Holding Space for Activism

Dawn Legona McDonald, self-described "accidental activist" had this to say on Huffington Post:

"For many of us this new foray into political advocacy has not been without its negative consequences. Friends have been lost over differences of opinion. Family lives have been upturned because Mom has a new "job." We've had to learn how to hold space for our activism without allowing it to damage us emotionally - something that is a constant challenge." 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dawn-slegona-mcdonald/the-reality-of-an-acciden_b_3224289.html

  

Ms. McDonald's cause is gun reform, an issue close to the hearts of Lucy Lefters.  Of all the  points she made in the piece, here's the one that led me to some deep reflection:  "We've had to learn how to hold space for our activism without allowing it to damage us emotionally— something that is a constant challenge."

 

I sometimes feel emotionally damaged during or after intense periods of activism.  Damage also can manifest as physical weariness—exhaustion if I'm not really careful.  I usually begin some new advocacy by promising myself to be less emotionally involved.  Keep it cerebral, right?  I don't live life exclusively on the intellectual plane—so how can I not get emotionally involved in an issue or election that matters to me? 

 

Emotional fallout sometimes exacts a steep toll, a state of turmoil.   A cocktail of anger, judging, regret, disappointment and even depression.   I felt all those things after Mark Sanford was returned to Congress by voters who had a rare, rich opportunity and blew it.  Elizabeth Colbert Busch would have made a far superior member of Congress.  After the heartbreaking results were in,  I questioned the accuracy of the voting machines.  The margin made no sense.  After I wore that question out,  I questioned whether I'd done everything I could to help Elizabeth win.  The answer is we probably never do everything we could.  I did send money, not a lot but more than my resources allowed.  And I posted supportive messages on Facebook and blogged and made friends crazy with e-mail overkill.  Will you vote for her?   Will you contact every human you know in that district and tell them about Elizabeth?  (I got in touch with a cousin in Mon-freaking-tana because she had lived in Charleston; she was more than willing to contact friends and former colleagues there.)  Just before the election I sent a reminder that every vote would be critical; "please be sure you and everyone you know gets to the polls."  I included a link to polling places. 

On election day I could have stood as close to a polling place as the law would allow, holding up a Colbert Busch sign; I could have expanded my calling and messaging to strangers by phone banking—and I'd rather have a root canal than do the latter.  There's always, always more we can do.  And a whole lot of people did a whole lot more.   They have my respect.  Many times I've been one of those people—losing sleep, not seeing a healthful meal for weeks and weeks, living an insanely passionate and single-focused life.  A life that can't be sustained.  Balance must be restored or we flame out. 

 

So, what I've learned over a lifetime of political involvement and passionate advocacy is this:  I have to set limits.  I have to.  I "hold the space" for activism, and I take care of myself first.  Took a long time to learn I simply have to do that.  There's a reason the flight attendant tells us grownups to put the oxygen masks on before we attend to the children.  We simply have to save ourselves, care for ourselves; otherwise, we can't be effective in our activism for sustained periods of time.  I said "we" here.  You might be stronger, more focused, less emotional.  You might be able to do far more than I can.  And that's wonderful.  Good causes need all the voices they can get.  And all the workers who are willing and able.  

Sometimes mine will be one of the voices.  At certain times I'll be able to work harder than at other times.  The difference is my intentional commitment to take better care of myself.  Not to say "yes" when I need to say "no."   "Yes" is the word my mouth is more comfortable forming.   So,  I have to use all the self-discipline I can muster not to say it.  I do what I can—often not in highly visible ways—for the causes or candidates that compel me to act.  And I still "backslide" and put more of myself into the activism, get more emotionally invested, than is good for my health and well-being.  I no longer do all I can; I do what I can in order to maintain some semblance of balance in my life. 

 

A source of great satisfaction for me now is encouraging and affirming other activists.  I enjoy cheering them on as they make me very proud—giving themselves, free of charge, to whatever causes just might make things better.  Let's hear it for the activists, y'all.  Give them a hug or a kind word when you can.  Or, better yet, a home-cooked meal!

The VP Gives Us Hope

Vice President Biden, in a new interview with Rolling Stone magazine, says the White House is jumping “right back” into the debate over guns, despite the recent failure to pass background check legislation.

Biden says he got calls from four senators who voted against the legislation expressing some degree of regret.

Visit the Washington Post to read the rest: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/05/10/biden-on-guns-were-going-right-back-at-it/

Tolerant Gun Safety Advocates

(from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.)

PHILADELPHIA MOMS WON'T BACK DOWN: At one of our Mother's Day events last weekend, gun violence victims spoke about the need for background checks to help save lives; meanwhile protestors jeered and held signs that read “Hands Off My Guns,” “Stop Fascism,” and “My Right. My Freedom” with a picture of an assault rifle: http://tinyurl.com/c3z2wsx

 

Glad the finger in the face isn't a gun.  Yet.  Whatever happened to basic manners?  Respecting one's elders—at least enough to keep one's finger out of an older woman's (or anyone's) face. Of course at the Mother's Day Parade in New Orleans, 19 people were wounded by gunfire.  Maybe the worst thing from that is how we're beginning to shrug off these events—"nobody was killed" after all.  Mercy.  

 

As of last week 71 children had been killed by guns—since the Newtown massacre.  That exceeds the annual total number of gun deaths in some countries.

Slate is partnering with @GunDeaths on Twitter for an interactive, crowd-sourced tally of the toll firearms have taken since Dec. 14.  Check it out.

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2012/12/gun_death_tally_every_american_gun_death_since_newtown_sandy_hook_shooting.html in

 

 

Keep Tabs on Congressional Votes

Thanks to Debbie Trolsen  for sharing this site.  Debbie's a friend and an advocate for causes you'd care about.  She'salso a regular visitor to Lucy Left.  I think you'll want to check out this site.  I just signed up for upcoming vote alerts.   It's free, and if the mail gets unmanageable, I can always unsubscribe.  There's a tab for Advocacy 101 or something akin to that.   I won't go there tonight but will be spending some time tomorrow.

 

Enjoy exploring this resource:   http://www.congress.org/congressorg/megavote/

A Thought

About the IRS singling out Tea Party groups applying for tax-exempt status, I understand the fellow in charge was appointed by President Bush.  A thought:  Whose skin does the Tea Party get under most?  Whose primary election parades have they rained on?  Mainstream and old guard Republicans!   So, if there was political motivation behind hassling Tea Party groups to provide more information than other applicants, maybe Democrats weren't to blame?  Time will tell.  We're only beginning to wade into this water.

 

One more thing:  Remember the big brick house on K Street in DC that was owned and occupied by a group of Congressmen who categorized it as a church for tax purposes?  (Rachel Maddow did some in-depth reporting on it a few years ago, and I read about it in Jeff Sharlet's The Family.)  Who knows?  Maybe the IRS is just taking more precautions these days.  Gotta watch people who think they're "taxed enough already" when, in reality, they're paying the lowest taxes since the 1950's.  

 

We'll stay tuned.

