Dear President Obama,
I am a middle-aged white woman from a working class family. Growing up, I was fortunate to have had stable family, a good education, food to eat and a place to live. I was born in Massachusetts and now live in South Florida. My political views are moderate to liberal. I am a patriotic, American Flag waving democrat. I believe Abraham Lincoln was our greatest President. I admire Republican Senator Margaret Chase Smith for her fierce independence and willingness to stand up to her Republican colleagues in the Senate when they, led by Senator Joseph McCarthy, were destroying American lives with lies. I wish more Republicans had her courage. I am gay. I voted for you. I supported the Affordable Care Act and celebrated when it passed, when it was upheld by the Supreme Court the first time and the second time. I can afford and now have health insurance only because of the Affordable Care Act.
The Civil War ended 150 years ago and still the struggles continue. You are the first African American President. That is reason to celebrate how far we have come as a nation, but instead, we are forced to look in the mirror and realize just how very far we have to go and just how few steps we have taken. I am sorry that some of my fellow white Americans refuse to support you not because of your political ideology, but simply because of the color of your skin. I am sorry that my fellow white Americans who hold public office refuse to work with you not just because they disagree with your political platform, but also because of the color of your skin. I am sorry for all that you have not been able to accomplish throughout your Presidency because a group of white American politicians decided that stopping you was so much more important than moving our country forward and part of their reason for doing so was the color of your skin. I am sorry for all the disrespectful names you have been called and all the times that you have been heckled. Many Presidents have been heckled and called names, including President Abraham Lincoln, who was subjected to much ridicule and derision. But all of those men were white and none were subjected to the overt racism you have dealt with on a daily basis.
I want to apologize to you, President Obama, not for what I have done, but for what I have failed to do. I have seen the racist posts and pictures shared on Facebook by people I know. I have shaken my head and deleted them. I have sometimes been stunned that people I know, including a few family members, have "liked" or shared certain things, but I have, until recently, said very little and never posted anything directly to my friends and family who are sharing those posts. I've posted a couple of comments on Facebook and even wrote a blog post asking "Is that really what you believe?" But i have come to understand that my silence becomes my acceptance of not just what I do mot accept, but must not accept. I will no longer be silent, Mr. President!
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Ah, equal rights, we are moving closer...
Thursday June 25 and Friday June 26, 2015 were good days, actually great days, for equal rights. On Thursday, The Supreme Court upheld, for the second time, that the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, is constitutional. The decision means that everyone must have equal access to healthcare, not just the well-off and well-paid. While not a perfect system, the ACA has enabled more people to afford insurance. I know because I am one of the people who can now afford health insurance. I also happen to be one of the people who would have lost my government subsidy if the Supreme Court had ruled differently. I live in Florida, one of the States that has refused to either expand Medicaid or set up its own healthcare exchange.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court also upheld the Fair Housing Act which means equal opportunity for housing. Such a simple concept, really. Those responsible for making decisions as to who can rent any rental property cannot discriminate.
Friday was a day of great jubilation for members of the LGBT community. Finally, marriage equality for same sex couples is and must be recognized in every State. Finally, same sex couples will receive the same protections and benefits as husbands and wives receive. This is bittersweet for me. I am happy for all those couples who can now and will in the future be able to get married. The ruling is a little over nine years too late for my partner and me. She died in March 2006.
Along with the Supreme Court issuing decisions to solidify equal rights, many States have begun to either remove or take steps to remove the Confederate Flag from government buildings and grounds as well as license plates. The Confederate Flag has long been a symbol of white supremacy, of defiance to the Federal Government's orders to end the "Whites only" and "Blacks only" segregation throughout the South, in protest against giving Blacks equal rights in the voting booth and in their every day lives. The Confederate Flag was a weapon of fear and those carrying that Flag sought to terrorize Black people.
Ah, so many steps toward equal rights, yet we still have more steps to take. Too often, the very people who are fighting for equality for themselves are fighting against equality for others. Some members of the Black community, long engaged in a struggle to be treated equally, refused to extend those same rights to members of the LGBT community because of religious beliefs. Some White members of the LGBT community are racists who support efforts to suppress rights for the Black community. How ironic that people are so willing to deny others the rights they want for themselves.
This concept is not new and has pervaded our country throughout its history. Americans of English descent believed they were superior to other white ethnic groups. Irish Catholics emigrating to the United States struggled to find jobs and employers often posted signs which said: "Irish or catholic need not apply". Yet the Irish, after achieving some sense of equality, did not as a group support other minorities in their struggles for equal rights. Despite their history of oppression and mistreatment at the hands of the English in their own homeland, some Irish in America objected to fighting in the Civil war to end slavery. It is a sad legacy for all minorities that some of them were and still are all too willing to deny the equality they want to others,
Women could make so many changes in this country, but some women continue to vote against themselves. Some women do not believe that a woman should receive the same pay as men or the same protections under the law. The biggest obstacle to women achieving equality is women and has always been women. This is not a battle between working women and stay at home mothers, but often that is where the lines are drawn. This is not a battle between modern and traditional values, though that becomes a point of anger and animosity. This is just a matter women being treated the same and paid the same and having the same opportunities as men.
We, as a country, have the opportunity to take this moment and make something more of it. We, as a county, have been given the chance to hold in our hands, a small flame of our Statue of Liberty's torch of freedom and equality. Whether we walk forward holding high our flames or extinguish them will determine how much closer we move toward equal rights for everyone. What message will we send to future generations? What will be our legacy? That we had the courage to say this is the moment that we let freedom ring louder and stronger? Or that we refused to stand up for freedom and equality?
On Thursday, the Supreme Court also upheld the Fair Housing Act which means equal opportunity for housing. Such a simple concept, really. Those responsible for making decisions as to who can rent any rental property cannot discriminate.
Friday was a day of great jubilation for members of the LGBT community. Finally, marriage equality for same sex couples is and must be recognized in every State. Finally, same sex couples will receive the same protections and benefits as husbands and wives receive. This is bittersweet for me. I am happy for all those couples who can now and will in the future be able to get married. The ruling is a little over nine years too late for my partner and me. She died in March 2006.
Along with the Supreme Court issuing decisions to solidify equal rights, many States have begun to either remove or take steps to remove the Confederate Flag from government buildings and grounds as well as license plates. The Confederate Flag has long been a symbol of white supremacy, of defiance to the Federal Government's orders to end the "Whites only" and "Blacks only" segregation throughout the South, in protest against giving Blacks equal rights in the voting booth and in their every day lives. The Confederate Flag was a weapon of fear and those carrying that Flag sought to terrorize Black people.
