Neurotic Thoughts on a Monday

It's possible I'm about to emulate the late Andy Rooney and his gripefests on 60 Minutes.  Just having a variety of unsettling or irritating thoughts: 

 

After the President spoke in the Rose Garden this morning, I wondered:  What if all the tabulated visits to the healthcare.gov site were actually a far smaller number of people and the number is high because those same people made multiple visits trying to apply?  God, I hope not.  Another thought about the ACA:   For it to work as intended (to work period) a certain number of people need to enroll in the program, right?  It's assumed that a certain percentage of those seeking coverage for the first time will be young people.  I'm wondering whether it was a good idea to allow young people to remain on their parents' policy until they're 26.  Might have been better to lower the age to 22 or even 23 to up the chances of greater numeric success?  Time will tell.   One thing's certain now:  I'm with the President on thinking it's time for all Americans to pull for the ACA to succeed rather than pulling for it to fail.  Way past time.  Just saw a great piece by (are you ready) a Fox News contributor who has signed up for "Obamacare" and is delighted about it.  Here's the link:  http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/10/21/was-obamacare-guinea-pig/

 

New subject:  Been seeing Dick Cheney on your telly lately?  He's mighty proud that he championed "enhanced interrogation" (torture).   On his book tour this shameless man is  slamming President Obama at every opportunity, talking about uncontrolled spending and debt.  Geeeez.  That computer in his chest that passes for a heart has kept him alive, but he needs some help with his memory.  Has he forgotten the invasion and occupation of Iraq he orchestrated?  Not paying for it, I mean.   And the other Bush administration war that this President is in the process of ending? Not paid for by the previous administration.  And the tax breaks for people in his income bracket?  And and and—  When he goes out to dinner, I'll bet he pretends to be surprised when someone else finally picks up the check; he probably says "I'll get it next time."  Of course he's also talking up daughter Liz's candidacy (for US Senate/WY), saying the Tea Party "uprising"is a good thing.  A good thing.  Liz Cheney recently said she admires  Republican Tea Party Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee.  The Cheneys don't know squat about subtlety or diplomacy, for sure.  And they don't worry whether what they say has anything to do with the truth.  When the late dictator Hugo Chavez said he could smell the "stink of the devil" on President George W. Bush, what do you want to bet he was getting a whiff of the Cheneys?

 

Okay, no vitriol.  I might have just broken Lucy Left's rule on that.  We call Donald Trump "the Donald"— so shouldn't we honor the former VP in the same way? 

 

Did you see the interview with Lima, Ohio Tea Party members on ABC's This Week ?  The general idea was to ask whether they, as individuals, thought the government shutdown was "worth it?"  Of course they all did. Think it was "worth it."   Some things they said clearly showed ignorance of government and reality.  I've been thinking it's absolutely mind-boggling how Ted Cruz is being venerated as a hero by the Tea Party—by any human, period.  I mean how could anybody not "get" that he was at every microphone he could find— slamming government for closing various monuments and programs when he was the primary cause of the shutdown?  But then I heard what these seven people had to say and was reminded all over again that some low-info voters are more like no-info voters.  In other words, they are Fox watchers, as I feel sure most Tea Partiers are.   

 

Actually I just trotted out some neurotic thoughts instead of doing the Andy Rooney thing.  As far as Ted Cruz goes, one of my liberal elitist friends, Audrey in Austin, is excited about Ted Cruz.  Excited to think about the possibility he will be running for President— and about helping Hillary take Texas in 2016.  Yeee haaa!  And Wendy Davis for governor!  I'm on board with both. 

Three Cheers for Eric Stern

Anybody else tired of the distortions, misinformation, half-truths and lies about the Affordable Care Act?   We've talked about the big money being spent on the campaign designed to discourage people from enrolling in the ACA program.  And of course Fox News continues its endless deluge of negative opining about "Obamacare."  You probably know about Sean Hannity's hour-long show on October 11; it focused on the "disaster" that is Obamacare.  To beef up his case, Hannity had three "typical" couples as guests—all white,  3 men and 3 women—the usual Republican diversity.   These guests made claims about their experiences with bad ole Obamacare.   It's chilling to think of the number of viewers who don't realize that Fox churns out far more propaganda in its programming than news, which is customarily a factual reporting of events.

