Did we ever doubt it? Did we really think someone could change their ways so easily and for the long term? Remember the contrite and humble Chris Christie of just 11 or 12 weeks ago as he stood before the press?
Well all of that came to an end on March 28th as Christie held his first press conference since his internal investigation began and two days after attorneys he hired, issued their report and cleared him of any wrong doing in the George Washington Bridge scandal. The report also has cost the taxpayers of New Jersey at least $1Million. It was some 300 pages long and reporters have been scrambling over every page. I've read a large portion of it but not all.
The main story though is Christie's return to his old self - loud, boisterous, blunt and to some a bully. He went out of his way to demean members of the press who bothered him. It's an attitude more than anything. What's so surprising is how comfortable he seemed to be as he slipped back into his old self. A lot of statements like "I am who I am", "You get what you see", and so forth.
In the process he continued to throw people under the bus. Bridget Kelly, one of his top aides seems to be his favorite to toss but he seemed to be dragging Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York over to see how he'd fit under one of those bus tires. Christie remarked about the NY side of the Port Authority pretty clearly being part of the problem. And Cuomo's guy at the Port Authority, Patrick Foye, in Christie's mind started this whole thing by leaking a memo about the stupid and potentially illegal lane closures. Cuomo has tried to steer clear of the whole thing. We'll see what happens now as Christie starts the discussion on structurally changing the operations of the Port Authority. It's also no small detail that Christie's appointee and the Chair of the Port Authority, David Samson, resigned just hours before the press conference.
The bottom line is that Christie returned as his prior self in this most recent press conference, taking on the press, calling them out as well as calling them incompetent and stupid. He controlled the podium and cut a number of responses short. That all plays well with much of the general public and Christie knows it. Although there's a lot of anti bullying talk around the country everyone remembers their high school days. Bullies do what they do in large part because of the attention their behavior grabs. Bystanders watch, sometimes in awe of the power of the bully, sometimes enjoying the combat that takes place. Most of the time their behavior is a crowd event and they are fed by the attention, silent or sometimes vocal.
Many have called the report itself a whitewash. To me, it actually reads like a defense attorney's presentation. The difference is that the taxpayers of New Jersey are paying for it. Its worse than that in its treatment and reference to the women who had a role in all of the events that are discussed. Only the women, Bridget Kelly and Mayor Dawn Zimmer, are identified as having emotional issues related to the events that took place. None of the male players, it seems, had any emotional issues. Interesting.
All of this will continue to play out but one thing is for sure. Chris Christie is who he is and he wants to be sure we know it.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Sunday, March 23, 2014
TED Talks - Take Advantage!
A few years ago I discovered TED Talks and I've been taking advantage of them and spreading the word about them ever since. TED Talks are an example of what a great resource the Internet can be for millions of people, giving access to terrific information on a wide range of topics. Short, entertaining and information filled sessions on hundreds of thousands of subjects.
If you haven't ever heard of TED Talks or listened to any of their sessions here's a brief description taken directly from their website:
"TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design covered, and today covers almost all topics - from science to business to global issues - in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world."
So here's a place where you can hear well known experts or up and coming doers and thinkers talk about leadership, education, technology, business practices, politics, philosophy, architecture and any number of other topics. It's all there for the taking and sharing. My advice is, take advantage of it and spread the word about it. We all benefit.
So click on the link and begin to enjoy TED Talks.
If you haven't ever heard of TED Talks or listened to any of their sessions here's a brief description taken directly from their website:
"TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design covered, and today covers almost all topics - from science to business to global issues - in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world."
So here's a place where you can hear well known experts or up and coming doers and thinkers talk about leadership, education, technology, business practices, politics, philosophy, architecture and any number of other topics. It's all there for the taking and sharing. My advice is, take advantage of it and spread the word about it. We all benefit.
So click on the link and begin to enjoy TED Talks.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Breaking News Syndrome At CNN
This past week, CNN has really given all of journalism and the media in general a bad name. That's my view at least. The news network has done it with its 24/7 reporting of breaking news about the missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370. Even when there has been nothing to report, CNN has used the banner indicating Breaking News. In the process, they are trying to fool viewers. It's the classic crying wolf scenario. At a certain point viewers catch on and realize there really isn't any breaking news or worse yet, finding nothing in the vast Indian Ocean has become breaking news.
