This morning, Dec 21, 2012, I watched Morning Joe on MSNBC and various reports on what happened in Congress last night ( a failure to garner enough votes for what's been called Plan B). One of the guests was Congressman Tim Huelskamp from Kansas, who helped hold up last night's plan. It was absolutely amazing to listen to this fellow who seems to have enough other friends ready to bring this country to not only the brink but to the actual jump off of the fiscal cliff. Here is a link to the conversation they had this morning specifically about the tragedy in Newtown, CT. The Congressman's position on everything seems to be no compromise, no change. With his thinking there just can't be any change or compromise on either budget issues or assault weapon control.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The Conversation - Guns and Mental Health!
Yup. We have to have it. A real conversation about guns that includes a conversation about mental health. One of the first things we need to do is to make sure that we don't confuse developmental disabilities (like autism and Asperger's Syndrome) with mental health or mental illness issues.
This is important because there are reports about how the shooter in Newtown may have had Asperger's Syndrome. People with developmental disabilities can indeed have mental illness but let's be sure that we understand, that is different then their developmental disability. This is important because stigmas come quickly and people make judgements about groups of people easily. It needs to be a part of this serious conversation.
We have to talk about the changes that have happened in mental health systems since the early 80's. Changes that resulted in less funding and reduced community supports for people who had received prior supports in institutional settings. The dollars never followed these people to their communities because the ultimate decisions had to do with reducing costs and state/national budgets.
We have to talk about bullying and it's impact on young children and teenagers. That discussion will force us to talk about teen suicides and perhaps other forms of violence that follow. Drugs, alcohol, domestic violence and other issues will undoubtedly surface in a serious discussion. Finally, the discussion has to include conversations about our culture of violence that is seen in movies, TV, and in video games.
That's before we even get to guns. The guns and munitions who's sales have skyrocketed in the past few days. We have to talk about that! Yes, we have to have an honest discussion about weapons that shoot 100 + bullets per minute. Why? What are they needed for? We have to talk about how violence begets violence and how armed teachers may make sense to you but don't make sense to me.
There are politicians and people with questionable interests who seem to make these conversations harder. They are finding all kinds of reasons to protect the status quo and their own view. They need to know that it's time to stop. Stop being silly. Stop repeating stupid talking points about the second amendment. The conversation is much more serious. It's about stopping the violence and the safety of children and the general public. So let's get on with it.
This is important because there are reports about how the shooter in Newtown may have had Asperger's Syndrome. People with developmental disabilities can indeed have mental illness but let's be sure that we understand, that is different then their developmental disability. This is important because stigmas come quickly and people make judgements about groups of people easily. It needs to be a part of this serious conversation.
We have to talk about the changes that have happened in mental health systems since the early 80's. Changes that resulted in less funding and reduced community supports for people who had received prior supports in institutional settings. The dollars never followed these people to their communities because the ultimate decisions had to do with reducing costs and state/national budgets.
We have to talk about bullying and it's impact on young children and teenagers. That discussion will force us to talk about teen suicides and perhaps other forms of violence that follow. Drugs, alcohol, domestic violence and other issues will undoubtedly surface in a serious discussion. Finally, the discussion has to include conversations about our culture of violence that is seen in movies, TV, and in video games.
That's before we even get to guns. The guns and munitions who's sales have skyrocketed in the past few days. We have to talk about that! Yes, we have to have an honest discussion about weapons that shoot 100 + bullets per minute. Why? What are they needed for? We have to talk about how violence begets violence and how armed teachers may make sense to you but don't make sense to me.
There are politicians and people with questionable interests who seem to make these conversations harder. They are finding all kinds of reasons to protect the status quo and their own view. They need to know that it's time to stop. Stop being silly. Stop repeating stupid talking points about the second amendment. The conversation is much more serious. It's about stopping the violence and the safety of children and the general public. So let's get on with it.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Picking Up The Pieces After Newtown
We have to do this. We have to figure out what happened and what we can do. It's obvious that we need to do this for the sake of victims, their families and ourselves. I, like others, have watched images and listened to stories coming from my TV. There were times that I couldn't watch anymore and had to turn the TV off. But I returned often, catching up, trying to understand.
One alternative was to try to find the good out there. The things going on that can make you smile, feel good and understand how people support each other everyday. I spent time watching people at a Holiday Party for people at The Arc of Schuyler and their families. A good thing. I watched members of the Watkins/Montour Rotary Club volunteering at that event serving food, making people smile. A good thing. I participated in and watched people pushing back at a meeting with my local Congressman, Tom Reed. Asking about what he was going to do about taxes on the middle class and on the wealthier among us, about health insurance and the environment. All good things. I spent more time looking at young children, the age of the victims in Newtown. Looking at them a little closer and watching how funny and mischievous they can be - to the point of making me and their parents laugh. Good things.
I thought about other good things. First responders in every community ready to be at any kind of event, some serious, some not. I thought about school and non profit administrators who many times are criticized but who think about and prepare for events like Newtown on a regular basis. I thought about Teachers, direct support professionals, counselors and everyone else who works in settings where they make choices every day about making peoples' lives a little better, a little more enjoyable.
There are other things we need to do though. We really have to fix this or at least try. Something has to be done. Children deserve safe places. More guns and armed guards in schools, in my opinion, aren't the answer. It doesn't make sense that it's more difficult to get a job at a non profit or a school then it is to buy an assault weapon. Fingerprinting, background checks, required for hiring, but in some places nothing required for the purchase of destructive weapons. We have to recognize that as nonsense.
Why do people need a gun that can rip through and destroy a locked and secure door? Why do we own guns that are meant for military actions? There are many more questions and they need to be asked and talked about. And finally, mental health support and resources have to be looked at. We have to identify our failures in this area.
If we do this, we'll begin the process of picking up the pieces and hopefully begin the effort to at least try to prevent similar tragedies.
One alternative was to try to find the good out there. The things going on that can make you smile, feel good and understand how people support each other everyday. I spent time watching people at a Holiday Party for people at The Arc of Schuyler and their families. A good thing. I watched members of the Watkins/Montour Rotary Club volunteering at that event serving food, making people smile. A good thing. I participated in and watched people pushing back at a meeting with my local Congressman, Tom Reed. Asking about what he was going to do about taxes on the middle class and on the wealthier among us, about health insurance and the environment. All good things. I spent more time looking at young children, the age of the victims in Newtown. Looking at them a little closer and watching how funny and mischievous they can be - to the point of making me and their parents laugh. Good things.
I thought about other good things. First responders in every community ready to be at any kind of event, some serious, some not. I thought about school and non profit administrators who many times are criticized but who think about and prepare for events like Newtown on a regular basis. I thought about Teachers, direct support professionals, counselors and everyone else who works in settings where they make choices every day about making peoples' lives a little better, a little more enjoyable.
There are other things we need to do though. We really have to fix this or at least try. Something has to be done. Children deserve safe places. More guns and armed guards in schools, in my opinion, aren't the answer. It doesn't make sense that it's more difficult to get a job at a non profit or a school then it is to buy an assault weapon. Fingerprinting, background checks, required for hiring, but in some places nothing required for the purchase of destructive weapons. We have to recognize that as nonsense.
Why do people need a gun that can rip through and destroy a locked and secure door? Why do we own guns that are meant for military actions? There are many more questions and they need to be asked and talked about. And finally, mental health support and resources have to be looked at. We have to identify our failures in this area.
If we do this, we'll begin the process of picking up the pieces and hopefully begin the effort to at least try to prevent similar tragedies.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Trying To Make Sense of Tragedy
Like everyone else, I've been trying to make sense of the killings of young children and school personnel in Newtown, CT. and not having much success. Young children, just before Christmas, killed violently. I can't imagine the loss and heartbreak of these families and the fear and horror experienced by surviving children. Guns and mental health can and will be blamed. As many have already said, this needs to be talked about. We need to try to figure out how to prevent these events and how to support survivors but making sense of it probably isn't possible.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Dorothy Day Follow Up
An Interesting article appeared today in the New York Times on Dorothy Day, her canonization process and the recent support by the US Conference of Bishops. The article, I believe, raises similar issues that I shared in my previous post. One important point. The article references Dorothy Day's opposition to abortion as a statement of fact. I believe again that is a misinterpretation being promoted by people with a particular agenda. The article can be seen here.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Dorothy Day and Sainthood?
Over the past few weeks I’ve been thinking about Dorothy Day quite a bit. Not sure why but perhaps some of this has to do with my own thinking and rethinking about my past experiences. A natural part of the aging process I hear. Reflections and review of the past is an important aspect of making sense of one’s life. When we're young, we look to the future but at some point we transition as we age and look to the past.
For those who are reading this with little information about Dorothy Day and her life and work, here are a few places where you can begin your journey of meeting and learning about Dorothy:
A Biography of Dorothy Day by Jim Forest
Dorothy Day at Wikipedia
I recently received a copy of the Catholic Worker in the mail. There were reflections in that issue on Frank Donovan, a quiet force at the Worker, who recently passed away. One of the articles was accompanied by a picture shared below of Donavan, Cesar Chavez and Dorothy Day late in her life at the Catholic Worker in NYC.
I thought perhaps that article started me thinking, but no I had started reflecting some time before. She has been on my mind. as I've written about Chavez, war and peace, life.
This past week I was doing some research as I often do - no particular reason or project - and in the process found a number of articles by Dorothy about the period of time that I found myself at the Catholic Worker in 1965-1966. One referenced a visit I made to NYC in Oct. of 1980 to see her and others at the Worker. She mentioned in the article that she wasn’t feeling well and therefore didn’t see me. That got me thinking - when did Dorothy die? Turns out that it was about a month later in 1980 on Nov. 29th. So she and I missed that opportunity to visit with each other, to catch up, to reflect and to celebrate. Then I realized that Nov.29th was a week away and it would be the 32nd anniversary of her death. Imagine 32 years. Where has that time gone? One thing led to another and I checked my trusty search engines to see where things may be at with the canonization effort for Dorothy. Low and behold an article had just been published yesterday, Nov. 20, in the National Catholic Reporter telling the story of how the entire delegation of US Catholic Bishops had, within the past week, voted unanimously to support and work for Dorothy Day’s canonization to sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church. You can read the article here .
All of this have made me think and reflect on that process, Dorothy and her life, and on those Bishops. Frankly, sainthood is not an issue that strikes me as very important in this day and age. It is a recognition by an institution that is probably more important for the institution then for anyone else. It bestows an honor on someone by men who think they have the power to identify saints among us. Many times we correct words like men to be more inclusive and universal but no need here. This is a real group of mostly old, mostly white men.
My belief in sainthood along with many other beliefs left me some time ago but I do recognize the need for institutional freedom in this regard. Institutions need to be free to follow their rituals and beliefs. So be it.
