Trials Past and Present

Monday morning.  Blue skies and sunshine.  But no guarantees with the weather.

 

Same with jury trials.  I once served as third alternate on a medical malpractice jury.  Although the odds were long,  I believed, even then, that anything’s possible, and therefore I might become a juror who gets a vote.  So, I listened to all the tedious details including an endless bombardment of medical terminology. Good thing I didn’t nod off because I did get a vote and, in fact, was sequestered overnight.  I was driven home by a sheriff’s deputy who never let me out of his sight as I packed an overnight bag, stood at my back door while I took my dog Annie outside.  Any neighbors who might have seen me arriving home in the back seat of a police car never mentioned it.  We found the doctor not guilty.   Even though the case involved a tragedy, it seemed clear to me that the physician did the things that were his responsibility to do.  No negligence. 

 

I say this as prelude to a confession:  I’ve been using far too much time watching the George Zimmerman trial.  Had no plan to watch it and no burning interest in the proceedings.  So I thought— until I sat watching as I waited for a phonecall.   I'd forgotten that one of the things I inherited from my father is a fascination with the law.  It’s a little like being on a diet and suddenly being presented with a delicious caramel cake; I could go the rest of my life without eating cake again, but there it is, mine to savor.   Same with this trial. 

 

At first I managed to watch it as a juror might, rather than bringing a preconceived judgment.  Other than judging the death of this young man to be a tragedy.   I didn’t know all the facts.  Still learning new ones every day.  And drawing conclusions.


Some thoughts and impressions so far:

 

George Zimmerman had volunteered to become the “neighborhood watch” for the development where he lived.  He was fascinated by criminal justice and law enforcement and had applied for a job he did not get with the sheriff’s office.

 

Zimmerman gave a detailed televised interview a while after the event and in it said he had never heard about the “stand your ground” law.  Knew nothing about it.  During the trial a professor/attorney who taught Zimmerman in a criminal justice class testified that he had covered the “stand your ground” law.  He also said he remembered George Zimmerman well because he was one of his best students.  In fact, Zimmerman got an A in the course.  Very significant testimony and favorable to the prosecution.   

 

In that same TV interview (with Sean Hannity and with his attorney present), Zimmerman indicated zero remorse for what he had done, nor sorrow for the loss of a life, period.  He said to Hannity that he had no regrets about what happened that night and what happened was God’s will.  The lack of remorse or sympathy for the family is deeply troubling to me.  And Zimmerman is showing almost no affect during the course of the trial. 

 

Another thing was that the 911 operator had told Zimmerman not to pursue Martin when he reported an unfamiliar young man in a hoodie walking through the neighborhood.  All indications have been that he did pursue Martin.  Zimmerman's account has been that Trayvon Martin was the aggressor who pummeled him with blows.  The medical examiner testified  there were no bruises or cuts on Martin's hands when he examined the body.  That doesn't seem to be compatible with Zimmerman's story.

 

Trayvon Martin’s mother testified this morning and was impressive in her composure and courage.  Asked whether her younger son had tattoos on his body, she answered yes. Two tattoos.  One of praying hands on his shoulder, with his grandmothers’ names on them; another tattoo on his wrist bearing his mother’s name.   A real badass, right?

 

His older brother, a rising senior in college, looks very much like photos of Trayvon.  He testified after his mother.  He was composed and seemed earnest in his testimony.  I imagine the jurors saw the resemblance and thought about the fact that Trayvon would never reach that age or get to attend college or pursue whatever dreams he might have had.

 

 The medical examiner has just said that Martin did not die instantly but was alive— after a straight shot to the heart—for one to ten minutes—and surely in pain after being shot.  In going through every step of the autopsy testimony, it’s becoming less and less plausible to me that Martin engaged Zimmerman in a serious fight, if any fight at all.

 

Again, this trial is about a tragic and, I believe, unnecessary death.  I think the “stand your ground” law is problematic and serves to fuel fear and anxiety.  What’s far harder to change than any law is fear itself.  Especially in those who fear people who look different than they do.  People who dress differently.  People who act differently.  Fear is far more dangerous than a gun—but when fear is activated in someone carrying a gun, it can be deadly. 

 

Regardless of how this case turns out, a big question remains:  How can we stop the epidemic of fear in this country?  And where do we begin? 

Zombie Voters Bulletin

On this Fourth of July I'm thinking that freedom means all people being free to express themselves, especially at the ballot box.  Sadly, in some places in our Country (and not only in the South) the only way to assure this freedom is to reinstate Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.   

 

It also could help to get the truth out about manufactured "voter fraud" claims—one way to dilute the influence of minority voters.  For example, in South Carolina, Columbia's Free Times has announced results of the State Law Enforcement Division's 18-month investigation.  SLED's findings validated what many of us had known to be true all along:  No 'zombie' voters, no voter fraud.    http://www.free-times.com/blogs/18-months-later-sc-law-enforcement-closes-case-on-zombie-voters-finds-no

 

The Free Times post points out that South Carolina's Republican attorney general often said, on the Fox cable news channel in the past year, things like "we know for a fact"—that the identities of deceased people were being used in elections in South Carolina.  I hope SLED's findings will be widely reported—maybe even covered by Fox?

S.C. GOP Attorney General Alan Wilson saying things like, “We know for a fact that there are deceased people whose identities are being used in elections in South Carolina.” - See more at: http://www.free-times.com/blogs/18-months-later-sc-law-enforcement-closes-case-on-zombie-voters-finds-no#sthash.f74hHxKw.dpuf

For a while last year, you couldn’t turn on Fox News without seeing S.C. GOP Attorney General Alan Wilson saying things like, “We know for a fact that there are deceased people whose identities are being used in elections in South Carolina.” - See more at: http://www.free-times.com/blogs/18-months-later-sc-law-enforcement-closes-case-on-zombie-voters-finds-no#sthash.f74hHxKw.dpuf

For a while last year, you couldn’t turn on Fox News without seeing S.C. GOP Attorney General Alan Wilson saying things like, “We know for a fact that there are deceased people whose identities are being used in elections in South Carolina.” - See more at: http://www.free-times.com/blogs/18-months-later-sc-law-enforcement-closes-case-on-zombie-voters-finds-no#sthash.f74hHxKw.dpuf

Other reports over the past year or two indicate there's little to no "voter fraud" in other states where—like South Carolina— Republican governors and/or legislatures are pushing "Voter ID" laws and restricting access to the polls.

Thank you, Free Times, for using freedom of the press to get this information out, just in time for the 4th.  Let freedom ring!  And may it ring in a new, progressive government for South Carolina in 2014.

Interdependence Day

Happy 4th of July!  America—you beautiful, free Country—you deserve the best. There are gifts I'd give you if it were in my power simply to "order them up."   Here's my list:

 

* Cleaner air and a pledge from us to take greater care in how we use your land and water.  Starting today.

 

* Greater harmony among those of us who live here, remembering we have significant things in common as well as our strong differences.  Surely that would make for a happier birthday for you, America.

 

* A majority in Congress that puts you first, allowing the will of your people to motivate them— rather than re-election anxiety and their own narrow visions of what you, our country, should look like.

