Words and Insults

Warning - I'm going to use some words here that I know are offensive to some people. I assure you though that they are used in the spirit of learning and teaching and with no malice.

Just the other day, an important labor leader in New York State used some words to insult and call out Governor Andrew Cuomo. The words were tough, insulting, a bit juvenile and disrespectful. Not to the Governor. He's a big boy and I'm sure these words like lots of others that have been tossed around at him and about him, rolled off pretty easily. First the words, a "monkey" and a "moron". An interesting use of terms by an intellegent person in an important leadership position. Here's an article describing the event and the language: Albany Times Union Article

The people who were insulted and disrespected were the many thousands of people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities. These individuals have been fighting for many years to get people to stop using offensive language like "retard" and "mental retardation". Their reasoning? These words really hurt when they are directed at you, especially when you had nothing to do with your disability or there's not much you can do about it. As stated above, I'm using the word "retard" and "moron" to make a point. I could refer to the r-word or the m-word but some people wouldn't get it.

Now there are always those who say this is just political correctness. "Yup, another group of people that doesn't want to be offended." If that's your view, so be it. I probably won't change it. But for those of you who are trying to understand, it's really quite simple. There are words that have evolved in our society to the point where they become slang and sometimes people forget or don't think about their true meaning. Take a minute to look up either of these words. You'll find that they are identified immediately as offensive. But here's a different test. Look someone you know in your community who has an intellectual or developmental disability in the eye and call them a "retard" or a "moron". Please don't, but think about it. Think about the reaction you would get from them or the people around them. This is hurtful language and is meant to offend.

I've heard people say in a truly wondering way, "Well what should I call them?" My response is always the same. Let's start with a name or a person with a disability. Build a relationship. Get to know an individual and you'll know what to call him or her.

But there's something more basic about the comments that were made by the labor leader. This person is representing people who support people with developmental disabilities throughout New York State and he's using insulting language about the people supported. Why? Because he's mad at the Governor. Because it makes him feel good to call him names. Because he's trying to get his people worked up. But calling names and trying to be as insulting as possible doesn't solve the problem. Talking to people, building coalitions around common themes and issues, figuring out how to speak for more people then your basic membership are all things that could help in the long run. Get on board with understanding that institutional care is not something people want or need. Walk arm in arm with the people supported by these services. Walk arm in arm with the non profits who are hurting more and more everyday because of cuts. Step up in anyway you can, but don't fall into the old trap of using insulting and hurtful language.

The Grimm Reaper

Congressman Michael Grimm from NY looks like he could use a little anger management as well as some anti bullying training. If you're not aware, after the State of the Union address on Jan. 28th, Grimm was being interviewed by a NY1 reporter. After Grimm's comments about the speech the reporter tried to get him to comment about allegations concerning his campaign and some ethics issues that have been raised recently. Grimm left but then came back after the reporter was done and basically threatened to throw him off the balcony and alternately break him in half like a boy. All of this while the camera is still going.

We all can get frustrated and angry but most people at least try to keep that anger under control especially with a reporter whose camera is still running. Not Congressman Grimm. He takes on an obviously smaller individual and physically threatens him using belligernt and bleep-able  language.

On top of it all, this guy is a lawmaker. Someone who passes laws that all of the rest of us need to follow. Like, let's say anti bullying legislation and laws about assault and threats of bodily harm. It's also interesting that Grimm is always identified as an ex marine and former FBI agent. These things are true but somehow this builds on the image of a rough and tumble guy ready to fight his way out of the swamp or making highly physical arrests of bad guys, all with guns I'm sure.

It's hard and somewhat unbelievable to watch this Congressman aggressively approach the newsman who doesn't have the chance to turn off his own camera that he most likely set up for the interview. Grimm comes in hard, not loud and lets the reporter know in no uncertain terms that he'll physically deal with him if there's ever a next time. Some of his words don't even make sense. He talks about breaking the reporter in half like a boy. What the hell is that supposed to mean? That little boys are easy to break in half? Or is it some reference to how little boys get broken in half? Sounds like a high school bully talking to a middle schooler. Sounds a bit weird also.

We sometimes wonder out loud why we have the problems that we do with violence and bullying. Well the service Congressman Grimm provides is to crystalize the issue for us. What should we expect when a Congressman thinks it's acceptable to physically threaten someone he doesn't agree with or someone who annoys him. Our role models - Congressman, sports figures, teachers and on and on, can all be found doing some pretty weird things and there should be consequences. Elections, hiring decisions, legal actions are all things that can be part of those consequences. The reality though is that in Grimm's mind, his actions were acceptable. He has since apologized and the reporter has accepted his apology. I think his apology has more to do with seeing himself caught in a compromising position then any real concern about his actions. He should really think this one through. I hope he calms down a bit. Life is too short.

