McCain - Palin an Average Joe-Six Pack's Thoughts

A McCain-Palin White House is "fundamentally" wrong for our country. It's simple. Look at his record and the fact that he picked a running mate solely because she is a conservative woman whom they felt would appeal to the core of their party. Ya, that's nice, but you should also pick someone who is qualified for the job.

Let's face it - actuary tables say that McCain has a 1 in 3 chance of dying during his first term of President, the insurance companies know what they're talking about; it's their business to know these things. Do you really want someone like Palin running this country? Talk about a moose caught in the headlights.

Let's be real here. This would not frighten me so if she were really smart, but she's not. The RNC knows this and so does McCain, but they also needed someone they could use as an attack dog and then toss away like a net full of Alaskan salmon if they lost the election. If this were not the case, they would have picked someone like Sen. Elizabeth Dole who is much more qualified than Governor Palin. So Sarah...be ready to be tossed aside like yesterday's news after the election. Good thing you've still got your day job - but wait, that might just be gone too after your state's next elections. You have shown your true colors on a national scale and I have a feeling many in the state of Alaska will work really hard to give you the boot when the time comes. Gee, bet'cha ya never thought the "bridge to nowhere" was the nickname of your political career!

Speaking of swan songs - John McCain. Since I mentioned the actuary tables...maybe we don't really need to talk about this but let's anyway.

It amazes me how McCain thinks, as does the majority of the Republican Party that the American people can be lead around by their noses. We are a more informed people, especially the younger voters who will actually research what you tell them. They know that when you talk about tax incentives that you mean for the most wealthy. That has been your record! For almost 30 years in government you have supported the wealthy and left basic regular Americans to pay way more than their fair share. A leopard does not change its spots - just another fact.

The record is there and it is clear! So lie all you want, it is there in black and white. It is there glowing from research computers all over this nation and the world!

Let us begin with your health care tax. By taxing those of us who have an employer paid health care plan you again tax us, the middle class and the rich will receive a $5000k tax benefit right along with the rest who don't have an employer paid plan. Speaking of taxes still -- you have repeatedly given tax breaks to those companies who have off-shored our jobs! What is that all about? Let's go with Obama's plan and give the tax breaks to those companies who keep jobs here at home! If companies want to off-shore jobs, then tax them more for doing so. Make it worth their while to keep Americans working!

In the debate last night, McCain did not offer any detailed answers at all. It is clear that while he is saying one thing, he will just follow the same practices of G.W. Bush - say one thing and do just the opposite. People say to stop talking about Bush as he is a lame duck president...we must remember the past or we are doomed to repeat it. If McCain gets in the White House the quacking we hear from Washington will be the same we have been hearing for G.W. We cannot afford to repeat the past with McCain.

His choice of Veep also continues the practice of G.W. He too picked a very dangerous Vice President and just like Chaney, Palin also wants to expand the powers of the office of the VP. This cannot and should not be allowed.

"Cronies and Special Interests". McCain's top people are all former highly paid lobbyist. Nuff said. Well, one more thing, then "nuff said". Sen. McCain’s campaign chairman’s firm was a lobbyist on behalf of Fannie Mae.

Insiders of the Republican party are already discussing their dissatisfaction with the McCain campaign - especially when it comes to how they have handled the economic crisis. When looking from a distance, it appears the McCain-Palin campaign is beginning to list in the water. Some pundits have already begun to use phrases like "throw in the towel" when remarking on McCain's campaign. We do know one thing about McCain and that is that he is not a quitter - unfortunately he shares that trait with Bush as well. He also doesn't know when to stop.

I think it safe to say that we all know, as well as the rest of the world that Alkida was not in Iraq. There were no WMDs and just as Sen. Obama said. "...They took their eye off the ball..." The "ball" was in Afghanistan not Iraq. This has given our enemies the time they needed to re-group and Osama the time he needs to drag his dialysis machine into a new cave; no doubt one with cable TV and a pool. Electing Sen. Obama is our only real hope of getting Osama Bin Laden, getting our global respect back and creating an economy that is healthy and stable.