Having said that, the US Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church are playing catch up and probably won’t be able to (catch up that is). They are so far behind, catching up is pretty unrealistic. I don’t know when it was that they lost touch with their flock but they did. In addition, they’ve been trying to put the teachings and fresh air of Pope John XXIII back in a closed and sequestered room for all the years since his death. Many seem to be looking at Dorothy Day’s sainthood as a political move. A way to recruit and attract the young, the poor, the oppressed. Perhaps a clear indication of their view of sainthood.
But here’s the reality. Dorothy Day was a holy woman. She was strong in her beliefs and she was a good person. She had her faults and her weaknesses, as we all do, and she was the first to speak of them. She was smart, politically astute and strong. She had a way with words and was able to politely humiliate those who deserved it and support those who needed it. She stood up to every authority with clear and concise views and arguments. She gave credit where it was due but lashed out at injustice - individual, sectarian, within the church and other institutions. If and when she didn’t, it would likely gnaw at her. She had no patience for the evil that she saw. She had great respect for the poor and for poverty itself. She was a prolific and great writer. She would have enjoyed blogging I’m sure. Her ‘On Pilgrimage’ series was a blog minus the internet and a computer.
There are those who want to put Dorothy in some sort of box or place for their own political agenda. But it can’t be done. Her reach is too far. Her writings too dynamic, allowing for growth and change - how unique. Dorothy was truly religious. She went on many 'retreats'. I remember a discussion one day after one such event where she informed everyone that perhaps we were in need of a 'charge ahead' vs a 'retreat'. The Bishops may want to think about that.
I consider myself lucky to have known Dorothy and to have gained her respect. I’ll continue to think and write about her in the hope that her memory keeps shining like that little light we sometimes sing about.
For those who are reading this with little information about Dorothy Day and her life and work, here are a few places where you can begin your journey of meeting and learning about Dorothy:
A Biography of Dorothy Day by Jim Forest
Dorothy Day at Wikipedia
I recently received a copy of the Catholic Worker in the mail. There were reflections in that issue on Frank Donovan, a quiet force at the Worker, who recently passed away. One of the articles was accompanied by a picture shared below of Donavan, Cesar Chavez and Dorothy Day late in her life at the Catholic Worker in NYC.
I thought perhaps that article started me thinking, but no I had started reflecting some time before. She has been on my mind. as I've written about Chavez, war and peace, life.
This past week I was doing some research as I often do - no particular reason or project - and in the process found a number of articles by Dorothy about the period of time that I found myself at the Catholic Worker in 1965-1966. One referenced a visit I made to NYC in Oct. of 1980 to see her and others at the Worker. She mentioned in the article that she wasn’t feeling well and therefore didn’t see me. That got me thinking - when did Dorothy die? Turns out that it was about a month later in 1980 on Nov. 29th. So she and I missed that opportunity to visit with each other, to catch up, to reflect and to celebrate. Then I realized that Nov.29th was a week away and it would be the 32nd anniversary of her death. Imagine 32 years. Where has that time gone? One thing led to another and I checked my trusty search engines to see where things may be at with the canonization effort for Dorothy. Low and behold an article had just been published yesterday, Nov. 20, in the National Catholic Reporter telling the story of how the entire delegation of US Catholic Bishops had, within the past week, voted unanimously to support and work for Dorothy Day’s canonization to sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church. You can read the article here .
All of this have made me think and reflect on that process, Dorothy and her life, and on those Bishops. Frankly, sainthood is not an issue that strikes me as very important in this day and age. It is a recognition by an institution that is probably more important for the institution then for anyone else. It bestows an honor on someone by men who think they have the power to identify saints among us. Many times we correct words like men to be more inclusive and universal but no need here. This is a real group of mostly old, mostly white men.
My belief in sainthood along with many other beliefs left me some time ago but I do recognize the need for institutional freedom in this regard. Institutions need to be free to follow their rituals and beliefs. So be it.
Having said that, the US Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church are playing catch up and probably won’t be able to (catch up that is). They are so far behind, catching up is pretty unrealistic. I don’t know when it was that they lost touch with their flock but they did. In addition, they’ve been trying to put the teachings and fresh air of Pope John XXIII back in a closed and sequestered room for all the years since his death. Many seem to be looking at Dorothy Day’s sainthood as a political move. A way to recruit and attract the young, the poor, the oppressed. Perhaps a clear indication of their view of sainthood.
But here’s the reality. Dorothy Day was a holy woman. She was strong in her beliefs and she was a good person. She had her faults and her weaknesses, as we all do, and she was the first to speak of them. She was smart, politically astute and strong. She had a way with words and was able to politely humiliate those who deserved it and support those who needed it. She stood up to every authority with clear and concise views and arguments. She gave credit where it was due but lashed out at injustice - individual, sectarian, within the church and other institutions. If and when she didn’t, it would likely gnaw at her. She had no patience for the evil that she saw. She had great respect for the poor and for poverty itself. She was a prolific and great writer. She would have enjoyed blogging I’m sure. Her ‘On Pilgrimage’ series was a blog minus the internet and a computer.
There are those who want to put Dorothy in some sort of box or place for their own political agenda. But it can’t be done. Her reach is too far. Her writings too dynamic, allowing for growth and change - how unique. Dorothy was truly religious. She went on many 'retreats'. I remember a discussion one day after one such event where she informed everyone that perhaps we were in need of a 'charge ahead' vs a 'retreat'. The Bishops may want to think about that.
I consider myself lucky to have known Dorothy and to have gained her respect. I’ll continue to think and write about her in the hope that her memory keeps shining like that little light we sometimes sing about.
Monday, November 19, 2012
War Drums Beating
I fear that more serious war drums and war intentions are developing in and around the Mideast. Rockets and missiles are being fired across boarders from both sides in and around Gaza. Both sides speak of revenge constantly rather then any kind of negotiated peace. War mongers exist on both sides. It's pretty clear. Both sides have a right to exist and to exist in peace. It's been talked about and fought about for years.
But my greatest fear is that Israel, or at least her current leadership, is preparing for bigger things in this latest conflict. That bigger thing is a preemptive strike on Iran over fears about nuclear weapons. And of course part of the plan is to have the United States support such a strike and in fact complete the work.
More and more of us need to speak out against such foolishness. It isn't right, it makes no sense and it most likely won't work without major sacrifices by the entire world. Peace is hard. It's difficult. It demands justice and reconciliation. We need more people who are tired of war and who are willing to work for peace. More to come.....
But my greatest fear is that Israel, or at least her current leadership, is preparing for bigger things in this latest conflict. That bigger thing is a preemptive strike on Iran over fears about nuclear weapons. And of course part of the plan is to have the United States support such a strike and in fact complete the work.
More and more of us need to speak out against such foolishness. It isn't right, it makes no sense and it most likely won't work without major sacrifices by the entire world. Peace is hard. It's difficult. It demands justice and reconciliation. We need more people who are tired of war and who are willing to work for peace. More to come.....
Saturday, November 3, 2012
A Jersey State of Mind!
We all hunkered down, followed directions, made sure we had batteries, filled gas tanks and got other things we thought we may need. All over the east coast people were methodical or they scrambled. There was plenty of warning. You could see her on TV. Biggest storm of the century, maybe two. Then she took aim and New Jersey, especially the Jersey Shore and New York City took direct hits. Here in the Finger Lakes we were very lucky. Strong wind and rain and some minor inconvenience with lost power for a few days. Personally, I'm pretty thankful. Then, there's what's happened in New Jersey and NYC.
I grew up in New Jersey. Born in north Jersey, early years in Spring Lake at the shore and later back to north Jersey. The Jersey Shore was an important part of life for millions. Based on video and photos, it is a very different place after a brutal hit by Sandy. It doesn't exist as I and many others knew it and it may never be the same.
Maybe its just me, but isn't it amazing how many people are either from Jersey, have family or friends in Jersey or just know somebody from Jersey. It seems endless. The numbers are staggering. Then there's the humor and jokes. If by chance you don't know anyone in or from New Jersey, you've heard the jokes about Secaucus and it's smells. Lot's of reference to dumps and garbage, the Sopranos, gangsters, Frank Sinatra and Hoboken. What's great is that folks from Jersey jump right in and become part of those conversations and can tell the jokes about themselves better then the rest of us.
I still have big connections to Jersey. My oldest son, his wife and my granddaughter live there. They had a scare during the storm when a tree fell and brought wires, sparks and flames onto their house. My brother also lives in Jersey, supporting his wife who has a number of health issues. They've all been without power for going on six days. My son sent me a video of a line that was over a mile long of people trying to get gas. We've all seen more of these lines as time has gone on. The reason - there's plenty of gas but the number of stations with electricity to operate their pumps is limited. The gas can't be pumped from large storage tanks into the fuel trucks. Power and technology are the big enemy here. If something doesn't change soon, it will get very crazy in the streets of Jersey and NYC.
Hoboken, which is below sea level, looked like New Orleans for a few days. Sea Side Heights, Point Pleasant, Belmar and Asbury Park, all places I knew in my youth, are virtually rearranged by the ocean. Boardwalks and businesses gone. Beaches are moved. And Staten Island, a Jersey neighbor, is another true disaster area.
It was good to see Gov. Chris Christie and President Obama together, putting differences aside and doing what they should be doing - solving problems and supporting people and communities. A tough guy from Jersey and a tough guy from Chicago. Quite the picture, but one that people need at this point.
My bet's on Jersey. She'll come back better then ever but she and her people will need a lot of help.
I grew up in New Jersey. Born in north Jersey, early years in Spring Lake at the shore and later back to north Jersey. The Jersey Shore was an important part of life for millions. Based on video and photos, it is a very different place after a brutal hit by Sandy. It doesn't exist as I and many others knew it and it may never be the same.
Maybe its just me, but isn't it amazing how many people are either from Jersey, have family or friends in Jersey or just know somebody from Jersey. It seems endless. The numbers are staggering. Then there's the humor and jokes. If by chance you don't know anyone in or from New Jersey, you've heard the jokes about Secaucus and it's smells. Lot's of reference to dumps and garbage, the Sopranos, gangsters, Frank Sinatra and Hoboken. What's great is that folks from Jersey jump right in and become part of those conversations and can tell the jokes about themselves better then the rest of us.
I still have big connections to Jersey. My oldest son, his wife and my granddaughter live there. They had a scare during the storm when a tree fell and brought wires, sparks and flames onto their house. My brother also lives in Jersey, supporting his wife who has a number of health issues. They've all been without power for going on six days. My son sent me a video of a line that was over a mile long of people trying to get gas. We've all seen more of these lines as time has gone on. The reason - there's plenty of gas but the number of stations with electricity to operate their pumps is limited. The gas can't be pumped from large storage tanks into the fuel trucks. Power and technology are the big enemy here. If something doesn't change soon, it will get very crazy in the streets of Jersey and NYC.