Chuck Todd from MSNBC has recently criticized CNN for their tactic as has Frank Sesno who worked as a producer at CNN for many years, Sesno's critique was on CNN itself. Bill Maher, love him or hate him, has raised an even broader concern about CNN's coverage of the missing plane referring to some of the coverage as 'disaster porn'. He points out that photos and footage of a distraught relative of a missing passenger is reduced to offensive and pretty much useless information. Many will debate the fine line between information sharing and free speech but Maher has a valid point.
I would argue that all of the cable news networks have fallen into the same trap around this story but some realized it sooner than others. For whatever reason, CNN just keeps on going. Worse yet, much of it is really bad reporting. Examples are anchors generalizing and speculating on issues over and over, even while so called experts that they've brought in, caution viewers about speculations. How many times and ways can you ask why pilots are able to turn transponders on and off?
So I hope CNN can try to get its act together soon and begin to realize two things. There is other news going on around the world and crying wolf does have its consequences.
Chuck Todd from MSNBC has recently criticized CNN for their tactic as has Frank Sesno who worked as a producer at CNN for many years, Sesno's critique was on CNN itself. Bill Maher, love him or hate him, has raised an even broader concern about CNN's coverage of the missing plane referring to some of the coverage as 'disaster porn'. He points out that photos and footage of a distraught relative of a missing passenger is reduced to offensive and pretty much useless information. Many will debate the fine line between information sharing and free speech but Maher has a valid point.
I would argue that all of the cable news networks have fallen into the same trap around this story but some realized it sooner than others. For whatever reason, CNN just keeps on going. Worse yet, much of it is really bad reporting. Examples are anchors generalizing and speculating on issues over and over, even while so called experts that they've brought in, caution viewers about speculations. How many times and ways can you ask why pilots are able to turn transponders on and off?
So I hope CNN can try to get its act together soon and begin to realize two things. There is other news going on around the world and crying wolf does have its consequences.
Friday, March 14, 2014
No One Asks Chris Christie A Key Question
I'll get to that question but first....
I've hesitated in writing anything about the Chris Christie issue. Initially I wanted to give it some time because I thought more information would be forth coming. There's been lots of information but very little from Christie himself.
Now I was raised in New Jersey so I have a little bit of understanding about Christie's bravado and attitude. Many from Jersey act in similar ways. I've been accused of it myself. There are a number of things we recognize in someone from New Jersey. I'll just list a few here. Impatience and a sense of urgency is pretty common in folks from Jersey. We express it in driving, horn blowing, interrupting speakers, finding seats in a theatre or a pew in church. We can be loud without realizing it but sometimes we do realize it and use it to compete with others who are also loud. Quiet people tend to become even more quiet when they see and hear all of this. There is also the gangster, tough guy image that comes from real and imagined life in Jersey.
All of this, when left unchecked, either by buddies or friends in general, can evolve into bullying. It seems to me that Gov. Christie reaches this level on a pretty regular basis. As a matter of fact, it's so regular that he most likely doesn't see it as bullying at all. He most likely thinks he's just being clear and blunt with people. Looking in the mirror isn't always easy when you're such a powerful figure.
So we have this bridge scandal that actually is much bigger then the incident at the George Washington Bridge and lane closures that created some chaos in Fort Lee, NJ. It's bigger because it seems too be connected to other practices of tit for tat treatment of friends and enemies. It all came to light in a very public way and I think the Governor had plenty of opportunity to clear the air, get things straight and move on. In all honesty he probably still has some of that opportunity left.
I've watched the pundits on all of the cable news stations. MSNBC has been a real disappointment in this regard because in their passion over what they and others call Bridgegate, they've become very much like FOX News. Things do seem to be fading somewhat but I think we all know that there's more to come in this affair.