Children Killed by Guns

At least 71 since Newtown.  Check out Mother Jones for the sad details and get revved up to call Senators and House members to push for background check bill passage this year.

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/05/gun-deaths-children-newtown-caroline-sparks-crickett-firearms

Interest and Commitment

Admission:  Over time I've been both of those people.  There have been periods of being interested and periods of being committed to causes and candidates.  However, core beliefs (for example, justice and equal rights for all) deserve my commitment throughout life. 

  (Image from First Ask Why/Facebook.)

Time Out

Good morning, dear Lefties.  Beautiful morning here in the South Carolina Lowcountry!  Sun shining, windows open—I'm easing into this day.  Inhaling peace, exhaling the depressing Busch-Sanford election results; inhaling peace, exhaling the horror of real guns being marketed to young children and their hopeless parents; inhaling peace . . .  inhaling peace and balance.

 

On Mother's Day my friend in Miami will spend time with other compassionate women, writing to mothers whose children were killed at Sandy Hook.  Next week let's talk more about reducing gun violence and about the jaw-dropping NRA gathering in Houston.  There's still a chance background check legislation will make a comeback in the Senate.  Last I heard, we need 3-5 votes (have heard both) to pass it in that body.   

 

For now, I need to regain my equilibrium.  Some of you might be feeling the same way.  Let's breathe and make time to connect with nature and the people we love.  Let's reconnect to the heart of what moves us to activism.  Let's go back to our center, the core of who we are as humans, and rest there for a bit.  Stillness is rare, and I need to immerse myself in it.  I need to savor the moments.  I need to listen to the birds instead of television talkers.  I need to commit to balance, to feeling peaceful, even when this crazy, chaotic world tempts me to sign up for crazy. 

 

We'll re-engage with the challenges soon enough.   For now it's time to honor our mothers, the mothering/nurturing aspects of ourselves, and—not least—Mother Earth.  May you have a very special, peace-full weekend.

 

Namaste, y'all. 

 

 

  

 

 

FYI

(Image via the I Hate Fox News Facebook page)

Benghazi. Again.

This morning the (U.S.) House Committee on Government Oversight and Reform met to hear three so-called "whistle blowers" from the State Department testify about Benghazi.  For eight months Republicans have been repeating the same tiresome talking points.  They keep repeating them even after exhaustive investigation by the Accountability Review Board and a no-holds-barred Senate hearing on the subject have shown those talking points to be empty accusations.  South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham has been repeating the talking points to every media outlet that will give him camera time ever since—no doubt posturing for his next election. 

 

I was able to hear only part of today's testimony on the car radio.  I have a lot of respect for Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) and liked what he had to say about honoring those killed in Benghazi, and stressing the importance of hearing and protecting"whistle blowers" from any government entity.  Cummings then said something that needed saying:  That the House hearing was all about politics and the hope of finding something to discredit Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State when the Benghazi post was attacked.   Republicans dream that somewhere, somehow they can make Hillary into something less than the mega-popular "might be" Democratic presidential candidate in 2016, whose popularity numbers are nearly off the charts.  There's no subtlety in the GOP lawmakers' motives for turning Benghazi into "Groundhog Day."  They're after Hillary.  Period.

 

Earlier today Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), who participated in the Senate hearing on Benghazi, said he was" fairly satisfied" about how the Benghazi tragedy was handled—after testimony at the Senate hearing and reading the cables and reviewing other evidence.  The top military people in our country have testified that everything was done that could have been done, sad though the outcome, with four American lives lost.  An independent Accountability Review Board gave a positive report, assigning zero blame to the Secretary of State. 

 

Media-reported leaks had indicated today's whistle blowers would be making major news at today's hearing.   Committee member Matt Cartwright (D-TX) said he was on the edge of his seat, expecting a bombshell at any moment.  Not only did no jaw-dropping revelations come out of the hearing, Rep. Cartwright said there literally was no new information offered.   He did say that witness Gregory Hicks, deputy mission chief for the U. S. in Libya gave his account of the day of the attack, and it was interesting to hear a from someone who had been there.  But no new insights or facts came out.  He said the hearing was "a waste of time."  As far as I know, none of the three who testified (Gregory Hicks, Mark Thompson, and Eric Nordstrom) had anything to say about not being "allowed" to tell their stories.  

 

One more thing.   As Republicans continue their efforts to smear Hillary Clinton, when they say that the public wasn't given accurate information after the attack, when they say someone (and they mean Hillary) in the State Department didn't take the Benghazi attack seriously enough,  and as a result four American lives were lost, I have this thought:  If they want to talk about lives lost and someone "paying a price" or being "held accountable," I'd like to refer them to the invasion of Iraq.  We still don't know everything there is to know about the non-existent"weapons of mass destruction" that led the Bush Administration to invade Iraq and involve the U.S. in a decade-long war of choice.  I'd like to hear someone ask the next  GOP lawmaker who makes the "Four Americans were killed in Benghazi" statement this:  "And whom would you hold accountable for the 4,486 American soldiers killed in Iraq and the approximately 151,000 (estimate from the Iraq Family Health Survey) Iraqis who died?" Not to mention all the human beings who were horribly maimed there.  Did President Bush and his team ignore the Presidential Daily Briefing saying Bin Laden was determined to attack America, that he might use airplanes?  Sure looks like they didn't take the PDB warning seriously.

 

Somebody, please ask them.  It's way past time.

Borowitz on the Sanford Comeback

Check out The Borowitz Report at The New Yorker.

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/borowitzreport/2013/05/mark-sanford-comeback-gives-hope-to-liars.html?mbid=nl_Borowitz%20%28117%29

The Morning After

(from Facebook via Mike Furlough)

No, I haven't been off hiking for the past few days.  Just busy contacting people in S.C.'s 1st Congressional District and people who know people who vote there.  I probably insulted some friends and relatives in following up more than once to be sure they were voting.  Forgive my zeal, please.

 

Elizabeth Colbert Busch was a fine candidate.  She and her team ran an admirable campaign.  I have no doubt she would have made significant contributions in the Congress.  I know she would have stood up for all the people in the 1st District and for South Carolina. The loss is the district's and our state's.

 

Heartsick though I am,  I'm also a little relieved for Elizabeth today.  She can go back to her real life and probably live more deeply with far less stress.  I have little doubt she will be happier.  She might not know that yet.  After such intense work, giving the race all you've got, it takes a while to reclaim equilibrium.  That reality applies to the candidate as well as staff, and passionate volunteers.  We're all busy today second guessing and wondering how the hell that margin was as big as it was.  I wondered whether the voting machines will be examined.  Seriously.

 

Although I wasn't officially or directly involved with the campaign, I have been a passionate supporter.   From my perspective, I don't believe there's anything the Busch campaign could have done better.  When I mentioned my shock over the vote margin last night, a friend reminded me that the Republican legislature redrew the districts; the deck is stacked their way.  Bigtime.  I knew that, but wasn't thinking of it at the moment the AP declared Sanford the winner.  Or I should say "the victor." 

 

It's chilling to know that so many voters were willing to send Mark Sanford back to Washington.   Yep, my home state will continue to be a punch line.  No doubt about it.  