Hoboken, which is below sea level, looked like New Orleans for a few days. Sea Side Heights, Point Pleasant, Belmar and Asbury Park, all places I knew in my youth, are virtually rearranged by the ocean. Boardwalks and businesses gone. Beaches are moved. And Staten Island, a Jersey neighbor, is another true disaster area.
It was good to see Gov. Chris Christie and President Obama together, putting differences aside and doing what they should be doing - solving problems and supporting people and communities. A tough guy from Jersey and a tough guy from Chicago. Quite the picture, but one that people need at this point.
My bet's on Jersey. She'll come back better then ever but she and her people will need a lot of help.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The Passing of George McGovern
On Sunday morning, Oct. 21, 2012, George McGovern passed away. Here is a partial statement from his family:
"We are blessed to know that our father lived a long, successful and productive life advocating for the hungry, being a progressive voice for millions and fighting for peace. He continued giving speeches, writing and advising all the way up to and past his 90th birthday, which he celebrated this summer."
As noted in an earlier post, George McGovern was a hero in many ways to many people. He influenced young people and gave them hope in a time of great conflict. He continued his fight for justice and peace. A good man.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
The Veteran's Fish Fry
Every once in awhile, a short story will appear here. Fiction and made up characters that come from life experiences that we all share in one way or another. They will attempt to capture the stories that everyone has and that everyone is a part of as we travel around together. JW
*************************
He entered the restaurant first, followed by his wife, his son and daughter-in-law. He was an older gentleman and a veteran - early Vietnam or perhaps even Korea. His cap was emblazoned with the bright yellow letters of his outfit, with various pins and ribbons added, cocked to one side. His camouflage pants and shirt weren't military issue at this point but more like a Bass Pro hunting and fishing catalog version. His walker was spanking new and new fangled and he was obviously not endeared to the damn thing. It had brake handles, big wheels, a basket and was a shiny maroon. He surveyed the place and acted a bit confused. Things seemed different. His wife took charge and asked if he wanted to sit in the booth down at the end against the wall. He started to move toward a different booth but she prevailed by pulling the walker in the direction she wanted to go.
Getting to the booth was one thing, knocking and bumping people in chairs along the way. "You get in and he's going to take your walker", she said. "Well thanks buddy", he said as he leaned on the table of the man sitting by himself having a fish fry. "Not him", said the wife. "The waiter behind you." "Oh ok. Sorry bud."
He moved slowly into the booth and he seemed to be aware of the slight oder coming from his two bandaged legs. Things seemed different to him plus he was having a hard time hearing. Damned hearing things hadn't worked for months. The pretty, young waitress got everyone water and took drink orders and said she'd be back in a minute.
It became clear that this was a return to a familiar place after many years. "it's been at least three years since you were out for a fish fry. You want your usual?"
"Yea. I'll tell her. Where is she?"
The waitress was good but obviously a bit frazzled by the onslaught that seemed to all appear at once. She asked the old man what he wanted.
"You got chowder? The white kind?"
"Yes, we have New England Clam Chowder. Would you like a cup?"
"No, a bowl. A big bowl."
"Tell her about the fish fry", chimed in the wife. "Do you want the fries or a baked potato?"
"We only have fries ma'am."
The old man forged ahead not hearing any of the previous discussion. "I'll have the fish fry with mashed potatoes and gravy" he said confidently. "We don't have any mashed potatoes" said the waitress. "Well get some", said the old vet with a little laugh and a smile. "Fine, I'll have the fries with gravy". The waitress, becoming more flustered delivered the news that there was no gravy to be had. She thought she was going to be able to move on to others at the table but the old man's wife had more ideas for the love of her life. "Do you want a salad?", she asked. "Ma'am, a salad is extra. The fish fry comes with cole slaw, said the now impatient waitress.
Finally she was able to take all the orders and she scurried off to put them in and wait on two other full booths.
"When do you think all these things changed" asked the wife to no one in particular. The son looked around and said "I think there may be new owners. When were you and Dad in here last?"
"Oh it's been years. This is the first time he's been out of the house in two years. His legs just can't do the job any more and I can't get around much myself."
"Well I'm enjoyin' it", piped in the old man. And he did. He enjoyed the whole damn meal. He enjoyed the pretty young waitress and he enjoyed sitting next to Ma with his hand on her knee giving it a squeeze every time he winked at the waitress. All of it helped him forget the dreams that still haunted him. The visions and sounds of a war so far away.
As he left that night, feeling good, feeling happier then he had in a long time, he found the waitress. He tapped her on the arm and said softly and sincerely, "Thank you for your service". She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and said, "You too Pops."
*************************
He entered the restaurant first, followed by his wife, his son and daughter-in-law. He was an older gentleman and a veteran - early Vietnam or perhaps even Korea. His cap was emblazoned with the bright yellow letters of his outfit, with various pins and ribbons added, cocked to one side. His camouflage pants and shirt weren't military issue at this point but more like a Bass Pro hunting and fishing catalog version. His walker was spanking new and new fangled and he was obviously not endeared to the damn thing. It had brake handles, big wheels, a basket and was a shiny maroon. He surveyed the place and acted a bit confused. Things seemed different. His wife took charge and asked if he wanted to sit in the booth down at the end against the wall. He started to move toward a different booth but she prevailed by pulling the walker in the direction she wanted to go.
Getting to the booth was one thing, knocking and bumping people in chairs along the way. "You get in and he's going to take your walker", she said. "Well thanks buddy", he said as he leaned on the table of the man sitting by himself having a fish fry. "Not him", said the wife. "The waiter behind you." "Oh ok. Sorry bud."
He moved slowly into the booth and he seemed to be aware of the slight oder coming from his two bandaged legs. Things seemed different to him plus he was having a hard time hearing. Damned hearing things hadn't worked for months. The pretty, young waitress got everyone water and took drink orders and said she'd be back in a minute.
It became clear that this was a return to a familiar place after many years. "it's been at least three years since you were out for a fish fry. You want your usual?"
"Yea. I'll tell her. Where is she?"
The waitress was good but obviously a bit frazzled by the onslaught that seemed to all appear at once. She asked the old man what he wanted.
"You got chowder? The white kind?"
"Yes, we have New England Clam Chowder. Would you like a cup?"
"No, a bowl. A big bowl."
"Tell her about the fish fry", chimed in the wife. "Do you want the fries or a baked potato?"
"We only have fries ma'am."
The old man forged ahead not hearing any of the previous discussion. "I'll have the fish fry with mashed potatoes and gravy" he said confidently. "We don't have any mashed potatoes" said the waitress. "Well get some", said the old vet with a little laugh and a smile. "Fine, I'll have the fries with gravy". The waitress, becoming more flustered delivered the news that there was no gravy to be had. She thought she was going to be able to move on to others at the table but the old man's wife had more ideas for the love of her life. "Do you want a salad?", she asked. "Ma'am, a salad is extra. The fish fry comes with cole slaw, said the now impatient waitress.
Finally she was able to take all the orders and she scurried off to put them in and wait on two other full booths.
"When do you think all these things changed" asked the wife to no one in particular. The son looked around and said "I think there may be new owners. When were you and Dad in here last?"
"Oh it's been years. This is the first time he's been out of the house in two years. His legs just can't do the job any more and I can't get around much myself."
"Well I'm enjoyin' it", piped in the old man. And he did. He enjoyed the whole damn meal. He enjoyed the pretty young waitress and he enjoyed sitting next to Ma with his hand on her knee giving it a squeeze every time he winked at the waitress. All of it helped him forget the dreams that still haunted him. The visions and sounds of a war so far away.
As he left that night, feeling good, feeling happier then he had in a long time, he found the waitress. He tapped her on the arm and said softly and sincerely, "Thank you for your service". She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and said, "You too Pops."
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
George McGovern - A Hero
George McGovern is seriously ill. His family reports that he is unresponsive and is receiving support through hospice. McGovern is a real hero. At a time when this country was being torn apart over the war in Vietnam, a leader, a politician emerged who understood war. He opposed that war and called for its end. McGovern volunteered in the US Army and became a bomber pilot in World War ll. He saw war for what it was - a horror. He was the son of a preacher and preached himself. He was deeply religious. He understood social issues and poverty. He saw what was happening in a divided country and tried to bring people together. His 1972 campaign for President excited young people who until then had felt put off by established politicians and political parties. He was unfairly attacked by Richard Nixon who ultimately defeated him in the presidential race. McGovern lost the election. Richard Nixon went on to be disgraced. George McGovern in his wisdom and grace said at one point, "there are worse things then losing". You deserve our thanks and wishes for peace.
Presidential Debates - Ugh!
Well here we are. Two down and one to go (debates that is). And what's the main focus of conversation? Who beat who, who was tougher and who could take the best punch. Some, not all, in the audience are craving the fight, looking for the knockout and seeing if enough damage and blood gets shed in the process. I found myself thinking some of the same things and getting caught up in the drama of the stalkers on stage. Kind of like a dog fight (illegal) or a cock fight (illegal) or maybe boxing (legal but dangerous). These examples by the way, are things we tend to be shocked about and act as though they are terrible.
But something really is out of whack and it does say something about the culture we live in around this entire globe. For all the talk about civility, good manners and anti bullying, here we are cheering on bullies and beating up someone who tries to be dignified and thoughtful. So the message to our candidates as well as our children and to each other is "go at it, stand up and be a man. Be as brutal as you can be" and so forth. Why is that, and why does the side that was getting beat up get talked into doing it back?
It's amazing to me that a standard of arrogance, bullying, disrespect, demagoguery and general bad manners is not only tolerated but encouraged in an election for President of the US. At the same time, these things seem to make partisans feel good. Pundits and talking heads have some major responsibility here but alas, it seems to be a part of the human condition to want this level of interaction. It seems to me that we should be disgusted with both camps at this point for both acting this way and responding to calls for more of the same.
Next week we will have a final debate, supposedly on foreign policy. In a world with so many difficult situations in countries looking for leadership and support, you would think a thoughtful policy debate would be in order. I fear not. Let's get ourselves and everyone else as whipped up as possible. Let's bully some more and call names, fan the flames and send a message of more mistrust. Won't that be helpful for the US and the world.
I hate being led down the path of "the lesser of two evils", but that seems to be where a lot of people are being led. I believe in debate and the sharing of ideas. I also happen to believe in civility and respect for the people you don't agree with. A real example of that kind of civility is the relationship and friendship that grew between Rep. John Lewis and former Rep. Amo Houghton, Jr who became Co-Chairs of the Faith and Politics Institute in Wash. D.C. Two men from different political parties and different backgrounds. One black, one white with completely different life experiences but both committed to civil discussions.
Having said all of this, Mitt Romney gives bosses, CEO's and business leaders a bad name. They are not all like him. Maybe people involved in takeovers or bankruptcies, but certainly not every business person. Treating people badly is not a class act at all and it says a lot about someone when it's done so easily.