And here is some additional information from POLITICO click here. If true, much worse then I thought.

Thank You Pete Seeger

Lots of us need to thank Pete Seeger for what he showed us and taught us over the years. Pete passed away last night, peacefully in his sleep. Ten days ago, according to his grandson, he was chopping wood for the fire in his cabin home in Beacon, NY, as he did for many years.

Pete Seeger taught us the importance of song and participation. He had a passion for song, music and making sure everyone was part of the expierience. But on top of all of that he believed in things. He believed in peace, the protection of the environment, justice for all, racial eguality and had fun doing it. He was banned, blacklisted and shunned. He was handcuffed, arrested and jailed for singing and protesting. He brought people together through song and showed people how to participate. Sometimes we were embarresed or shy about our voices or what we thought was our lack of musical talent but Pete Seeger made sure we all sounded good.

Singing This Land is Your Land or We Shall Overcome with Pete Seeger was often a life changing expierience. Thousands had that expierience and won't forget it.

Many years ago I was working at the Catholic Worker in NYC. I fancied myself a folk singer, protest singer, etc. I had written a few songs and sang many of the old ones in the tradition of Seeger, Woody Gutherie, The Weavers and others. One day Pete Seeger was on the phone talking to someone and they told him there was a young fella there who had an interesting anti war song. Next thing I knew I was on the phone with Pete Seeger and he wanted to hear the song my friend had told him about. So there I was, trying to sing my song with no guitar to a legend. He was kind. Said I had something there and should keep singing.

I also found out about thirty years later that a high school classmate of mine, Bob Killian, worked and sang with Pete Seeger on The Clearwater, the sailing ship that he used to promote clean water, particularly on the Hudson River. Bob went on to get involved with an educational sailing and environmental program in Florida.

I'm sure there are hundreds and thousands of stories of how Pete Seeger connected and influenced people throughout the world. His mantra was participation. Everybody sounded good to Pete. They really did. He just loved to hear another voice. One more thing he did. He took the time every Christmas to send cards of encouragement to prisoners of conscience. I was lucky enough to hear from him a couple of times.

So I just want to add my thanks to Pete Seeger for what he offered all of us. A chance to sing, participate and bring about change along with gleeful encouragement. Rest in peace Pete.

Sexual Assault - Needed Attention

Today President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden spoke to the issue of sexual assault. One of the statistics that they presented was that 1 in 5 women identify that they were sexually assaulted in college. The President challenged college Presidents to step up and identify what they are doing relative to sexual assaults. What systems and reporting mechanisms do they have in place to support people who may be victems of sexual assault? What are they doing to prevent sexual assault on their campus? The challenge was also given to men and a culture that has allowed these assaults without anyone speaking up. It was also noted that women themselves need to support each other in standing up to these issues and speaking up when necessary. The President signed an administrative memo creating a group to come up with additional recommendations to deal with the issue within 90 days.

All of this caught my attention because just yesterday Governor Andrew Cuomo in his budget presentation, spoke to the issue of sexual harassment (assault in some cases) as a growing and continuing problem in the NYS Legislature. That's right, elected officials and staff members in the NYS Legislature, involved in more and more instances of sexual harassment, to the point where Cuomo is trying to get ethics legislation with some teeth in it to deal with these issues. And guess what? The leadership is balking, dragging their feet as it were. The Governor is proposing a hotline for people to report issues with legislators or legislative staff. Imagine. Within the past week a western NY Assemblyman resigned due to continuing allegations about his behavior in this area. He's denying any guilt but he's gone. He's just the latest.

So, the President is on the right track and should be commended but as he discusses college presidents and students, elected officials are being called out in NY. Obviously the issue is a big one and everyone has a responsibility to report, stop and support. It will be interesting to see where both initiatives go.

Honoring The Dream and The Dreamer

Today, January 15, 2014, marks the actual birthday of that great dreamer, activist and prophet Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King would have been 85 today if he had survived the assassin's bullet as well as all of the other things that await all of us as we go through life. Dr. King spoke of his dream and many of us listened. He laid it out clearly for all of us and by doing so helped us understand what we needed to do. He also showed the way and walked the talk along with his many colleagues, men and women, black, white and more.