 

*  I would wave my magic wand to raise the consciousness and sharpen the memories of your citizens, reminding us all that our precious freedoms include the freedom to think independently, to respond rather than react to issues and to one another, to extend compassion and respect to our fellow humans.  We need each other.

 

*  Because we need each other to become our best selves and, collectively, to be and do our best as a Nation, I would declare July 4 INTERDEPENDENCE DAY.  I believe you'd like for us to recognize it's nearly impossible (and certainly not as much fun) to be fully independent without also being interdependent.  It's possible to survive independently—but it takes collaboration and interactive support to truly thrive.  

 

* I would give you the gift  of seeing us celebrating our differences with good humor and working in the spirit of cooperation to do whatever it takes to help you heal, America.

 

Happy Birthday, USA.   Happy Interdependence Day!

Kristof Is Right: How Could We?

I would feel less than patriotic if I didn't share Nicholas Kristof's compelling column—his first after a five-month leave of absence to write a new book.


http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/04/opinion/kristof-how-could-we-blow-this-one.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0

Regulating Women's Bodies

On "Meet the Press" Sunday, Rachel Maddow made me proud.  She was my hero (again) when she challenged Jim DeMint (former US Senator from SC and now HMFIC at the Heritage Foundation) when he said this about restricting women's reproductive rights:  That women would have the "opportunity" to have "free" ultrasounds, etc. etc.  Rachel set him straight by saying that the ultrasound bills are not an "opportunity" but a mandated invasive procedure which is NOT free for the women who would be required to undergo them, even when it's against their will.  She also set Ralph Reed straight.  I hope she went home and enjoyed one of the special cocktails she sometimes concocts on her show.  She deserved at least a double!

And here's one of my favorite images from Rachel's Fan Page on Facebook.  Let's celebrate our Interdependence Day by joining our energies to shift this crazy trend.  It's past time!

Standing Strong in Austin

Okay, I am about to burst to be at the High Noon Rally in Austin today.  Just learned that two friends-members of the SC Democratic Women's Council are there and sending photos.

As you may know, this rally came about after Democratic State Senator Wendy Davis pulled off an old-timey filibuster last week, speaking —on topic, no food or bathroom breaks, no leaning on or even touching the podium—for 11 hours.  The topic was the complex, comprehensive "anti-abortion" bill that was about to pass.  She ran the clock out and the bill died; however,  the intellectual giant of a governor of the Lone Star State called the Legislature back to meet in special session today for the purpose of passing the bill.  So, women from all around are rallying to protest.

 


(Thanks to Rollyn Carlson for sharing the photos with the SCDWC!)

 

 Senator Wendy Davis and her hot pink running shoes are likely to show up in Women's Studies curricula around the country before long.   She embodies the reason, intelligence, determination and stamina all women possess.  ALL women.  And the ways we use those things are as different as our unique personalities.  It would be a mistake to think that we are not all "in this" just because we express ourselves differently.  We are IN this fight.  I feel it in my solar plexus.  In my gut. I can feel the energy in the photos.  And this, my friends, is happening in Texas!  I lived there for three years, and it's a man's world on some serious steroids.  Many men there are "all hat and no cattle" but they certainly don't see themselves that way.  They're right proud of being manly men.  Or their sad notion of what that means.   The "lone star"— and it should be gold — should be enshrined in Austin.  The Lone Star City.  That's where much of the reasonable, creative, progressive, intellectual population seems to be concentrated.   (A word to non-Austin Lefties:  Please don't be insulted.  I live in South Carolina, for goodness sake.  I'm not proud of the current and recent government here, nor do I respect the antiquated attitudes of many of my fellow citizens.  You are not alone.  We can love our states and still feel that way.)

 

  Seeing the raised umbrella in the photo above, I imagine rain is falling, but it won't dampen the spirits of the women there.  And the fact that the rest of us aren't there won't dampen our determination to do whatever we can, wherever we can and however we can to make our voices heard.  We won't allow our hard-won reproductive rights to be infringed upon.  In our nation's capitol, the Republican-majority Congress has done its damndest to restrict women's health choices ever since a weepy Speaker Boehner gaveled the House to order on Day 1.  Instead of working on legislation that might lead to job creation or voting for the President's proposals to increase jobs, they became obsessive about limiting women's access to health care.  They were in a mad frenzy to shut down Planned Parenthood, primary health care provider for a huge number of women who otherwise would not have health screenings, family planning counseling, and basic care.   And, yes, a place to have a pregnancy safely and legally terminated if necessary.

 

 

 

And State Legislatures are following suit.  Did you know that in twenty-four states—almost half— the Legislative and Executive branches of government are Republican-majority?  Yep, House, Senate, and the Governor's office!  If that's not a reason to become more vocal and more involved in general, I don't know what is.  And, very important:  It's one more reason we need to rally for restoration of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.  Since the Court's ruling last week, all sorts of voter suppression efforts have been launched.  Some within an hour of the ruling. There are no longer protections in place to challenge or halt unfair practices leading to voter suppression.  (Some talking head pointed out that anyone can initiate a lawsuit.  The "conservative" who said that knew good and well that litigation is cost-prohibitive for most people, and federal intervention is still badly needed.)   We need to be activists on this important issue as well as women's rights— for so many reasons.  One of the practical ones is that the Republicans are drawing district lines left and right (mostly right) to assure they will gain or continue their majorities in state governments.  And in Congress.  We can write off any gains in 2014 if Section 5 isn't reinstated in some form ASAP.

 

So, let's rally, march, visit our legislators until they are sick of us, write letters to editors, speak up in conversations, and stand with our sisters and brothers in other states as our support is needed.  And it's always good to have a crowd, don't you think?  Most of all, let's remember this:  The easiest way to lose our power is believing we have no power.  We do have power.  Let's use it wisely, well and often in the days ahead. 

Heaven's Crying

Rain's pouring from the Sunday morning sky.   Probably God and  Jesus and all the angels crying about "conservative'" hypocrisy.  So many of these "folks" are in church praising the Lord  and soon will be hanging out in the parking lot slamming the poor.   This same bevy of believers also has been known to condemn our "Muslim" president with great passion. 

 

Well, I just stumbled on some enlightening text on poverty and attitudes about benefits for the American poor.  Be sure to share it with anyone who believes poor people are lazy and that social programs should be cut—especially public assistance for children.   The lazy little grifters.   SNAP recipients are, after all, living high, wide and handsome on our tax dollars.  Buying drugs, iPhones and God knows what else.  Maybe even sushi.  They're riding around in cars, too.  Some recent models no signs of rust.  They should all take drug tests and sleep in the rain—but not in parks because sometimes your nanny takes the children to those "green spaces" (Mitt Romney's term for parks)  Yep, the heavens are weeping today.

Here's your link:  http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/06/01/your-lack-of-insight-and-compassion-make-you-ugly/

The Court Giveth and Taketh Away

A busy week at the Supreme Court while my son and the Bliss Bringer visited with me in the South Carolina Lowcountry.   My son and I are on the same page when it comes to social justice and politics in general, so we were able to talk about it all.  However, there was no blogging time and the blogging energy went to the swimming pool and the beach.   My beloveds are on the road home now, and I miss them already.  Missing my eight-year-old roommate—even more than the sleep lost while sharing my bed with "the kidney kicker."  While they were here, we all missed Nancy who couldn't be with us because her mom is in the hospital. 