I, like many others I'm sure, would also rather have President Obama spend some time talking about what he wants to get done and how he'll do it in a second term. It's an important discussion and some of us are waiting.
What we need now is for everybody to calm down. Stop with the sports analogies and listen to ideas.
If anything is really going to change, we have to stop cheering and begging for the fight and the knockout. I'm going to start by catching myself. One more to go and it should be an important discussion on policies not feather puffing.
But something really is out of whack and it does say something about the culture we live in around this entire globe. For all the talk about civility, good manners and anti bullying, here we are cheering on bullies and beating up someone who tries to be dignified and thoughtful. So the message to our candidates as well as our children and to each other is "go at it, stand up and be a man. Be as brutal as you can be" and so forth. Why is that, and why does the side that was getting beat up get talked into doing it back?
It's amazing to me that a standard of arrogance, bullying, disrespect, demagoguery and general bad manners is not only tolerated but encouraged in an election for President of the US. At the same time, these things seem to make partisans feel good. Pundits and talking heads have some major responsibility here but alas, it seems to be a part of the human condition to want this level of interaction. It seems to me that we should be disgusted with both camps at this point for both acting this way and responding to calls for more of the same.
Next week we will have a final debate, supposedly on foreign policy. In a world with so many difficult situations in countries looking for leadership and support, you would think a thoughtful policy debate would be in order. I fear not. Let's get ourselves and everyone else as whipped up as possible. Let's bully some more and call names, fan the flames and send a message of more mistrust. Won't that be helpful for the US and the world.
I hate being led down the path of "the lesser of two evils", but that seems to be where a lot of people are being led. I believe in debate and the sharing of ideas. I also happen to believe in civility and respect for the people you don't agree with. A real example of that kind of civility is the relationship and friendship that grew between Rep. John Lewis and former Rep. Amo Houghton, Jr who became Co-Chairs of the Faith and Politics Institute in Wash. D.C. Two men from different political parties and different backgrounds. One black, one white with completely different life experiences but both committed to civil discussions.
Having said all of this, Mitt Romney gives bosses, CEO's and business leaders a bad name. They are not all like him. Maybe people involved in takeovers or bankruptcies, but certainly not every business person. Treating people badly is not a class act at all and it says a lot about someone when it's done so easily.
I, like many others I'm sure, would also rather have President Obama spend some time talking about what he wants to get done and how he'll do it in a second term. It's an important discussion and some of us are waiting.
What we need now is for everybody to calm down. Stop with the sports analogies and listen to ideas.
If anything is really going to change, we have to stop cheering and begging for the fight and the knockout. I'm going to start by catching myself. One more to go and it should be an important discussion on policies not feather puffing.
Monday, October 15, 2012
I Am Malala!
Malala Yousufzai is a true hero for all of those who believe in justice, education and freedom. Her story is well known by now. This 14 year old woman from Pakistan has spent time speaking out about the right of young women and in essence all women in Pakistan to attend school and to be educated. She spoke eloquently about the right to read, go to school and to speak her mind. For that she was shot while being transported from school with other young people who were also wounded. She suffered a serious wound to the head. Malala was recently transported to the United Kingdom where she is being treated for her injuries.
How is it that a child, a beautiful child, can show such courage and leadership. All I know is that she can and has. While adults find it more and more difficult to simply talk to each other with civility and respect, while adults and children are physically and emotionally brutal to peers and other human beings, this young woman stands up peacefully for justice. She's a model for all of us. She joins the ranks of other great leaders for peace and justice.
It seems to me that we all need to speak up with Malala's strong voice. She and her ideas need support from everyone worldwide. In the words of an important folk song that I learned from Pete Seeger - "One man's hands can't tear a prison down. Two men's hands can't tear a prison down. But if two and two and fifty make a million, we'll see that day come round - We'll see that day come round."
People standing up in the hundreds, in the thousands and in the millions do bring about necessary and peaceful change. Today, I am Malala. Her spirit is growing every day and by the minute. Be well Malala.
How is it that a child, a beautiful child, can show such courage and leadership. All I know is that she can and has. While adults find it more and more difficult to simply talk to each other with civility and respect, while adults and children are physically and emotionally brutal to peers and other human beings, this young woman stands up peacefully for justice. She's a model for all of us. She joins the ranks of other great leaders for peace and justice.
It seems to me that we all need to speak up with Malala's strong voice. She and her ideas need support from everyone worldwide. In the words of an important folk song that I learned from Pete Seeger - "One man's hands can't tear a prison down. Two men's hands can't tear a prison down. But if two and two and fifty make a million, we'll see that day come round - We'll see that day come round."
People standing up in the hundreds, in the thousands and in the millions do bring about necessary and peaceful change. Today, I am Malala. Her spirit is growing every day and by the minute. Be well Malala.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Some Things Don't Make Sense
I've written here before about criticisms and scandals that have appeared about supports and services provided to people with developmental disabilities, both here in New York State and across the country. It's a subject that I care about since I worked in this field for 30 plus years and saw tremendous, mostly positive, changes in terms of supports to people with disabilities. But it goes deeper then working in this field. It really gets down to some of the most vulnerable people in a society and their place in that society. Social justice is critically important to everyone because it's very easy for us to be the next segment of society to be ignored, hated or treated unfairly. We don't think about it often enough but it is a reality that we should all face. Things happen, society changes, people change, circumstances change.
But right now, people with developmental disabilities are vulnerable and are treated differently - sometimes well and sometimes very poorly. We clearly still have attitudes about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It's a little less acceptable for people to make a joke about these individuals but it's still acceptable.
Recently there was an article in the NY Times about a NYS Assemblyman suing an agency, the Nassau Chapter of NYSARC, for abuse that occurred to his son who resides in a residential setting that is operated by the agency. The story was also picked up by the Associated Press. I've linked both of the articles - New York Times and Associated Press - Star Gazette . I reference abuse having occurred because no one associated with the situation seems to be denying that other then the former employee in the story.
In the interest of full disclosure, I know a number of the administrative and leadership staff at the Nassau Chapter of NYSARC. They are good and decent people in my opinion, committed to doing the right thing for people and families. But the reality is there are hundreds of employees that work there who I don't know and that should be stated too. It's the reality of agencies like this as well as hospitals, nursing homes and other service providers. They are all large employers trying on a regular basis to hire and train good people. Some bad apples almost always slip through. People who just aren't cut out for the difficult and caring work.
The bottom line though is that there is something very odd about the news story as reported that I just can't figure out. It seems as though a number of incidents of abuse occurred and were reported to the agency through appropriate channels. The family was notified, the accused employee suspended and an investigation commenced. The allegation was confirmed and the employee was terminated.
It turns out that the dismissed employee ended up being employed by another agency providing support to people with developmental disabilities. I would guess, and it is only a guess, that this agency never received any sort of recommendation from the Nassau Chapter of NYSARC. If they got anything it was probably a verification of dates of employment, a standard practice.
Now after the time period of this incident some additional protections were legislated in NYS. One created a registry of employees who had abuse substantiated. The other required law enforcement notification and action. The Governor also created a Justice Center for People with Special Needs. Interestingly, the Governor hasn't finalized, by his signature, the creation of the registry and the Justice Center. All of this begs the question - is this the real reason for the Assemblyman's law suit? Is he frustrated and angry with the Governor for not moving forward on these issues? To me, that seems to be the case and in the process an organization that it looks like is trying to do the right thing, ends up being sued. That's what's odd to me and what doesn't seem to add up or make sense.
All of this has been an education to me. It makes it clear that what is written and what's reported has to be considered carefully. It's hard to know what's in someone's head by the written word no matter how good or bad a writer or reporter is. Facts are sometimes blurred by other facts. It just seems there's more to this story that is hard to find in the reported versions.
We seem to be in a 'gotcha' environment that can easily run people in circles, good people and good organizations - all trying to do the right thing with the bumps and blemishes that come with life. In the end, we have to hope that the people supported are better off and able to flourish. It's a huge challenge.
But right now, people with developmental disabilities are vulnerable and are treated differently - sometimes well and sometimes very poorly. We clearly still have attitudes about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It's a little less acceptable for people to make a joke about these individuals but it's still acceptable.
Recently there was an article in the NY Times about a NYS Assemblyman suing an agency, the Nassau Chapter of NYSARC, for abuse that occurred to his son who resides in a residential setting that is operated by the agency. The story was also picked up by the Associated Press. I've linked both of the articles - New York Times and Associated Press - Star Gazette . I reference abuse having occurred because no one associated with the situation seems to be denying that other then the former employee in the story.
In the interest of full disclosure, I know a number of the administrative and leadership staff at the Nassau Chapter of NYSARC. They are good and decent people in my opinion, committed to doing the right thing for people and families. But the reality is there are hundreds of employees that work there who I don't know and that should be stated too. It's the reality of agencies like this as well as hospitals, nursing homes and other service providers. They are all large employers trying on a regular basis to hire and train good people. Some bad apples almost always slip through. People who just aren't cut out for the difficult and caring work.
The bottom line though is that there is something very odd about the news story as reported that I just can't figure out. It seems as though a number of incidents of abuse occurred and were reported to the agency through appropriate channels. The family was notified, the accused employee suspended and an investigation commenced. The allegation was confirmed and the employee was terminated.
It turns out that the dismissed employee ended up being employed by another agency providing support to people with developmental disabilities. I would guess, and it is only a guess, that this agency never received any sort of recommendation from the Nassau Chapter of NYSARC. If they got anything it was probably a verification of dates of employment, a standard practice.
Now after the time period of this incident some additional protections were legislated in NYS. One created a registry of employees who had abuse substantiated. The other required law enforcement notification and action. The Governor also created a Justice Center for People with Special Needs. Interestingly, the Governor hasn't finalized, by his signature, the creation of the registry and the Justice Center. All of this begs the question - is this the real reason for the Assemblyman's law suit? Is he frustrated and angry with the Governor for not moving forward on these issues? To me, that seems to be the case and in the process an organization that it looks like is trying to do the right thing, ends up being sued. That's what's odd to me and what doesn't seem to add up or make sense.
All of this has been an education to me. It makes it clear that what is written and what's reported has to be considered carefully. It's hard to know what's in someone's head by the written word no matter how good or bad a writer or reporter is. Facts are sometimes blurred by other facts. It just seems there's more to this story that is hard to find in the reported versions.
We seem to be in a 'gotcha' environment that can easily run people in circles, good people and good organizations - all trying to do the right thing with the bumps and blemishes that come with life. In the end, we have to hope that the people supported are better off and able to flourish. It's a huge challenge.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Back Home To Ireland!
Tourism dominates the economy of Ireland today. That same economy has taken a nose dive from the boom that took place a few years ago. Unemployment is running at around 14% and government cuts are being felt by everyone with more cuts coming. But tourism does continue and thrive from what I could see. The streets of major villages and cities are filled with people either visiting for the first time or returning on a holiday and all seem to be treated equally well by local people.