Ah, so many steps toward equal rights, yet we still have more steps to take. Too often, the very people who are fighting for equality for themselves are fighting against equality for others. Some members of the Black community, long engaged in a struggle to be treated equally, refused to extend those same rights to members of the LGBT community because of religious beliefs. Some White members of the LGBT community are racists who support efforts to suppress rights for the Black community. How ironic that people are so willing to deny others the rights they want for themselves.
This concept is not new and has pervaded our country throughout its history. Americans of English descent believed they were superior to other white ethnic groups. Irish Catholics emigrating to the United States struggled to find jobs and employers often posted signs which said: "Irish or catholic need not apply". Yet the Irish, after achieving some sense of equality, did not as a group support other minorities in their struggles for equal rights. Despite their history of oppression and mistreatment at the hands of the English in their own homeland, some Irish in America objected to fighting in the Civil war to end slavery. It is a sad legacy for all minorities that some of them were and still are all too willing to deny the equality they want to others,
Women could make so many changes in this country, but some women continue to vote against themselves. Some women do not believe that a woman should receive the same pay as men or the same protections under the law. The biggest obstacle to women achieving equality is women and has always been women. This is not a battle between working women and stay at home mothers, but often that is where the lines are drawn. This is not a battle between modern and traditional values, though that becomes a point of anger and animosity. This is just a matter women being treated the same and paid the same and having the same opportunities as men.
We, as a country, have the opportunity to take this moment and make something more of it. We, as a county, have been given the chance to hold in our hands, a small flame of our Statue of Liberty's torch of freedom and equality. Whether we walk forward holding high our flames or extinguish them will determine how much closer we move toward equal rights for everyone. What message will we send to future generations? What will be our legacy? That we had the courage to say this is the moment that we let freedom ring louder and stronger? Or that we refused to stand up for freedom and equality?
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Is that really what you believe?
I know you. I speak with you, I count you among my friends. I have even been the recipient of your kindness and generosity. But when you share posts from conservative groups on Facebook, I am not just surprised, but stunned. You have shared words that are overtly racist and words that, while not specifically racist, certainly invoke the ideals and ideas of racism. When I see those posts, I am left wondering whether the words you have shared are words you really believe and if so, why?
Do you also agree with other conservative ideas about women? That women do not deserve the same pay as men? That women do not deserve the same protection under the law as men? Do you also share conservative views about gays and gay rights? Do you believe that gay people do not deserve the same rights and protections as straight people? Do you believe that gay people, including me, are an abomination?
Do you really believe that social service programs which help the elderly, veterans, children and those most in need of help should be eliminated? Do you honestly believe that people should not be able to get affordable healthcare? Do you really believe that everyone receiving government assistance is just too lazy to help themselves? Are you so well off that you know you will never need Social Security or Medicare when you are older? Are you so well off that you can retire without worrying about how you will pay for health insurance or prescriptions or any other medical expenses?
I already know the answer is "No!" because I know some things about you. I know a bit about your finances because you've shared that information with me. I know a bit about your financial struggles because you've shared them with me. I know that you are or have been with someone who received government assistance in some form and that assistance does or did help you financially. What would happen or would have happened if you did not have that income? I also know you have friends or relatives who are or have received some form of government assistance. Do you believe they should not be receiving that help or should not have received that help? You share posts from groups who want to end all social service programs. You proudly support a political party that does not support you, yet for some reason you can not or will not see that. I know you are holding on to the party of your birth, but that is not the party you are now supporting!
But what leaves me stunned is the racist posts you are sharing especially after nine people were killed by a young white racist. A young man who was influenced by long held racists beliefs. The blood of those nine people just as surely stains the hands of all who have spoken and spread hatred and racism as that blood stains the hands of the killer and the floor of the Emanuel AME Church. Are those the words you really want to share? Is that really what you believe?
Do you also agree with other conservative ideas about women? That women do not deserve the same pay as men? That women do not deserve the same protection under the law as men? Do you also share conservative views about gays and gay rights? Do you believe that gay people do not deserve the same rights and protections as straight people? Do you believe that gay people, including me, are an abomination?
Do you really believe that social service programs which help the elderly, veterans, children and those most in need of help should be eliminated? Do you honestly believe that people should not be able to get affordable healthcare? Do you really believe that everyone receiving government assistance is just too lazy to help themselves? Are you so well off that you know you will never need Social Security or Medicare when you are older? Are you so well off that you can retire without worrying about how you will pay for health insurance or prescriptions or any other medical expenses?
I already know the answer is "No!" because I know some things about you. I know a bit about your finances because you've shared that information with me. I know a bit about your financial struggles because you've shared them with me. I know that you are or have been with someone who received government assistance in some form and that assistance does or did help you financially. What would happen or would have happened if you did not have that income? I also know you have friends or relatives who are or have received some form of government assistance. Do you believe they should not be receiving that help or should not have received that help? You share posts from groups who want to end all social service programs. You proudly support a political party that does not support you, yet for some reason you can not or will not see that. I know you are holding on to the party of your birth, but that is not the party you are now supporting!
But what leaves me stunned is the racist posts you are sharing especially after nine people were killed by a young white racist. A young man who was influenced by long held racists beliefs. The blood of those nine people just as surely stains the hands of all who have spoken and spread hatred and racism as that blood stains the hands of the killer and the floor of the Emanuel AME Church. Are those the words you really want to share? Is that really what you believe?
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
What you do not know hurts our country
Ah, the old saying "what you don't know won't hurt you" is, of course, a false statement for so many reasons. What you don't know about your health issues can kill you. Fortunately, with healthcare more accessible here in the United States, people have a better chance of finding out if they have potential life-threatening illnesses or complications. They can then use that information to make informed decisions about how best to move forward to take better care of themselves and manage health issues that otherwise might have gone undetected until near fatal or fatal.
Health is not the only area where knowledge is important. Equally as important is knowing and having a basic understanding of the history of the United States, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and how government functions Why type of government did the Constitution create? Why are there three branches of government? What can the executive branch do and not do? What can the legislative branch do and not do? What can the judicial branch do and not do? What is judicial review and why is it important? What is the system of checks and balances and why is it important? How does a bill become a law? What rights are granted to the Federal government by the Constitution? What rights are retained by the States?