 

 

First SCOTUS news last week was that the High Court kicked the affirmative action case back to a lower court.  Then came the devastating news I had been worrying about for weeks: They had ruled 5-4 against  Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.  Killed it by sending it over to the dysfunctional Congress to work out a formula for which areas would be covered.  We know this Congress can't agree on the simplest of issues.  The Court knows that, too.  Someone said that the Court conservatives wanted to kill Section 5, but didn't want their fingerprints on the murder weapon—thus, the decision to kick it over to Congress.   Devastating is exactly what it is, and we can't let this happen.    We must regain the protections now lost at a time when voting rights need to be guarded most carefully.  That was clearly shown in 2012 elections.   When the peaceful demonstrations begin, I hope to be in the middle of it all; in fact, I told my son I might be calling him to get me out of jail!  I continue to be appalled by the ruling. 

 

(Thanks to the Pragmatic Progressive Page/FB for posting this.)

 

Reading her scathing, passionate dissenting opinion from the bench (as Justice Alito rolled his eyes like a seventh grader), Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said,  “Throwing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.”  The dissent can be found in full, along with the "top 10" lines from Justice Ginsberg on the ruling at Politics 365:   http://politic365.com/2013/06/28/top-10-lines-from-ruth-bader-ginsburgs-red-hot-voting-rights-dissent/  

 

Thom Hartmann said Justice Ginsburg "slams the fascist 5" in her scathing dissent and that it will go down in history along with the dissents in  CITIZENS UNITED (Stevens) and BUSH V. GORE (Heller).   http://www.thomhartmann.com/forum/2013/06/justice-ginsburg-slams-fascist-5-her-dissent-voting-rights-act-case

Justice Ginsburg's scathing dissenting opinion in this case will stand along side the dissents written by now-retired Justice Stevens in CITIZENS UNITED, and HELLER, and BUSH v. GORE. - See more at: http://www.thomhartmann.com/forum/2013/06/justice-ginsburg-slams-fascist-5-her-dissent-voting-rights-act-case#sthash.DH1yYgY3.dpuf

Justice Ginsburg's scathing dissenting opinion in this case will stand along side the dissents written by now-retired Justice Stevens in CITIZENS UNITED, and HELLER, and BUSH v. GORE. - See more at: http://www.thomhartmann.com/forum/2013/06/justice-ginsburg-slams-fascist-5-her-dissent-voting-rights-act-case#sthash.DH1yYgY3.dpuf

Justice Ginsburg's scathing dissenting opinion in this case will stand along side the dissents written by now-retired Justice Stevens in CITIZENS UNITED, and HELLER, and BUSH v. GORE. - See more at: http://www.thomhartmann.com/forum/2013/06/justice-ginsburg-slams-fascist-5-her-dissent-voting-rights-act-case#sthash.DH1yYgY3.dpuf

   

 

Next day the Court struck down a key part of Defense of Marriage Act and dismissed the Prop. 8 case.  These decisions triggered very different emotions for me than the Voting Rights action did.  This ushered in a day for celebration rather than mourning.  Yes, indeed!

 

Rachel Maddow told of a messenger running as hard and fast as he could from the Supreme Court building to deliver the decision to a couple waiting at the airport;  one of the partners was about to be deported.   The messenger arrived just in the nick of time, and the lives of the two men changed for the better in an instant.  

So, the Court giveth and taketh away—as I spent peaceful, easy time with the family.

   (Image posted on Facebook; sorry I can't see the source in the lower right corner!)

Now, about those states prohibiting same-sex marriage . . . .

The Supremes Rule

Breaking News.  By the time you read this, you will know more details than I do now.  A 5 - 4 ruling and "conservative" justices have prevailed.   Chris Hayes just called it "A remarkable act of hubris by the Court."  

 

Federal Government oversight is still needed.  The Court seems to ignore that or deeply discount it.  They essentially revoked Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, rendering it useless (as I'm hearing it) and kicking it over to Congress to come up with a new application formula.  Think that will happen?  It's outrageous.

 

The protections of this Section of the Act are sorely needed in the 2014 elections.  These will be the first elections (2014) in decades to take place without the protections.  It was needed in 2012, badly needed.  And in North Caroling right now there are "Moral Mondays" demonstrations going on to protest legislation designed to suppress minority voting.  The conservative majority wanted to strike it down but didn't want the blame; thus, they decide to send it to a dysfunctional Congress that can agree on NOTHING and pretend the formula will magically materialize. These people need to come down from their ivory towers and take a tour of the real world. 

 

Thoughts on Racism

 Shortly after moving to the Lowcountry  I heard a neighbor use the N-word as casually as saying "Good morning."  Hearing it felt like a kick to the gut.  I was stunned, not because I'm naive, but because I haven't heard the term used in so long. Nobody in my corner of the world—friends, family or associates would use it.  And when the neighbor did, I had a quick decision to make:  What should I say?  It was certain I couldn't let it stand.   I don't know whether the neighbor recognized the  disappointment and sadness in my voice when I said:  "I didn't think I'd ever hear that word again; it really hurts to hear it."  I definitely was the "skunk at the garden party."  And I'll gladly be the skunk any time I hear hate-filled words— intentional, casual or whatever frame they come in.  Even though I'm a native South Carolinian who grew up during segregation,  I probably could count on my fingers the number of times I heard that word growing up. I was fortunate enough to be around people who didn't talk that way—because they didn't think that way.  So, the shock was compounded by the fact it had come from the mouth of my new neighbor—gracious and welcoming, a "nice person" from what I could tell. 

 

 Recent news about celebrity cook Paula Deen got to me for many reasons.  I felt the "gut punch" watching her youtube "apology."  It's beyond the pale for a person to apologize for using "inappropriate" language after being caught making racial slurs.  I'm pretty sick of the word "inappropriate" and "I'm sorry if what I said offended anyone . . . ."  Maybe Ms. Dean was sincere; no doubt she was sincere in wanting to protect the $17 million dollars that celebrity has brought her.   The "inappropriateness" is the minor issue.  It begs this question:  What's in the heart, head, and history of a person who says such things?  If you have to even think about whether it's appropriate, there's a deeper problem.   When someone uses racist slurs to describe, to denigrate, another human being, there's a  lot more going on than "inappropriateness."  There's arrogance combined with a need to bolster one's self-esteem, to endow the self with "superiority" in a life that obviously is superior to none.   Someone said that the word "inappropriate" could apply to using the salad fork for the main course at dinner. 