This all leads to the question that I've been waiting for some good, seasoned or hungry journalist to ask. It goes something like this. "Governor at your first news conference you expressed shock and dismay at what had transpired and you indicated that you were going to conduct a complete and thorough investigation of everything that lead up to the events of August and September." Here it comes. "Can you provide us with any of the results of that investigation or if it's not complete, a timeline on when it will be wrapped up as well as what information you will release and to whom?"
I certainly don't know the facts behind any of what went on but I do know that when you say you'll conduct an investigation and when you're a former prosecutor, you have to be prepared to deliver. Unless the Governor thought this whole thing would just go away, he had to realize he'd have to deliver on the investigation promise. On the other hand, since no one has asked, maybe he doesn't. Of course any good investigation would have gotten information from Bridget Kelly before she was fired. Another misstep I suppose.
So when you're in your next meeting or press conference Governor, don't be surprised. Better yet, be prepared when that reporter shouts, "Hey Gov, how's that investigation going? Anything to report?" Anyway, that's the question that ought to be asked and maybe all the other queries would be a bit less important - depending on the answer.
Important Follow Up
On March 23, 2014, the NY Times reported that the internal investigation ordered by Gov. Christie was complete and about to be released. The article also indicated that, although it hasn't been seen or reviewed publicly, it shows no wrong doing by the Governor and in fact clears him of any prior knowledge of the events that led to the lane closures on the George Washington Bridge. As I stated in my original post, there will continue to be much more that comes of this story but I did want to acknowledge this recent development. The NY Times article can be viewed HERE.
I've hesitated in writing anything about the Chris Christie issue. Initially I wanted to give it some time because I thought more information would be forth coming. There's been lots of information but very little from Christie himself.
Now I was raised in New Jersey so I have a little bit of understanding about Christie's bravado and attitude. Many from Jersey act in similar ways. I've been accused of it myself. There are a number of things we recognize in someone from New Jersey. I'll just list a few here. Impatience and a sense of urgency is pretty common in folks from Jersey. We express it in driving, horn blowing, interrupting speakers, finding seats in a theatre or a pew in church. We can be loud without realizing it but sometimes we do realize it and use it to compete with others who are also loud. Quiet people tend to become even more quiet when they see and hear all of this. There is also the gangster, tough guy image that comes from real and imagined life in Jersey.
All of this, when left unchecked, either by buddies or friends in general, can evolve into bullying. It seems to me that Gov. Christie reaches this level on a pretty regular basis. As a matter of fact, it's so regular that he most likely doesn't see it as bullying at all. He most likely thinks he's just being clear and blunt with people. Looking in the mirror isn't always easy when you're such a powerful figure.
So we have this bridge scandal that actually is much bigger then the incident at the George Washington Bridge and lane closures that created some chaos in Fort Lee, NJ. It's bigger because it seems too be connected to other practices of tit for tat treatment of friends and enemies. It all came to light in a very public way and I think the Governor had plenty of opportunity to clear the air, get things straight and move on. In all honesty he probably still has some of that opportunity left.
I've watched the pundits on all of the cable news stations. MSNBC has been a real disappointment in this regard because in their passion over what they and others call Bridgegate, they've become very much like FOX News. Things do seem to be fading somewhat but I think we all know that there's more to come in this affair.
This all leads to the question that I've been waiting for some good, seasoned or hungry journalist to ask. It goes something like this. "Governor at your first news conference you expressed shock and dismay at what had transpired and you indicated that you were going to conduct a complete and thorough investigation of everything that lead up to the events of August and September." Here it comes. "Can you provide us with any of the results of that investigation or if it's not complete, a timeline on when it will be wrapped up as well as what information you will release and to whom?"
I certainly don't know the facts behind any of what went on but I do know that when you say you'll conduct an investigation and when you're a former prosecutor, you have to be prepared to deliver. Unless the Governor thought this whole thing would just go away, he had to realize he'd have to deliver on the investigation promise. On the other hand, since no one has asked, maybe he doesn't. Of course any good investigation would have gotten information from Bridget Kelly before she was fired. Another misstep I suppose.