Galway is a fun place to be on a Sunday afternoon. Street performers are up and down Quay Street. Vendors and artisans also set up shop selling jewelry, food and handcrafted items of all sorts. The pubs are full and offer good food, drink and conversation. Honestly, no one is a stranger from what I saw. It is easy to get service, advice, directions or opinions on just about anything from both employees and fellow customers.
Ah the pubs. They certainly are the focal point in every place that we visited. Food, drink, conversation and music all flow from these gathering places. The music is wonderful. Most of what I saw was traditional but there is a mix of celtic rock, jazz and blues that can be found along the way. The pub music made me wonder why we don't do more of that in this country. Basically musicians meeting up in the late evening to play with each other, to share techniques in a public setting. Little jam sessions mixed in with conversation and camaraderie. A reserved table is set aside after the evening meal and a fiddler, guitar player, drum, pipe and accordion or some mix of them all, begin showing up to take their turns leading or playing a tune. Most of the time musicians buy their own drinks and interact among themselves. From what I could tell, these folks play for the love of the music, the tradition and the development of their own skills. It's a lot of fun to watch.
But the real purpose and foundation of my trip to Ireland was a return to my heritage. A quest to understand the struggles and motivations of the inhabitants of this beautiful island in the sea. My grandmother was a Kelly from the small village of Ballyfarnon in County Roscommon. It is the northern most village in Roscommon and is right on the border of Sligo. She, like millions of others, left family and home to travel to America as a young woman. She had very little in her possession when she left and probably not much of an idea of what she would encounter. I am still trying to retrace her experience but she most likely embarked from Queenstown and its harbor of tears along with so many others who were looking for a new and better life across the ocean. She arrived at Ellis Island and began her life in a new and different land. She became a cleaning woman first in NYC and eventually at a hunting and fishing club in eastern Pennsylvania where she met a local farmer turned hunting guide, my grandfather. They married and moved to New Jersey where she continued to work cleaning rooms and offices. He got a job in a mailroom as a clerk through one of his contacts at the hunting and fishing club. They raised a family of two daughters and a son.
I grew up listening to my mother and my grandmother telling stories about that life, about that home far away from which my grandmother came. As far as I know, she never saw her parents again. She never traveled back home. But she followed the news of the 'troubles' and the fight for independence. I know she yearned for the countryside and the traditions and language of her homeland. At the same time she was very proud of her new home and country. She watched her family grow and succeed and she knew how wonderful and strange it was for all of that to happen. That's the heritage and the experience that brought me back home to Ireland
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Labor Day 2012 - Cesar Chavez
Yesterday was Labor Day. I am often reminded of the days of migrant farm workers struggling for their families and their rights in the 60's. Living in upstate NY I see issues related to migrant labor and illegal and legal immigration almost everyday. Vineyards and orchards are cared for and picked by today's farm workers. The issues are a little different. In the 60's no one was talking about or much cared about where these workers came from. They came and went across our borders. The issue then was pure money. These folks could be paid less then others and could be exploited in other ways because they were poor, away from home and unprotected.
Today hard working migrants are a bit more protected and are paid minimally, service worker wages. Every once in awhile you hear arguments about how they are taking jobs from Americans. But when investigated, few others will take these jobs. Farmers cry out for laborers and no one comes.
Cesar Chavez was another non violent hero from that time. He understood and utilized the symbolism and effectiveness of non violent protest. He utilized fasting and economic boycotts. He knew the exploitation. He knew the work. He knew the industry. He was influenced by Dorothy Day and he impacted the politics of the time. He fought hard and labored hard but the struggle obviously continues. - JW
Today hard working migrants are a bit more protected and are paid minimally, service worker wages. Every once in awhile you hear arguments about how they are taking jobs from Americans. But when investigated, few others will take these jobs. Farmers cry out for laborers and no one comes.
Cesar Chavez was another non violent hero from that time. He understood and utilized the symbolism and effectiveness of non violent protest. He utilized fasting and economic boycotts. He knew the exploitation. He knew the work. He knew the industry. He was influenced by Dorothy Day and he impacted the politics of the time. He fought hard and labored hard but the struggle obviously continues. - JW
César Chávez, 1927-1993, was an American farm worker of Mexican descent and the embodiment of a Christian laborer who coupled his leadership, organizing skills and his spirituality to non-violently promote the dignity and rights of workers. This year marks the 50th anniversary of this labor and civil rights leader having founded with Dolores Huerta (Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient, 2012) the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers. - The Faith and Politics Institute
United Farm Workers Prayer
Written by Cesar Chavez
Show me the suffering of the most miserable, so I may know my people's plight. Free me to pray for others, for you are present in every person. Help me to take responsibility for my own life, so that I can be free at last. Grant me courage to serve others, for in service there is true life. Give me honesty and patience, so that I can work with other workers. Bring forth song and celebration, so that the Spirit will be alive among us. Let the Spirit flourish and grow, so that we will never tire of the struggle. Let us remember those who have died for justice, for they have given us life. Help us love even those who hate us, so we can change the world. Amen.
Now The Democrats Turn
Well the Republicans had their chance last week and pretty much blew it. From the mean spiritedness to Clint Eastwood, who in my opinion, seemed to be working as a double agent of some sort, making Obama's day.
As I said, there is a mean spiritedness that just comes through in both the speeches and on the faces of the Republicans. The poor - read welfare - the sick, the disabled, all seem to be at fault or worse yet just people to be ignored.
So now the Democrats will go at it. They are a different crowd. You can see it in all of their actions. From feeling comfortable in their crazy hats and outfits to cheering, chanting and booing. They seem to have more fun. But fun isn't the issue this time around. Millions are unemployed, families are losing their homes and a health crises always seems to be looming.
And then there's foreign policy, hardly touched in Tampa last week. The war in Iraq was ended under this President but we seem to have just shifted from there to Afghanistan. Iran seems to be next with some shouting for a preemptive strike. I hope some sanity prevails. It seems to be taking a long time for people to realize that in this day and age, war isn't an option anymore. Forget the moral arguments (for now). It just isn't any kind of practical solution to global problem solving.
There's also the environment. Whether it's fracking and gas drilling or climate change and natural resources, there are certainly enough challenges for all of us.
So the Democrats have their job cut out for them. There's lots to cover and people seem to be pretty sick of nothing getting done.
As I said, there is a mean spiritedness that just comes through in both the speeches and on the faces of the Republicans. The poor - read welfare - the sick, the disabled, all seem to be at fault or worse yet just people to be ignored.
So now the Democrats will go at it. They are a different crowd. You can see it in all of their actions. From feeling comfortable in their crazy hats and outfits to cheering, chanting and booing. They seem to have more fun. But fun isn't the issue this time around. Millions are unemployed, families are losing their homes and a health crises always seems to be looming.
And then there's foreign policy, hardly touched in Tampa last week. The war in Iraq was ended under this President but we seem to have just shifted from there to Afghanistan. Iran seems to be next with some shouting for a preemptive strike. I hope some sanity prevails. It seems to be taking a long time for people to realize that in this day and age, war isn't an option anymore. Forget the moral arguments (for now). It just isn't any kind of practical solution to global problem solving.
There's also the environment. Whether it's fracking and gas drilling or climate change and natural resources, there are certainly enough challenges for all of us.
So the Democrats have their job cut out for them. There's lots to cover and people seem to be pretty sick of nothing getting done.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
National Political Conventions Are Here
As I've stated elsewhere, I'm a real political junkie. I am really interested in politics and political strategies. I have strong feelings about issues but love to watch and learn from any political party or entity. From the time I was just a youngster I have stayed up and watched political conventions of the two major parties in this country. Sometimes that has meant little sleep for sustained periods.
This year is no different, although the Republican Convention in Tampa has already had delays and will be shortened due to Tropical Storm Isaac and now people are even talking about moving to one day conventions in the long term. It's been many years since real candidate decisions have been made at national conventions. Everyone has known for months that Mitt Romney would be the Republican nominee. We all also knew that President Obama would be the Democratic nominee. But there are new things that can happen at conventions. For one thing people have a chance to learn more about candidates. In addition, delegates and surrogates can cause or get into trouble and what party they belong to makes no difference.
So this week all attention is on the Republicans and Mitt Romney. Next week it will be the Democrats and President Obama. So I expect to be spending a lot of time watching all of the proceedings on tv and getting a little less sleep.
I was listening to some commentary on the radio yesterday that reminded me of a convention from the past. In 1964, Barry Goldwater was nominated as the Republican candidate for President. It's really interesting that George Romney, Mitt Romney's father, was the spokesperson for the moderate wing of the Republican party that year. He was very concerned about the direction of the party and its move toward the right. He spoke out strongly and fought for a plank in the party platform that year to support civil rights legislation. He lost that battle. He fought hard against what he considered to be Goldwater's extremism. I learned through the commentary yesterday that Mitt Romney attended that convention as a 17 year old and watched his father try to stand for moderation in the party. The senior Romney wrote Goldwater after the convention pointing out why the party needed to be more inclusive rather then moving in one direction or the other.
Here we are in 2012 with Mitt Romney seeming to move further and further to the right of center and it makes one wonder if he thinks about that convention in 1964 and what his father was trying to accomplish. I guess we'll see.
This year is no different, although the Republican Convention in Tampa has already had delays and will be shortened due to Tropical Storm Isaac and now people are even talking about moving to one day conventions in the long term. It's been many years since real candidate decisions have been made at national conventions. Everyone has known for months that Mitt Romney would be the Republican nominee. We all also knew that President Obama would be the Democratic nominee. But there are new things that can happen at conventions. For one thing people have a chance to learn more about candidates. In addition, delegates and surrogates can cause or get into trouble and what party they belong to makes no difference.
So this week all attention is on the Republicans and Mitt Romney. Next week it will be the Democrats and President Obama. So I expect to be spending a lot of time watching all of the proceedings on tv and getting a little less sleep.
I was listening to some commentary on the radio yesterday that reminded me of a convention from the past. In 1964, Barry Goldwater was nominated as the Republican candidate for President. It's really interesting that George Romney, Mitt Romney's father, was the spokesperson for the moderate wing of the Republican party that year. He was very concerned about the direction of the party and its move toward the right. He spoke out strongly and fought for a plank in the party platform that year to support civil rights legislation. He lost that battle. He fought hard against what he considered to be Goldwater's extremism. I learned through the commentary yesterday that Mitt Romney attended that convention as a 17 year old and watched his father try to stand for moderation in the party. The senior Romney wrote Goldwater after the convention pointing out why the party needed to be more inclusive rather then moving in one direction or the other.