Why is knowing the answers to these questions so important? Because not knowing them means relying on "others" to provide that information. Too often the "sources" of such vital information are politicians and commentators who either do not know the answers themselves or willfully mislead with incorrect answers. This, then, creates voters who are not making the best decisions for either themselves or our country. These voters then believe that whatever the politicians and commentators say is factual. They also believe that the only way to resolve problems is to do what these politicians and commentators say must be done, regardless of the fact that what they are being told is completely false and can not work precisely because of how the government was created by the framers of the Constitution.
Misinformed voters elect candidates who are either also misinformed and therefore incapable of making the best decisions for the country or willfully trying to put forth their own agenda which will never be best for the country. The government created by our Constitution will never be perfect because it will always be run by imperfect people. However, the government was designed to work best when all parties and interests strive to find that most common ground. When all parties and interests look for and follow that path which moves the country forward together, not attempts to tear us apart and divide us into enemies. We went down that path once before and thankfully survived to remain united. Let us all become more informed about our government, our history, our Constitution and our Bill of Rights. Let us then use that information to make the best choices for all of us. We can do that. We have the ability to do that. We can vote and our votes count. Let's make them informed votes!
Health is not the only area where knowledge is important. Equally as important is knowing and having a basic understanding of the history of the United States, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and how government functions Why type of government did the Constitution create? Why are there three branches of government? What can the executive branch do and not do? What can the legislative branch do and not do? What can the judicial branch do and not do? What is judicial review and why is it important? What is the system of checks and balances and why is it important? How does a bill become a law? What rights are granted to the Federal government by the Constitution? What rights are retained by the States?
Why is knowing the answers to these questions so important? Because not knowing them means relying on "others" to provide that information. Too often the "sources" of such vital information are politicians and commentators who either do not know the answers themselves or willfully mislead with incorrect answers. This, then, creates voters who are not making the best decisions for either themselves or our country. These voters then believe that whatever the politicians and commentators say is factual. They also believe that the only way to resolve problems is to do what these politicians and commentators say must be done, regardless of the fact that what they are being told is completely false and can not work precisely because of how the government was created by the framers of the Constitution.
Misinformed voters elect candidates who are either also misinformed and therefore incapable of making the best decisions for the country or willfully trying to put forth their own agenda which will never be best for the country. The government created by our Constitution will never be perfect because it will always be run by imperfect people. However, the government was designed to work best when all parties and interests strive to find that most common ground. When all parties and interests look for and follow that path which moves the country forward together, not attempts to tear us apart and divide us into enemies. We went down that path once before and thankfully survived to remain united. Let us all become more informed about our government, our history, our Constitution and our Bill of Rights. Let us then use that information to make the best choices for all of us. We can do that. We have the ability to do that. We can vote and our votes count. Let's make them informed votes!
Liberty Enlightening The World
She arrived in New York harbor 130 years ago today. A gift from the citizens of France to the citizens of the United States. She came in pieces and had to be assembled. She was named "Liberty Enlightening the World" by her creator, Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi. At her dedication ceremony on October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland said, "We will not forget that Liberty has here made her home." Yes, Liberty had made her home here in the United States just twenty years after the end of a civil war that nearly destroyed our country. Just twenty years after the assassination of President Lincoln. Just twenty-three years after President Lincoln called on his fellow Americans to join with him to ensure "that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."
She also became know as the "Mother of Exiles." For immigrants sailing into New York harbor, she stood, torch lit, guiding them to a new land. She held their hopes and dreams just as surely as she held her torch. She held the promise of liberty and freedom just as surely as she held the tablet inscribed July 4, 1776. The broken chains at her feet echoed the words of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence that all are created equal and Abraham Lincoln's call at Gettysburg for "a new birth of freedom." She gave light and form to this illusive concept of liberty and freedom.
Her new home country still struggled with achieving equality when she arrived. Women had yet to be given a voice. Former slaves still struggled to be treated equally. Struggles for equality still remain today. The voices have changed but the battle for freedom against those who still want to deny equality to all continues. The Statue of Liberty still stands in the harbor holding her torch, Her flame has not been extinguished, despite the best efforts of various groups throughout these 130 years. Neither will our quest for equality and liberty for all. We will continue to move forward, our path lit by Liberty's torch.
She also became know as the "Mother of Exiles." For immigrants sailing into New York harbor, she stood, torch lit, guiding them to a new land. She held their hopes and dreams just as surely as she held her torch. She held the promise of liberty and freedom just as surely as she held the tablet inscribed July 4, 1776. The broken chains at her feet echoed the words of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence that all are created equal and Abraham Lincoln's call at Gettysburg for "a new birth of freedom." She gave light and form to this illusive concept of liberty and freedom.
Her new home country still struggled with achieving equality when she arrived. Women had yet to be given a voice. Former slaves still struggled to be treated equally. Struggles for equality still remain today. The voices have changed but the battle for freedom against those who still want to deny equality to all continues. The Statue of Liberty still stands in the harbor holding her torch, Her flame has not been extinguished, despite the best efforts of various groups throughout these 130 years. Neither will our quest for equality and liberty for all. We will continue to move forward, our path lit by Liberty's torch.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
The Pledge of Allegiance
"I pledge allegiance
to the flag of the United States of America,
and to the republic for which it stands,
one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
From the first grade in September 1965 until the end of senior year in high school in May 1977, I stood up, faced the American Flag, put my hand over my heart said the Pledge of Allegiance. I was quite surprised to see a child not stand when the Pledge of Allegiance was recited when I worked briefly as a teacher aide in the spring of 1988. I was equally surprised when I learned in the years after that the Pledge of Allegiance was no longer recited in all elementary and high schools.
Some people have rejected the idea of saying the Pledge of Allegiance based on their religious convictions. Others choose not to say the Pledge of Allegiance because of the words "under God" which were not part of the original Pledge and are quick to point that out through social media outlets such as Facebook. Some view the Pledge of Allegiance as a way of "indoctrinating" or perhaps "brainwashing" children into unquestioning loyalty much like Hitler did with loyalty oaths in Germany. Somehow saying the Pledge of Allegiance as a child will create a mindless adult who will be loyal regardless of what the country and its leadership does. A "my country right or wrong" doctrine that no one questions.
I attended Roman Catholic schools from grades 1 through 6 and grades 8-12. I received a wonderful education that gave me the opportunity to look at the facts and come to my own opinions and conclusions. My love for The United States, The Constitution, the Flag and the Statue of liberty comes not from being "brainwashed" or persuaded to think a certain way or believe a truth, but from a deep understanding of what our country can be based on the principles in both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that doesn't force people to say the Pledge of Allegiance. In other countries, refusal to take oaths of loyalty often result in imprisonment or death.
"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that represents all those who died and those who risked their lives fighting for independence.