 

Let's hear it for investigative journalism! It's heartening every time I'm reminded investigative journalists still exist in the rapid-fire 24/7 news world.  Salon.com writer Eric Stern watched that Hannity show and smelled a rat.   He did some research and interviewed the couples he'd seen on the show.  Too bad Mr. Hannity didn't do the same before his guests made their appearance.  Stern learned that claims made simply were not so.  These people made their complaints without so much as a look at the exchanges or, sounds to me, without attempting to learn about the new health care law. They don't like Obamacare.  Don't bother them with facts, their minds are made up.    Fox counts on that in their loyal viewers—not big fact-checkers, those folks.  I'd guess Hannity's guests are single-news-source consumers.  Here's a link to Eric Stern's post:  http://www.salon.com/2013/10/18/inside_the_fox_news_lie_machine_i_fact_checked_sean_hannity_on_obamacare/

 

Also, I'll share a link to economist Mark Zandi (Moody's Analytics) debunking claims that the ACA is negatively impacting full-time work.  It's not, despite stories on Fox, right-wing talk radio and even some real news sources.  Check it out:  http://mediamatters.org/blog/2013/09/05/economist-mark-zandi-debunks-myth-that-obamacar/195739

                 

 By the way, when you hear "Business is saying insurance under the ACA is too expensive," remember this:   Too often greed is the motivating factor in "business" arriving at such conclusions.   These are probably people who'd like to lower the minimum wage or, better yet,  do away with it altogether.  Not losing a lot of sleep over the plight of their workers. As long as CEO's and upper level executives can buy items like oriental rugs that cost more than one of their employees can spend on food, housing and other basic living expenses for an entire year, I'll be taking their whiny claims with a big block of salt.                                                              

 

 

Because It's Friday

                    (from deadstate.org, shared on FB by Americans Against the Tea Party)

Have a great weekend, all! 

'Tis True

from Being Liberal page/shared on Facebook)

The Cost of Electing Fools

(from Kansas Democratic Party/Facebook)

[Note: I've seen cost estimates for the government shutdown at close to $25 billion.  Have heard a couple of "bean counters" say "over $24 billion."]

 

Even a couple of Republicans whose sanity and service I respect— though I rarely agree with their positions —are saying the shutdown was "worth it."  Sen. Orin Hatch was one who said the government closing was "worth it."  Said it's "good" to see people "standing up for their beliefs" even though it was not going to change things.   In the same interview with Chuck Todd this morning, Sen. Hatch  was going on about the need " to get the administration under control"with its big spending (can't remember the exact adjective--excessive, runaway? You've heard those talking points before).  Geeeez.  He's essentially saying it was okay to spend over $24 billion— and cause the anxiety and (in some cases) economic crises of many government employees and the American people whose services (including cancer trials) were affected by the government closing.  Okay to slow down the fragile economic growth the country has been experiencing.  Okay to get to the brink of having our credit rating downgraded and all the repercussions that would have had.  AND YET we can't afford basic food assistance to hard-working Americans living under the poverty line because their greedy corporate bosses are only interested in big profits, not in fairness to workers.  AND YET we can't afford to fully fund Head Start and services, such as Meals on Wheels, for the elderly.  AND YET Republicans stubbornly resist raising taxes on the wealthiest 1% of Americans or discontinuing the unconscionable oil and mega-farm subsidies, despite their windfall profits.  How about finding a way to collect taxes on the offshore US Corporation accounts?  How about some economic patriotism?  Do you think the average low-information voter gets the hypocrisy?

 

The Republican"spin" on what happened— after the Congressional fools had their tea party at the country's expense—has been far removed from the reality of the situation.  And mostly to put a thumb in the eye of a President they despise—again.  It's almost as crazy as Ted Cruz greeting tourists at the Capitol this morning, welcoming them to the now-open seat of our government.  I wonder how many of those visitors realized Cruz played the starring role in the shutdown?  I wonder if Texans will vote him out next time?  He'd make an excellent Walmart greeter.

 

About all the ruckus around the Affordable Care Act: Some of the less-appealing aspects of the law are there because of concessions Democrats made to Republicans during the legislative process—after which Republicans didn't support it.   The President is wide open to making changes to the law, modifying any aspects that aren't working—through the normal democratic process.  My hope is that changes will lead to "Medicare for all" (single payer).  I think that's always been the way to go, but already Republicans (including Hatch this morning) are squealing about "socialized medicine" and doctors discontinuing their practices, students deciding not to pursue careers in medicine.  Maybe that's a good thing.  Maybe those people shouldn't be practicing medicine at all, Senator Hatch.  Sounds like a Wall Street would be a better career fit.