Here we are in 2012 with Mitt Romney seeming to move further and further to the right of center and it makes one wonder if he thinks about that convention in 1964 and what his father was trying to accomplish. I guess we'll see.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The Execution of Marvin Wilson
Let me say right off the bat that I’m opposed to capital punishment. Always have been and probably always will be. I’ve never believed the ‘eye for an eye’ concept as any kind of good public policy, but more on that in future posts. A Texas man convicted in the shooting death of a 21-year-old man in 1992 was executed Tuesday in Huntsville. Marvin Wilson was pronounced dead at 6:27 p.m. (7:27 p.m. ET) on August 7, 2012.
Here’s the thing. Wilson's IQ had been measured in testing at 61. Wilson, 54, had been declared "intellectually disabled" by a court-appointed neuropsychologist. "Despite all the signs of Mr. Wilson's intellectual disabilities and the diagnosis of the court-appointed neuropsychologist, the District Court of Jefferson County (Texas) concluded that Mr. Wilson is not mentally retarded," according to a posting by the ACLU, with "not" italicized for emphasis.
Wilson was convicted in the shooting death of Jerry Robert Williams in Beaumont, Texas. According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Williams was abducted and shot after a "physical confrontation" between the two men. Obviously, Wilson needed to be held accountable for his actions and that could have been done in a much more humane way than death by lethal injection.
Now I haven’t seen the court records or its final determination in this case but it sure sounds like the court may not have understood that the older term “mentally retarded” is in fact included in the newer terminology of intellectual disability as defined by the federal government. I don’t know if it is the case but what a shame if a man was executed because a court didn’t understand the definition of an intellectual disability.
The Supreme Court ruled a number of years ago that executing individuals with an intellectual disability is unconstitutional. The problem is that in that ruling the Court left it to the individual states in determining the level of disability. Ergo, Marvin Wilson’s problem - Texas and it’s definition/determination.
What really amazes me is the deafening silence from groups that present themselves as advocates for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities - The Arc and NYSARC are examples but there are others. These organizations have a bully pulpit of sorts and are in a position to educate the general public, politicians, lawyers and other advocates and professionals.
The United States is in the minority when it comes to capitol punishment in general. We should certainly be able to make clear determinations about the execution of people with intellectual disabilities. This decision by the Texas Court was a slap in the face to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court turned down Wilson’s appeal, so they took the slap. Within the same week, the individual who killed and wounded people in Arizona copped a plea and got life in prison. Strange and sad that Marvin Wilson didn’t have a chance.
Here’s the thing. Wilson's IQ had been measured in testing at 61. Wilson, 54, had been declared "intellectually disabled" by a court-appointed neuropsychologist. "Despite all the signs of Mr. Wilson's intellectual disabilities and the diagnosis of the court-appointed neuropsychologist, the District Court of Jefferson County (Texas) concluded that Mr. Wilson is not mentally retarded," according to a posting by the ACLU, with "not" italicized for emphasis.
Wilson was convicted in the shooting death of Jerry Robert Williams in Beaumont, Texas. According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Williams was abducted and shot after a "physical confrontation" between the two men. Obviously, Wilson needed to be held accountable for his actions and that could have been done in a much more humane way than death by lethal injection.
Now I haven’t seen the court records or its final determination in this case but it sure sounds like the court may not have understood that the older term “mentally retarded” is in fact included in the newer terminology of intellectual disability as defined by the federal government. I don’t know if it is the case but what a shame if a man was executed because a court didn’t understand the definition of an intellectual disability.
The Supreme Court ruled a number of years ago that executing individuals with an intellectual disability is unconstitutional. The problem is that in that ruling the Court left it to the individual states in determining the level of disability. Ergo, Marvin Wilson’s problem - Texas and it’s definition/determination.
What really amazes me is the deafening silence from groups that present themselves as advocates for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities - The Arc and NYSARC are examples but there are others. These organizations have a bully pulpit of sorts and are in a position to educate the general public, politicians, lawyers and other advocates and professionals.
The United States is in the minority when it comes to capitol punishment in general. We should certainly be able to make clear determinations about the execution of people with intellectual disabilities. This decision by the Texas Court was a slap in the face to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court turned down Wilson’s appeal, so they took the slap. Within the same week, the individual who killed and wounded people in Arizona copped a plea and got life in prison. Strange and sad that Marvin Wilson didn’t have a chance.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Understanding Hate!
Both the shooting in Aurora, Colorado and the recent attack on worshippers at a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin have me wondering and struggling with the issue of hate and its relationship to violence. I think it's pretty obvious that guns are out of control in this country but the bigger issue is that of hate, hate mongering, hate crimes and their relationship to violence.
What is it in our make up and/or backgrounds that allow us to use hateful language in conversations and sad attempts at humor? What is it that allows a seemingly nice, gentle person to make a wisecrack about another person or a group of people who are different due to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, size, age, etc.? We've all seen it and if we're honest, have probably participated on some level. Why?
People make excuses - "That's just Joe.", "It's the alcohol talking.", "She's young." - but the fact is we all participate at some level and when we do, those around us watch and learn. Yup, we're all teachers when it comes to the acceptance of making fun of people or speaking nonsense about groups of people.
But there are bigger issues. Like why do people really think racist or discriminatory comments are funny? What streak of meanness in all of us is satisfied by hateful comments? What is it in our backgrounds or growing up that makes any of this acceptable?
I'm truly at a loss. I do know though that societies all over the world have the same issues and we don't spend enough time trying to figure it out. Or we take the easy way out and chalk it off to adolescence, alcohol, stupidity and so forth.
Although I continue to struggle with understanding where this all comes from, I've concluded that as many people as possible have to begin or continue to speak out against hate when they see it. Walking away from a group or a conversation, speaking up, or speaking to people privately about our discomfort and nonacceptance are all ways to witness against hateful language. It also helps when families, teachers and leaders have conversations about hate and hate speech and hate humor. It has to start and stop somewhere.
What is it in our make up and/or backgrounds that allow us to use hateful language in conversations and sad attempts at humor? What is it that allows a seemingly nice, gentle person to make a wisecrack about another person or a group of people who are different due to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, size, age, etc.? We've all seen it and if we're honest, have probably participated on some level. Why?
People make excuses - "That's just Joe.", "It's the alcohol talking.", "She's young." - but the fact is we all participate at some level and when we do, those around us watch and learn. Yup, we're all teachers when it comes to the acceptance of making fun of people or speaking nonsense about groups of people.
But there are bigger issues. Like why do people really think racist or discriminatory comments are funny? What streak of meanness in all of us is satisfied by hateful comments? What is it in our backgrounds or growing up that makes any of this acceptable?
I'm truly at a loss. I do know though that societies all over the world have the same issues and we don't spend enough time trying to figure it out. Or we take the easy way out and chalk it off to adolescence, alcohol, stupidity and so forth.
Although I continue to struggle with understanding where this all comes from, I've concluded that as many people as possible have to begin or continue to speak out against hate when they see it. Walking away from a group or a conversation, speaking up, or speaking to people privately about our discomfort and nonacceptance are all ways to witness against hateful language. It also helps when families, teachers and leaders have conversations about hate and hate speech and hate humor. It has to start and stop somewhere.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Comings and Goings On Seneca Lake
One of the great things about Seneca Lake is all of the activity, by people, birds and animals of all sorts, shapes and sizes. Seneca is a huge body of water, thirty six miles long and 600 plus feet deep in some places. At its widest point it’s a little more than a mile. It’s a great place for boating, fishing and watching nature in every season of the year. Because of its depth and the movement created by such a huge body of water, it hardly ever freezes except along the edges. For the same reasons the water temperature remains pretty cool throughout the summer months although this year it has been warmer than usual.
When I was a young boy growing up in New Jersey, my father had a salesman friend who had connections with Seneca Lake. I was about 5 years old when my father, my brother and I traveled from NJ with his friend for a week of fishing on Seneca. As a matter of fact, where I currently live is directly across from where all of us stayed in a cottage, fishing for Lake Trout, skipping stones and enjoying the surrounding area. We made this trip a number of times over the years. My father’s friend had a 16 ft Penn Yan runabout that he ultimately sold to my father. I remember trailering that boat across Rt 79, through NY and down to Jersey and then a year or so later up to Cape Cod where my mother and father had purchased a cottage. Those were long and challenging trips in the days before Interstates. Those are a few of my my earliest memories of this beautiful lake known as Seneca. One of the lakes that Native Americans lived around, crossed and fished for many years.
So now I sit and enjoy the comings and goings on Seneca Lake. There are many, but I’ll share a few of the most recent. There are two characters who I watch regularly. They force the issue since they go back and forth daily in front of my dock and deck. I’ve named them both Rusty just because they need a name and that one seems to fit them well. The first is Rusty the Crow. He arrived in the early spring and has found a place to build a nest just north of my house. Well I watch Rusty go back and forth in front of the deck. First building a nest and now feeding his or perhaps her young. In reality it’s most likely two Crows but I’m not good enough to figure that out.
When I was a young boy growing up in New Jersey, my father had a salesman friend who had connections with Seneca Lake. I was about 5 years old when my father, my brother and I traveled from NJ with his friend for a week of fishing on Seneca. As a matter of fact, where I currently live is directly across from where all of us stayed in a cottage, fishing for Lake Trout, skipping stones and enjoying the surrounding area. We made this trip a number of times over the years. My father’s friend had a 16 ft Penn Yan runabout that he ultimately sold to my father. I remember trailering that boat across Rt 79, through NY and down to Jersey and then a year or so later up to Cape Cod where my mother and father had purchased a cottage. Those were long and challenging trips in the days before Interstates. Those are a few of my my earliest memories of this beautiful lake known as Seneca. One of the lakes that Native Americans lived around, crossed and fished for many years.
So now I sit and enjoy the comings and goings on Seneca Lake. There are many, but I’ll share a few of the most recent. There are two characters who I watch regularly. They force the issue since they go back and forth daily in front of my dock and deck. I’ve named them both Rusty just because they need a name and that one seems to fit them well. The first is Rusty the Crow. He arrived in the early spring and has found a place to build a nest just north of my house. Well I watch Rusty go back and forth in front of the deck. First building a nest and now feeding his or perhaps her young. In reality it’s most likely two Crows but I’m not good enough to figure that out.
Crows tend to fly and gather in large flocks in trees in the early evening hours. Many cities try to discourage these gatherings with noise making and light machines. It seems as though Rusty has gotten sick of all of that city living and fighting for space so he and his girl have become lake property owners and vacationers. I guess we’ll see if they stay throughout the winter. I honestly enjoy watching him fly back and forth doing what he does every day, three or four times an hour. He and the squirrels and the feral cats have figured out how to coexist with an occasional Caw, Caw to stake out his territory.