You know and I know that McCain will continue the shell game just like George Bush and we will never find Osama. The question really needs to be is "why?". It's like the Bush administration and his comrades like McCain just let Osama bin Laden walk. Is it because of the family ties that the Bush family has had with the Bin Laden family over the years in their oil dealings? Who knows? One thing is for sure -- they let him walk after he orchestrated the worst attacks American soil had ever witnessed!

In 1988 in an interview with Mother Jones magazine, John McCain said "...is Laden really the bad guy that's depicted?" See below that part of the interview.

MJ: You not only have had combat experience in Vietnam, but you were also a
prisoner of war. When you look at terrorism right now, with people like Osama
bin Laden, do you have any reservations about watching strikes like that?

John McCain: You could say, Look, is this guy, Laden, really the bad guy
that's depicted? Most of us have never heard of him before. And where there is a
parallel with Vietnam is: What's plan B? What do we do next? We sent our troops
into Vietnam to protect the bases. Lyndon Johnson said, Only to protect the
bases. Next thing you know.... Well, we've declared to the terrorists that we're
going to strike them wherever they live. That's fine. But what's next? That's
where there might be some comparison.

I am for the person who can do the best for our country - the person who will work for the interests of our country over their own interests. I have looked at John McCain's record and researched the legislation he has supported. Make no mistake. He works for the interests of the wealthiest people and companies in the U.S. not for middle class working people.

You have to read past the title of bills to know what they really are. Often the title is the opposite of what it really does, so for your own sake do the research! Go to www.thomas.gov and look at what McCain has done. Oh, and just to be sure...no need to research Gov. Palin as the GOP will be dropping her like an angry polar bear when they lose their bid for the White House. She will join the speaking tour -- maybe she can get Dan Quayle to open for her at her speaking gigs!

Friendship

Friendship can be an odd thing. I used to have a very large circle of people I called "friend". That is no longer the case. You see, I came to a point in my life that was very dark -- quite possibly the darkest moment in my life. Once I survived that I understood that I kept people in my life that were only there to draw my energy away and in exchange provided nothing. I made a choice then that I would have only people of a positive spirit in my life and removed the others from my circle of humanity.

It is amazing what a difference that can make in ones life! My own personal time of darkness began to change much faster -- the positive and dare I say healing energy of the people now left in my life began to infuse me with renewed hope for the future. What a wondrous thing that was. I should mention here too that I have come to embrace the fact that I am an introvert. I take charge of that proudly; it is not a thing to hide from or anything that I need to change. It is "okay".

When I do decide that I wish to keep a person in my circle, I will let them know that just because I don't join them often or seek them out on a daily basis it has nothing to do with them. It is my nature and they need to be okay with that if we are to remain friends. I think at times that this was passed to me from my father.

My father had always been a person who could be very happy to himself. I did not understand this till many years later as an adult. In understanding this about him I felt I knew him and myself better.

So often friends would do just about anything to get me out of my house.

They who were extroverts thought it insane to sequester oneself away. What they did not understand what that those same crowds that energized them, sucked the life out of me! I could not wait to get home or be someplace alone and re-energize my batteries -- my spirit.

I am so very fortunate now that I have friends who understand and better yet accept this aspect of me. Sometimes friends let friends say "no".

So remember that when you are trying to pull that friend into the cacophonous crowd. You see life, they see energy vampires!

Pity The Nation

Pity The Nation

By Lawrence Ferlinghetti

Pity the nation whose people are sheep
And whose shepherds mislead them

Pity the nation whose leaders are liars
Whose sages are silenced
And whose bigots haunt the airwaves

Pity the nation that raises not its voice
Except to praise conquerers
And acclaim the bully as hero
And aims to rule the world
By force and by torture

Pity the nation that knows
No other language but its own
And no other culture but its own

Pity the nation whose breath is money
And sleeps the sleep of the too well fed

Pity the nation Oh pity the people
Who allow their rights to erode
And their freedoms to be washed away
My country, tears of thee
Sweet land of liberty!