So when you're in your next meeting or press conference Governor, don't be surprised. Better yet, be prepared when that reporter shouts, "Hey Gov, how's that investigation going? Anything to report?" Anyway, that's the question that ought to be asked and maybe all the other queries would be a bit less important - depending on the answer.
Important Follow Up
On March 23, 2014, the NY Times reported that the internal investigation ordered by Gov. Christie was complete and about to be released. The article also indicated that, although it hasn't been seen or reviewed publicly, it shows no wrong doing by the Governor and in fact clears him of any prior knowledge of the events that led to the lane closures on the George Washington Bridge. As I stated in my original post, there will continue to be much more that comes of this story but I did want to acknowledge this recent development. The NY Times article can be viewed HERE.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Constant Vigilance
On Sunday March 9, 2014, the New York Times published an article titled "The Boys In The Bunkhouse". It is a horrific story of men with intellectual and developmental disabilities who were abused and exploited working on a turkey farm and processing plant in Atalissa, Iowa. These men had been through state systems set up to support and protect people with intellectual disabilities in Texas. The story can be read and seen here. As I said, it's horrific what occurred to these men but everyone should be aware of it and understand how systems fail people all the time. So read it and pass it on to others. It's critically important that people understand how systems sometimes fall apart.
Reading this story what strikes me the most is the need for constant vigilance, especially where vulnerable people are concerned - people with disabilities, the frail elderly, children, the poor and disadvantaged. You see, our world doesn't lack people who will take advantage and abuse vulnerable people. It's a sad but true fact. Someone always slips through no matter how much checking is done.
The other thing that strikes me is that we need to recognize and understand that vulnerable people are vulnerable. Changing their location, their program or the people who support them doesn't change their vulnerability. Most of the men from the bunkhouse live today in nursing homes, all of which are regulated. How safe are they now? Safer then they were, I'm sure, but bad situations can happen in nursing homes or anywhere else. We must be vigilant and we must recognize vulnerability.
In New York State we have seen our share of abuses. Willowbrook as an institutional name has gone down into history as a symbol of change. The system of supports for people with intellectual disabilities in NYS has become more community based as a result. That hasn't come without other abuses. Systems have become spread out and accountability sometimes has been lacking. But the type of support, in the community, has been wonderful for thousands of people and families.
In a quest to save money, systems continue to change. Managed care for long term supports is planned and toyed with. I don't happen to believe this is the right approach. Living in a home in a community is very different from a physical health issue that needs treatment in a health care setting. Community supports are being opened to a larger base of providers and family members themselves or even to individuals that are being hired by people who need support. Be vigilant. Saving money and responding to problems with more regulations is the way many governments operate. Is any of this really in the best interest of people who need support. Be vigilant.
The fact of the matter is that the good usually does outweigh the bad but when the bad happens, it tends to be really bad. All of us need to know how to identify the difference and how to maintain all of the good that takes place everyday. Reactive policies are usually the result of someone's need to cover their rear end, reputation, job or reelection. But there are heroes everyday, supporting people, identifying better ways to support people and managing systems that sometimes defy management. Being vigilant and recognizing that some people are more vulnerable then others is a big job and requires all of us. Read 'The Boys In The Bunkhouse' and you'll realize how big the job really is.
Reading this story what strikes me the most is the need for constant vigilance, especially where vulnerable people are concerned - people with disabilities, the frail elderly, children, the poor and disadvantaged. You see, our world doesn't lack people who will take advantage and abuse vulnerable people. It's a sad but true fact. Someone always slips through no matter how much checking is done.
The other thing that strikes me is that we need to recognize and understand that vulnerable people are vulnerable. Changing their location, their program or the people who support them doesn't change their vulnerability. Most of the men from the bunkhouse live today in nursing homes, all of which are regulated. How safe are they now? Safer then they were, I'm sure, but bad situations can happen in nursing homes or anywhere else. We must be vigilant and we must recognize vulnerability.
In New York State we have seen our share of abuses. Willowbrook as an institutional name has gone down into history as a symbol of change. The system of supports for people with intellectual disabilities in NYS has become more community based as a result. That hasn't come without other abuses. Systems have become spread out and accountability sometimes has been lacking. But the type of support, in the community, has been wonderful for thousands of people and families.
