservative Christians (and non-Christians) that hold this particular view.

Obama has been amazingly expansive in his view of how to equip his administration to make the best choices for what is good for the American people. Whatever his own views on particular issues, he has the wisdom to understand that sometimes a path that diverges from the course he would like to set will yield the greater good. His selection of Rick Warren reflects that thinking. Let's embrace Obama's wisdom and move on. There are far, far more important things to spend our energy on.

inspired

We don't usually watch 60 Minutes--it's not one of Ken's favorite shows--but last night we were watching the home team Tennessee Titans continue their unbeaten streak to 10-0 (!!!) and caught the ad that 60 minutes would be featuring Barack Obama and family (or at least Michelle). We tuned in.

Yes, I supported this candidate for president, so I am predisposed to align myself with his viewpoint and proposed policies, and to agree with what he has to say. What surprised me last night was the tears in my eyes that came from listening to how he spoke. He was so candid, so refreshing, appropriately self-effacing, and tactful! In the same way that he and Michelle acknowledged that his victory hasn't quite sunk in, I find myself in a state of unbelief that this is real--that someone this genuine, unpretensious, positive and yes, hopeful, will be our president in two months.

Sometimes it really does seem possible that some people are destined for the moments into which they are drawn. For a man of Obama's strengths and personality to be elected to lead this country at this particular time strikes me as just such a reality.

Hope is real. Just look at those Titans!

scratching below the surface

I've never been an activist, political or otherwise, but there are some occasions when I do get inspired to get involved. In the political arena that happened more than 20 years ago when I volunteered for the Mondale/Ferraro campaign. I spent hours at local campaign headquarters stuffing envelopes, answering phones, and making calls. I attended rallies and went to parties on election night. I even got to drive one of the vans in Ferraro's motorcade when she came to the state (now THAT was fun!).

This year I am so appalled at the misguidedness of the populace who seem to want to vote for someone with whom they have something in common rather than someone who can lead that I am willing to step outside my comfort zone. It's time to put my time and effort where my belief system is.

Fortunately this is an election where Ken and I are in step, so when I received an email from MoveOn.org looking for hosts for an Obama calling party, we decided to give it a try.

Last night was "the event," and five people we'd never met before arrived to make calls to 30 people (each) in a battleground state to encourage them to volunteer for Obama in their local area. MoveOn did a great job organizing and planning this, and they provided everything we needed to get the job done (including a script, and an efficient way to report our results).

It's been hard to find a way to make a difference in this election, especially when door-to-door and phone calling techniques don't float our boat. But this was something we could do, we got our fire stoked, and the house got cleaned.

For everyone out there who wants to make an impact, I want to encourage you to make an effort to do ONE THING. It may make all the difference in the end.