 

Thank you, Elizabeth Colbert Busch, for running the good race.  Your fans are wishing you the very best—starting with some sleep!   Later, who knows?  Whatever your path, you will find other ways to shine your light.  Carry on!

Tax Evasion

 

Indeed!  Mitt Romney's not the only one with money stashed in offshore banks.  Let's talk about economic patriotism, shall we?

New Colbert Busch Endorsement

A new endorsement for Elizabeth Colbert Busch; no, not Larry Flynt.  It's Sanford he's backing.   Charleston's Post and Courier gives voters clear, solid reasons for the endorsement.  Here's the lead-in:

 

"Spring is a time for new beginnings, and nowhere is a fresh approach needed more than in the nation’s partisan-gridlocked capital. Elizabeth Colbert Busch offers the 1st Congressional District new, responsible leadership. Voters should send her to Washington."

 

May reason prevail among voting Republicans and Independents, and may Democrats get out and vote in great numbers on Tuesday, May 7.   For Elizabeth Colbert Busch, of course.   Lucy endorses her wholeheartedly, and I'll be contacting friends in the district this afternoon to remind them of the importance of their votes.  And I'll urge them to remind their friends and colleagues.  I repeat:  Special elections can be tricky.  Let's cover all the bases and get out the vote!

 

 Here's a link to the full editorial endorsement:

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130505/PC1002/130509616/1021/a-new-leader-for-the-lowcountry

 

 

Ethics Bill Passes South Carolina House

Comprehensive ethics legislation passed the South Carolina House this past week.  In a guest column in The State, House member Beth Bernstein (D-Richland) says it's the strongest ethics bill since the aftermath of Operation Lost Trust.  (I was sole staff to the Senate Ethics Committee during the FBI "sting" known Operation Lost Trust and write about it in my book, Dancing on Mars.)

Rep. Bernstein points out an aspect of the legislation that seems especially significant: " . . . our bill would establish a Joint Legislative Ethics Committee made up of legislators from both bodies, as well as laypeople. The committee would have equal representation from both parties and equal representation from the Legislature and the general public."  Having members from the public at-large serving on a Joint Legislative Ethics committee might eliminate the impression that the committees simply wink and nod their way through investigating complaints filed against their members.  (I can speak only about my own experience with the Senate Committee, but I recall committee members taking complaints very seriously.  I recall the committees investigating complaints and following the law regarding penalties when complaints were found to be valid.  Some were complaints, filed by disgruntled citizens, for example, who had wanted a lawmaker to vote a certain way and didn't get their wish.)

The bottom line on ethics, to me, is the more sunshine the better.   We've heard that in public service things should not only be right, they should also look right.  A Joint Committee with citizen members having equal votes would go a long way toward accomplishing both goals.    Here's a link to Rep. Bernstein's column:

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2013/05/05/2754608/bernstein-moving-forward-on-ethics.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.thestate.com/2013/05/05/2754608/bernstein-moving-forward-on-ethics.html

One More Thing Today

on gun violence in America.  Key word "today."  I just watched a Bill Moyers show with Francine and David Wheeler, parents of a Sandy Hook student.  Their son was murdered before the hoped-for experience of losing his first tooth could become a reality.  It's an excellent show and worth checking out if you didn't see it.   It definitely fanned the fire of commitment to do whatever I can to help bring positive change to reduce gun violence.

Here's the Moyers site: http://billmoyers.com/

Had a Hunch—

(from Democratic Underground via Rachel Maddow Fan Page/FB)

UPDATE ON THE TRASH REDUCTION ACT

MORE INFO ON THE TRASH REDUCTION ACT of 2013, just in from Goffinet McLaren.

Note:  Gofinet will keep you posted on the progress of this legislation and any activist alerts at  http://www.chirpingbirdsociety.org

For those who haven't read it, here is the original article:
http://plasticbagbanreport.com/u-s-nationwide-plastic-bag-fee-bill-announced/  

Here is the vital info.

Bill Number:  H.R. 1686  Title: Trash Reduction Act of 2013

Status: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to
the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently
determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Co-Sponsors:
 

Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Portland, Oregon. Phone: 202.225.4811
Website: http://www.blumenauer.house.gov/
Rep. John Garamendi of Walnut Grove, California. Phone: 202.225.1880
Website: http://garamendi.house.gov/
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton of D.C. Phone: 202.225.8050
Website: http://www.norton.house.gov/

Bill H.R. 1686 is currently in these committees:
Committee on Natural Resources. Chairman: Doc Hastings. Ph: 202.225.5816
Committee on Ways and Means. Chairman: Dave Camp. Ph: 202.225.3625

Sanford's Celebrity Endorsement

Well, Lord have mercy, it looks like family values champion Larry Flynt (Hustler Mag) has endorsed Mark Sanford in the 1st Congressional District race.  That's a tough act for Elizabeth Colbert Busch's supporters to follow.   But being one of her supporters, I must say (yes, I must) that this one item made my laugh quota for the day.   A gift ECB didn't even have to unwrap.  The irresistible item was posted by a Facebook friend, originating with WIS-TV in Columbia, SC.  

I'm half expecting Sanford's K Street brothers to dash down to the S. C. Lowcountry and chastise Brother Mark about this contribution.  ("Brothers" meaning residents of the impressive house on K Street where this Congressional "christian fraternity lived at one time.  If memory serves,  they listed it a church (a church!) to get a lower tax rate.  See "The Family"by Jeff Sharlet.)  Family values role models and economic patriots, those guys. 

Hustler Magazine publisher Larry Flynt has written a check for $2,600 to Mark Sanford's Congressional campaign and has thrown his support behind the GOP candidate, calling him the "sex pioneer of our time."

DETAILS: http://bit.ly/12jd7KM

Activist Alert

One of my favorite environmental activists, Goffinet McLaren, let me know about Congressman Jim Moran's (D-VA) "Trash Reduction Act of 2013."  Goffinet urges people to call Congressman Moran's office to thank him for introducing this important bill, hoping it will inspire him to fight the uphill battle he will be facing.  That seems to be the case for all environmental legislation that finds its way to the Republican-majority House.  Congressman Moran's number is 202 225 4376.   I just spoke with one of his staffers who was clearly pleased to hear gratitude expressed.  They don't get too many "thank you" calls.  It only takes a couple of minutes, so call if you will.

Here's an excerpt from a press release about the bill, and there's a link at the end of this post if you'd like to learn more.

Congressman Jim Moran, Northern Virginia Democrat, today announced introduction of the “Trash Reduction Act of 2013,” to impose a five-cent fee on “single use” plastic and paper bags at grocery and retail stores. The fee would reduce littering and encourage use of reusable bags. Revenue from the tax would support the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

 

“According to the Environment Protection Agency, the average American throws away about 4.4 pounds of trash each day. The results of this waste can be found in our oceans, now home to floating landfills ten times the size of Virginia,” said Rep. Moran. “Small steps like replacing plastic bags with reusable ones yields large returns in reducing the amount of trash we create.”