In a quest to save money, systems continue to change. Managed care for long term supports is planned and toyed with. I don't happen to believe this is the right approach. Living in a home in a community is very different from a physical health issue that needs treatment in a health care setting. Community supports are being opened to a larger base of providers and family members themselves or even to individuals that are being hired by people who need support. Be vigilant. Saving money and responding to problems with more regulations is the way many governments operate. Is any of this really in the best interest of people who need support. Be vigilant.
The fact of the matter is that the good usually does outweigh the bad but when the bad happens, it tends to be really bad. All of us need to know how to identify the difference and how to maintain all of the good that takes place everyday. Reactive policies are usually the result of someone's need to cover their rear end, reputation, job or reelection. But there are heroes everyday, supporting people, identifying better ways to support people and managing systems that sometimes defy management. Being vigilant and recognizing that some people are more vulnerable then others is a big job and requires all of us. Read 'The Boys In The Bunkhouse' and you'll realize how big the job really is.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
My Approach To Writing
Someone recently asked me about how I wrote or authored things and ideas. I hadn't really thought about it that much and the question made me pause and think about my approach to writing.
I am certainly not a skilled or trained writer although I have always loved putting thoughts to paper, expressing feelings and beliefs on the written page. I've enjoyed it when formally writing proposals, responding to inquiries or simply writing a letter to a colleague or a friend. All of the above, it seems, are not done enough either by me or everyone in general.
I've wondered about why I like writing so much and there are two very specific reasons. First, the issue of clarity. It's so important to be as clear as possible when communicating important issues and feelings. The second reason is logic. I love it. I love connecting things, thoughts, facts and ideas. A related fact to each of the above is that I personally have found that I do communicate better in writing vs speaking.
A number of years ago I wrote a short story or two and even tried my hand at dialogue for a play. Those forays didn't really go anyplace but they were at a different time in my life when I was busy raising a family, work and all of the other things that tend to hold us back. Some people have suggested that I write an autobiographical tale, a book or something but I have resisted. There are many tales to tell but that would also be a lot of work.
So I started this blog as one means of fulfilling my love of writing and story telling. My topics are pretty diverse and really depend on the news of the day, things that I've pondered for awhile or in lots of cases, the spirit or the muse that moves me. Some say the site is eclectic, others get frustrated because I don't stick to one topic or subject. Others seem to enjoy it for what it is. You'll find some history, some politics, some philosophy and some humor.
All of this is related to the question of how I write. There are numerous approaches that others use. In reading and watching accounts of some of the greatest writers, I get the sense that a daily schedule and discipline to that schedule is one of the most prevalent ways that writers write. Others seem to write at will and spend more of their planned time at research and detail. I think about all of that and have to smile as I analyze my own approach. Here it is in a nut shell. I consider myself writing all of the time. I do it in my head. I write in my head, rewrite in my head, and search for details in my head. Things start as ideas and blossom into sentences and paragraph before a key is stroked. It's really quite amazing to me but it also points out the greatness of the brain (all, not just mine). To be able to create and organize thoughts and then to remember them at some future date as they are put onto a document. It really is amazing.
So that's my approach. I'm writing constantly in my brain. Coming up with words to express and idea or a thought. Telling a story to myself to assess its value. Trying it out and fixing it along the way. I happen to find this method less controlling and open to many more possibilities. Perhaps in sharing this, more people will be encouraged to try their method of writing no matter what it may entail. I will go on with my approach while I cook, travel, shop or sit on my deck. Writing as I think and thinking as I write.
I am certainly not a skilled or trained writer although I have always loved putting thoughts to paper, expressing feelings and beliefs on the written page. I've enjoyed it when formally writing proposals, responding to inquiries or simply writing a letter to a colleague or a friend. All of the above, it seems, are not done enough either by me or everyone in general.
I've wondered about why I like writing so much and there are two very specific reasons. First, the issue of clarity. It's so important to be as clear as possible when communicating important issues and feelings. The second reason is logic. I love it. I love connecting things, thoughts, facts and ideas. A related fact to each of the above is that I personally have found that I do communicate better in writing vs speaking.