"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that represents the form of government created by the Constitution, a new experiment that relied not on a monarchy or dictator, but shared powers and a system of checks and balances. A government that gave votes and voices to its citizens.
"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America". The flag of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Monroe, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and all the men and women who guided the country through its beginning.
"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that Abraham Lincoln and the northern States fought so long and hard to preserve.
"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that draped the coffin of Abraham Lincoln and all those who have died to ensure that we remain united and free.
"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that says "that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from this earth."
"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that every immigrant who has made the journey to our country sees. The flag that offers freedom. The flag that welcomes.
"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that Francis Scott Key saw still flying at Fort McHenry in the early morning hours after the Fort had been bombarded by by the British throughout the night.
"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America". A flag which is not merely a piece of cloth with some stars and stripes on it, but a flag which symbolizes the ideals of freedom, equality and democracy. A flag whose country and people have been tested time and time again, but still stand tall just like our flag.
"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that says all must be equal and we will continue that quest until equality is achieved. We will not allow anyone or any group to deny equality.
"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America" that says everyone's voice and vote does count and must be counted. The right to vote was not granted to all citizens immediately. The struggle was long and difficult. Our flag reminds us that we must never allow anyone or any group to turn back the hands of time and deny anyone the right to vote or silence any voice.
"I pledge allegiance to flag of the United States of America", will you join me?
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
The National Anthem
Last Thursday, my co-worker was listening to the first game of the NBA Championship. When I heard the announcement that the National Anthem was about to be sung, I walked closer to the radio. As the first notes were played, I placed my hand over my heart. My co-worker saw me and he, too, placed his hand over his heart. We stood silently, hands on our hearts, listening to the National Anthem of our country. That is not the first time I have stopped what I was doing and placed my hand over my heart when the National Anthem was sung. I do not need to be at a sporting event or any other event, for that matter, where the National Anthem is played, to honor the playing of National Anthem. It is enough for me just to hear the music being played on the television or the radio.
Francis Scott Key wrote the poem which became the Star Spangled Banner and our National Anthem. He had witnessed the British attack on Fort McHenry and saw the American Flag still flying as the sun rose.
The first stanza is used as the National Anthem:
In 1986, Claire Cloninger, to celebrate the Re-dedication of the Statue of Liberty, wrote another verse:
Francis Scott Key wrote the poem which became the Star Spangled Banner and our National Anthem. He had witnessed the British attack on Fort McHenry and saw the American Flag still flying as the sun rose.
The first stanza is used as the National Anthem:
O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
In 1986, Claire Cloninger, to celebrate the Re-dedication of the Statue of Liberty, wrote another verse:
And still we can see, as the years have gone by,
there's a dream in our land like a flame that keeps burning.
And the lantern of hope from the harbor still shines.
Those who seek freedom's dream, to its light are still turning.
Now we look to the skies and we lift up our eyes,
for we know with the dawn we will see our flag rise.
And this is our star spangled banner unfurled
as a sign to the free and a hope to the world.
Both stanzas speak of a country unafraid. A country which looks forward with hope not back with fear. A country which offers hope to the world not closed doors and borders. A country which has accomplished so much and still has so much to accomplish. A country that can withstand difficulty and hardship without giving up and being defeated. A country that was nearly torn apart by a Civil War and remains united in a belief "that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Today we remain very much a country divided. There are those who wish to deny equality to all people and place restrictions on the very principle of the right to life by suggesting that only those who can afford the basic necessities of life ought to have the basic necessities of life: food, shelter, health care. They are the ones who shout the loudest and fight the hardest to protect the unborn only to shun the born.
But our National Anthem is louder than those voices. Our National Anthem represents a country and a people who say: we have been tested and tried. We have faced those who sought to destroy our government and our liberty. We have stood together and withstood the attacks each and every time and we will again! Our national Anthem says that we have heard this talk before in the years before the Civil War and the question has already been answered! We have already say a loud and clear "Yes!" to continuing our democracy and our pursuit of equality.
I will place my hand on my heart whenever and wherever I hear our National Anthem because for me, it is so much more than just the words of a poem set to music. To me, our National Anthem is what we can be! A country and a people that never surrender!
Today we remain very much a country divided. There are those who wish to deny equality to all people and place restrictions on the very principle of the right to life by suggesting that only those who can afford the basic necessities of life ought to have the basic necessities of life: food, shelter, health care. They are the ones who shout the loudest and fight the hardest to protect the unborn only to shun the born.
But our National Anthem is louder than those voices. Our National Anthem represents a country and a people who say: we have been tested and tried. We have faced those who sought to destroy our government and our liberty. We have stood together and withstood the attacks each and every time and we will again! Our national Anthem says that we have heard this talk before in the years before the Civil War and the question has already been answered! We have already say a loud and clear "Yes!" to continuing our democracy and our pursuit of equality.
I will place my hand on my heart whenever and wherever I hear our National Anthem because for me, it is so much more than just the words of a poem set to music. To me, our National Anthem is what we can be! A country and a people that never surrender!
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
"What has happened to a free America?"
That is the question that was part of a comment posted on a quote by President Obama that I'd posted on Facebook about the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare). President Obama said that people's "lives are better. This is now part of the fabric of how we care for one another." The person who posted the comment posed the question "What has happened to a free America?" Then stated that "Now we are being forced" to get insurance. That kind of thinking and those questions are not new. Quite the contrary, they have been repeated many times when citizens do not like a particular law passed by the Local, State or Federal government.
I remember when Massachusetts passed the seat belt law. Signs were placed on the side of all the interstate roads alerting motorists that they must wear seat belts in Massachusetts. Oh how the conservative Republicans rose up in anger at being forced to wear a seat belt. How dare the Government of Massachusetts tell anyone that they must wear a seat belt? Apparently the right to impale one's self on a steering wheel or smash one's head into the windshield are rights that must never be taken away and always defended. The conservatives did win that early battle and all the signs were changed from Massachusetts requires seat belts to Massachusetts strongly encourages the use of seat belts.
The same argument has also been used regarding wearing motorcycle helmets. How dare any Government require motorcycle riders to wear helmets? How dare any Government take away the right to crack one's head open on the pavement?
Regarding healthcare, how dare the Government take away one's right to be sick and not be able to afford to go to the doctor? How dare any Government take away one's right to not be able to afford prescriptions? How dare any Government take away one's right to wait until an illness becomes life-threatening and a trip to the Emergency Room becomes a necessity because there is no alternative? No health insurance to provide a way to afford a doctor visit?
