August 4, 2010
In this mom's eyes, this was a very good day.
This week, two small battles were won for freedom and against bigotry.
Today, a Federal Judge ruled that California's Proposition 8 was unconstitutional. I'm taking nothing for granted, but I have hopes that one day, all of our citizens will be granted equal rights ... in all of our States.
Yesterday, in New York City, the Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously and courageously voted to deny historic status to a 19th-century building in the shadow of Ground Zero. In doing so, they stood up for tolerance and for religious freedom. The Commission voted to protect the rights of some of our citizens who would otherwise been denied the right to build an interfaith center in an American city.
After the vote, that City's Republican Mayor spoke strongly in favor of religious freedom and against the xenophobia that might have to prevented the building of a mosque and community center near the former World Trade Center.
No doubt, the many 'Churches of Hatred' in this country will be stepping up their rhetoric to demonize and deny rights to other American citizens whom they consider to be different. This is an effective political tool. This is a way to scare and control people.
It is very simple formula. Find an "Other" to hate. Divert attention. Separate and conquer. It is a very old tool and one that is still very effective.
Yet, today, a couple of small battles have been won against hatred. These were only small battles and I know that the war is yet to be won. Nevertheless, this mom still believes that it is possible for love to win over hatred. This mom still believes that one day, each and every one of us will remember that we are, in truth, all intertwined and connected, and together we are made greater because of our differences.
April 15, 2010
EARTHQUAKES! VOLCANOES! OH MY!
With the constant ALERTS we are getting about so many things, it is understandable that more and more people are feeling anxious. There is a lot to worry us these days. We are at war. The economy has quite a bit to go before it rebounds more fully. The polarization of our country is getting worse. Religious Zealots and Political Extremists are on the loose and getting more scary all the time. Hate is being preached in churches and other religious establishments. All kinds of strange bugs are around, just waiting to infect you. The climate is changing and the ice shelves are disintegrating. Yes, there are lots of things to worry about. And, just in case you missed any of the bad news, all you have to do is turn on the TV and BANG!!! ....You will be filled in about the most sensational stuff, 24/7.
Tonight we heard that Air travel throughout Europe has been discontinued due to the HUGE plume of smoke emitted by a Volcano in Iceland. And this is just the latest problematical issue facing this poor beleaguered country, not the least of it is that the country is literally melting away.
It is easy, considering all of this, and the usual stresses and strains of life, to feel a bit overwhelmed. And it is easy to focus on the problems and forget to be in the moment.
Nevertheless, we must try to look for what is good and what is beautiful. We must try to stop and take a moment to focus on what is good in life. As I look out my window, I see the most beautiful blue sky, dotted with pink clouds. It is just before sundown. It won't be long until we meet our newest granddaughter and celebrate her big sister's 2nd Birthday.
I, for one, am happy that our President is doing his best to tackle the BIG PROBLEMS, despite the efforts of the opposition to prevent change. But change will come whether we want it or not. It is pretty normal to be uncomfortable when what seemed stable now seems capricious.
And technology these days is REALLY AMAZING! Have you seen the iphone and the ipad? Personally, I am in love with my new smart phone. The ipad is only missing one item, (an external mouse), but I am sure I could get used to that.
The only trouble that I can see is that some of us will forget to take our eyes and fingers off these fascinating devices and really be with the people we love when we are with them, and really pay attention to life. It is hard with all our modern technology to simply be still and be in the moment. But we must try,
It is hard to keep up. Life can be scary. Nevertheless, we must remember that though it can feel as though we are on a roller-coaster, we can have fun with it. We can just choose to hold on tight and try to enjoy the ride. We must remember that always, always, the pair of opposites are at work. The good and the bad are tied together. All is.
April 12, 2010
I remember the day that Franklin Delano Roosevelt died. I was four years old. As I walked home from school (kindergarden) in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I saw and unusual sight . Every adult I passed was crying. I’d never seen anything like it.
When I arrived home, my Mother was there. She had been crying too. When I asked her why everyone was crying, she told me that the President had died. That was 65 years ago today.
Early memories never leave.
February 10, 2010
Yesterday, on February 9th, a new member of our family decided to enter the world amidst the worst blizzard conditions in the history of Washington DC. Angelina Neva has arrived! Mother, baby, big sister and Dad are all doing fine.