And then there’s Rusty the fisherman. I also see Rusty the fisherman everyday, heading south in his aluminum boat powered by an outboard, sitting in the back usually with a beer and traveling at a good clip. Now here’s the thing. He’s always heading south. I’ve never seen him going the other way. My guess is that he lives to the south and starts his trips by heading across the lake, going north, coming back across and heading home to the south. But that’s just a guess. Rusty’s an old time and experienced fisherman. You can tell by his poise and confidence. He enjoys what he does and loves the lake in good weather and bad. Even from a distance you can tell his skin is tanned and well weathered. His shirts are tattered. Sometimes he’s bare chested and sometimes he’s layered with sweatshirts and hooded garments. He always travels at the same speed seeming anxious to get home with his catch or perhaps stories of the day. He’s a loner. I've never seen him with a friend or partner or even stop to talk to another fisherman. It’s all good because it allows me to imagine his story, his life and his mission in life. One day he's a survivor, living off of the land in a ramshackle cottage and the next he's a well to do entrepreneur visiting his summer haven.
And then there’s Rusty the fisherman. I also see Rusty the fisherman everyday, heading south in his aluminum boat powered by an outboard, sitting in the back usually with a beer and traveling at a good clip. Now here’s the thing. He’s always heading south. I’ve never seen him going the other way. My guess is that he lives to the south and starts his trips by heading across the lake, going north, coming back across and heading home to the south. But that’s just a guess. Rusty’s an old time and experienced fisherman. You can tell by his poise and confidence. He enjoys what he does and loves the lake in good weather and bad. Even from a distance you can tell his skin is tanned and well weathered. His shirts are tattered. Sometimes he’s bare chested and sometimes he’s layered with sweatshirts and hooded garments. He always travels at the same speed seeming anxious to get home with his catch or perhaps stories of the day. He’s a loner. I've never seen him with a friend or partner or even stop to talk to another fisherman. It’s all good because it allows me to imagine his story, his life and his mission in life. One day he's a survivor, living off of the land in a ramshackle cottage and the next he's a well to do entrepreneur visiting his summer haven.
Now of course there are many more comings and goings on Seneca Lake - the summer crowd, the fish, the boats, the cats, coyotes, deer and of course the natural beauty - but those are a few that reach out to capture my attention on a regular basis. The lake has so many stories and so much history. I write things down and capture some of it as I can and will continue to share on this site as time permits.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Thank You Woody Guthrie!
"I am out to sing songs that will prove to you that this is your world and that if it has hit you pretty hard and knocked you for a dozen loops, no matter what color, what size you are, how you are built, I am out to sing the songs that make you take pride in yourself and in your work. And the songs that I sing are made up for the most part by all sorts of folks just about like you." Woody Guthrie
July 14th, 2012 will mark 100 years since Woody Guthrie’s birth. He was a national and international treasure. As with many treasures and artists, he wasn’t necessarily recognized as he should have been during his life.
I, like many others, was influenced by Woody Guthrie the troubadour, the singer, the musician, the storyteller, the organizer. He changed some of who I am and how I see things and what I do. Woody Guthrie stood up for people and stood up for ideas. He told stories through songs. He educated and influenced people, regular people and many times, important people. He saw and lived experiences of poor people, people of color, migrant workers and people just trying to make it through life.
Many people don’t even know they’re listening to or singing Woody Guthrie songs. In some ways his songs were speaking to universal issues rather than political issues. While he lived, some would write him off as a populist, a leftist, a socialist or even a communist but Woody had an answer to that - “Right wing, left wing, chicken wing, it’s all the same to me.” He was a poet and someone who knew the power of words and music. He also knew how to make people feel good about themselves and other people. He didn’t put people down. He raised them up. He respected people for who they were. His folksy way got people’s attention. He was an early rapper and a white blues man. He raised talkin blues into a genre.
I’ve sung his songs, raised a beer and told some of his stories and turned a few of them into mine. I appreciate his quote that “if you know or play more than two chords, your showing off.” So this is a big thank you to Woody Guthrie. Thank you for helping us all figure out how to raise each other up. Thank you for giving a two chorder confidence. I hope lots of people find a way to celebrate Woody's Birthday with a song or two. Thanks Woody Guthrie!
July 14th, 2012 will mark 100 years since Woody Guthrie’s birth. He was a national and international treasure. As with many treasures and artists, he wasn’t necessarily recognized as he should have been during his life.
I, like many others, was influenced by Woody Guthrie the troubadour, the singer, the musician, the storyteller, the organizer. He changed some of who I am and how I see things and what I do. Woody Guthrie stood up for people and stood up for ideas. He told stories through songs. He educated and influenced people, regular people and many times, important people. He saw and lived experiences of poor people, people of color, migrant workers and people just trying to make it through life.
Many people don’t even know they’re listening to or singing Woody Guthrie songs. In some ways his songs were speaking to universal issues rather than political issues. While he lived, some would write him off as a populist, a leftist, a socialist or even a communist but Woody had an answer to that - “Right wing, left wing, chicken wing, it’s all the same to me.” He was a poet and someone who knew the power of words and music. He also knew how to make people feel good about themselves and other people. He didn’t put people down. He raised them up. He respected people for who they were. His folksy way got people’s attention. He was an early rapper and a white blues man. He raised talkin blues into a genre.
I’ve sung his songs, raised a beer and told some of his stories and turned a few of them into mine. I appreciate his quote that “if you know or play more than two chords, your showing off.” So this is a big thank you to Woody Guthrie. Thank you for helping us all figure out how to raise each other up. Thank you for giving a two chorder confidence. I hope lots of people find a way to celebrate Woody's Birthday with a song or two. Thanks Woody Guthrie!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Speaking of Health Insurance
Pretty surprising and a bit outrageous to find out that many members of the US Forest Service who are currently battling fires in Colorado are without health insurance because they are temporary/part time employees. You can read an article about this here from the Washington Post.
Isn't it interesting that we have lots of politicians in Washington DC and Albany NY who could be listed as temporary/part time who have some of the best health insurance in the country. I guess what's good enough for the goose, isn't good enough for the gander after all.
Isn't it interesting that we have lots of politicians in Washington DC and Albany NY who could be listed as temporary/part time who have some of the best health insurance in the country. I guess what's good enough for the goose, isn't good enough for the gander after all.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Health Care
Interesting that now we have a huge discussion on tax vs. penalty when the real issue is, making sure that people have health care coverage. These arguments are really pretty ludicrous and take away from the main issue. If people are so opposed to a mandate and a penalty (with very little real teeth), come up with a solution that deals with the 30+million uninsured in this country. At least then the discussion would have some level of value.
Friday, June 22, 2012
How People Become Co-opted
Sometimes it's fear. Sometimes it's promises. Sometimes it's a false sense of equality. Sometimes it's an actual transfer of goods, services or money. Sometimes it may be as simple as seeking friendship. I've been wondering recently why and how people become co-opted. I'd guess it's happened to all of us. I know it's happened to me and I also know I've never felt good about it when it has happened. But I'm certainly not sure about why it happens.
Here's a recent example that has been on my mind. Governor Andrew Cuomo recently developed, promoted and got passed legislation dealing with neglect and abuse of people with disabilities. He hammered the importance of this legislation home after a series of articles in the New York Times publicized what it saw as a failure of New York State's system of care for the developmentally disabled in particular. The Governor went to the press, to advocates, to parents, family members and whoever he could find to build support for his legislation. The Governor, within the first year of his administration, had also appointed a new Commissioner to head the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. My point being, that both he and she, were pretty new to dealing with issues related to people with developmental disabilities.
So when the legislation was proposed, without much involvement of the field or advocates in general, its language referred to people with "special needs". Now that may not seem like a really big deal and maybe its not - but this is. The field of people working with people with developmental disabilities, self advocates, individuals promoting change for many years, had just spent a decade or more trying to get government to recognize the importance of person first language and the dignity of how we talk about each other. Worse yet, some of the largest organizations who purport to be advocates fell silent. Instead, they praised the Governor for his leadership, etc. Why didn't they speak up about this use of language? Fear? Promises? What happened to advocacy? What happened to thoughtful education of elected officials? Perhaps the Governor would have appreciated someone pointing out that he was using old school language that could be insulting a large segment of the community.
So that's what's got me wondering about co-opting and how it happens. The Governor is I'm sure a good man, trying to do what's right. The Commissioner is a good woman, trying to change a system. The organizations and people who were co-opted are good, but they seem to have lost their way for some reason. I really hope they get back on the right track soon. They're needed. Their leadership is needed.
Here's a recent example that has been on my mind. Governor Andrew Cuomo recently developed, promoted and got passed legislation dealing with neglect and abuse of people with disabilities. He hammered the importance of this legislation home after a series of articles in the New York Times publicized what it saw as a failure of New York State's system of care for the developmentally disabled in particular. The Governor went to the press, to advocates, to parents, family members and whoever he could find to build support for his legislation. The Governor, within the first year of his administration, had also appointed a new Commissioner to head the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. My point being, that both he and she, were pretty new to dealing with issues related to people with developmental disabilities.
So when the legislation was proposed, without much involvement of the field or advocates in general, its language referred to people with "special needs". Now that may not seem like a really big deal and maybe its not - but this is. The field of people working with people with developmental disabilities, self advocates, individuals promoting change for many years, had just spent a decade or more trying to get government to recognize the importance of person first language and the dignity of how we talk about each other. Worse yet, some of the largest organizations who purport to be advocates fell silent. Instead, they praised the Governor for his leadership, etc. Why didn't they speak up about this use of language? Fear? Promises? What happened to advocacy? What happened to thoughtful education of elected officials? Perhaps the Governor would have appreciated someone pointing out that he was using old school language that could be insulting a large segment of the community.
So that's what's got me wondering about co-opting and how it happens. The Governor is I'm sure a good man, trying to do what's right. The Commissioner is a good woman, trying to change a system. The organizations and people who were co-opted are good, but they seem to have lost their way for some reason. I really hope they get back on the right track soon. They're needed. Their leadership is needed.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Assault on Voter Registration
It really is amazing how our country seems to be going backwards relative to making sure that people have the right to vote. So many people and organizations fought for many years to make sure that the burden was lessened in this regard. The civil rights movement was motivated in good part by the restrictions and barriers put up against citizens who wanted to exercise their right to vote. In the 1960’s many black citizens were required to do things like recite the US Constitution as part of a test for literacy and to be allowed to vote. White citizens did not have to meet this same or other discriminatory requirements. This obviously was racially motivated and was designed to control who would or could vote. When stories like this are told, most people think it’s unbelievable that this occurred in the United States - but it did.