 

Time for me to put away the soapbox for now.  Let's do all we can to be sure the next Congress has a Democratic majority.  And more women!

Senate Sisters

Let's hear it for the women in Washington!  Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) worked to get bi-partisan support of a way out of the quagmire.  She was supported by women (and men) on both sides of the aisle.  And Nancy Pelosi is known for getting  the job done in the House.

 

 I'm convinced of this:  If women made up the majority in both houses, we'd never have a shameful government shutdown or risk defaulting on our credit.  Or losing our AAA credit rating.

Here's an interesting piece in Time/Swampland on the subject:  http://swampland.time.com/2013/10/16/11-things-you-dont-know-about-the-senate-sisterhood/#ixzz2hvrXIIVD

U. S. Credit Rating in Jeopardy

No surprise but definitely a big concern:  Fitch has now placed the U.S. on a rating downgrade watch.  That means we could lose our AAA credit rating.  The people who started this mess still don't seem to understand the magnitude of the negative consequences of not only defaulting, but coming so close to defaulting.  On the debt Congress racked up!   We think we've experienced a recession?  If this continues, these tough times, which have started looking brighter, will seem like "the good ole days."

 

Any Tea Party member, fan, or Republican House Speaker who happens to be reading Lucy Left right now  (thought I'd give you all a belly laugh, Lefties) might give this some serious thought and take action to avoid a self-induced catastrophe.  Immediate action. I understand Boeher is afraid of losing his speakership.  He's one weak character.  I keep wondering if I could think any less of  him than I do now.

 

Earlier today the Speaker announced the House would vote this afternoon to reopen the government and also to avoid default.  Apparently the Heritage Foundation was against it, and Boehner withdrew the bill!  Just heard someone say that Heritage has effectively "strapped dynamite on the bridge to reconciliation."  Yep.

 

Let's Be Cllear

(Being Liberal/Facebook)

The Quick & Easy Version

(Being Liberal/Facebook)

2014!

(Living Blue in South Carolina/Facebook)

 All I want for Christmas this year is a Democratic Congress!   

FYI

(from Being Liberal/posted on Facebook)

Thoughts That Keep Me Up At Night

I woke up during the night with this chilling thought:  Some of the same people who believe  defaulting on our debt would be no big deal also don't think evolution or climate change are real.  (That sentence could have just as well ended with the word think.)  How, with all the evidence to the contrary, Republican obstructionists can blow off the tremendous impact defaulting would have—not only on the economy and the ensuing fallout in this Country but globally—is beyond me.   Respected economists and other leaders around the world are warning us of the consequences.  How can anyone deny this?  The same way they deny the scientific evidence of evolution and climate change.

 

Former President Carter made a thoughtful observation this week:  He said that what the world is seeing when they look at the United States today is a democracy that's not working.  No way that can be a good thing.  I believe our "exceptional" country is getting less exceptional by the day, thanks to a handful of people who—to a great extent—were bankrolled by some of the wealthiest people in this country and elected by pawns of those people who have no idea they're being used against their own best interests.

 

Someone I love dearly sent me a message the other day, with a link to an article quoting the Heritage Foundation on the Affordable Care Act.  He was asking what I thought about it. I could tell my fuse was getting mighty short when I nearly had apoplexy, wondering how he could trust that source.  (Saw just yesterday that the Koch brothers recently gave $50 million to Heritage.)  Or how he could think of buying the assertion that "Obamacare means the end of the middle class in America."  Then he sent an article quoting another Affordable Care naysayer—Ben Carson, a Harvard-affiliated MD.  A regular on Fox.  So, I understand my friend isn't immersed as I am in monitoring and researching the political landscape.  He has other passions, other interests.   I messaged, "I don't want to talk about this."  To which he replied, "I understand, but . . . " and continued, totally ignoring my wishes.   Geeeeez.

 

Wish I hadn't gotten so upset about it, enough to take a BP pill.  He's a brilliant person, a genius in some respects.  Just not in politics!  I shouldn't have attempted to educate him in an e-mail.  Foolish to try. And I wish I hadn't told him to find somebody who would tell him what he wanted to hear.  But it's beyond frustrating to receive right-wing propaganda from someone I love, respect and believe I know well—especially when the person is hard-headed as I am and hard to convince.  I hope some of his reaction is about anxiety for the future and not knowing what information is reliable.   I did refer him to healthcare.gov.