Watch and Listen

I recall as a kid, I guess I was about 14 at the time, the day that our social studies teacher looked at us very intently. It was the day that the news was reporting of Nixon’s resignation to avoid impeachment.

The teacher leaned forward at her desk and looked each of us in the eye and said: “Remember this day – follow this in the newspaper and on television because this is an important moment that will be marked in history.” She went on to explain about the Senate’s attempt to impeach Andrew Jackson and how it failed by one vote. I remember her excitement -- it was amazing.

Today I feel the spirit of that teacher whispering in my ear: “Watch and listen, this is a moment in history”. In the cacophony of the campaign we can forget what a monumental moment it is that a person of color is a nominee for this nation’s highest office. I believe with all my heart that this person will also be our first African-American President. Senator Obama carries within him our hopes of true change.

When was the last time our nation felt that the President truly cared about the fears and hardships of the American people? We will have a President like that soon -- History refers often to the Kennedy presidency as “Camelot”. Well, pay heed to my old teacher and be mindful of what is happening; watch and listen as the sword is pulled from the stone once again, held higher with a renewed mission, a renewed hope.

Fall..Really?

Fall has always been one of my favorite if not most enjoyed time of year. Things are changing and not for the good I think. Each year fall seems to be slipping away more and more. This year in the D.C. area, October is in the record books as the warmest October yet. We have had day time temperatures in the 80's - so what happened to the nice cool days, leaves blowing all about?

After all, what is Halloween without the cold snap of air and leaves madly running across the ground - passing you as you run? Yes, we are thinking the same thing -- global warming. As much as the current administration of the White House want to ignore it and say it is not happening, fact is fact.

When I was a kid some 25 years ago we would get huge amounts of snow in northern Wisconsin. That is no longer the case. Often there will be more rain in the winter than snow. It does not get quite as cold there either - I recall some absolute bone chilling temperatures growing up.

Summers too are much warmer; as a kid we might see one day in the 90's but now most of the summer can be like that. There is no denying it although Bush is trying really hard to do so.

Well, today it is raining and somewhat cool. I am in hopes that this is the beginning of a true fall. I may not get to see the colors and take the walks through piles of blowing leaves that I like to do, but the change is here - I think, I hope.

Fall is supposed to be a time when the many things can rest and take that healing slumber. Storing up life to come bursting out in the spring. Let us hope that the world wakes from it's slumber and understands what is happening.

Choices of Direction

Which way to go, what to do when you get there. I am trying to find a way to change careers without having to start at absolute bottom in the new career choice. While my current work does include my new direction - which is writing, it does not include as much as I would like. Of course what I would like is to do this full time and make a living from just writing.

How do you explain to the new employer that you have been writing for years, but your job title was never anything close to "copy writer" or "content writer". I have writen content for the web and essays for books on assorted subjects. I see you peeking behind me and yes, there is that unfinished novel back there too.

I read somewhere once that if you get up each day and write, you are a writer - if you rise each day and sing, you are a singer. It does not matter if you are paid for it. It is something that is within you - it is a part of what makes you who you are and therefore it "is". It is with this thought in mind that I shall go out into the world and make my living doing what I love to do.

Follow me on my experiment. I shall perform assorted styles of writing and see what happens. Stay tuned for the first installment of the new adventure!

Tea

Hold in your mind as you sip your next cup of tea, that this often simple liquid’s journey began thousands of years ago. It humbly, aromatically, warmly sits in your cup infusing you with its sometimes mystical properties. Legend says this journey began in China in the year 2737 when an Emperor stopped to rest on a long journey. His servants were boiling some water and leaves from a wild tea bush fell into the water; the curious Emperor drank this new found beverage and found it not only pleasing but invigorating.

In the 1600s tea made its way to the American colonies. Tea remained a very popular beverage despite the “Tea Party” held in Boston. The race between tea and coffee is on going and will most likely remain so.