Knowing this makes it frustrating to see the attempts that are now being made in various states for voter identification and verification. Although voter fraud is most often used as the reasoning for these legislative requirements, no one can produce real or meaningful facts relative to voter fraud. As a matter of fact, It just doesn’t exist as presented. The trade off is that many senior citizens, people with disabilities, students and minorities who don’t drive, will have some difficulty producing approved photo ID’s. Do we really want to do this - discourage and reduce the number of people voting in elections? It seems to fly in the face of everything people say about democracy. It seems to contradict the values that this country espouses when discussing things taking place in other countries that discourage democracy. It seems to contradict the pride that Congress expressed as Iraqi citizens held up their purple stained fingers after voting in their elections. Statistically, many of the groups who may be disenfranchised would normally vote Democratic and this seems to be known by the promoters of these pieces of legislation.
These legislative initiatives seem to be directed at particular groups of people during an election cycle that certainly should encourage more voting. The worst aspect of all of this is that in some cases, these new rules are directed specifically at the Hispanic population. The immigration debate and the questioning of legal and illegal status has sparked a lot shameful rhetoric. Voting should not be used as a means to discriminate. These initiatives will and should be challenged in the courts.
Knowing this makes it frustrating to see the attempts that are now being made in various states for voter identification and verification. Although voter fraud is most often used as the reasoning for these legislative requirements, no one can produce real or meaningful facts relative to voter fraud. As a matter of fact, It just doesn’t exist as presented. The trade off is that many senior citizens, people with disabilities, students and minorities who don’t drive, will have some difficulty producing approved photo ID’s. Do we really want to do this - discourage and reduce the number of people voting in elections? It seems to fly in the face of everything people say about democracy. It seems to contradict the values that this country espouses when discussing things taking place in other countries that discourage democracy. It seems to contradict the pride that Congress expressed as Iraqi citizens held up their purple stained fingers after voting in their elections. Statistically, many of the groups who may be disenfranchised would normally vote Democratic and this seems to be known by the promoters of these pieces of legislation.
These legislative initiatives seem to be directed at particular groups of people during an election cycle that certainly should encourage more voting. The worst aspect of all of this is that in some cases, these new rules are directed specifically at the Hispanic population. The immigration debate and the questioning of legal and illegal status has sparked a lot shameful rhetoric. Voting should not be used as a means to discriminate. These initiatives will and should be challenged in the courts.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Double Dipping and Contradictions
Isn't it fascinating how government works? Do what I say, not what I do seems to be the watchword too often.
I was struck this weekend by an article in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle that reported on the increase in 'double dipping' at state agencies and by people employed by the state over the past year (who knew it's been going on for years?). That is, people collecting a state pension and also working for the state in some capacity. You can read the article by clicking here. You can also go to the statewide data base by clicking here. Be warned, this may get you disturbed or frustrated. It did me.
Now there is an argument to be made that those are the rules and people are just doing what's very legal and available to them. Ok, so we won't personally begrudge them I guess. But we can certainly question the practice and also point out the hypocrisy of state leaders who preach austerity and hold others to a different standard in a self righteous manner.
Recently Gov. Cuomo signed an executive order limiting the salaries of non-profit executives. He and the legislature expressed outrage at the reckless actions of non-profits and non-profit boards in paying salaries that seemed to him to be out of line. Really? There were certainly a few cases highlighted by the press that were pretty outrageous but the number was really a few and there were methods and responsibilities for state agencies to regulate these situations. But instead, let's revisit grammar school and punish the class or the whole school for the actions of a few. Well done. My faith in government has been restored. Played well in the press and to the public and now we move on to the next government intervention.
So in the past week articles have appeared noting the governor's and state agencies' frustrations with the fact that some agency heads and commissioners are making less then the people they supervise and that the salary levels of these folks make it hard to recruit good people. These are the same arguments made by the non-profits who just had their salaries capped by the way. Interesting isn't it?
Now the latest news - a long list of state employees legally double dipping, some to the tune of $200,000-$300,000. Legal. Following the rules. Following a culture in government. It also needs to be pointed out that most people in the private sector don't have pensions at all. People may have had 403B or 401K plans but none of these were very lucrative.
Contradictions like this are all over the place when we take a close look at elected officials and their rhetoric. Or is it possible the Governor didn't know he was in charge of and responsible for thousands of former and current state employees and pensions and policies. Hard to believe he was or is unaware. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just count on some real honesty in government instead of scapegoating and finger pointing at people and groups who usually don't have sophisticated lobbying or media support? I'll wait along with everyone else but let's not just accept inconsistencies.
I was struck this weekend by an article in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle that reported on the increase in 'double dipping' at state agencies and by people employed by the state over the past year (who knew it's been going on for years?). That is, people collecting a state pension and also working for the state in some capacity. You can read the article by clicking here. You can also go to the statewide data base by clicking here. Be warned, this may get you disturbed or frustrated. It did me.
Now there is an argument to be made that those are the rules and people are just doing what's very legal and available to them. Ok, so we won't personally begrudge them I guess. But we can certainly question the practice and also point out the hypocrisy of state leaders who preach austerity and hold others to a different standard in a self righteous manner.
Recently Gov. Cuomo signed an executive order limiting the salaries of non-profit executives. He and the legislature expressed outrage at the reckless actions of non-profits and non-profit boards in paying salaries that seemed to him to be out of line. Really? There were certainly a few cases highlighted by the press that were pretty outrageous but the number was really a few and there were methods and responsibilities for state agencies to regulate these situations. But instead, let's revisit grammar school and punish the class or the whole school for the actions of a few. Well done. My faith in government has been restored. Played well in the press and to the public and now we move on to the next government intervention.
So in the past week articles have appeared noting the governor's and state agencies' frustrations with the fact that some agency heads and commissioners are making less then the people they supervise and that the salary levels of these folks make it hard to recruit good people. These are the same arguments made by the non-profits who just had their salaries capped by the way. Interesting isn't it?
Now the latest news - a long list of state employees legally double dipping, some to the tune of $200,000-$300,000. Legal. Following the rules. Following a culture in government. It also needs to be pointed out that most people in the private sector don't have pensions at all. People may have had 403B or 401K plans but none of these were very lucrative.
Contradictions like this are all over the place when we take a close look at elected officials and their rhetoric. Or is it possible the Governor didn't know he was in charge of and responsible for thousands of former and current state employees and pensions and policies. Hard to believe he was or is unaware. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just count on some real honesty in government instead of scapegoating and finger pointing at people and groups who usually don't have sophisticated lobbying or media support? I'll wait along with everyone else but let's not just accept inconsistencies.
Renovations, Visits and Gardening
All of the above have kept me away from my blogging activities recently but the world and news goes on. Hard to keep up with it all. Here's a rundown of sorts.
In terms of renovations, my house has needed new windows for quite some time - air leaks, hard to open and close, broken screens - all of the things people with homes know about. In addition, some of the windows were very small and needed resizing just to let more natural light in the house. As with many home projects, this one was identified a number of years ago as needing to be done but finding and selecting contractors isn't an easy task. It did get done though and the work started a week ago with all of the normal, not so normal disruptions that come with renovations. So that's taking place as we speak. Dust, furniture, wall hangings, everything all over the place and moving and re-moving as the project moves forward. So far, so good, just some inconvenience .
My oldest son also came for a planned visit to help me with some plumbing and gutter cleaning last week. Great to see him and have his help to get those things done. Spent a little time together on the lake. The time was too short but we'll get together again soon.
And then there's the garden. Lettuce, spinach and swiss chard all needing to be harvested and peas coming in this week. I've also got some chinese cabbage and bok choy not far behind. I took my chances with the early spring and now reaping the rewards but lot's of work to keep up.
So that's what I've been up to. Also trying to keep up with the news, current events and reading. Feeling a little stretched here and there but keeping up as best I can and enjoying it.
A fellow asked me the other day how I was doing with retirement - getting use to it? I replied that I was doing fine and enjoying it. He glumly reported that he wasn't use to it yet. I asked how long he'd been retired and he said eight years. I didn't go much further with the conversation but it made me wonder about his life before and after retirement, interests, etc. I'd guess it's what you make it, interests and connections with other people and activities. More to think about but in the meantime the garden calls.
In terms of renovations, my house has needed new windows for quite some time - air leaks, hard to open and close, broken screens - all of the things people with homes know about. In addition, some of the windows were very small and needed resizing just to let more natural light in the house. As with many home projects, this one was identified a number of years ago as needing to be done but finding and selecting contractors isn't an easy task. It did get done though and the work started a week ago with all of the normal, not so normal disruptions that come with renovations. So that's taking place as we speak. Dust, furniture, wall hangings, everything all over the place and moving and re-moving as the project moves forward. So far, so good, just some inconvenience .
My oldest son also came for a planned visit to help me with some plumbing and gutter cleaning last week. Great to see him and have his help to get those things done. Spent a little time together on the lake. The time was too short but we'll get together again soon.
And then there's the garden. Lettuce, spinach and swiss chard all needing to be harvested and peas coming in this week. I've also got some chinese cabbage and bok choy not far behind. I took my chances with the early spring and now reaping the rewards but lot's of work to keep up.
So that's what I've been up to. Also trying to keep up with the news, current events and reading. Feeling a little stretched here and there but keeping up as best I can and enjoying it.
A fellow asked me the other day how I was doing with retirement - getting use to it? I replied that I was doing fine and enjoying it. He glumly reported that he wasn't use to it yet. I asked how long he'd been retired and he said eight years. I didn't go much further with the conversation but it made me wonder about his life before and after retirement, interests, etc. I'd guess it's what you make it, interests and connections with other people and activities. More to think about but in the meantime the garden calls.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Peter Maurin - Easy Essays
Peter Maurin was the co-founder, with Dorothy Day, of the Catholic Worker Movement in 1933. Peter was born in 1877 and died in 1949. He was a French peasent and former Christian Brother who believed in manual labor, the agrarian movement but most importantly hospitality and supporting those in need. He spoke on street corners in New York City and elsewhere about the need for radical personalism. He spoke to anyone who would listen. He reasoned, "the way to reach the man on the street is meet the man on the street." He was a teacher, a lecturer and philosopher and a troublemaker of sorts. Peter wrote short pieces that became known as Easy Essays. They were bold in thought but simple in construction. From time to time I will add one or two to this blog. What Peter Maurin wrote in the 30’s and 40’s can certainly have meaning today. Here is an example:
Prostitution of Politics
The Republicans say:
“Let’s turn the rascals
out.”
The Democrats say:
Let’s turn the rascals
out.”
The Republicans
call the Democrats
rascals.
The Democrats
call the Republicans
rascals.
For the Republicans
as well as for the
Democrats
politics
is just a profitable business.
By making a business
out of politics,
politicians
have prostituted the
noble calling
of politics.
….......Peter Maurin
Prostitution of Politics
The Republicans say:
“Let’s turn the rascals
out.”
The Democrats say:
Let’s turn the rascals
out.”
The Republicans
call the Democrats
rascals.
The Democrats
call the Republicans
rascals.
For the Republicans
as well as for the
Democrats
politics
is just a profitable business.
By making a business
out of politics,
politicians
have prostituted the
noble calling
of politics.
….......Peter Maurin
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