Lastly, there is the question: "What has happened to a free America?" Absolutely nothing has happened to free America! Nothing at all! We still have a free America! If anyone doubts our freedom, think about the fact that we can speak out against the policies of our Local, State and National Governments without fear of reprisal. We can speak out against our elected officials, including our President, without fear of reprisal. Not all people in all countries have that freedom. In Cuba, China and North Korea, speaking out against the government and the countries' leaders will get one arrested and often killed.
Go look up images of the protests that took place in Tiananmen Square in 1989. Chinese students were killed for speaking out! That is loss of freedom! That is loss of life! To suggest that Americans are not free because they have to have life-saving healthcare insurance is an insult to those who truly are not free and whose blood has been spilled in an effort to become free!
I remember when Massachusetts passed the seat belt law. Signs were placed on the side of all the interstate roads alerting motorists that they must wear seat belts in Massachusetts. Oh how the conservative Republicans rose up in anger at being forced to wear a seat belt. How dare the Government of Massachusetts tell anyone that they must wear a seat belt? Apparently the right to impale one's self on a steering wheel or smash one's head into the windshield are rights that must never be taken away and always defended. The conservatives did win that early battle and all the signs were changed from Massachusetts requires seat belts to Massachusetts strongly encourages the use of seat belts.
The same argument has also been used regarding wearing motorcycle helmets. How dare any Government require motorcycle riders to wear helmets? How dare any Government take away the right to crack one's head open on the pavement?
Regarding healthcare, how dare the Government take away one's right to be sick and not be able to afford to go to the doctor? How dare any Government take away one's right to not be able to afford prescriptions? How dare any Government take away one's right to wait until an illness becomes life-threatening and a trip to the Emergency Room becomes a necessity because there is no alternative? No health insurance to provide a way to afford a doctor visit?
Lastly, there is the question: "What has happened to a free America?" Absolutely nothing has happened to free America! Nothing at all! We still have a free America! If anyone doubts our freedom, think about the fact that we can speak out against the policies of our Local, State and National Governments without fear of reprisal. We can speak out against our elected officials, including our President, without fear of reprisal. Not all people in all countries have that freedom. In Cuba, China and North Korea, speaking out against the government and the countries' leaders will get one arrested and often killed.
Go look up images of the protests that took place in Tiananmen Square in 1989. Chinese students were killed for speaking out! That is loss of freedom! That is loss of life! To suggest that Americans are not free because they have to have life-saving healthcare insurance is an insult to those who truly are not free and whose blood has been spilled in an effort to become free!
Friday, May 22, 2015
Not just about us
I recently posted on Facebook that I am voting for Hillary Clinton in 2016 because I want my four grand-nephews, ages 20 years old, 17 years old, 3 years old and 10 days old, and my 4 year old grand-niece to know that I care about them. I also want them to know that I care about their future. The 2016 election is not just about ensuring and protecting my generation or even my nieces and nephew's generation. Oh no, there is so much more at stake than just what will happen in the next decade or two. We must begin now to do all that we can do to protect and preserve our government, our Constitution, our country, our land and our planet Earth for the generations to come.
What is the legacy that we want to pass on to the those just reaching adulthood, those still enjoying their childhood, those just being born and those still to be born? Do we want them to know that we cared enough about one another to protect the Social Service programs like Social Security, Medicare, Snap and Head Start because we know and believe that people who need help must be able to receive help? Do we want them to know that they have good affordable healthcare coverage because we worked hard to fix the problems and refused to elect those who would destroy it? Do we want them to understand that we took good care of those who answered our country's call to serve? That we not only saluted our veterans and thanked them for their service, but that we also ensured they were taken care of when they returned home? That is the legacy that I want to pass on to the young members of my family and the generations to come.
What is the torch we want to pass on to them? The torch of freedom and equality? The torch that says although we, here and now in 2015, know we still have so many more steps to take to achieve those ideals set forth in our Declaration of Independence, we will continue moving forward? That even though we may falter at times, we will not stop? That even when the flame seems quite small and barely flickers, we, like the generations before us, have kept our promise and never let the flame of freedom die out? That we stood together and stood strong against those who wanted to take our country back to a place of injustice and inequality? That the same torch of freedom shines in the harbor of New York held by a Statue that represents all the promises seekers will find here? The torch that welcomes, not burns with hatred and bigotry. That is the torch I want to pass on to my young family members and the generations to come.
So I stand holding my torch and joining with Hillary Clinton and all those who stand for the present, the future and for the generations to come. I will pass my torch to my young family members and to the future generations with great pride in and great love for them and my country! I will tell them" We did this for you!"
What is the legacy that we want to pass on to the those just reaching adulthood, those still enjoying their childhood, those just being born and those still to be born? Do we want them to know that we cared enough about one another to protect the Social Service programs like Social Security, Medicare, Snap and Head Start because we know and believe that people who need help must be able to receive help? Do we want them to know that they have good affordable healthcare coverage because we worked hard to fix the problems and refused to elect those who would destroy it? Do we want them to understand that we took good care of those who answered our country's call to serve? That we not only saluted our veterans and thanked them for their service, but that we also ensured they were taken care of when they returned home? That is the legacy that I want to pass on to the young members of my family and the generations to come.
What is the torch we want to pass on to them? The torch of freedom and equality? The torch that says although we, here and now in 2015, know we still have so many more steps to take to achieve those ideals set forth in our Declaration of Independence, we will continue moving forward? That even though we may falter at times, we will not stop? That even when the flame seems quite small and barely flickers, we, like the generations before us, have kept our promise and never let the flame of freedom die out? That we stood together and stood strong against those who wanted to take our country back to a place of injustice and inequality? That the same torch of freedom shines in the harbor of New York held by a Statue that represents all the promises seekers will find here? The torch that welcomes, not burns with hatred and bigotry. That is the torch I want to pass on to my young family members and the generations to come.
So I stand holding my torch and joining with Hillary Clinton and all those who stand for the present, the future and for the generations to come. I will pass my torch to my young family members and to the future generations with great pride in and great love for them and my country! I will tell them" We did this for you!"
Friday, May 15, 2015
to my family and friends
I love you all. I love the United States of America. I love our Constitution and Bill of Rights. I love our flag. I love our planet and all of creation. I want to see our country continue to move forward, however slowly that may be at times, to what it can become and not slip backward to what it never was. I don't want to see our country turn back to a time when the only people who had rights were white men. I don't want to see our country destroy our little corner of the planet along with the creatures, trees, flowers and plants with whom we share our land. I don't want to see our country take part in the destruction of this plant that is our home. I know you don't either. But there are people who do and they vote.