Each few years one ratchets itself up past the other in consumption. Once again we find ourselves at a time when tea, truly good tea is being sought out by many Americans. So, how to choose a great tea? You should note that I did not say “blend” as there are only 4 types of tea. There is black, green, white and oolong. The flavors you might get in the local store such as citrus etc. are simply that. They are flavors added to the tea – but all begin with one of the four teas I mentioned above.

When you choose a tea, you must understand your needs and why you want the tea. Each has properties unique unto themselves.

Black tea has been used throughout history for medical purposes, long before it became a breakfast tea. It helps relieve diarrhea, lowers cholesterol levels and helps prevent tooth decay. The tea has a therapeutic effect on gastric and intestinal illnesses because of its tannins, which decrease intestinal activity and exerts an anti-diarrheal effect. To get the maximum benefit for diarrhea, let the tea steep for a full 15 minutes. This releases a good amount of tannins, also drink it unsweetened.

Green tea possesses numerous compounds that have antioxidant and health-enhancing properties. One of the main compounds is the bioflavonoid catechin. Catechin works both alone and in conjunction with other flavonoids found in the tea and has both defense-supporting and free radical-scavenging properties. Recently, numerous scientific research studies have been published supporting the intake of green tea. Several of these studies conclude that green tea has heart-health benefits. Other studies show promise balancing overall health. Although these studies need additional supporting research to confirm their conclusions, it is clear that modern science is starting to prove what traditional Chinese health practitioners have known all along: green tea enhances our body and mind in many, many ways.

White tea is high in antioxidants, aids in detoxifying the body, studies show white tea is excellent for skin/complexion reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Oolong tea Studies show that drinking Oolong during or after a high-cholesterol meal has been shown to lower the intake of fat content in the blood. Promotes healthy teeth, skin and bones.

The more I find out, the more I understand that tea is more than a beverage, it is a healing herb that also passes as a beverage.

Well, I think it's time to go brew a cup of tea and this moment calls for green as there is much to be done today and I will need a clear mind.

All Roads Lead To...

I happened to read a conservative news article about the Democratic candidates appearing on LOGO (the gay & lesbian TV network). There were a few articles commenting on the show, but then as always -- bang! A plug for the war. I could not stand it and sent this reply comment to the blog. I'm sure it will be hated, but then - do I care?

As posted on Humanevents.com

I was replying to an article called " Pandermonium: Dems Leave GLBT Group Confused"
by Ericka Andersen

My Reply:

A proverb says that "all roads lead to Rome”. In today’s world it seems all roads lead to another plug for our troops being someplace they shouldn't be. There were no WMDs only Bush’s lies to get us into this mess. He should have been focused on getting Osama – me thinks his family ties to the bin Laden family created an error in judgment. However, that aside; yes no one should be surprised to read or hear conservative rhetoric on a conservative site, TV station or radio station – that is their purpose. Go to more liberal places and you will find what you are looking for there as well.

What does bother me is that there is nary an unbiased place for news reporting any longer. There are very few reporters around that can keep themselves in check when it comes to intermingling their own viewpoints with the “story” and thus creating the ever-present slant. As a matter of fact – I don’t really know of a time and place where it was “just the facts” and nothing else.

As for the gay marriage issue – I have yet to hear any good reason against it. So some say it is against the Bible…well, that is a book for only some Americans not all so if it is against your specific religion, then don’t do it. They say it would weaken the institution of marriage to allow gays to marry; let’s face it, how many years has the whole Anna Nicole Smith marriage, divorce etc. been banging a dent in the institution of marriage. Even now that she is passed on, I doubt we have heard the last of it. Of course there have been many other public debacles of said institution over the years. The word marriage does not belong to any one person, group or religion. If allowing full and equal rights under the law makes you afraid – then find a country that oppresses freedom and I’m sure you will be happy there.

Inch by inch the rights for all Americans moves forward. It might be slowed, but never stopped. If the best one can get is “Civil Unions” then fine. We all know that once there are Civil Unions people will naturally refer to it as “marriage” because that word is too ingrained in the American lexicon. Civil Unions will be a phrase used by conservatives during the last breath of non-acceptance – but in the end a rose by any other name is still a rose.