 

 Racism is alive and well.   Now it's usually more subtle, more nuanced than in decades past.   Seems  the election of President Obama awakened some racist tendencies that had been hybernating like bears in winter.  And the bears were hungry when they dragged themselves out of their caves in 2008.   It was simply more than some white folks (from all over the country) could handle— a black man in the White House.   A man obviously smarter than most of his detractors.  More accomplished than their own white sons and daughters.   Just too much to take.   People in general, and a broad swath of the Republican Party, have done everything possible to discount and discredit our President.  He's not an American.  He's a Muslim (and they think that would be unacceptable).  Mitch McConnell's #1 legislative goal has been to block anything the President brings forward, no matter how good it would be for the country.  Where's President Obama's birth certificate?  No, not the one we've been shown, where's the REAL birth certificate?  It would be funny (and it sometimes it was, when Donald Duck Trump got into it) if it weren't so horrifying.   Did you notice?  I just denigrated Donald Trump.  I have my biases, too.  We all do.  Mine run toward  unfairness, hate, violence and injustice.  I'm intolerant of intolerance. And of hypocrites, although I am a recovering hypocrite myself on a couple of fronts.

 

I'm thinking that Paula Deen, with her over-the-top accent and Southernisms has no doubt represented Southern womanhood, Southern people to a huge audience.   She does represent the bias of many Southerners.  But not all of us.  God knows it's hard enough living in the recent political insanity of South Carolina.  Please don't paint every Southerner in the image of Ms. Deen.   The South is home to some of the best progressives/liberals you'd ever want to know.  There are actual arugula eating,  wine-drinking, marriage-equality-advocating, public education-defending critical thinkers here in the steamy South, too.

 

As I wait to hear the Supreme Court's ruling on Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, I wonder how the justices can help but rule to continue these protections.  Sadly, the provisions in Section 5 are needed now as much as ever.  With so many states knocking themselves out to limit access to the voting booth, cutting the voting days and hours in ways that affect mostly minority voters, the crazy Voter ID laws,  and the redrawing of district lines to ensure the election of white conservatives—so many efforts to stifle the voices of voters who don't look like they look.  Voters who don't vote the way they "should."  In some  states there's lingering nostalgia about slavery;  some states periodically threaten to secede from the Union.  Again.   Yes,  every citizen's right to vote must continue to be protected by Section 5.  How could anyone doubt that?  

 

The day we all come to realize that we are all ONE—what a different place this world, this hurting State, will be.  Nobody will need to pause and think whether something they say is "inappropriate" because they won't have a need to do that.  We won't even harbor such thoughts because we won't feel any need to look down on others or to hate them.  We will understand that to hate others is to hate our very selves.  Simple as that.

 

 

 

AMEN!

(from the Liberal Agenda page/Facebook)

Friday Observations

www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motherjones.com%2Fpolitics%2F2013%2F06%2Fconsumers-get-screwed-scotus-american-express-decision-small-biz&h=dAQF0p5NB&s=1

Thanks to Mother Jones for yesterday's coverage of this Supreme Court salute to corporate dominion over small business.   Dear God, please give President Obama another appointment to the "high court" before his term ends.  And could we get another Dem in the White House when he's gone?    There's a lot of heavy repair work to be done—still.   Been waiting all week to hear the Court's ruling on marriage equality, voting rights, and affirmative action.  Maybe today.  Or next week.

                                                                       

  * * *

 

I'm declaring myself strong and resilient enough to venture into the cauldron of conservatism that is South Carolina again today.    Everywhere I turned yesterday, signs of the radical right  got to me.  Actual signs.  And then there were the stark reminders of the poverty that permeates our state and nation.  And a governor who does all she can to see that the poor can't get a break.

 

Signs and reminders:  A decal on a car's rear window in praise of the "glock" and" fire power."  Same car had a SC license tag I'd never seen, declaring "I Believe" with three crosses so everybody knows what they "believe."  Of course I'm an advocate of self-expression and religious freedom.   I'm just weary of blatant efforts to separate ourselves from each other.   I'm  guilty of labeling myself in ways that separate me from others when I slip into a lower state of consciousness.    Another bumper said, "I don't believe the liberal media"(What "liberal media"?!)   I finally stopped counting cars holding onto the memory of  McCain-Palin '08.

 

The last man I allowed myself to see with a backpack—going where, I wondered, on a day about to get hotter—brought the sting of tears along with feelings of guilt, shame and helplessness.   I have friends who devote their working lives to making life better for our fellow humans who are homeless.   These friends have helped many people transition into places they can call home.  But, even with all they do,  what they do is never enough.  There's no way it can be.  My hat's off to them for staying in the ring fighting this sad reality. 

 

These observations are not the way I intended to usher in Summer Solstice. And not even a nod to the Super Moon that will shine down on us mortals tomorrow.   Like the people with the misguided bumper stickers, I needed to express myself exactly as I did.  I'll call it what it is:  I needed to vent.  Thank you for your tolerance.  We'll celebrate summer a bit later.   In a more cheerful way.  Promise.   Meanwhile I wish you all lots of "hot fun in the summertime" starting right now:  One. . . two. . . three . . . GO!

Hard Facts About Gun Deaths in America

Stats from New England Journal of Medicine posted on FB by Flock the NRA.

 

The number of deaths from gun violence is staggering.  And yet it's so prevalent that news media and news consumers aren't "plugged in."  Ho Hum.  The news ain't sexy.  It doesn't sell products.  The NRA is "too powerful."  We've visited and revisited the gun issue here, and we're far from done with it.  

 

"Using the most recent CDC estimates for yearly deaths by guns in the United States, it is likely that as of today, 6/20/2013, roughly 15,687 people have died from guns in the United States since the Newtown shootings."  (Slate.com)  Suicides apparently make up about 60% of gun deaths and they aren't usually included in the estimates!  See the details at Slate.

 

Reminder:  Slate partners with @GunDeaths for an interactive, crowd-sourced tally of the toll firearms have taken since Dec. 14.  Find it here:  http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2012/12/gun_death_tally_every_american_gun_death_since_newtown_sandy_hook_shooting.html

 

Let's keep sharing the numbers and other gun-violence related info; let's continue to speak up in conversations about guns.  On the gun issue we especially need to Speak our truth even if our voices shake. 

 

Stay passionate and carry on!

Sometimes There's Good News

And here it is.  My favorite story of the week:  A five-year-old with a blossoming social conscience.  A girl named Jayden learned about the hate being spewed Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, and what did she do?  She set up a lemonade stand across the street from the Westboro compound to raise money for peace!


Wish I could have clicked my heels together and landed in Kansas just long enough to buy a cup or two of Miss Jayden's lemonade.  Wouldn't it be great if this real-life girl and her act of love and peace were to be remembered through time— like the other famous girl from Kansas with the dog named Toto?

Read about it at HuffPost.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/15/westboro-baptist-church-lemonade_n_3444490.html

Blame it on Papa

On this Father's Day I'm here to tell you it's all my father's fault:  He gave me my passion for politics.  Especially progressive-liberal politics.  He was a proud Democrat—in South Carolina, yet—when switching to the GOP seemed the cool and shrewd thing to do.  

 

My father ran for the South Carolina House of Representatives in the early 1950's where he served one term before running successfully for the Senate.   He was defeated once, he'd say, "for health reasons.  The voters got sick of me." But he was urged to run the next time and won.  In fact he was second in seniority when he retired.  If not for the one defeat, it's likely he'd have led the Senate for a number of years.