Along the way he was blocked and insulted. He was called everything from communist to outside agitator and much worse. He and his family were threatened, blackmailed by his government and forced many times to live in fear. Through all of this he taught how to respond with respect and honor. He taught how this type of hatred had to be confronted. He taught basic values that we should all understand.

So we honor him and his dream in various ways - service projects, writing, getting involved in social issues, working for political change or possibly just spending some quality time thinking about who he was and what he did. All good things and all things we should promote and support.

We will get another chance next Monday, January 20th, as the country celebrates a national holiday in his honor. So take a little time and do it in whatever way you're comfortable with tonight or next Monday. Honor the dream and the dreamer. Better yet, become a dreamer.

Follow Up To My Encounter With Tick

Just got the results of my latest blood test and another negative report relative to Lyme Disease. That's the good news. I still believe I had Lyme in my system in early November but between catching things early and the 21 day course of antibiotics it was knocked out. Early detection and action is key as well as preventive measures. I've heard from and about many who have not been so lucky. This disease is debilitating and a struggle for many. Be aware and take action when necessary.

My Encounter With A Tick Of The Bad Kind

The first thing you need to understand is that I'm a dog person. Pretty much always have been. Right now I have two friendly and happy canines. One is an old (going on 17) Beagle and the other is an energetic clown of a Brittany. I've always leashed my dogs. This has more to do with my inability to train any them to stay in an area or to come when called than anything else. The Brittany however likes to and needs to run, so I've got one of those retractable leads that allows him to do his thing as we take our regular walks. His 'thing' is hilarious to watch and be a part of. He winds himself up and runs at full speed back and forth. At some point in the process he begins to spin and tumble, doing actual summersaults close by. There is always a point where he wraps himself in a ball and comes at me at full speed and crashes against my legs. More than once he's actually knocked me off balance. His intention isn't to hurt but to involve me in his play. It's a little bit like bowling but I'm the only pin. At night, he finds a cozy spot next to me on my (his) bed. And so it goes.

Both dogs are medicated for tick prevention and control and I've never really seen ticks on them. All of this is background to a story about my recent encounter with a tick and potential exposure to Lyme Disease.

In late October I decided to attend a conference and meeting in Albany, NY. I drove up, got a room at a hotel and attended a number of meetings at the conference that was held at a different hotel. Late in the evening, after dinner, I returned to my hotel room. It was in fact Halloween. As I took off my shirt I happened to be standing in front of a mirror. I noticed something black and red on my left bicep. As I looked more closely I could see something that looked a bit like a mole or flesh in the center of a very hard red spot with a circle around it. In the back of my mind I was pretty sure what this was but figured someone should check it out. Now that I noticed it, I also felt pain in my arm and some throbbing.

I worked my way to the front desk encountering all sorts of costumes and characters along the way. I asked the young clerk with makeup all over his face where the nearest hospital was. He wrote down the address for Albany Medical Center. I got to my car, put the address in my GPS and was off. Driving through downtown Albany I noticed an increase in the throbbing and a pretty serious pain going up my arm. I was also feeling flushed. Arriving at the Albany Medical Center finally came but now what. The GPS got me to the physical address but how do I find my way around? Turns out there was lots of construction and pretty confusing signage. After my third drive around the facility, through various restricted parking areas, I finally parked the car and walked to what seemed to be the main entrance with a sign for the Emergency Room.  The main entrance was locked (it was close to midnight at this point). I asked some newly arriving employees where the emergency room entrance was and they pointed the way. A nice lady in green with sparkley tentacles on her head took me through the admissions process. A nurse took my vitals and was very concerned about my now sky rocketing blood pressure. She indicated they needed to find me a bed. I explained as calmly as possible why I was there and why after circling the hospital three times and parking my car in a restricted parking area my blood pressure was probably high.

I ended up being seen by two emergency room physicians who confirmed that a tick was embedded in my arm. They were very concerned about the appearance of the area and believed it was probably an indication of Lyme, indicating that there was a great deal of it in the area. After removal of the tick I was given an antibiotic and a prescription for a 21 day course of doxycycline . The doctors indicated that they believed the tick was found soon enough and that the antibiotic would take care of the potential infection with Lyme. They did indicate that the antibiotic came with its own issues. I was instructed to get a blood test in a week or two and to see my local health care provider. It was well past 1am at this point and my next quest was to find a 24hr pharmacy. I found a CVS and filled the prescription, got a few hours of sleep, went to some meetings that morning and headed back home with symptoms from either the antibiotic, Lyme Disease as well as lack of sleep kicking in.