I want to see our country take steps to ensure the equality promised in The Declaration of Independence is extended to all people. I don't want us to continue to use skin color, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or no religious beliefs to prevent anyone from being treated fairly and equally and receiving all the same benefits and protections under the law. Too many people still struggle with civil rights. As a gay woman, I am all to aware of the rights I do not share with my heterosexual family and friends. When my partner died, I could not receive her pension because we were not married. We registered as domestic partners in Broward County Florida. But the company handling her pension did not recognize same sex domestic partnerships. I know you all love me and support me. I cannot imagine that you would vote for people who want to make it even more difficult for gay people. But there are people who do and they vote.
I want us to be proud that we are a nation of immigrants who came to this country in search of something better than what they had in their own countries. I want us to understand that the people who are risking their lives to get here are not doing so for a handout from our government. They would rather die trying to get to the United States than stay where they are because that is how difficult life is for them. I want us to embrace the words of Emma Lazurus' New Colossus and with open arms shout out in a loud voice "Send them! They will be welcome here!" Many of us are the descendants of immigrants. I cannot believe you would be anti immigration. But there are people who are and they vote.
I want all of you, my family and friends, to be able to see a doctor and to be able to receive medical treatment. I don't want to see you have to use the Emergency Room as your doctor as so many people have had to do in the past because they had no insurance and could not afford to go to the doctor. I know our current system is not perfect, but more people have insurance now than in the past. People with pre-existing conditions can finally get the help they need because they cannot be turned down. The system can be fixed, but not if those who seek to destroy it and replace it with something worse are elected. I don't think anyone's income should be the deciding factor in whether they can and should be able to get medical insurance or see a doctor. I cannot believe that any of you would really believe there are people who deserve to die or should die because they do not make enough money to pay high premiums for medical insurance. I cannot believe that you think anyone should die because they are already ill and insurance companies should not have to cover them. But there are people who do and they vote.
I want you to really think about what will happen if Social Security and Medicare end. Do you know anyone who receives these benefits? Do you honestly believe they should not receive any assistance? Why not? Do you think they should have planned better? Saved more? Had better jobs? My own parents were blue collar workers and depended on Social Security and Medicare. So will I. Do you have enough money to survive on when you retire so that you will not need Social Security? Do you have enough money to pay for medical insurance so you will not need Medicare? If your answer to either of these questions is "no" then please tell me why you would ever vote for people who plan to end these programs. Do you believe that anyone, and especially children, deserve to starve? If you do not, then why would vote for people who will do that? If your answer is, "Well, I'm not going to vote." then you will let others make the choices and decisions for you.
In 2016, we will decide whether we, as a country, want to move forward together or continue to become a house even more divided. A house where some people have rights, including the right to eat, and others do not. A house were the 1% percent thrive and have all the power rather than a house where the 100% sit together at the table to work out a way that is better for more people. There will never be a perfect system because there will never be perfect people. But we can become better and our country can become better if only we will join together. I'm joining with Hillary Clinton because I know we can move our country forward! We're not going to solve every problem. But we can and will take steps in the right direction.
I want to see our country take steps to ensure the equality promised in The Declaration of Independence is extended to all people. I don't want us to continue to use skin color, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or no religious beliefs to prevent anyone from being treated fairly and equally and receiving all the same benefits and protections under the law. Too many people still struggle with civil rights. As a gay woman, I am all to aware of the rights I do not share with my heterosexual family and friends. When my partner died, I could not receive her pension because we were not married. We registered as domestic partners in Broward County Florida. But the company handling her pension did not recognize same sex domestic partnerships. I know you all love me and support me. I cannot imagine that you would vote for people who want to make it even more difficult for gay people. But there are people who do and they vote.
I want us to be proud that we are a nation of immigrants who came to this country in search of something better than what they had in their own countries. I want us to understand that the people who are risking their lives to get here are not doing so for a handout from our government. They would rather die trying to get to the United States than stay where they are because that is how difficult life is for them. I want us to embrace the words of Emma Lazurus' New Colossus and with open arms shout out in a loud voice "Send them! They will be welcome here!" Many of us are the descendants of immigrants. I cannot believe you would be anti immigration. But there are people who are and they vote.
I want all of you, my family and friends, to be able to see a doctor and to be able to receive medical treatment. I don't want to see you have to use the Emergency Room as your doctor as so many people have had to do in the past because they had no insurance and could not afford to go to the doctor. I know our current system is not perfect, but more people have insurance now than in the past. People with pre-existing conditions can finally get the help they need because they cannot be turned down. The system can be fixed, but not if those who seek to destroy it and replace it with something worse are elected. I don't think anyone's income should be the deciding factor in whether they can and should be able to get medical insurance or see a doctor. I cannot believe that any of you would really believe there are people who deserve to die or should die because they do not make enough money to pay high premiums for medical insurance. I cannot believe that you think anyone should die because they are already ill and insurance companies should not have to cover them. But there are people who do and they vote.
I want you to really think about what will happen if Social Security and Medicare end. Do you know anyone who receives these benefits? Do you honestly believe they should not receive any assistance? Why not? Do you think they should have planned better? Saved more? Had better jobs? My own parents were blue collar workers and depended on Social Security and Medicare. So will I. Do you have enough money to survive on when you retire so that you will not need Social Security? Do you have enough money to pay for medical insurance so you will not need Medicare? If your answer to either of these questions is "no" then please tell me why you would ever vote for people who plan to end these programs. Do you believe that anyone, and especially children, deserve to starve? If you do not, then why would vote for people who will do that? If your answer is, "Well, I'm not going to vote." then you will let others make the choices and decisions for you.
In 2016, we will decide whether we, as a country, want to move forward together or continue to become a house even more divided. A house where some people have rights, including the right to eat, and others do not. A house were the 1% percent thrive and have all the power rather than a house where the 100% sit together at the table to work out a way that is better for more people. There will never be a perfect system because there will never be perfect people. But we can become better and our country can become better if only we will join together. I'm joining with Hillary Clinton because I know we can move our country forward! We're not going to solve every problem. But we can and will take steps in the right direction.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
One hundred fifty years ago
On April 14, 1865 Abraham Lincoln was shot as he sat in Ford's Theater watching a play. He died in the early morning on April 15. The young country, which had just endured four years of war and was looking forward to peace, now had to deal with death of the President. The man who called on his fellow citizens to dedicate themselves to ensuring "that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth" had himself perished. The man who wanted to "bind up the nations wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations" would not be able to help his torn country reunite.