 

Thanks to Papa,  I was an activist at age six, meeting mill shifts with him, handing out cards and talking with voters at the polls on election days.  We'd go door to door, leaving his unsophisticated fliers in screen doors when people weren't home.  Some of those summer days were hotter than dogs' breath, too.   And there was no a/c when we got home at the end of those long days.

 

My father once said he was a Democrat "because I care about people."  And he did. He cared about all people—whatever their race, gender or economic circumstances.  He was a self-proclaimed "country lawyer" with his one-man practice.  He also was said to be one of the best attorneys to walk into any courtroom in the State.  I'm grateful for my political passion and only wish I'd inherited his gift for public speaking.  Just haven't broken through that particular fear.    But I got some of his optimism and all of his sense of humor.

 

Papa's sense of humor and disarming attitude endeared him to Democrats and a good number of Republicans as well.  One Republican governor said that my dad was the only Democrat he'd trust enough to take hunting.  (A funny thing, since Papa was no hunter, had no affinity for firearms at all.  The few times he gave in to insistent friends and went hunting, he'd shoot the gun in the air, hoping not to kill anything.)

 

I'm grateful for my love-hate relationship with politics.  Some days I vow to stay the hell out of an issue or campaign—and before I know what hit me,  I'm signing a petition, writing my congressional delegation,  making calls, writing a check I have no business writing, or giving unsolicited advice.  Can't seem to help it.  Maybe I should look into starting a 12-step program. 

 

  I've been told that when people mature (grow older) they become more conservative.  I've been assured that would happen to me in time.  Ha!  No chance.   In fact, I find myself more of a Liberal now than ever and proud to be in that demographic.  You see,  I care about people, too.  And there are too many politicians and public servants today who don't seem to care.  Those of us who do need to stay involved, don't you think?

 

Father's Day prompted this post, and I'm repeating some things I've said here in the past; also, some things I talk about in Dancing on Mars.  I posted something about Father's Day on Facebook this morning, too.  I'll share that post here, for Lucy visitors who don't visit Facebook.  And before I do, let me say "Thank you, Papa" for showing me that I'm a Democrat, down to the marrow of my bones. 

Facebook Post:

To all the fathers out there: You might have no idea how important you are, how important you will be forever, to your children. No matter how old they are. So, I just want to assure you it's true. Pay attention to the little things because the little things are probably big things. Know that, of all the roles you play in this life, none is more critical, more significant than that of "father." And of course you don't always know best. But that's okay as long as you DO your best. Feel the love today, accept the tokens of appreciation and affection. Your children will love you, whether you're in this world or gone from it. Always. And when you're gone, they will miss you. I guarantee it. I miss my Papa and think of him every day.  Happy Father's Day, y'all.

Sounding Off

(Thanks to Liberals are cool/Facebook for this.)

I say it often:  We're all "pro life" unless we have serious mental health problems.  We liberals also believe women's bodies (men's bodies, too) belong to them.  Not their doctors.  Not their government.  Not their ministers.  "Pro life" Lefties are mostly pro life when it comes to the death penalty and fighting wars of choice.  

House Republicans are immersed in their abortion obsession again.  Rep. Trent Franks said the number of pregnancies resulting from rape "are very low."  He's sponsoring a bill to ban almost all abortions after a fetus reaches the age of 20 weeks.  We know by now these men are pro-fetus, anti-woman.  They have no qualms about cutting funding that benefits BABIES and CHILDREN after they come into this world.  No problem cutting Planned Parenthood, WIC or food assistance (formerly known as food stamps-- about $30 a week, often to feed a whole family).   They have no problem seeing Head Start cut to the bone.  And of course they've been doing all they can to eradicate public education for a while now.  Don't get me started on their efforts to repeal "Obamacare."

I will stop before I blow my lid about all things Republicans this morning.   Especially those who ran on platforms of job creation and, once elected, becoming focused on restricting women's health choice.   Good Lefties from all over:  We must clean House next election!

On Hypocricsy and Feeling Conflicted

(Thanks to Democratic Underground via Rachel Maddow/Facebook for this.)

There's no guessing whether this is hypocrisy!  Blatant.

 

On the subject of the NSA program and the Snowden leak:  I had a conversation with a friend this morning.  A very bright, well-informed liberal friend.  She's been experiencing a range of emotions about this whole thing—anger,  frustration and conflicting thoughts.   Like me, she has been disappointed by some of the Obama administration's adherence to (and expansion of) Bush administration surveillance policies.  Angry about the big net being used to "keep us safe" with what seems like outrageous amounts of data mining and privacy invasion.  And yet we know there needs to be a certain amount of secrecy when it comes to warding off terrorism.  We were both glad to have awareness of the information Snowden revealed.  She wondered whether I think he should be prosecuted.  And here's what I think about that—today.

 

Edward Snowden is young, but he's an adult, and it seems he chose the route he took knowing the consequences of his actions.  He might be considered a hero, and he's also a criminal. It's hard to hold those two realities in the same thought bubble, isn't it?   From what I understand, he could have accomplished the same, or nearly the same, "mission" by simply doing it differently— as a whistleblower.   I don't see, given what he has done, how the government can do anything but apprehend and prosecute.   We can't pick and choose which citizens to let off the hook and which to prosecute for breaking the same law.  Right?  (I'm beginning to doubt damn near everything, and trying so hard not to become completely cynical.)

 

My friend was doubting her own thoughts and feelings on the NSA thing; however, being a devotee of PBS, she was watching a segment with Shields and Brooks on The News Hour and heard many of her own thoughts reflected there.   And she mentioned that it's mind-boggling to hear conservatives saying what liberals "should" be saying and the liberals often saying what you'd think would traditionally be coming from the mouths of  conservatives!  Anybody else noticing that trend?  (When I say "conservative" I mean the David Brooks conservatives, a dying breed with the likes of Ted Cruz and Rand Paul taking over the Republican Party.) 

 

By conversation's end,  my friend and I agreed that it's a complex situation.  Pretty much where we began.  But we felt better after sharing our feelings.  We agreed that we're disappointed in some of our President's actions— and in his failure to act decisively in other instances.   One thing that's not confusing or conflicting:  the abundance of hypocrisy among the GOP and their news source of choice.  The hypocrisy is crystal clear.   And you're the poster guy today,  Mr. Hannity. 

Love It

(Image from Being Liberal's Facebook page.  Thanks, BL!)

Jonathan Capehart on Santa Monica

One of my favorite journalist-thinkers, Jonathan Capehart, has some thoughts on the recent Santa Monica shootings.  It's in the Washington Post's  "Post Partisan" section.  I'm posting a link because we need the mitigation of gun violence to remain high on our priorities list.  We can't allow it to disappear from the consciousness of the country or from the "to do"lists of our elected representatives.  This horrifying "incident" has gotten little attention.  "Ho hum, only a few people killed" is not where we want to be.   It seems to me it would be a good "jumping off place" for bringing the background check bill back—for passage this time!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2013/06/10/santa-monica-is-no-newtown/

The Thread: Stronger Today?

(From Beware of Images via Upworthy)

The thread of anti-intellectualism seems to grow stronger by the minute.  Any people, or groups of people, who think, reason, and insist on facts—insist on looking at the totality of a situation—are considered "elitists" who scorn those who—well, watch only Fox "News." 