A number of years ago I wrote a short story or two and even tried my hand at dialogue for a play. Those forays didn't really go anyplace but they were at a different time in my life when I was busy raising a family, work and all of the other things that tend to hold us back. Some people have suggested that I write an autobiographical tale, a book or something but I have resisted. There are many tales to tell but that would also be a lot of work.
So I started this blog as one means of fulfilling my love of writing and story telling. My topics are pretty diverse and really depend on the news of the day, things that I've pondered for awhile or in lots of cases, the spirit or the muse that moves me. Some say the site is eclectic, others get frustrated because I don't stick to one topic or subject. Others seem to enjoy it for what it is. You'll find some history, some politics, some philosophy and some humor.
All of this is related to the question of how I write. There are numerous approaches that others use. In reading and watching accounts of some of the greatest writers, I get the sense that a daily schedule and discipline to that schedule is one of the most prevalent ways that writers write. Others seem to write at will and spend more of their planned time at research and detail. I think about all of that and have to smile as I analyze my own approach. Here it is in a nut shell. I consider myself writing all of the time. I do it in my head. I write in my head, rewrite in my head, and search for details in my head. Things start as ideas and blossom into sentences and paragraph before a key is stroked. It's really quite amazing to me but it also points out the greatness of the brain (all, not just mine). To be able to create and organize thoughts and then to remember them at some future date as they are put onto a document. It really is amazing.
So that's my approach. I'm writing constantly in my brain. Coming up with words to express and idea or a thought. Telling a story to myself to assess its value. Trying it out and fixing it along the way. I happen to find this method less controlling and open to many more possibilities. Perhaps in sharing this, more people will be encouraged to try their method of writing no matter what it may entail. I will go on with my approach while I cook, travel, shop or sit on my deck. Writing as I think and thinking as I write.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
A Big Meeting On Seneca Lake
Well sort of - but it wasn't about fracking, or lp gas storage or hydrilla or other invasive species entering the lake. It wasn't about the fish or the depth of the water.
No, this was a huge meeting of birds and ducks. A raft of ducks that had to number close to five hundred mixed with a smaller number of geese, loons and seagulls. Lots of diving, feeding, squawking, short bursts of flight, pushing and pulling. I couldn't help but be reminded of the US Congress as I watched this somewhat organized but bickering group. The ducks were a mixed bunch and the largest group looking a lot like the House of Representatives. Diving and swimming in circles here and there. They were making the most noise and fighting and back biting broke out now and then. The Loons were fewer in number, maybe eight at the most. They seemed to represent an independent streak and are therefore aptly named I guess. They stuck together, went about their business and sometimes dove for minutes on end, seemingly to get away from a particular group of ducks. When they returned to the surface, it was always among some new and different group, trying to negotiate with someone else. The Geese numbered between 50 and 60 and were a good representation of the Senate. Noisy and proud, for the most part they stuck together. There were a few who were prominently noisier then the rest, trying to turn the others around. The last group were the Seagulls, flying low overhead, diving for food and dropping some along the way. Lobbyists I suppose.
It was fascinating to watch with all of that in mind. In the end, they made a lot of noise, caused a ruckus, got themselves well fed but otherwise didn't seem to get a lot done.
But there was something else that was quite unusual. As I looked out beyond the ducks, perhaps 100' from shore, there was a glimmer that cut across the lake. It looked odd. I grabbed my binoculars to see if I could make out what I thought I saw. There it was, a thin coat of ice across Seneca Lake almost entirely to the other side. Now for those of you who don't know Seneca, you're probably wondering "what's the big deal?". Well Seneca Lake doesn't freeze very often. Hardly ever for that matter.
February of 1912 is the last time Seneca Lake froze over its entire surface according to an article from the Finger Lakes Times. Seneca is one of the longest of the Finger Lakes at 38 miles. Its surface covers about 66 square miles and in many places, including in front of my house, the depth is well over 600'. Areas along the shore sometimes freeze but not the main surface of the lake. Winds from all directions keep the surface moving which discourages a surface freeze. There are four recorded histories of an entire freeze: 1855, 1875, 1885 and 1912. There have been some other freezes of portions of the lake at the north and south ends.
