"Now, that doesn't mean that questions of Taiwan, Tibet, human rights, the whole range of challenges that we often engage on with the Chinese, are not part of the agenda. But we pretty much know what they are going to say. We have to continue to press them but our pressing on those issues can't interfere with the global economic crisis, the global climate change crisis, and the security crises. ~ Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (February 20, 2009)
The news appeared in cyberspace on Friday, February 20, 2009. As Yogi Berra once elucidated, it was as déjà vu, all over again. International and domestic activists have come to realize, once again, America is a democracy dependent on dollars. Amnesty International advocates shook their heads, wondered, and worried of what might be. Students for a Free Tibet collectively shrugged their shoulders and expressed a shared distress. Citizens at home, in America, barely blinked. An avid Obama supporter, was resigned to realities that, only weeks ago, she might not have thought she would willingly accept. Moneybag democracy lives. Hillary Clinton serves the President, the precedent past, present, and perhaps, future.
Wherever Americans turn, they are asked the same question; what issue is most important to you. If you could, what would you tell the President of the United States to do? What do you think must be his priority, or the country's greatest concern. Television commentators turn microphones on citizens. Radio announcers inquire; what does the audience think. Newspapers poll. Organizations count survey ballots. Legislators look for constituent answers in electronic mailboxes. Each attempts to usher in a new era. They want the common people to help shape the discussion.
On November 8, 2004, Artist and Political Essayist Andrew Wahl, penned his thoughts on "Might." Then, the current war in Iraq may have been on his mind. Fiscal policies that ruled in favor of the wealthy could have evoked his visual essay. Way back then, religious factions, each of which was ready to deem the others wrong, were engaged in combat. That thought, coupled with the rest, may have brought this toon to be. Today, all these realities remain true.
There are conventions, customs, and words, thought to be complementary. Consider; Fat and jolly. Short and sweet. Tax-and-spend-liberal. These words, while often far from tantamount, are in the minds of many, inexorably tied.
I was fat. However, I did not feel jolly during those days, months, and years. I am short. Sweet? I am not especially so; nor am I sour. Balanced might better describe me, which takes me to the next paired, or triad of adjectives. I like my taxes progressive, my spending minimal, and I am a liberal.
However, I do not support the oft-titled tax-and-spend-liberal Democratic President's appointment, Timothy F. Geithner. Perhaps, some would say, I do not appreciate the need for an economic expert. This duo of descriptive qualifiers, I believe, can be an oxymoron, just as the others might be. It seems those farthest "Left" on the political aisle may concur.
Russell Feingold [Wisconsin Democrat], Thomas Harkin [Iowa Democrat,] and Democratic Socialist, Bernard Sanders [Vermont Independent] voted nay when asked to approve Timothy Geithner for Secretary of Treasury.
It was 11:22 Ante Meridian, on January 21, 2009. I did as I rarely do. I stood silently and watched television. As one who listens to what is aired, and does so from another room, this was an unusual occurrence. However, the Cherokee wisdom of wolves, an illustration that represents the internal strife within every human being beckoned me.
Then, at the very same hour on the very next day, again I was compelled to do what is odd for me. I did not say a word as I glared at humanitarian actions took place on the screen. President Barack Obama proclaimed, by Executive Order, the United States would not torture. Nor would we, as a nation, detain presumed "combatants" without a just trial. On each occasion, I was in awe as I gazed upon what I had not imagined would come to pass. Upon reflection, the two events seem to be related.
Americans speak of the divide within this country. Most accept the labels. We are a nation of Red states and Blue regions. People define themselves as Conservatives or Liberals. West Virginian primary election voters, who were asked, reinforced the notion in this nation we are not unified. One fifth of those polled stated, skin color influenced their decision. Former Senator John Edwards often expresses his distress for what he sees as "Two Americas." The one time Presidential candidate reminds us of why the common folks clamor. The rich get richer while the poor become more impoverished. For some of those who fight to endure, a "gas tax holiday" is thought essential. Others believe such a measure will negatively effect the infrastructure and the environment. In Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 14, 2008 a Black man and a white man stood on a stage together united and equal. Some, in this splintered nation of ours, thought this was a sign. Perhaps, Americans would finally come together as one.