Let's explore this and talk about whether it's possible to shift this—shall we, dear Lefty Elitists? This is a hefty topic for early on a Monday morning.  Maybe we should wait until Tuesday to discuss.  What do you think?

Yes, Yes, Yes!

(Thanks to Global March for Peace and Unity/Facebook page)

That's a question I ask myself when I hear anyone proclaiming how much they love America.  Well, so do I.  Love America.  

 

I feel, however,  like a citizen of the world.   When I hear politicians and others saying "God bless America," I sometimes can't stop myself from saying, "God bless the world; America is already richly blessed."

Eracism

(from One Million Vaginas/Facebook page)

I'll drink to that, dance to that, sing to that, campaign for that!

 

But first I'll suggest that we all send positive thoughts and/or prayers that the Supreme Court rules favorably to keep all aspects of the Voting Rights Act in force.  We need it as much as ever, maybe more.  The voter suppression efforts continue as if there were no such thing as "rights"—as hard gotten as voting rights were for too many Americans.   

 

Close your eyes and picture the announcement on the news channels— a bulletin saying the Court has ruled in favor of continuing Federal intervention when the right to vote is in jeopardy.   Feel the relief flooding through you.  See hope for future elections.  See ERACISM. 

 

 The Court's decision is expected this coming week. 

The L Word

“Being a liberal is the best thing on earth you can be. You are welcoming to everyone when you’re a liberal. You do not have a small mind… I’m total, total, total liberal and proud of it." 

          “I’m a total Democrat.  I’m anti-Republican. And it’s only fair that you know it.  I’m liberal…  the 'L' word." ~  Lauren Bacall

 

Bravo, Ms. Bacall.  I agree—being a liberal is the best thing on earth to be.  I enjoyed this short read and learning that this sister-liberal remains, at 88, a force to be reckoned with. 

Here's the article:  http://www.glittersnipe.com/2013/06/07/lauren-bacall-a-spitfires-life-of-sharp-tongued-barbs-come-hither-looks/  

 

Facts: A Good Thing

Ever since the IRS "scandal"was reported  I've had doubts.  Wondered how much of the hype was Fox and right-wing radio talkers jumping to wish-fulfilling conclusions.  God knows they've been looking for an Obama administration scandal—ever since our President put his hand on the Bible to take the oath of office for his first term.

 

The newly-decided Citizens United case changed eligibility criteria for some organizations seeking 501 (c)(4) tax exempt status; sometimes a few words (or even one word) in a law or regulations can make a big difference.  One change had to do with how much an organization is involved  in political activities.   

 

IRS employees in the Cincinnati office were responsible for evaluating the influx of post-Citizens United applications.  I imagine someone in that office came up with what he thought would be an efficient way to begin processing the requests for exemption.  They would determine, first, whether the organizations met the newly-mandated criteria insofar as political involvement goes.  The "scandal" was based on the complaint that IRS bureaucrats applied greater scrutiny to the Tea Party and other conservatives' applications.  

 

Had I worked in that Cincinnati office,  I might have come up with a similar preliminary sorting method myself.  That is,  if I had seen the abundant, hard-to-miss news coverage of Tea Party rallies.  Remember all those signs?  Mean-spirited, hate-filled ones in many cases.  Blatantly political.  I don't remember any rallies that didn't look, to me, totally political!  So, it stands to reason that anything that carried the "Tea Party" name, would be carefully scrutinized.   Of course a person would put those questionable applications in one pile to be investigated further.   A no-brainer.

Apparently 176 organizations seeking this category of tax exemption have been approved  since the year 2010. This  IRS data is likely  "to confuse conservatives and validate liberal criticisms of Fox news and the Tea Party’s cynical persecution complex," says Omar Rivero in his piece at Occupy Democrats, http://occupydemocrats.com/scandal-falls-flat-irs-approved-twice-as-many-conservative-groups-as-liberal-groups/ .  

- 122 conservative groups
- 48 Liberal/non-conservative groups
- 6 unknown


After writing this, I watched a related video— posted under the linked piece.  Do watch it for some solid information and insights.    


We'll stay tuned.

Climate Silence

(Image from Living Blue in Florida/Facebook) 

The silence is deafening. 

Day in Blue

This post is overdue, but here's a shout-out to the South Carolina Democratic Women's Council, led by Susan Smith of Pawleys Island.   Their presence definitely was felt at the South Carolina State House on May 15.  These determined Democrats made an impression and an impact that day.    This large, well-informed group of women came from all over the State to spend time talking with legislators and the media.  The sight of this blue tide makes me very happy.  And proud.  Don't count Democrats out, y'all.  We're going to turn this state purple yet.  And maybe in my granddaughter's lifetime, it will be bright blue.   I have decorated my car, "Partner," with a Sheheen bumper sticker.   Everybody in the USA, please join S. C. Dems in supporting him.  I know you'll miss the late night jokes, but we still have enough Republican legislators around to keep you entertained.  We need Vincent Sheehen in the Governor's office working for all the people of South Carolina.   Seeing that he's elected in 2014 is a giant step toward turning purple.  Then blue.

 

Visit the S. C. Democratic Women's Council's web site: http://scdwc.org/ and like them on Facebook!

JFK's Birthday

"I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy.'" ~  President John F. Kennedy, August 1, 1963 in Bancroft Hall.  (Image and quote from the United States Naval Academy's Facebook page.)

It's beyond by ability to imagine that this vibrant, youthful President would be 96 years old today.  His boyish image is forever frozen in our memories.  To remain young in the minds of others is small consolation for a life that ended tragically and much too soon.

 

People who knew him well— when he was in the service and until his death in Dallas—have described the horrific pain he was in most of the time.  He managed to hide his health condition and his pain in order to enter in the military  He reportedly slept with a sheet of plywood under his mattress during his time in the Navy, and took an assortment of prescription drugs in an effort to manage the pain. 

 

His determination to serve his country during wartime—despite the pain—makes him a hero in my book; that's before considering the lives he saved in the PT boat experience most of us have heard or read about.  It took considerable courage and endurance to put himself through the rigors of political campaigns, as well— for the Senate and later for the Presidency.  

A historian who examined his medical records was stunned at the extent of the health problems that the seemingly vigorous president dealt with.  "There was hardly a day that went by that he didn't suffer terribly," presidential historian Robert Dallek, a history professor at Boston University, told ABCNEWS' Good Morning America.  (http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=125593&page=1#.UaZPbeuvXbk)

It's a pleasure to think of JFK today—May 29, 2013.  I'm not even tempted to imagine what he would be like at 96 if he were still with us.  Instead,  I'm thinking "Of course he's a Gemini."  The Gemini men I know (including my son) are excellent communicators; they're charming and love to learn.  Even though attractive and charismatic, they generally are humble, too. And a little restless.  Sounds like a fit, doesn't it?

Thank you for living so fully, so courageously on this Earth, Mr. President. It's an honor to remember you on your birthday.  In the photo here, you look serious; your eyes seem to contain the weight of the world.   But when I close my eyes and see your face, those Irish eyes are smiling.   As they so often did.