So what I saw was a pretty big deal for me. This morning's temperature was -4 or -5 degrees and the lake was completely still. All of this allowed for the beginning of the freeze that I saw. Things that happen seldom, seem to be more beautiful and more important then everyday occurances, and this was certainly one of those instances. I couldn't take my eyes off the shine of the light film of ice. And there on the edge were my 500 or so ducks and birds, still diving, making noise and breaking up the edges of the forming ice. I'll look again tomorrow and as I do with Congress, hope for something good and beautiful.
No, this was a huge meeting of birds and ducks. A raft of ducks that had to number close to five hundred mixed with a smaller number of geese, loons and seagulls. Lots of diving, feeding, squawking, short bursts of flight, pushing and pulling. I couldn't help but be reminded of the US Congress as I watched this somewhat organized but bickering group. The ducks were a mixed bunch and the largest group looking a lot like the House of Representatives. Diving and swimming in circles here and there. They were making the most noise and fighting and back biting broke out now and then. The Loons were fewer in number, maybe eight at the most. They seemed to represent an independent streak and are therefore aptly named I guess. They stuck together, went about their business and sometimes dove for minutes on end, seemingly to get away from a particular group of ducks. When they returned to the surface, it was always among some new and different group, trying to negotiate with someone else. The Geese numbered between 50 and 60 and were a good representation of the Senate. Noisy and proud, for the most part they stuck together. There were a few who were prominently noisier then the rest, trying to turn the others around. The last group were the Seagulls, flying low overhead, diving for food and dropping some along the way. Lobbyists I suppose.
It was fascinating to watch with all of that in mind. In the end, they made a lot of noise, caused a ruckus, got themselves well fed but otherwise didn't seem to get a lot done.
But there was something else that was quite unusual. As I looked out beyond the ducks, perhaps 100' from shore, there was a glimmer that cut across the lake. It looked odd. I grabbed my binoculars to see if I could make out what I thought I saw. There it was, a thin coat of ice across Seneca Lake almost entirely to the other side. Now for those of you who don't know Seneca, you're probably wondering "what's the big deal?". Well Seneca Lake doesn't freeze very often. Hardly ever for that matter.
February of 1912 is the last time Seneca Lake froze over its entire surface according to an article from the Finger Lakes Times. Seneca is one of the longest of the Finger Lakes at 38 miles. Its surface covers about 66 square miles and in many places, including in front of my house, the depth is well over 600'. Areas along the shore sometimes freeze but not the main surface of the lake. Winds from all directions keep the surface moving which discourages a surface freeze. There are four recorded histories of an entire freeze: 1855, 1875, 1885 and 1912. There have been some other freezes of portions of the lake at the north and south ends.
So what I saw was a pretty big deal for me. This morning's temperature was -4 or -5 degrees and the lake was completely still. All of this allowed for the beginning of the freeze that I saw. Things that happen seldom, seem to be more beautiful and more important then everyday occurances, and this was certainly one of those instances. I couldn't take my eyes off the shine of the light film of ice. And there on the edge were my 500 or so ducks and birds, still diving, making noise and breaking up the edges of the forming ice. I'll look again tomorrow and as I do with Congress, hope for something good and beautiful.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Rep. John Lewis Keeps Marching On
This coming week and next Sunday specifically will mark the 49th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the march across the Edmond Petus Bridge in Selma, Alabama by civil rights and voting rights advocates. Every anniversary of this event is significant but this year the emphasis that we've seen on voting rights legislation may help bring a bit more focus to the challenges we're all facing.
Congressman John Lewis will be in Selma leading a Congressional Pilgrimage sponsored and organized by the Faith & Politics Institute, an organization that Lewis has helped lead for many years. Every year Lewis takes a substantial group of Senators and Representatives on a pilgrimage to visit historical civil rights sites throughout the South, always ending with the symbolic reenactment of the march in Selma, Alabama. He's been doing it for years with the asssistance of the Rev. Doug Tanner and staff and Board members from the Institute. The whole point of the Faith & Politics Institute as well as the trips, is to bring people together to learn about history, non-violent struggles and yes, civility.