Hairspray - 2007

Divine should be spinning his wig off in the grave! I have enjoyed Travolta in other films, but let's see the light here -- whoever decided that he should play this role in Hairspray has laid a huge egg. I had an open mind going in, but had to work way to hard throughout the entire film suspending reality each time Travolta hit the screen. It made me wonder if he ever watched and really paid attention to how a woman moves or speaks -- I have seen some pretty bad drag in my day...and this will go on that list. John...please, please never try this sort of thing again.

On to the rest of the cast -- they were wonderful! I was a bit disappointed that this was not filmed in Baltimore (The big studio should have kept up with a great Water's tradition) Baltimore is as much a cast member as any actor when it comes to anything Water creates.

Christopher Walken -- as always he is fabulous. He is the actor's actor.

I'm sure they could have done something else with the Queen's wardrobe, but maybe they were trying to make her look older than she is? Could have been a much more amazing wardrobe for her. (and yes, she was fabulous too).

All in all, the numbers performed were fun and engaging. Fun music and even a touching moment here and there. I will admit that Travolta's best moment is a love song and dance scene with Walken - but trust me it was Walken's spark that lit that scene. It is well worth a matinee price or video rental -- but if you must buy a DVD purchase the original with Divine; that is the one you should study in film class.

Adult Education - It Could Happen?

Do you wonder like me? Do you find it easier or harder to learn things as you get older? It seems that when I was much younger new technology was simple. I never had to read directions for that new gadget - I just made it work and within 15 minutes knew everything about it!

Today is so very different; granted the technology is much more sophisticated than it used to be but still, is it just me? Currently I am working on learning more about being a "webmaster". The first thing I have learned is that there are now more definitions for a "webmaster" than you can shake that proverbial stick at - and we're talking a big stick here! I was told by one online school when asked where to start..."with the fundamentals" they replied. Okay I thought, let's take a look and see. Well, there were three very different fundamental courses listed. It would have been nice if they would have said which one was best for a beginner webmaster.

I looked them over and picked one. Paid my $169.00 via my credit card, then waited. The books arrived a few days later. As I looked them over I thought "are these for webmaster or network administrator?". I have agonized over thoughts of continuing and moving ahead with the reading - getting certified in whatever it is that I'm reading or go to a community college and take night and weekend classes for a more structured approach.

It's in my nature to push through - not sure if it is always a good thing or not but I will read on. (If you hear a thump, it's just my head hitting the desk) Ya, the stuff is dry as a post with bits of interesting sprinkled here and there.

As I read on and the author speaks about UNIX and other systems my mind keeps drifting to mundane things -- has that bill been paid, should I cut the grass, has the dog been bathed lately? "Come on now, keep to the subject!" that inner voice screams to me. Why can't the inner voice study and let me know what's going on later when I'm more awake and apt to paying attention?

I tell myself each and every day that I will go home right after work and study.

I go home each night, fix dinner and watch TV.

Time is short. I need to finish this course ASAP or at least by November. Tonight I study. I am resolute in my decision.

So I'm back at the original question -- is it harder to learn as an adult or do you just find the right education method that fits you? I'll think about that and another nagging question: What's for dinner tonight? (sigh)

Unbroken Circle

Death is simply a continuation of the same journey. Another chapter and I think hardly the last. It is that part of the journey that is traveled without pen and paper -- it is a "No tattling" zone. Once you're there, you must not spoil it for those yet to come, the excitement should be fresh and clean for them. Unspoiled by other's perceptions.

Egad, what has prompted this little bit of writing? It is that moment when calm surrounds you and it is understood that one's parents are not here forever -- when you were not looking they became mortal. (how rude) The plan was for them to be around well, forever.