 

The “Trash Reduction Act of 2013” is modeled after the successful bag tax policy implemented in Washington, D.C. in 2009. The number of plastic bags dropped from the 2009 monthly average of 22.5 million to just 3 million per month by the end of 2010.
  (To read more, click the link.)

http://moran.house.gov/press-releases

Another Debate Perspective

Robert Arial's work is irresistible.   Here's his editorial cartoon about last night's Busch-Sanford debate (from Facebook).

 

ECB: Stronger than Cardboard

Mark Sanford's a fast talker, slick as duck grease on a door handle.  And he has more than his share of debate experience. On the other hand, Elizabeth Colbert Busch is a relative rookie in the art of debate; yet she did an admirable job of using her personal power and her strong commitment to "all citizens of South Carolina's First District" to come out with what I believe was a clear win.  She kept her cool, answered questions honestly and with confidence; he tried hard as he could to trip her up, but she just stayed on track and said what needed to be said.  

 

No doubt Elizabeth Colbert Busch IS "real people," the breath of fresh air Washington needs.  And hers is the voice we all need in Congress.   Let's help her get there:  Send a contribution, contact friends in the district to be sure they're planning to vote.  We need to shepherd in every vote possible.  I've said again and again that special elections are tricky;  So let's stay focused through May 7 until the last voter has voted and the polls are closed.  One week from today!

Go, Elizabeth, go!

Fun Facts To Share With Republicans

This morning I'll keep the commentary short since I'm over my head on another writing project.  However, Allen Clifton over at Forward Progressives (and founder of the Facebook page "Right Off A Cliff") gives us Lefties  fast and easy facts for educating Republicans who insist on perpetuating myths.  And you know, as on Fox, if you represent a myth as fact often enough . . . .  Even though you know most of the facts already, it's helpful and entertaining to see them all in one place.   One of my favorites is that nowhere, nohow, is there any mention in the Constitution of our being a "Christian nation."  Enjoy.

http://www.forwardprogressives.com/annoy-republicans/

Sanity, Sense and Sensibility

Sanity, sense and sensibility.  Elizabeth's work ethic doesn't include walking off the job, and we can rest easy about another thing:  If she's ever a punchline, it will be her baby brother joking around at the next family gathering. 

 

South Carolina's First Congressional District:  VOTE MAY 7.   Colbert Busch is in the lead, but we can't take anything for granted; special elections can be tricky.   Vote, volunteer, remind your friends to vote, contribute, drive people to the polls . . . .   If you or someone you know needs to vote absentee, here's a link with details on how to do that:  http://scvotes.org/2009/10/15/absentee_voting

Ocean's Deadliest Predator

 (Image from National Geographic)

 

In case you think these are trashy cousins of the jelly fish or stingray, you'd be half right.  They're actually plastic bags—trashy.   If you love the ocean as I do, maybe you'll become more mindful of the plastic you're using every day. And maybe you'll begin to wean yourself off.    There are lots of ways to reduce plastic consumption, and you might discover even more creative ways to eliminate plastic from your life.    For example,  you can take your own fabric bags for shopping;  rather than using plastic water bottles, drink your "traveling" water from a personal stainless steel or glass container.  Let me refer you to Sullie the Seagull who might give you more ideas for becoming a better steward of the ocean and the Earth.  Visit Sullie and Goffinet McLaren at http://www.sullietheseagull.com/  

I should have posted this on Earth Day—then again, shouldn't every day be a day for making our home planet healthier and safer?   I'm a little late with this message, but it's not too late to wish a dedicated plastics elimination advocate a Happy Birthday:  Many happy returns, Laura Lee!

May we rid our oceans of this predator by doing our part to eliminate plastics. 

This and That

My head is filled with unprocessed thoughts, so I'll try to sort them out  here.


First of all, have you noticed that all the really big news of the world stopped being important the moment those bombs went off in Boston?   Of course that was big news.  Very big.  Ten days later . . . I still haven't heard a word about North Korea and the chance of the kid aiming a nuclear weapon at Austin, possibly interrupting a really good concert, film, or "Austin City Limits."  That was news, aired with nearly nonstop urgency before the bombs went off.

Today—between commentary on the aftermath of Boston and ads for erectile dysfunction remedies—  there was some brief reporting on how the "Sequester" is impacting air travel. My friend Pat was here for a visit and  returning to Colorado late yesterday.  She reported after a 3-hour wait at Myrtle Beach Airport (not complaining even once, by the way) that only one runway was open in Charlotte where her connecting flight would be.  That was due to furloughing air traffic controllers because of the "sequester."  Miracles do happen and she made her connection.   If some Members of Congress, especially Republican members, are inconvenienced, maybe we'll see some positive action, even some serious work on reasonable budget cuts.  Mercy.



 * * * * * * *


Good news that did come through today:  Eiizabeth Colbert Busch is 9 points ahead of Mark Sanford in South Carolina's First Congressional District race!  Settle down. Let's not celebrate just yet.   Please contact any and every registered voter you know in the Charleston or Beaufort areas of SC and urge them to vote for Elizabeth on May 7.  Be sure they realize she's not one of the Bush dynasty. Spell B U S C H very slowly.


* * * * * * * *


I'm liking Chris Hayes and his new show "All In" at 8 pm on MSNBC.  Steve Korancki has taken over  "Up" on Saturday mornings, 8 -10.  I think it works.  Still wondering where/ when Ed Shultz can be seen on weekends.

*************


From Rachel Maddow's fan page via Forward Progressives/Facebook:

“Same-sex marriage ruins the sanctity of marriage.” – Said by the person who’s been divorced twice and cheated on both spouses.

Can't top that.  Goodnight, lovable Lefties.

At the Edge of Sensory Bankruptcy

At the end of a week spent with the sights and sounds of violence and the aftermath in Boston, I'm about to the point of sensory bankruptcy.  Are you?

 

 It feels like time to do some consciously deep breathing, turn off the devices for a bit and reconnect with the peace of silence.  To just see what happens.  To allow all the shock and sadness to integrate with the gratitude, joy, love and positive vitality of living my one-of-a-kind life.

Amy Poehler has some words worth hearing in this video at Upworthy.   I like her earnestness and her thoughts about softening our eyes and hearts.   

Here's the link along with wishes for a peaceful day and some quiet moments in this brand new week.

http://www.upworthy.com/in-a-week-filled-with-tragedy-amy-poehlers-advice-for-self-care-is-like-a-warm-virtual-hug-2?c=bl3

About Yesterday's Senate Votes

I've just heard Jonathan Alter ( Bloomberg View columnist and author of “The Promise: President Obama, Year One”) talking about the absurdity of United States senators—like Texas Senator John Cornin and freshman Senator Heidi Heitcamp of ND—saying they're there to represent their state's interests in Washington.   The U. S. Senate always has been one of the most respected deliberative bodies in the world.   Senators are supposed to balance the interests of their state with the best interests of the nation as a whole. 

 

Alter pointed out that if senators voted only on what polls reflect their state's voters would like to see happen, then a computer could vote.  The Senate is a place for women and men who think, reflect, deliberate and pass laws for the highest good of the Country.   