We, as a country, do not commemorate these days. We used to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday as a holiday, but then a decision was made to combine Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays into President's Day. Perhaps it is fitting that the "father of our country" and the man responsible for saving the Union are celebrated on the same day. So why should we recall the day Lincoln was assassinated? Or the day he died? Why think about Abraham Lincoln at all?
President Abraham Lincoln believed that the United States of America could not and must not be divided. Rather than allow the southern States leave the Union, he called on the citizens of the northern States to come together and preserve the Union. Certainly letting the States secede might have been easier than engaging in a war. But he could not allow this "last, best hope of earth" to fail because he feared it would be the end of any chance of democratic government. He understood the horror of a war the lasted much longer than anyone expected. Photographs of Abraham Lincoln throughout his term as President show the toll the conflict took on him. But he was determined to preserve the Union.
So why should we care about Abraham Lincoln? Because he showed us what determination can do. He was primarily self-taught with little formal education, yet his words are often included in literature books. Despite being ridiculed and insulted, Lincoln kept moving forward. He showed us that against all odds, we can achieve more than is expected of us. Most important is that he cared about us, yes, us in this century. He wanted to ensure that our country, our democracy, continued and he died for his beliefs.
Shouldn't we care enough about him to recall his assassination and death? Shouldn't we care enough about him to dedicate ourselves to preserving our country and not allowing The United States of America to be once again torn apart by those who want to stop us from moving even one step closer to the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence?
We, as a country, do not commemorate these days. We used to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday as a holiday, but then a decision was made to combine Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays into President's Day. Perhaps it is fitting that the "father of our country" and the man responsible for saving the Union are celebrated on the same day. So why should we recall the day Lincoln was assassinated? Or the day he died? Why think about Abraham Lincoln at all?
President Abraham Lincoln believed that the United States of America could not and must not be divided. Rather than allow the southern States leave the Union, he called on the citizens of the northern States to come together and preserve the Union. Certainly letting the States secede might have been easier than engaging in a war. But he could not allow this "last, best hope of earth" to fail because he feared it would be the end of any chance of democratic government. He understood the horror of a war the lasted much longer than anyone expected. Photographs of Abraham Lincoln throughout his term as President show the toll the conflict took on him. But he was determined to preserve the Union.
So why should we care about Abraham Lincoln? Because he showed us what determination can do. He was primarily self-taught with little formal education, yet his words are often included in literature books. Despite being ridiculed and insulted, Lincoln kept moving forward. He showed us that against all odds, we can achieve more than is expected of us. Most important is that he cared about us, yes, us in this century. He wanted to ensure that our country, our democracy, continued and he died for his beliefs.
Shouldn't we care enough about him to recall his assassination and death? Shouldn't we care enough about him to dedicate ourselves to preserving our country and not allowing The United States of America to be once again torn apart by those who want to stop us from moving even one step closer to the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence?
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Truth about who receives assistance
I saw a picture of a highway with cars headed away from the photographer and north out of Florida. When I saw the word "goodbye', I was expecting the picture to be about the annual exodus of the snowbirds. I was wrong. The original poster wrote about gleefully saying goodbye to all the "deadbeats who don't want to work and drug users" who would be leaving Florida to go to States where drug testing is not required to receive public assistance. I am still stunned, though I shouldn't be, at how many people not just here in Florida, but across the country, really do believe that drug users and deadbeats are the largest group receiving public assistance.
There is a reason so many people believe this misconception about who receives public assistance. Fox News, Right Wing television and radio personalities and the Republican Party have made this one of their biggest messages in an effort to gain support to destroy social service programs. Painting a vivid picture of deadbeats and drug users really does have a tremendous effect on how people perceive those receiving assistance. Would anyone really feel so angry about senior citizens on Social Security, people with disabilities or veterans receiving assistance? Of course not, unless a person is so heartless as to really believe people deserve to starve.
Some working people also receive public assistance because they are unable to find full-time work or find a job that pays enough to feed their family. Raising the minimum wage would certainly help. But that is a difficult conversation to have when wealthy corporate owners are spending so much money to prevent that from happening. There is also the impact raising the wage would have on small business owners who would struggle to meet payroll demands. The tendency is always to focus on the big corporations as though big corporations own and operate every business.
Surely demonizing people is not the answer, yet that is what is happening. Worse is that the lie is being endorsed by staunch, proud conservative Christians who quote from Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians that people who do not work, should not eat. They, of course forget all about Jesus saying sell what you have and give to the poor. (Matthew 19:21, Mark 10:21, Luke 12:33, Luke 18:22) There are also verses in the Old testament as well as the other verses in the New testament about feeding the poor, caring for the elderly and taking care of the sick. All of which are conveniently ignored in an effort to destroy life saving programs.
If only people would actually take time to find out if the information they pass along is actually truthful instead of allowing their emotions to be manipulated, this country might actually move forward, rather than backward. If only this outrage at all those drug dealers and deadbeats who refuse to work who are receiving so much public assistance, which in fact is not the millions about which conservatives rant and rave and whip people into a frenzy, was directed at those who are not paying their fair share in any type of taxes, the deficits would drop and social programs would be infused with life giving money. Where is the outrage about this?
Where is the outrage about children who are starving/ Where is the outrage about the elderly who have to choose between eating and paying bills? Where is the outrage about veterans living on the streets? Where is the outrage about anyone living on the streets? Where is the outrage about people digging in dumpsters for food?
There is a reason so many people believe this misconception about who receives public assistance. Fox News, Right Wing television and radio personalities and the Republican Party have made this one of their biggest messages in an effort to gain support to destroy social service programs. Painting a vivid picture of deadbeats and drug users really does have a tremendous effect on how people perceive those receiving assistance. Would anyone really feel so angry about senior citizens on Social Security, people with disabilities or veterans receiving assistance? Of course not, unless a person is so heartless as to really believe people deserve to starve.
Some working people also receive public assistance because they are unable to find full-time work or find a job that pays enough to feed their family. Raising the minimum wage would certainly help. But that is a difficult conversation to have when wealthy corporate owners are spending so much money to prevent that from happening. There is also the impact raising the wage would have on small business owners who would struggle to meet payroll demands. The tendency is always to focus on the big corporations as though big corporations own and operate every business.
Surely demonizing people is not the answer, yet that is what is happening. Worse is that the lie is being endorsed by staunch, proud conservative Christians who quote from Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians that people who do not work, should not eat. They, of course forget all about Jesus saying sell what you have and give to the poor. (Matthew 19:21, Mark 10:21, Luke 12:33, Luke 18:22) There are also verses in the Old testament as well as the other verses in the New testament about feeding the poor, caring for the elderly and taking care of the sick. All of which are conveniently ignored in an effort to destroy life saving programs.