Over the next few months I've learned a lot about Lyme Disease. It seems my area of the Finger Lakes is expieriencing something of an epidemic. I've also learned that different doctors and emergency rooms are treating people differently relative to doses and types of antibiotics. I've followed stories of serious cardiac symptoms and issues. All of this has convinced me that I need to continue to educate myself and that people in general do need more information and discussion about Lyme Disease.

I've had one blood test that was negative and will receive the results of another within the next week or so. Turns out things change with this disease and sometimes there are false negatives so things do have to be monitored. I certainly did expierience symptoms of fatigue and flu over the course of Nov. and Dec. There was joint soreness as well. I've also encountered and spoken to more and more people impacted by Lyme.

In the meantime the dogs are well and healthy. They and I get checked for ticks much more regularly even in this cold weather. I've almost convinced myself that the tick that got me was from Albany, in one of the hotels I visited. Maybe, maybe not. All I know is that we're much more careful in this house.

Sometimes There's Just Too Much!

Sometimes there's just too much to write about. I'm at that point. The Chris Christie story is filling headlines and news stories. A lot to read, watch, listen to and analyze. I'm sure I'll find some bits and pieces to talk about but right now it's a little too soon for me.

Then there's Andrew Cuomo and his State of the State speech and performance. For a state that was in an economic crisis a few short years ago, he's proposing an awful lot of spending/development. Again, have to spend some time figuring that all out.

What about the 50th anniversary of the War On Poverty? Seems like a worthy subject. But the main thing there is getting people to realize that the real War On Poverty only lasted about six years. Most of the rest of those years were spent dismanteling what was started. It's worth some time.

Of course there's the weather. We've all been through the Polar Vortex recently and cabin fever kicked in someplace along the way.

Most of my holiday was spent in sick bay. Started right before Christmas and went through New Years. Deep, heavy chest cough and a miserable head cold. Earlier, in late October, I was bitten by a tick and have lots to write about Lyme Disease.

Finally, there are people, friends, who have been lost recently. We age, we get sick and worst of all, we miss reconnecting sometimes.

So as I said in the beginning, sometimes there's just too much to write about. Nothing a little regrouping won't fix.

Winter On Seneca Lake In The Finger Lakes of NY

Here I am on January 3, 2014, along with many others across the country, trying to get through a winter storm that is brutally cold with blowing wind and bringing large quantities of falling snow. Currently the outside temperture is 3 or -3 depending on who you get reports from and the wind chill is bringing things down to about -20. I'm contemplating firing up the snow blower at about 5a.m. to go out and clear my driveway. The contemplation is much more comfortable then the actual preparation and execution. Huge bib type snow pants, a face and head hood that makes me look like a terrorist or bank robber, and layers of shirts and coats await me. In the end, a great deal of the snow ends up on the back of my head and neck. In addition, I've been battleing a chest cold since Christmas. All of this does make one wonder sometimes - why do I remain here during the winter?

It's a legitimate question of course and usually comes from people who don't live here, friends and family who tend to live in a similar climate just a different geographical area. I ask it myself every once in awhile. If I could figure out how to delete these next two months from the calendar I'd at least think about it. But in reality, life on Seneca Lake, in the Finger Lakes, trumps all of these issues.

The Snow Geese have arrived and produce great white rafts up and down the lake. They fly in to land in the late afternoon, spend the night and wait for the light of day before they wander again to fields in the area. Their communal honks, conversations and songs are enjoyable, and when a flock takes off close to shore, the wush of wing power sometimes sounds like an actual plane taking off.

In this brutally cold weather I also enjoy seeing the steam, haze, fog icy mist or whatever it really is, rising just off the surface of the lake. It sits, lingers and moves slowly with the air across the water. The lake rarely freezes. It's a huge body of water that is extremely deep - over 600 feet in front of my house. One result is that there is almost constant movement on the lake. Large waves one day and smaller ones the day after, sometimes moving to the north and later to the south, east or west. The other day during the arrival of a front I actually saw waves, some very large, going in two different directions as the wind shifted and fought to change the direction of the water. A few water spouts appeared that day.

Eagles also make their home in my area, both Golden and Bald eagles. If you're lucky you can see them hovering and circling over the lake. The cayotes have been quiet and perhaps missing this year but I can hear the foxes laughing in the evening along with the owls calling out to each other.

Bottom line is that I really love this area and even enjoy some of what winter brings. Look at that, it's well past 5a.m. and the snow blower waits. I can hear her calling. I'm off to get snow on my head and neck.