Recently my mother has been diagnosed with what I think is peripheral vascular disease. The veins in her legs are blocked almost completely. Under normal circumstances, they would attempt a balloon type surgery, but the veins in her legs are too small for that and they are afraid they will burst them (not good). There is also a bypass surgery, but due to her age and other factors, they advise against that as well. She had tried a medication to clear the blockage but the side affects are very severe and she could not tolerate them. End result is that it might very well contribute to an earlier death and a death that could come quite unexpectedly. Some part of the blockage will at some point in time, let itself loose and she will be in the "No Tattling Zone". I know what you're thinking -- and the answer is no. Just because she is my mom she is still not allowed to tell me anything once she is there.

As I speak with my mother, trying to not be too serious which is tough to do in conversations such as those, it appears she is keeping her spirits light. I know better -- she is scared. So often I have looked into her eyes and have seen the little girl she keeps there. She has held that part of her spirit in place. You see it best when a small simple thing gives her joy. The joy of a child shines much to bright to hide. Now near her mid seventies, she continues to plan for the future. Her dreams have not diminished due to age -- some of them may have changed or been switched out with something within her physical limitations, but none the less remain intact and continue to grow.

Jim Fiebig said, "Age does not diminish the extreme disappointment of having a scoop of ice cream fall from the cone." There you have it - simple but true. We are the ones who complicate life, but in truth it's basics are actually quite simple.

I must admit that at this point, I too try and believe that this is not as serious as it is. That in no time, the doctor will say - "Hey, we can do this and fix everything!". But I have been looking for treatment options on the Internet and they are few. Some new things going on, but it is still in the research mode. If one of the research projects is going on close enough to my parents in Northern Wisconsin, maybe we can get her into one there. Of course being on Medicaid and Medicare with no other insurance does not help the situation either.

I am at a point in my life that I accept this last stage of earth-bound living. For many years I have believed that all things are connected by a physical energy, the energy of the Universe. You, me the tree you like to sit or stand under and yes, even the squirrel staring down at you from the tree's uppermost branches. We are all connected by the energy that is the Universe down to the last molecule.

For now -- I will enjoy the time I have with my parents and in doing so try so very hard to be mindful of the time I spend with all people. As we are all well aware, things change. The person handing you that Big Mac while thinking about how much their feet hurt might not be there a moment from now. This circle of life - of humanity and all things living may ebb and flow; it may become larger, then smaller, brighten and dim, but it will never expire or break.

A Note on Thanksgiving Day

Well, first I put up another pic of Barney with his favorite toy - napping, him not the toy. I need to get started on a side dish to bring to our friends house for T-day celebration. I am going to bring a sweat potato dish with a little bite. It so easy - just peel them, slice in rounds about an inch or a little larger. Layer in a baking dish, after first layer, sprinkle grated jalapeno peppers and a little sald and black pepper...continue doing this as you keep layering the potatoes. Pour a quart of heavy whipping cream over them, just till you barely cover them. Bake at 350 till brown and yummy looking on the top. YUM! Ok, time to get started or there will be no time for a side dish...we eat and 3 and it is 20 after 1...Eeeek!

More Fear and Hate

I was sent one of those blast emails from someone who really did not know me at all -- after I hit "reply", they got to know me a bit better. They were forwarding an article that appeared in a Florida newspaper.

I was responding to a message that again felt that you Must speak English and basically said that Christianity is the only respectable religion -- it started out saying:

"IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture."

Here is what I said in my reply:

Considering that the percentage of christians in the US is declining at a rate of about 0.9 percent a year, which means that by about the year 2042, just 37 years from now, non-Christians will outnumber the Christians in the U.S.

Today the "christian" population should thank the Latin immigrants since about 93 percent of all Latin Americans self-identify as Christian -- without them, the decline of christians in the US would be declining much faster if not for those non-english speaking people infusing their ranks.

The rhetoric here is clearly directed toward Latinos -- but when you say you "must" say season's greetings instead of "merry Christmas" , then surely the reporter also has a problem with the Jewish population as well. The reporter is simply trying to hide his bigotry behind a warped patriotism; although his xenophobia is clear and things like this email only foster such feelings.

I will leave this discussion with the poem by Emma Lazarus called "The New Colossus" that is on "OUR" statue of liberty: Note that there is not a disclaimer at the end..."but only if they speak English".