 

Senators voting against modest gun safety measures yesterday obviously were not in the thinking-reflecting-deliberative mode; rather, they were motivated by fear and running from possible defeat in the next election.  They ran as fast as they could into the arms and good graces of their political Sugar Daddy, the NRA.   My hope is that, in my lifetime, lawmakers may be as influenced by the ever-growing power of the gun safety community as they are by the NRA.  Thank you Mayor Mike Bloomberg for helping to fund my hope; thank you Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly for working so hard and putting "money where your mouth is." Thank you to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence for your many years of dedication to gun safety.  And great gratitude and respect to the courageous Newtown families who traveled to DC and were articulate, effective representatives for the cause—amazing people who refused to give up, even when told the votes wouldn't be there yesterday, who kept their dignity and their cool in the face of being called "props."  They have vowed to continue fighting this good fight.  I wish I could call each of you by name.

So, if the Newtown families aren't giving up, if our fiesty President isn't giving up, surely we can continue working to get background checks passed, to get assault weapons banned, and to limit the size of magazines/clips.  (I might not be using "NRA-approved"terms here, but you know what? I don't need or want NRA approval.  Everyone who reads this will understand what I'm talking about.) 

 

 Not least, thank you Lucy Lefties who came through like champions yesterday and called the "fence sitters" in the Senate.   Safety advocates ultimately will prevail.  The only question in my mind is when?

Shame on the Cowards

Thanks to all of you who called senators who were supposedly on the fence.  The Manchen - Toomey amendment failed to pass by 8 votes.   The NRA and cowardice won today.  But our President seems determined to keep fighting for this legislation.  And hopefully even stronger bills.  I'm willing to keep on testing the patience and good will of friends and Lucy Lefties as the efforts continue.  

(Image from Democrats of Georgetown County SC, USA.)

Tomorrow - April 17 - Gun Bill

 Senate will vote tomorrow!  Just learned that Senate Majority Leader Reid had this to say on Twitter (Still can't bring myself to say "tweeted this"): 

@SenatorReid via Twitter
"It’s time to vote. Tomorrow at 4 pm, Senators will vote up or down on background checks, assault weapons ban, and high-capacity clip ban."

 

Please make calls tonight or tomorrow morning if you want to be heard on this major piece of legislation.   From what I hear the outlook isn't bright, but anything can happen.  It's D.C. and politics, after all!   Let's call, call. call!  The fence sitters are named in my post "Mr. Rogers, Violence, and Activism" and the phone numbers for all senators can be found at http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Mr. Rogers, Violence, and Activism

I like to imagine the spirit of Fred Rogers is sending his sweet energy to Boston right now.  His words, shared in a Facebook post this morning, shifted my perspective in a good way  They  inspired me to focus on the goodness in humankind, not the dark heart of the bomber.  Or bombers.   I'm thinking not only of the brave and efficient first responders, but also the ordinary people like you and me who were giving comfort and assistance to strangers. 

 

TV coverage I saw today was about eight-year-old Martin Richard, killed by the blast as he waited near the finish line to congratulate his father.    The boy's mother and sister were injured and are being treated now in one of the hospitals.   Excruciatingly sad, all the way around.  

 

 I can't help thinking about the many children who die daily— tragically as young Martin did— as victims of gun violence.  Not only those at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, but on the streets of Chicago and all over America.  Beyond offering prayers and sending good thoughts, you and I can do little to nothing about what happened in Boston yesterday.  But we can raise our voices to ensure the background check bill for better gun safety passes the Senate and then the House.  I hope you'll call your own senators and house members today, tomorrow and every day until the vote is taken.   And, just as important—maybe more important—is that we call the fence sitters who can mean the bill's passage or defeat in the Senate.   Senators currently on the fence, according to David Hawkings at Roll Call (http://blogs.rollcall.com/hawkings/9-senators-who-hold-fate-of-background-check-deal/), are these Democratic senators from red states:  Max Baucus of Montana, Kay Hagan of North Carolina and Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana.  Ask them to be courageous enough to vote YES.   And these Republican senators are being lobbied by those on both sides of the issue.  Let's call them all and ask for a YES vote:  Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, Jeff Flake of Arizona, Dean Heller of Nevada, Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire and John Hoeven of North Dakota.

 

If you know anyone from these critical states, anyone who favors improved gun safety, ask them to  contact their senator.  A call matters even more when it come from voters in their own state; however, the number of calls matters, as well.   This is action we need to take right away.  After these votes are taken and the bill (hopefully) passes, we won't give up on getting more and stronger laws— to limit the number of bullets allowed in magazines/clips and eliminating assault weapons.  We won't give up.  But for now, let's do our best to get the Manchin-Toomey compromise (on background checks) passed by the Senate and then get to work on the House members.  The numbers for all senators can be found at http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm.

 

 For me, activism of some kind plays a key role in the healing process.  Let's channel our shock and grief about the Boston tragedy into making a positive difference in our democracy.  Into making America a safer place to live.   I'm smiling as I imagine those nine senators' phones ringing off the hook.

Listen Up, Women!

 (Image from Real Truth Now/Facebook via Being Liberal)

First Congressional District Women,  please vote.  Men, too.  And contact anyone you know in the district to be sure they're voting for Elizabeth.

On Boston and Kindness

"On days like this there are no Republicans or Democrats—we are Americans, united in concern for our fellow citizens." —President Obama

 

 Horrific shock in Boston today.  Two explosions.  So far two people killed and it's uncertain how many are seriously injured.  What I can do is send love, peace, and prayers.  And to ease my sadness, I write.

 

My greatest hope at this moment is that all of us—every human being—will recognize that we're all one.  May we let go of hate.  May we feel a sense of unity and common purpose.  Democrats, Republicans, Independents—all religions, all races, all regions of this beautiful Country.    At the end of this day Beantown was expecting celebration to mark this year's Boston Marathon, where runners from all over the world participate after qualifying.  Instead, the day is ending in tragedy, the air filled with fear, pain and loss.  May we recognize and remember we're  all in this together.  We are Boston.  We are everyman, everywoman, and everychild, dealing with this stunning event.

 

Beginning now, may we set our intention to treat one another with greater kindness.  Today and every day. That means people we know and love, people who are difficult to love, and perfect strangers.   And let's keep the kindness going—even after today becomes yesterday, last week, last year and once upon a time.

 

 I'm about to post something that helped me deal with the tragedies in Japan not so very long ago.  Although I won't make a habit of sharing poems here,  I believe Naomi Shihab Nye's "Kindness" might inspire us to be better and do better.  Maybe we'll put away our devices long enough to take ourselves outdoors to experience the healing balm of Mother Nature.  Soon a waxing crescent Moon will smile down on us earthlings.   Maybe we will begin to look into each other's eyes and listen—respectfully and with kindness—to whatever is being said.  Even if we don't agree with a word of it.  I'm saying this for my own benefit as well as for Lucy visitors.  

 

Peace to Boston.   Peace to each and all.  

 

       Kindness

by Naomi Shihab Nye

 

Before you know what kindness really is

you must lose things,

feel the future dissolve in a moment

like salt in a weakened broth.