We would all like to naively assume that politicians - the medical profession - pharmaceutical companies etc, have our best interests at heart. The ordinary citizen cannot relate to a world of corporate greed, absent conscience, that puts profits above any considerations to the well being of public health (environmental protections). How much is enough profit - apparently there is no limit? If you have ever been involved in the vaccine program or are the first to jump in line for that flu shot, (other vaccines) it behooves you to take responsibility in not taking the word of every slick snake -oil- salesman coming down the pike promising you protections from the ills of life. Men care about their bottom lines, stock portfolios, and opulent lifestyles, not you or your child's health.
Years have passed Gary. I have learned so much. I can only hope that you feel as I do. There were so many misunderstandings; there is still so much pain. You taught me of love, perceptions, communication, and how each of these is important. Understanding these in total is vital to the health of an individual and a relationship. I am writing in love, sharing our story from my perspective. I am working to communicate.
This is circulating as humor among "compassionate" "conservatives." I cannot imagine that this is real; yet, I trust that it is. The mentality and the message fascinate me, sadly. The depth of my grief is great.
I cannot imagine that these "caring" souls consider all Islamic as one. The narrow frame that equates Saddam Hussein with Osama Bin Laden baffles me. The disregard for reasons and the rational behind 9/11 overwhelms me.
This writing nauseates me, as does the idea of "not caring." This colloquial phrase is an American euphemism and one I have long thought is the saddest state of affairs. When we choose not to care, we eliminate all empathy. We forego any understanding. Knowledge is not ours, nor is power.
Nonetheless, those that see "evil" in others embrace this idiom; ignorance is their bliss! Though I do not believe in promoting the idea of an enemy, I acknowledge that people such as these say, "Know they enemy;" therefore I present this epistle. Please ponder what this says of America and Americans. How might the world view us and why? This for me, is scary stuff!!!!
Below is the Song of Compassionate Conservatives, those that don't care at all! . . .
I could not have said this any better myself, especially today. The lady, who wrote this letter, is Pam Foster of Pamela Foster and Associates in Atlanta. She's been in business since 1980 doing interior design and home planning. She recently wrote a letter to a family member serving in Iraq. Please Read it...
What's all the fuss?
Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it, or was it not, started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001? Were not people from all over the world, mostly Americans, brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan, across the Potomac from our nation's capitol, and in a field in Pennsylvania? Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning, or crushing death that day, or didn't they?
And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was "desecrated" when an over-worked American soldier kicked it or got it wet? Well, I don't. I don't care at all!
Serenity is a life without "should," the "should" that others believe is best for you.
Among the mantras, that my Mom shared with me was this,
"No one has the right to tell you what you should think, say, do, feel, or be!"
As the world and I witness the passing of two persons, that of Pope John Paul II and Terri Schiavo, I am reminded of this. One passed with much hoopla, hollering, and howling. The other passed in peace. For me, a peaceful passing is quite powerful. It is dignified, and freeing. I believe that serenity is the absence of an external, imposed should.
May we always reflect and remember what we would wish for; may we offer the same to others.
In homage to my Mom, I share the story of The Little Prince. It is among our favorites. I thank the author of this web-link for offering this inspirational text and the glorious illustrations.
They and he plot, plan, and then the ploy . . . Pay pundits to pass on the message. Massage the message through the media. Create what appears to be a news-broadcast, and is in actuality, An advertisement for their, for his, agenda!
They and he do this with programs such as Medicare. They and he seek the support of those most involved and most influential. The American Association of Retired Persons, An organization that was once an advocate for those that worked hard all their lives, So that they might enjoy their elder years, Is now, another authorized insurance establishment, One with their own interests in mind, and just as his, Making more money is behind their actions.
They and he present programs that stress success, [Please read further for the rest of my reflections. See below.]
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