Yep!

(From Politics with Jarred and Dave/Facebook)

Breeding the Nutrition Out . . .

A link to this article was posted by a friend who was sorry to miss the anti-Monsanto march in Columbia.  It's from the NY Times Sunday Review.  Even if you ordinarily read the Times, you might have missed it over the holiday weekend. Certainly good food for thought here.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/opinion/sunday/breeding-the-nutrition-out-of-our-food.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0

Dancing on Mars

This is a political blog, created to talk about issues, politics,  causes and activism. Ways the progressive/Liberal point of view can make our crazy world a little better.   However, some Lucy Lefters have asked about my book, Dancing on Mars,  and I'm happy to share "the particulars" as my grandmother used to say.  (Now I'm channeling Joe Biden, God love him.  You know I love him.)

Dancing on Mars is a genre-bender—mostly lively memoir, combined with what some generous, candid women told me about living a married or single lifestyle.  This helped answer a question I'd been mulling over for quite a while: Whether partnered or married women are "happier" than those living solo.  There's a spiritual journey that takes me off the "road most traveled" and "notes from a recovering Victorian."  Some original poems are sprinkled throughout, strategically placed to amplify the prose.  I've been happily surprised by the response to the poems; I'd been a little skittish about including them.  I treated some heavy subjects with a light touch made possible by humor.  You have to have a finely-honed sense of humor to be a Democrat and thrive in SC, right?

 

 Although it's been called "Everywoman's book," some wise men have enjoyed it, said it made them laugh—and cry; there are a couple of favorable reviews written by men.  In fact, if you'd like to see what people are saying, you're more than welcome to check out the reviews at Amazon.  Last time I looked, there were a number of generous ones, only one unfavorable.  A cranky Republican? 

 

I'm realizing, as I write this, that the book isn't really a misfit for Lucy Left.  Actually it tells about a small-town Southern girl's initiation into politics at age six—meeting mill shifts and handing out cards at the polls.   There's also insider perspective on what it's really like to work as Senate committee staff.  And then the FBI "sting."  So, it's political, too!  The title? Yep, it's explained in the book. 

 

 (The cover is from a photo of a painting I did.  Photo looks much better than the painting!)

 

 

In attempting to link the reviews here, I found it impossible without also opening my personal page there.  So sorry.   Still, if you have time and inclination,  I hope you'll go to amazon.com and look for Dancing on Mars by Lucinda Shirley.  The reviews should be there.   It's available in paperback as well as Kindle, and the audio book was just released. (I've been asked whether I'm the reader.   I'm not.)   It's also available for Nook at Barnes & Noble.

Thank you for indulging me in this shameless plug.  If you read it, let me know what you think.  I can take it—even though I have a Liberal's soft heart.

The First Memorial Day

From The Post & Courier (Charleston, SC) and shared on Facebook:  Our most-read story this weekend was Brian Hicks' 2009 story about the first Memorial Day in Charleston.

If you haven't read it, now is as good a time as any: //www.postandcourier.com/article/20090524/PC1602/305249938

This April 1865 photo courtesy of the Library of Congress shows the graves of Union soldiers who died at the Race Course prison camp in Charleston, which would later become Hampton Park. On May 1 of that year, former slaves gave the fallen a daylong funeral.

 

Robert Ariail Rules

Ariail would win my vote for most creative editorial cartoonist of the year— if there were such a contest and I had a vote.

History Repeats When We Fail to Learn

(Source:  Pink Progressives/Facebook)

Stop Monsanto - Petition

(from CREDO Mobile/Facebook)

Help Sen. Jeff Merkley repeal the Monsanto Protection Act.

Take action by signing petition here: http://goo.gl/0FRGi. Then share this image to help spread the word.

Shopping Guide for Processed Foods

(Source: Tracey-Lee Robertson/Facebook)

Most of us know that whole foods (meaning foods that are not processed) are best for optimum health—as are organic foods.  I can't always get organic produce, but I am particular about the chicken and turkey I buy.   For me it needs to be free-range and without antibiotics or hormones.  Not always easy to find but worth it.   The Monsanto GMO issue is another significant incentive to eat fewer processed foods!

About Monsanto

(Image via Food Independence/Facebook)

So considerable grassroots opposition carried zero weight with Congress—again.  And then damned if the President didn't sign off on protecting Monsanto from future litigation involving their genetically modified food products.  Congress refused to even to label GMOs so we can know if we're ingesting this stuff.  Genetically modified foods are not labeled in most other countries; they are banned!!!  Why should I be shocked by the Congressional approval of this horrifying legislation?  It's simply another reflection of all that's changing at the hands of super-wealthy corporations and individuals in our Democracy.  A democracy in which our collective voices are getting stronger and our influence becomes ever weaker?  Yep. 

This is a powerful reason to buy locally-grown foods—and to grow some.  Let's give a hand to the hard-working family farmers.  They might just save us.  There's a post at Forward Progressives that speaks to what we can do about Monsanto and GMOs—including buying organic and locally-grown produce as well as growing our own vegetables.  Also, we can do some research to learn what products contain GMOs and not buy them.  Here's the link:

http://www.forwardprogressives.com/stop-monsanto/

 Here's a video of commentary around the President's signing the bill and the scourge of corporate power.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNbXpRReaHk&feature=youtu.be

 

Marches planned around the USA and all over the world were held just after Congress bowed to Monsanto's will.  And then President Obama signed the bill into law!  (Remind me to add this to my list of arguments for the next time a Republican says Obama is hostile toward business!)  Wonder what the First Lady thinks of GMOs and whether they'll be on the White House menu?  Bet they'll be taking extra good care of that backyard garden.

 

Then there's the blatant conflict of interests called out in this Iowa Independent article:

http://iowaindependent.com/32870/justice-with-past-monsanto-ties-should-recuse-himself-environmentalists-say 

 (Photo from Anti-Monsanto Project)

This certainly is.  Revolting.  I want to wash all this dirty dealing off me.  I only wish a shower could wash the sad reality away.

More Than 166,000 . . .

"How can we let the voices of gun dealers and manufacturers drown out the cries of children?"  asks Marian Wright Edelman, CEO of the Children's Defense Fund.  See her article, "Numb--Spiritually Dead--Nation."  (Sorry,  the direct link to the article itself didn't work, but here's a link to Huff Post.   www.huffingtonpost.com)

I was stunned to see these numbers:   Since 1963, more than 166,000 children and teens have died from guns on American soil—more than triple the number of U.S. soldiers killed in the Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq wars combined.

 

(Image from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America/Facebook)

 

 

How ironic that our nation's treasure continues to be invested in "fighting terrorism,"  defending ourselves against it— while terrorism is flourishing on our own city streets, down dirt roads in our rural areas and any damn where there are firearms.  Babies shooting babies.  Guns being marketed to six year olds and being purchased by their parents!  A tragedy like Newtown grabs our collective conscience for a while, preys on our minds and grips our hearts.  Then the instant a political "scandal" or a natural disaster becomes the lead story, the issue of gun violence turns into white noise.   