What you held in your hand,

what you counted and carefully saved,

all this must go so you know

how desolate the landscape can be

between the regions of kindness.

How you ride and ride

thinking the bus will never stop,

the passengers eating maize and chicken

will stare out the window forever.

 

Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness,

you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho

lies dead by the side of the road.

You must see how this could be you,

how he too was someone

who journeyed through the night with plans

and the simple breath that kept him alive.

 

Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,

you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.

You must wake up with sorrow.

You must speak to it till your voice

catches the thread of all sorrows

and you see the size of the cloth.

 

Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,

only kindness that ties your shoes

and sends you out into the day to mail letters and purchase bread,

only kindness that raises its head

from the crowd of the world to say

It is I you have been looking for,

and then goes with you everywhere

like a shadow or a friend.

Appreciating Spring

Let's take a breather on this spring morning and hear from a better poet than Lucy.  With all the turmoil in this world, what better time to embrace Nature?  What better time to adopt an attitude of gratitude for all the good things that are Yes.

 

Fair notice:  We might post a poem here at Lucy every now and then, just to help us decompress. 

 

from i thank You God for most this amazing day

i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes . . . .

e. e. cummings

About SC's Colbert Busch-Sanford Race

Happy to see this spot-on post.  Congress needs Elizabeth Colbert Busch.   I'm asking you to ask everyone you know in the First Congressional District to vote for Colbert Busch on May 7!  Every vote matters, especially in this race!

from the Savannah Morning News/"Savannah Now"

http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-04-11/oxnard-finding-sanity-south-carolina#.UWrM4YKvXbl

Oxnard: Finding sanity in South Carolina

Posted: April 11, 2013 - 9:37pm  |  Updated: April 12, 2013 - 12:13am

 

By k.w. oxnard

If I had to choose one word to describe Elizabeth Colbert Busch, it would be this: normal.
Anybody who follows politics in general, and the recent travails of South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District in particular, knows that normal is the last word that comes to mind.
Yet last weekend when I met Busch, who is running as a moderate Democrat in a special election on May 7 to replace Congressman Tim Scott, all I could think of was how normal, grounded and, well, sane she is.
And this in the district that brought us Mark Sanford, he of the Appalachian Trail-meets-Buenos-Aires shenanigans.
The same Mark Sanford who, bizarrely, is embarking on a comeback tour and running for his old seat in the 1st.
Colbert Busch could make serious political hay with Sanford’s scandalous backstory, and yet, at a recent meet-and-greet in Bluffton, S.C., she never once mentioned his name. Instead, she talked passionately about looking forward to her district’s future as a center for 21st-century technology and energy production.
A whip-smart businesswoman who cut her teeth working in the mostly-male world of shipping, ports and technology, Colbert Busch is also the proud mother of three, grandmother of two and, as you may have heard, the sister of comedian Stephen Colbert. Given her accomplishments and renowned family, she could come across as smug, entitled or aloof, yet she radiates exactly the opposite energy. She’s sharp, but approachable. Warm, yet professional. Grounded, yet excited about her dreams for S.C.’s 1st District.
Those dreams include an intense focus on high technology, clean energy production and the educational improvements that will lure those industries to the Carolina Lowcountry. She sees the future, and says, “It is all about energy.”
Indeed, Colbert Busch was one of the people responsible for bringing Clemson University’s Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility — the world’s largest — to the region in 2009, along with thousands of wind energy jobs.
“That market is growing,” she says. “In the next two decades, the wind industry alone is projected to add an additional 20,000 jobs, $2 billion in wages and $600 billion in (South Carolina) state and local revenue.” She also says that in spite of the Lowcountry’s burgeoning tech industry, her district is not doing enough to market itself as a bastion of innovation and job creation.
But energy investors won’t come to South Carolina’s coast if the workforce isn’t well-trained. So Colbert Busch proposes creating partnerships between industry, academia and public school systems, beefing up STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curricula and creating more varied career paths for high school students, especially in technical vocations.
What struck me the most was her normalcy — the feeling that she could be your helpful neighbor, your friend’s cool mother, your easy-going yet hard-working boss, your wildly successful pal who remains humble and fun. This is not what I usually think after meeting a politician.
When asked why she is running, Colbert Busch said she wants to speak for those in her district who are usually not heard from — the ones who are often ignored or left behind in politics. Whether this compassion stems from her Catholic upbringing; her experience with creating businesses and learning how jobs can transform people’s lives; or being a mother and grandmother and seeing why education matters, it is notable and welcome in a field normally populated with megalomaniacs, mercenaries and mean-spirited social Darwinians.
Mark Sanford may have name recognition after having inappropriately used state funds to pursue his paramour in Argentina. And he may be on a self-described path to redemption that resonates with Christian conservatives.
But it is Colbert Busch who has the moral compass, the business chops and the vision to lead her district into a more prosperous future.
Given the deep frustration among voters — especially women — with the U.S. Congress, Colbert Busch’s quixotic journey may well end with her not tilting at windmills, but creating them.

K. W. Oxnard lives and writes in Savannah.

Guide to Debunking the Rhetoric

Here's a quick and easy guide to debunking some of the untrue "Fox fed rhetoric" about President Obama.  It might come in handy at the next neighborhood/family gathering or wherever you find yourself suffering  Fox-watchers.   It's horrifying to me that Fox is the primary or sole "news" source for so many who don't understand they're watching propaganda posing as news much of the time.  Very little to do with facts or truth.  http://www.forwardprogressives.com/debunking-almost-every-republican-lie-against-president-obama/  

 

Allen Clifton's piece sets the the record straight on some of the lies repeated so often they're accepted as truth by Fox viewers.  Thanks to Rachel Maddow's fan page for posting the link via Clifton's "Off the Cliff" Facebook page.

Yep

Thanks to the Pragmatic Progressive Fan Page/Facebook.

Right to Privacy? Get Outta Here!

So, I'm watching Andrea Mitchell Reports to see whether the North Korean kid has launched a missile today.  (It's masochistic to watch TV at mealtime, isn't it?)   No missile launch, but I did catch a few minutes of Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R - Utah) opining on the horrors of a government-operated gun registry.   He went from the "second amendment rights" schtick to the right to privacy.  Are you with me?  The right to freaking privacy.  

 

Let me get something straight:  The majority of Republicans in Congress today, in catering to their extremist base,  haven't shown much interest in that particular right.  The privacy one.  Neither have Republicans in a variety of state legislatures.  They keep introducing bills to violate the privacy of women on a regular basis.   You know,  limiting access to abortions, making it impossible for women's clinics to operate in certain states, myriad attempts to de-fund Planned Parenthood and so many other creative measures to deny women their right to privacy.  

 

Wouldn't you love to witness some good journalist (Rachel comes to mind) asking the anti-choice Goobers a YES or NO question and accepting only a one-word response?  It would be,  "Do you see mandating that a transvaginal probe be inserted into a woman's vagina as a violation of the right to privacy?"   Yes? or No?   In my fantasy a really annoying buzzer would zzzzzzzz if the responder uses more than the one word.  Maybe the wordy responder would receive a mild electrical shock, like the dog collar thing.  Hmmmm.  No, it wouldn't hurt.  Well, not as much as a transvaginal probe.