 

Yep, the fuse is short and getting shorter.  Maybe, in part, because I spend so much time listening, reading, researching, watching C-Span, cable news and PBS.  There's still a lot I don't know about politics, policy, and too many other subjects.  But I have been paying attention.  My burning interest in all things political keeps me tuned in— even when it's not in the best interest of my well-being.   I'm worried about the state of our political system.  The rigidity.  The ignorance.  The unprecedented power the Republican majority in the U.S. House has given this small group of obstructionists is deeply troubling—as is the control already being exercised over our elected representatives by mega-wealthy businessmen.  And the Supreme Court's next ruling on campaign contributions, if they rule in favor of unlimited personal contributions, would have a terrible impact on the electoral process and governance, much like the Citizens United case has.  It's horrifying.  But fear can render us impotent, so we can't give in to it.

 

After writing this and on more hard self-examination, I recognized a deeper truth about my beloved friend's messages and their effect on me.   It's that I have grown to associate a person's political philosophy with their moral compass, as a reflection of what's in their hearts.  What their priorities are.   It speaks volumes about a person's worldview. So, it frightened me to think that the man I have known as a liberal's liberal (a self-described "radical" when we first met) might have given in somehow to fear or—what?  My father once said, "I'm a Democrat because I care about people."  That's certainly the reason I'm a Democrat. That, and I respect that other people are my equal.  Most of us Lefties don't mind having a little less (paying more taxes, etc) in order that less fortunate Americans might have a hand up.  We don't resent it.  And my friend does care about people.   I know that. When we're face to face next time, I will talk with him about all this.  I care far too much about him to discuss something of this magnitude (for me) by phone or messaging.

 

I don't know how the Affordable Care Act will affect individual Americans or this Country over the long haul.   Granted, the first week of the AFA "rollout" didn't go well.  However,  I am optimistic that changes will be made when aspects of this huge, complex new system are found wanting.  Some have been identified already.  And the President seems more than willing to modify whatever doesn't work in "Obamacare." Social Security and Medicare weren't without glitches in the beginning.  Best I can tell both systems have been running smoothly for a long time; in fact, they've exceeded this taxpayer's expectations.

 

No, I don't know everything.  Far from it.  But I am informed for hours each day by a broad range of sources.  I do know "the middle class" won't be destroyed by the health care act.  The "middle class" has been on the road to extinction for decades.   The Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and greed (which has led to such things as the exportation of jobs for jaw-dropping profits and socking away money in offshore accounts) are two major contributors to that sad truth.  Make no mistake about it—Democrats and this President are the ones who have been fighting—who historically have fought—for the poor and for policies that strengthen the "middle class."  So don't recite the freaking Republican talking points to me.  And don't wonder why my head explodes if you do.  If you know me at all,  you know I don't suffer fools gladly; in fact, these days I don't suffer them at all.  The ones in Congress—well, I need to keep an eye on what they're doing.  We all do.

Yep

(From PoliticusUSA page -Facebook)

Narcissists Du Jour

Narcissism runs rampant on the hard right.  There are other labels that fit the two men on today's radar screen—opportunistic, cold-hearted, etc.  Sometime if you have trouble falling asleep, try counting Republican narcissists instead of sheep. 

 

 I watched part of Ted Cruz's speech at the "Values" Summit this morning.  Do they ever define "values"?—just wondering because I'd think one value should be about helping the poor, the sick, and feeding hungry children.  But of course that's not the case with the Tea Party and too many other "Sunday School Republicans."   Again, I wasn't happy that MSNBC and CNN played to Cruz's narcissism by airing his whole damned speech.  He talked about what "the Left is afraid of..." and says it's  the American people.  I don't think so.  We are the American people!  Has he forgotten that the American people re-elected President Obama? That the American people affirmed the Affordable Care Act by doing so?  It's chilling that the likes of Ted Cruz can get free TV time.  I imagine it ran on Fox, as well— only place his fans would be likely to see him.  I imagine Fox carried it because my remote doesn't know how to get Fox.  Anyway, Cruz seemed quite satisfied with himself.  A number of vocal protesters were escorted out of the arena, one or two at a time.  Made it a little interesting. 