If any of you have been procrastinating about taking some action, Marian Wright Edelman's article is a call to spiritual awakening.  Read it, please, and then let's get to it.  Or back to it.   We can e-mail and sign petitions, even on holiday weekends.  You can call your representatives in Washington and any other Senators and members of Congress you can make time to call.  And, yes, do call the White House.  Call about legislation and regulations to ensure fewer of our children experience gun violence.  Experiencing means being wounded, killed or traumatized by witnessing  gun-generated terrorism.  The mental and emotional state of our children is fragile.  And they are all our children.  Living in fear erodes the goodness in humans.  And it leads to depression.   Surely we can fight for our children's physical and emotional well-being.  For their lives.  Surely we can raise our voices so a little boy can celebrate his 10th birthday without fear of being shot in a random act of violence a third time. 

On Monday we will memorialize those who have died in wars.  How about also taking time to memorialize more than 166,000 children and teens who have perished as a result of gun violence since 1963?   How about turning this shameful number into positive action, into advocacy for children?  Into doing whatever it takes for their cries to be heard over such voices as Wayne LaPierre's for the NRA.  Let's get to work and make this a memorable Memorial Day.

 

Noted on Sunday, May 26:  NBC News reports that the TSA seized 65 firearms this past week at airport security checkpoints; 54 of the guns were loaded.  The only person I want "carrying" on my flight is the federal marshal who might be on board.  Don't get me started on the subject guns in bars and restaurants.   Mercy.  I may never eat out again.

Hope for the Palmetto State

I'm feeling hopeful about my home state for the first time in a long time.  South Carolina has pretty much gone to hell in that handbasket we've heard so much about.  The natural beauty of our State remains.  My love for it remains.  But I have no respect for the governmental leadership in Columbia.   We've had a state treasurer and agriculture commissioner go to jail and a governor who was fined $74,000 for a record number of ethics violations.  And those are just some of the widely publicized things.  It would be impossible (and dull reading) to enumerate all the deplorable decisions they've made, all the bad legislation that's been proposed and even passed in some cases.   It's enough to make a South Carolinian feel hopeless, don't you think?  

 

So, why is it I'm feeling hopeful now?  Vincent Sheheen.   First of all, who he is gives me reason to hope.  When I say "who he is" I'm not talking about his family, even though there's a strong legacy of honorable public service associated with the Sheheens.  I'm talking about this authentic man.  This extremely bright, energetic, down-to-earth, and unselfconscious man whose easy self-confidence is laced with a gracious humility.  He's absolutely comfortable with who he is.  He has been serving in the Senate, and he ran a good race for governor and lost last go around; if he's not jaded by now, he's not likely to be.

 

 (Thanks to Elizabeth Montgomery for this photo.)

If you know me or read Dancing on Mars, you know what a high value I place on authenticity.  Believe me, I know it when I see it.  I can feel it.  I can hear it.  And I had the pleasure of hearing this authentic man,—South Carolina's reason to HOPE—on Monday evening.  Susan Smith, a determined activist and leader of  South Carolina Democratic Women,  invited Sheheen to meet with the Waccamaw Neck Democrats at Pawleys Island.  What a great crowd—meaning size and the caliber of interested, active people in attendance.  People, like me, who have been disheartened about the way things have been going in our State.  I liked what he had to say and the way he said it—very comfortably, without notes.  It was as if he were in a one on one conversation rather than making a speech.  No notes.   Whether speaking or talking and listening, he clearly was enjoying himself.  By the way,  he's an excellent listener.

 

Vincent Sheheen is ready to be our Governor.  He was defeated by a narrow margin in the race with Nikki Haley in 2010—and don't you know a lot of people wish they'd voted for him when they had the chance?  He has written a book,  The Right Way - Getting the Palmetto State Back on Track.  I've read about a third of it so far and am more than a little impressed.   First, it's beautifully written, clear and easy to follow.  He offers some rich history, a civics lesson and, best of all, his ideas for getting this State back to where we should be. 

 

Ohhhh, yeah, there's good reason to feel hopeful.   But our "Hope" needs our help.  Get involved in the Sheheen campaign.  Send him a vote of confidence with a contribution.  I'll be involved; you know he's good if I've already broken my campaign sabbatical vow!  Even if you're not from South Carolina, you're welcome to help.  The only people I can imagine having a reason to oppose him would be comedy show hosts.  Vincent Sheheen has a great sense of humor, but he's no joke.   Come on 2014! 

http://sheheenforsouthcarolina.com/

Independent Lens?

Update May 26, 2013 -  It's the Koch brothers.  Again.

(

(Image from Democratic Governors Association)

The link gets you closer to an opportunity to sign a petition.  You'll need to click one more time, on the first option you see.  Best I could do.

http://www.action.democraticgovernors.org/page/s/stop-the-koch-brothers-add-your-name-fbpp 

          ****************                       Original Post                    ****************

The word "chilling" has been overused recently.  Still, I would use it to describe what's been going on at PBS; it's what happens when private money exerts influence over public entities.  It makes my stomach clutch to know (thanks to the stellar journalism of Jane Mayer at The New Yorker)  that the Koch brothers' power is being felt at PBS.  And these guys are on the brink of buying eight newspapers, as well.   I doubt they're buying these papers for profit, since print media is not something a shrewd investor would be shopping for right now.   They'd be instruments for influence-peddling, not objective news.

Please read this piece at Truthout. 

http://truth-out.org/news/item/16494-pbs-killed-wisconsin-uprising-documentary-citizen-koch-to-appease-koch-brothers

 

We all need to be aware, beware, of what's going on with the Kochs and their determination to buy America.  They're getting way too close for my comfort.

Moore, Oklahoma

In the aftermath of a tornado whose magnitude defies adjectives, I'm stunned to read that Senator Tom Coburn will refuse to vote for tornado relief—that is, without offsetting those funds with budget cuts.  Can you believe it?  This Republican represents Oklahoma in the Senate.  He's a doctor, for heavensake.  "Do no harm" should apply to tragedies like this, too.

 

  

Senator Coburn apparently had no problem with paying for the war in Iraq.  Check out Igor Volsky's piece at Think Progress:   http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2013/05/21/2039981/oklahoma-senator-wont-support-tornado-relief-without-budget-cuts/

 

 

Wonder how he voted on tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans?  Looks like he voted "no" on extending the Bush tax cuts for all except the wealthiest Americans.  Apparently that was a symbolic vote, since tax bills must originate in the House.  Later, Coburn voted to extend all the Bush tax cuts.  If he had voted for the very wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share,  we could have gotten some decent  revenue without holding tornado relief funds hostage today.   Shame.

 

 Many in the tornado's path have lost everything—from homes and cars and businesses to the ultimate loss of a child or other loved one.  Senator Coburn is showing himself to be stubborn and heartless when his constituents need someone with less ego and more compassion advocating for them.  Especially today.   But that's right; he doesn't need to pretend to care.  He's not running in 2016!

 

I hope the citizens of Oklahoma elect a Democratic senator in the next election!  I don't care how red the state—  I believe they might just decide that Democrats have greater compassion and common sense, as a rule.  No doubt they could use a senator with a good heart as well as a good head.

 

Prayers for Oklahoma and all who have been affected by yesterday's tornado.