After Trayvon Martin's death and the more recent trial in the death of Jordan Davis, leaders, including President Obama, encouraged people to come together and talk about issues related to race, justice and violence. The model of doing this has been practiced by the Faith & Politics Institute for many years. The model consists of people from Congress spending time together on planes and buses, in churches and at memorial sites where people are recognized for the blood they shed or that they prevented from being shed. Democrats, Republicans and Independents, sharing the expierience and sharing stories of their own history and memories of racial equality and inequality. And always there at the helm is Congressman Lewis - passionate, humble and strong - telling people about the shotgun shack he grew up in, the education he got and his involvement with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. If there were ever a time when more civility and cooperation was needed in Congress, it's now.
John Lewis has been doing it for years. He's been marching, preaching, talking to people about getting into trouble, good trouble, to bring change about. This coming week, he and the folks from the Institute will take people to Mississippi to talk and learn about that State's place in civil rights history, and as always, finishing the trip in Selma. And later, in April, there will be a new pilgrimage. The Institute and Congressman Lewis will be taking a group to Ireland and Northern Ireland to not only learn about the struggles there but to bring information to those folks about the civil rights and non violent movement in this country to try again to help build a spirit of civility and respect.
I visited Northern Ireland and Ireland this past September and spent time at some of the same places they will be visiting and heard the stories that the Irish have to tell about their struggles, past and present. Below is a picture of Londonderry. There are similarities in all conflicts as well as solutions.
My point however is that we are all very lucky to have the likes of John Lewis continuing, not only the march, but to lead the effort to have people talk to each other, to carry on the conversations and to find our commonality. Visit the Faith & Politics website. Learn about who they are and what they do and if you can, support them in their efforts.
Congressman John Lewis will be in Selma leading a Congressional Pilgrimage sponsored and organized by the Faith & Politics Institute, an organization that Lewis has helped lead for many years. Every year Lewis takes a substantial group of Senators and Representatives on a pilgrimage to visit historical civil rights sites throughout the South, always ending with the symbolic reenactment of the march in Selma, Alabama. He's been doing it for years with the asssistance of the Rev. Doug Tanner and staff and Board members from the Institute. The whole point of the Faith & Politics Institute as well as the trips, is to bring people together to learn about history, non-violent struggles and yes, civility.
After Trayvon Martin's death and the more recent trial in the death of Jordan Davis, leaders, including President Obama, encouraged people to come together and talk about issues related to race, justice and violence. The model of doing this has been practiced by the Faith & Politics Institute for many years. The model consists of people from Congress spending time together on planes and buses, in churches and at memorial sites where people are recognized for the blood they shed or that they prevented from being shed. Democrats, Republicans and Independents, sharing the expierience and sharing stories of their own history and memories of racial equality and inequality. And always there at the helm is Congressman Lewis - passionate, humble and strong - telling people about the shotgun shack he grew up in, the education he got and his involvement with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. If there were ever a time when more civility and cooperation was needed in Congress, it's now.
John Lewis has been doing it for years. He's been marching, preaching, talking to people about getting into trouble, good trouble, to bring change about. This coming week, he and the folks from the Institute will take people to Mississippi to talk and learn about that State's place in civil rights history, and as always, finishing the trip in Selma. And later, in April, there will be a new pilgrimage. The Institute and Congressman Lewis will be taking a group to Ireland and Northern Ireland to not only learn about the struggles there but to bring information to those folks about the civil rights and non violent movement in this country to try again to help build a spirit of civility and respect.
I visited Northern Ireland and Ireland this past September and spent time at some of the same places they will be visiting and heard the stories that the Irish have to tell about their struggles, past and present. Below is a picture of Londonderry. There are similarities in all conflicts as well as solutions.
My point however is that we are all very lucky to have the likes of John Lewis continuing, not only the march, but to lead the effort to have people talk to each other, to carry on the conversations and to find our commonality. Visit the Faith & Politics website. Learn about who they are and what they do and if you can, support them in their efforts.
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