 

Stay tuned.  Maybe Rachel will read this and go for it.   Meanwhile, let's see whether this gun registry thing becomes a "right to privacy issue" across the Republican board.  If so, they'd better be very careful.  Warning:  "Taking that stance could be hazardous to your political career. "    Truth be told,  I sort of hope they go that route.  It might be just the thing to put the grownups back in charge of the House next year.

No Senate Filibuster on Gun Legislation

I'm seeing red, Republican Red.  And I'm blue because some Democrats in the U. S. Senate are hard to identify as Dems these days.  

 

Today the gun bill was on the Senate's agenda, and members voted 68-31 to avoid a Republican filibuster against stronger gun safety legislation.  Since it's the most ambitious gun safety legislation in more than two decades and since the filibuster threat was thwarted, I should be celebrating instead of fuming.  I am happy about the vote count and that the legislation will be on the floor next week, once amendments are in place.  The bill isn't nearly strong enough, but it's a start.  That will have to do for now—as long as this bill is not also the finish line!

 

But here's what got me riled today.  I was watching "Hardball" where Chris Matthews (whose shows I usually watch) and Chuck Todd (whose show I often watch) were talking about the gun bill—and what a tough spot senators find themselves in if they voted with the majority to proceed with debate.  Seems the NRA is "rating" senators who voted for proceeding with debate as being "for gun control."  Talking about getting primary opposition and maybe losing the next election.  Matthews, with furrowed brow, said it was a "hard climb" for some senators to cast their affirmative votes.  They talked about the "scare tactics"used by NRA leadership (threatening primary opposition for lawmakers with "bad ratings").   The "hard climb" is not the issue.  The Courage deficit is the issue.  And I'm not feeling sympathetic.

 

People with the courage to act honorably, regardless of the situation or pressure placed upon them to do otherwise, are not intimidated by scare tactics.   Even if they are "scared" they will walk through the fear and  do the right thing— even if it means losing their next bid for the Senate.   All members of Congress were sent to Washington by the voters to carry out the will of the people.  The will of 90% of the American people is for stronger gun safety laws. The President has been speaking out, and citizens have been calling and e-mailing their representatives.  We've been heard.  The prognostications just days ago were that the bill would NOT be debated openly on the floor.  It's a good day for democracy when issues are debated and votes are taken and recorded.  How else can we know whether we are being adequately represented?

 

On the heels of the Newtown tragedy—and the murders of children and adults on the streets of Chicago, and the many other gun massacres still in our rear-view mirror—it's amazing that the NRA still can cower grown-up human beings.  Adults.  Elected public servants in positions of leadership.  The senators who cower before the NRA are not leaders.  Like kids at a Halloween party, they only masquerade as "leaders" on Capitol Hill.  They come to the party and begin to think they own their seats—and some of them probably did pay a high price.  Thus, they must do whatever it takes to get re-elected.  And they do whatever it takes.   They DON'T do what it takes to make our country safer.  Our children safer.  

 

Not long ago I referred to my father in a post about courage.   Papa had political courage when it came to doing the right thing.  At least he did the right thing in some tough situations I'm aware of.  In fact he lost an election over doing the right thing, knowing when he took the action he did that it would probably cost him the senate seat along with the seniority he had acquired after years of service. 

 

Today, April 11, would be my Papa's birthday.  I'll bet he's looking down from politics-sports heaven tonight, chewing his angel cigar.  He'd be cheering Mayor Mike Bloomberg of NYC for his efforts, especially his decision to rate lawmakers who don't vote for gun safety measures.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/michael-bloomberg-groups-gun-control-scorecard-will-give-lawmakers-letter-grades/2013/04/08/a1ab3c0c-a09f-11e2-82bc-511538ae90a4_story.html?wpisrc=nl_politics  Ohhhh yeah.  Good move. We'll get there.  We just need to be sure not to stop working at it.  Not for a minute.  We need to get through the Senate, then get back to calling House members. 

Courage and Empowerment

Thanks to Being Liberal Fan Page/FB for this important reminder.

LEAN IN FOR ELIZABETH COLBERT BUSCH

http://leaninforelizabeth.nationbuilder.com/?fb_ref=r247&fb_source=message

That link will take you to the Lean In rally planned for Elizabeth on April 24 in Charleston, South Carolina.  Whether you're from South Carolina,  South Dakota, or Venus, you'll regret not coming to the City by the Sea and supporting this amazing candidate for Congress.   Charleston's a beautiful place, in case you don't know, and you could come to the Lean In event and enjoy a memorable long weekend.  Maybe volunteer if you'd like. 

 

I just heard panelists on "The Chris Matthews Show"predicting a Mark Sanford win on May 7.  Noooooooo!  We won't sit still for that.  We must rally, rumble, donate, participate and spread the word that Elizabeth's GREAT.  I'm no Dr. Seuss, so will stop trying to be and simply say:  Y'all Come!  

 

 

Please click the link and plan to be there.   If you can't attend, you probably will want to contribute to her worthy campaign.   I have great faith in her ability to make positive contributions in Congress and to represent South Carolina—and America—well.

 

If you know anyone in South Carolina's First Congressional District, please contact them to make sure they're voting for Elizabeth.  If you feel as strongly as I do about her candidacy, maybe you'd like to write a letter to the editor, make phone calls, and endorse Elizabeth on Facebook and in other social media.

 

I'm hoping women from all over America (and men, too, of course!) will rally for Elizabeth in whatever ways they can.  But we need to get to it.  May 7 will be here in a flash.

 

Click the link and carry on, Lefties!

Thought for Sunday Morning

                                                 Image from Bhakti Fest/Facebook

How to Beat the Tea Party

There's a great video you'll probably like at Liberals Unite, an "internet news magazine serving the Liberal community."  Check out their site and this clever approach to turning a conversation around to your point of view—rather allowing the Tea Party or other obstructionists to block progress on issues.  It's a lesson in getting your message out and accomplishing your goal.  Creative and entertaining.

http://samuel-warde.com/2013/04/this-is-how-to-beat-the-tea-party/

NRA President (1934) on "Toting of Guns"

Posted on Facebook by Being Liberal, saying:

(M) The NRA President hasn't always been a shill for the gun industry.  Thanks, Being Liberal.  Visit them at

  http://www.facebook.com/beingliberal.org

About Our Democracy

"We can have democracy in this country or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can't have both."  You can see who said this before he died in 1941 by going to Upworthy:

http://www.upworthy.com/america-loves-rich-people-but-rich-people-are-single-handedly-ruining-our-politi?c=bl3

 

On a related subject (stay with me, you'll see), there's the Exxon oil spill—tar sands oil—in Arkansas. A short piece about the spill and cleanup at Addicting Information is worth reading.   Being Liberal (Facebook) posted it, saying: "I've been boycotting BP for years, but now I will also be boycotting Exxon and their affiliates." http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/04/05/its-a-dirty-job-but-exxons-not-gonna-pay-for-it-because-they-dont-feel-like-it/

 

I'm furious that Congressional Republicans remain mule-headed under all circumstances when it comes to  protecting the wealthiest Americans; that is, protecting them from paying a fairer share of taxes.  I'm talking multi-millionaires and billionaires.  Proposals during the Obama administration have recommended taxing individual income over $250,000 a year at a little higher rate.  Then I believe they  considered or proposed as a compromise income threshold figures that were much higher than $250,000.  No dice.