If only people would actually take time to find out if the information they pass along is actually truthful instead of allowing their emotions to be manipulated, this country might actually move forward, rather than backward. If only this outrage at all those drug dealers and deadbeats who refuse to work who are receiving so much public assistance, which in fact is not the millions about which conservatives rant and rave and whip people into a frenzy, was directed at those who are not paying their fair share in any type of taxes, the deficits would drop and social programs would be infused with life giving money. Where is the outrage about this?
Where is the outrage about children who are starving/ Where is the outrage about the elderly who have to choose between eating and paying bills? Where is the outrage about veterans living on the streets? Where is the outrage about anyone living on the streets? Where is the outrage about people digging in dumpsters for food?
Saturday, April 11, 2015
we can not give up
Once again, the inspiration for this blog post came from a conversation with my sister. We were talking about the influence Fox News and the right wing conservatives have on the voters. As my sister pointed out, millions of dollars are constantly being poured in to advertising to promote a very specific message that appeals to a group of people who vote in every election. Along with the money, there is also the problem of gerrymandering which is not a new issue but has certainly become more prevalent. All of which seems to bode well for conservative Republicans and doom the Democrats.
But money cannot not vote. Corporations cannot vote. The 1% can not cast more votes than the 99%. Yes, the corporations can try to persuade their workers and the conservative Christian preachers can often sway their parishioners. But I still believe there are more people who oppose the policies of the Right Wing Republicans than support them. The problem is that all those people do not always go out and vote. The core voters in the Republican Party, the ones that will vote in every election, out-number those same voters in the Democratic Party. Why? The simple answer is that the Republicans are much better at getting out their message than the Democrats are at getting out their message.
The liberal groups on Facebook constantly post about what the Republicans are doing and how harmful their policies are. But that didn't seem to matter enough to prevent Republican victories in the last election. So what does matter? When people choose to stay home rather than vote, they allow others to make choices for them. Why do they choose to not vote? Some people do not think their vote will matter, but it will, if only they would cast it. If only they would add their votes to all the others who also believe their vote will not make a difference.
We are stronger when we stand together. We can create change when we work together to make the change happen. We can not and must not give up because that is what the conservatives and billionaires are counting on to happen. They want us to believe that we are defeated. They want us to believe that our votes do not count. But the only way our votes will not count, the only way we will be unable to create the change we want, the change that is what our country needs, is if we stay home and do not vote!
Stand up, stand together, go to the polls, vote and with each vote we will echo the words of Abraham Lincoln "that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from this earth."
But money cannot not vote. Corporations cannot vote. The 1% can not cast more votes than the 99%. Yes, the corporations can try to persuade their workers and the conservative Christian preachers can often sway their parishioners. But I still believe there are more people who oppose the policies of the Right Wing Republicans than support them. The problem is that all those people do not always go out and vote. The core voters in the Republican Party, the ones that will vote in every election, out-number those same voters in the Democratic Party. Why? The simple answer is that the Republicans are much better at getting out their message than the Democrats are at getting out their message.
The liberal groups on Facebook constantly post about what the Republicans are doing and how harmful their policies are. But that didn't seem to matter enough to prevent Republican victories in the last election. So what does matter? When people choose to stay home rather than vote, they allow others to make choices for them. Why do they choose to not vote? Some people do not think their vote will matter, but it will, if only they would cast it. If only they would add their votes to all the others who also believe their vote will not make a difference.
We are stronger when we stand together. We can create change when we work together to make the change happen. We can not and must not give up because that is what the conservatives and billionaires are counting on to happen. They want us to believe that we are defeated. They want us to believe that our votes do not count. But the only way our votes will not count, the only way we will be unable to create the change we want, the change that is what our country needs, is if we stay home and do not vote!
Stand up, stand together, go to the polls, vote and with each vote we will echo the words of Abraham Lincoln "that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from this earth."
Thursday, March 26, 2015
another shooting children killing children
Last night, in Florida, a mother of four lost two of her children Her thirteen year old son shot and killed his six year old brother, then committed suicide. A sixteen year old brother was also shot. An older brother was not home. The mother was at work. I cannot imagine the grief that comes with losing just one child. But for this mother, the grief must be and will continue to be unimaginable. How will she deal with the unspeakable horror that two of her children are dead because of a murder then a suicide?
The news account suggest that a food fight led to the deadly shooting, Why would a thirteen year old boy believe that a gun was the solution? Was he just trying to scare his brother? Did he know the gun was loaded? Was the shooting an accident? Did he take his own life because he could not deal with the shock and guilt of having just killed his brother? All those questions will remain forever unanswered, buried with the young teenager who chose to handle a problem with a gun.
There will be questions about the gun. Where was it kept? Why wasn't it secured so that an angry boy couldn't use it to shatter his family? There will be endless days and nights of grief and wondering why this tragedy happened and could it have been prevented. There will be yet another debate about guns and gun safety and the need to ensure that those who have guns ensure that those weapons are kept secure and out of the reach of children. But many children are exposed to guns at an early age and taught how to shoot. So where do we draw the line? How to we stop this tragedy from happening again and again?
What will be even more appalling than this tragedy will be the people who will still believe that nothing should be done to try to prevent this from happening again. This is not a second amendment issue. This is not about wanting to or trying to take away anyone's guns. This is about children killing children. This is an epidemic that we can and must stop!
The news account suggest that a food fight led to the deadly shooting, Why would a thirteen year old boy believe that a gun was the solution? Was he just trying to scare his brother? Did he know the gun was loaded? Was the shooting an accident? Did he take his own life because he could not deal with the shock and guilt of having just killed his brother? All those questions will remain forever unanswered, buried with the young teenager who chose to handle a problem with a gun.
There will be questions about the gun. Where was it kept? Why wasn't it secured so that an angry boy couldn't use it to shatter his family? There will be endless days and nights of grief and wondering why this tragedy happened and could it have been prevented. There will be yet another debate about guns and gun safety and the need to ensure that those who have guns ensure that those weapons are kept secure and out of the reach of children. But many children are exposed to guns at an early age and taught how to shoot. So where do we draw the line? How to we stop this tragedy from happening again and again?
What will be even more appalling than this tragedy will be the people who will still believe that nothing should be done to try to prevent this from happening again. This is not a second amendment issue. This is not about wanting to or trying to take away anyone's guns. This is about children killing children. This is an epidemic that we can and must stop!
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