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles.

From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. "Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips.

"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Quick Note

Greetings,
Just wanted to post a pic of our new dog -- Barney! He came to us here in MD from Texas. His owners passed away and a friend of theirs asked if we still wanted a dog. We of course said a big YES. He is four years old and the best little dog. We got really lucky to get such a nice pooch! As you can see, he kinda missed the pillow, but he does not seem to care. :-) More on him later!

Tell Tale Signs of Summer

Graduation! I thought it would never get here. Seems odd to me in a way -- graduation again. I am the first in my family to attend a college and the first to attain a masters degree. (in public administration) I know that I will pretty much always work for the labor movement, some other non-profit or the government, so I knew an MPA was for me. I have started a research project now that I have the time. I will keep the details close for now, but in a year or so -- look for the book, coming soon to a dusty library near you!

My parents will be traveling from Wisconsin to attend my graduation. I am so glad that they are able to attend. My parents played a big part in who and what inspired me when I wanted to chuck it all and continue to wallow in the status quo. I also have some of the most amazing friends -- we seem to inspire each other when the need arises and I thank them for that as well.

Now that the degree is done, I continue to be a squeaky wheel and bug my boss for some sort of promotion. She does the best she can in these times and I doubt that I have ever worked for someone who cares so much for the people who work around her. I find that some of the things that I might have wanted to do a few years ago, no longer are so. I don't want to have a job that makes me travel a lot; this is not due to the whole 9-11 dynamic, but the fact that I enjoy my spouse and home life very much and don't like to be away from it. So now I look to those administrative management type jobs that still allows me to interact with many people (I enjoy that a lot), but also allows me to go home each night and be with the one I care about -- the one that no matter what happened that day, can make all things right again.

Well, enough of this -- time to prepare for a meeting. C'ya!

In Each Life...

Well, we got our dusting of snow and a little ice here in the nations capital city. Looked wonderful, but did not last long. I was of two minds of whether or not to have a snow day from work. If we stayed home, I would still be working hard on two classes I am taking to finish my masters degree, so either way -- there was not going to be a day of rest granted. We at my house did however get to go to a local concert of the DC GLBT Chorus; it was very nice and was a great respite from the angst of the world outside. It allowed me to take off my mind the confusion many of my fellow students have with our first assignment of Analytical Techniques.

Hillary Clinton collapsed during a speech today – I hope she’s okay…we need people like her if we are ever going to win back some sort of dignity for our country…Bush has really made a mess of things. As a veteran, I can honestly say that he should be impeached! His lies have caused and continue to cause the deaths of many innocent soldiers in our armed forces. Hell, Clinton lies about a bit of personal business that is strictly between he and his family and the Republicans want to impeach him – Bush lies, thousands die – and not one word about impeachment! Makes me sick to think that not one Senator has the courage to stand up and get that ball rolling!

Well, enough for today…back to the grind.

Me at the office 

In the Beginning..

Okay, so this is my first shot at this blog business. It will be a work in progress and we can all at once watch what happens here. The title of the page is taken from an old newspaper reporter, Heywood Broun. He used to have a column that was syndicated all over the country and that was the title of it. He used it much like we are using these blogs. Since he was rather famous and had some clout, he could spout his thoughts about the injustices he saw and get away with it.

So, here we are. Now, about me. I work for a large international labor union and am in school wrapping up my MPA degree, three more classes and I am done. Whew, thought I would never get there. I also volunteer with a group called Pride At Work, a constituency group of the AFL-CIO. It works to build bridges between the labor and the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bi and transgender) communities. You can check out the web site here .

I live in Maryland and work in Washington, D.C. -- Since I came from a small town in Wisconsin...and I do mean small, less than 700 people, D.C. was a big change. It has been almost 15 years now since I moved here and it does not seem like the huge city it was when I first came here. I see now that it is fairly a small place with big things going on, political and otherwise.

Well, that's it for now. Will be doing more as the muse directs.