 

 Republicans would rather Americans depending on social security for all or the majority of their incomes simply manage on less.  (Would you love to see an experiment where John Boehner lives for a year on only a monthly social security check? I'd like to oversee that one.)  They have no qualms about children being deprived of Head Start—the same Republicans who pull every stunt possible to eliminate abortion and, in some instances, birth control.  They forget to be "pro life" or pro child once a child is in the world and living in poverty.  They say "no" to increasing the minimum wage and have opposed extending unemployment benefits.  Republicans believe Americans who receive unemployment checks are enjoying the good life; one such believer said something about people "sitting on their porches" instead of getting up and looking for jobs.  Obviously the view of American life, seen from high in their Ivory Towers,  is anything but clear.  It's the "Let them eat cake" attitude that gets me, day in and day out.  That, and wondering how anyone with even an ounce of compassion and a grain of sense can vote for Republicans.  

 

 The GOP also protects the big oil companies, in many cases protecting their campaign donors.  Lawmakers get into their mule-headed stance and won't budge in continuing to give the petroleum industry subsidies during a time when they're making record profits.  Unconscionable.  And they berate the President for not approving construction of the Canadian Keystone Pipeline (for tar sands oil) instantly, without examining the situation and making sure it would be a safe thing to do.  They argued that the pipeline would bring jobs.  They don't give a damn about jobs.  None except their own.  They care about wealth and the wealthy. Period. (They don't care about jobs because they've said NO to measures, proposed by the President, that would have created jobs.   I had hoped the obstructionism would relax a little when President Obama's won a second term— despite the sole Republican agenda for four years having been his defeat.  I was sadly mistaken.)

 

Truth is, big business has the work force between a rock and a hard place.  Those who remain in the work force now are doing the jobs of two and three people (for the same pay in many cases), knowing they're unlikely to find work if they tell the boss to "take this job and shove it." Do you think these bottom-line companies are likely to hire more workers when they can get the job done by overworking employees who are stuck in their jobs and grateful to have them because of the slim pickings in the job market?  Republicans use the absurd argument that business can't create jobs if they have somewhat higher taxes:  They didn't create jobs after the Bush tax cuts went into effect, did they?  Despite tremendous profits.

 

 Once again, the President—through his budget proposal—is asking Congress to eliminate oil subsidies and place a little more tax burden on the wealthiest Americans. (That is, taxing whatever money isn't hiding in offshore tax shelters.)  I heard last night that Boehner has said NO to the administration's latest effort, sight unseen, even though it includes a big controversial "give" on the President's part:  cuts to social security benefits.  

 

Yep, there's wisdom and truth in this statement:

"We can have democracy in this country or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can't have both." -  Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis

 I'm unwilling to be totally disheartened over the state of our democracy on the first warm, sunny Saturday in way too long.  Maybe spring will work its magic on Boehner and McConnell and all Congressional Republicans.  May the scales fall from their eyes and the ice in their hearts melt away.   It's doubtful, but I always hope. 

 

And, while hoping for miracles,  I work:  Let's agree to keep our eyes open and make our voices heard, so the wealth isn't forever concentrated in the hands of the few.  And of course let's do everything in our power to see that good Lefties take charge of Congress in 2014!

 

Busch vs. Sanford

Why Sanford vs. Colbert Busch Could Be Competitive

By MICAH COHEN

Former Gov. Mark Sanford won a runoff election this week, securing the Republican nomination for South Carolina’s First Congressional District. He will face the Democratic nominee, Elizabeth Colbert Busch, in a May 7 general election.
The First District, which runs from Hilton Head Island in the south to north of Charleston, is solidly Republican, and typically a Congressional race in the conservative Lowcountry would provide little suspense: Republicans have held the seat since 1981.
But this election is not typical. Mr. Sanford enters the general election with significant personal baggage, having spent six days in 2009 in Argentina with a woman who was not his wife while telling his aides he was “hiking the Appalachian Trail.” (He and the woman are now engaged.) Ms. Colbert Busch, meanwhile, is an accomplished businesswoman with deep ties to the district’s business community. . . .   (Click here to read more:http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/05/why-sanford-vs-colbert-busch-could-be-competitive/)

My home state of South Carolina—not only the First Congressional District— needs Elizabeth Colbert Busch's voice in Congress.   As much as I believe Sanford shouldn't be placed in a position of public trust again, my passion about this race has far more to do with the caliber of Ms. Busch and her candidacy.   So, I couldn't resist leaving a comment at this excellent blog.  Here it is:


South Carolina voters might need to be reminded that Sanford's "ethical-moral issues" were not only personal. They also involved condemnation and fines by the State Ethics Commission for violations during his term as governor. He also was censured by the Republican House—so, his were not simply "ooops" mistakes.

Elizabeth Colbert Busch is a solid candidate and, as indicated in this post, well-versed in finance. Ms. Busch has walked the "family values" walk, under challenging circumstances.

My hope is there are enough rational Republicans in the First District to send Ms. Busch to Congress. In addition to getting a fine representative, the election of Elizabeth Colbert Busch could mean this state would no longer be the punch line in political jokes—or not as often, at any rate. And certainly not because of her!

I'll leave you lovable Lefties to enjoy your weekend after asking you for one smart, good deed:  Wherever in the world you may be, if you know any voters in South Carolina's First District, please contact them and ask them to vote for Elizabeth Colbert Busch on May 7.  And on election day, please get in touch again, while the polls are still open,  to be sure they've voted!   Also, if you can make a financial contribution, here's how:  http://colbertbuschforcongress.com

President Carter's Defense of Women's Rights

Just came across a 2009 op-ed written by former President Jimmy Carter, giving the Southern Baptist Convention hell.   (Reminds me of President Truman saying he doesn't actually "Give 'em hell."  He just "gives them the truth and they think it's hell.")  In the linked piece Carter speaks his truth and announces he'll no longer be associated with this religious group.  The reason he walked away from the SBC?  They were interpreting the Bible falsely in order to keep women from having equal rights.  To keep women down.   Sadly, President Carter's words are as relevant today—and perhaps needed more—than four years ago.  

Thanks to Stephen D. Foster, Jr. at Addicting Information for sharing our former President's defense of women's rights.  It's a heartening read.    http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/04/02/the-most-important-defense-of-womens-rights-you-will-read-today/

Happy April Fool's

Note  the post title has no comma between the words April and Fool's.  :-))  Fools usually don't hang out here at Lucy.

 

I'm so happy to see April that I don't even mind being fooled!  I have no problem with Fox "news"— only time I see it is on Stewart or Colbert.  

 

Thanks to rightoffacliff on facebook for this clever post!