 

[An off-the-subject question: Hearing all the Republicans in front of cameras saying that FiNALLY the President is going to sit down with them (yesterday and this morning).  They've been saying that's all they've "been asking for all along."  Did I not see the Speaker of the House and his entourage planted at a mike in the White House driveway just last week? After meeting with President Obama?  Please tell me if I was hallucinating.  It's amazing to me that NO reporter or cable host has bothered to mention that when one of the Republicans goes into "all we want is to sit down with the President."  Seriously, save me if I'm wrong.]

 

The other narcissist of the day is Glenn Beck.  I'm not sure his name has ever made it to a Lucy post.  He's a self-promoting money-grubber who's currently offering parenting advice on his radio show.  Fair warning, even reading about it made my stomach turn. I didn't watch the video. He's appealing to the hard-right "spare the rod" people who think of themselves as Christians. And of course that's his main demographic.  I'm reminded regularly that his objective is making money:  Beck doesn't care about, or even mean, most of what he says.  He's in show biz.  It's all an act.  But still, what he says is so crazy and so toxic, filled with hate and delusional theories—mercy.  

 

Sometimes I'll see  on Facebook that someone I know "likes" Glenn Beck, and I can't imagine the person being gullible enough to buy anything he's selling.  And the word "gullible" is my contribution to a kinder, gentler "narrative" today.   Here's a link to Mr. Beck's radio rant if you really want to subject yourself to it. 

http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/parenting-advice-glenn-beck-push-your-children-against-wall-teach-them-rights-come-god

Beyond Vexed

Lucy's pissed.   I counted to more than ten and took deep breaths—which helped dial back the outrage just enough to sit still at the laptop for a few minutes. 

On today's Andrea Mitchell show Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX and proud Texas A & M graduate) held forth.  He trotted out the worn-thin, fictional Republican talking points, saying the American people don't want Obamacare, that they're being forced to go to a web site that doesn't work.  (Must be because the people who don't want to sign up all went there at once and crashed healthcare.gov--as happens with many new and popular sites when traffic is too heavy.  Geez!)

 

He said,  "We don't support Obamacare; we support patient-centered care."  That statement was laughable and I wish I could have laughed.   Instead it really got to me, for some reason.   It's totally misleading for one thing, but so is nearly everything else Congressional Republicans are saying.  Misleading and downright untrue.  It makes me angry that too many people hear something indicating they won't be getting quality care— and believe it without questioning it or thinking it through.  

 

Whether care is "patient centered" or not has everything to do with physician and patient.  How the doctor is willing to work with a patient and what a patient is willing to accept in the way of how a doctor cares for him or her.  I believe the Patient's Bill of Rights made it into the final version of the Health Care bill when it was going through Congress.   If anything, the new law might contribute to an environment where a more patient-centered approach is possible.  The preventative care included in the law certainly is patient-centered.  Those ridiculously "tacky" ads where a weird Uncle Sam figure pops up between the stirrups where a woman lies on an examining table is bad enough.   I will say again that I'd far rather have the government making decisions on my health care than an insurance company.  Any day of the week.  Insurance companies are profit motivated and care only about the bottom line.  They've been notorious for cutting off coverage in mid-treatment for people dealing with cancer and for denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.  They have people on staff who spend all their time looking for ways to deny coverage to sick people, even after they've paid premiums for years.   Women have had to pay  more than men for coverage.    All that changes under the AFA, hallelujah.  

Then the Congressman got on my very last nerve with his sanctimonious talk about veterans in his family— so of course Congress wants to pay veterans' benefits and death benefits.   Apparently he's never had hungry children in his family.  

Thanks for listening, good Lefties.  We'll get through this together.

What Matters More?

         (Image posted on Facebook)

Fed Chair Nomination

Waiting for the President to nominate Janet Yellen to chair the Fed.  That's supposed to happen at three.  I'm feeling really good about her and hoping the Repubs won't turn her confirmation into an opera.  

 

I learned recently that Yellen was the first at the Fed to predict the big recession and the housing horror that's still very prominent in our collective memory.  She's also a "tell it like it is" person; she said when everybody else was saying we'd come back from the recession fast that it would be a very slow and painful comeback.  She was right about that, wasn't she?  Wall Street likes her. "Main Street" should like her, I hear, because she's likely to keep interest low.  Bets are that she will do all the things that will contribute to job growth.  Will be more concerned about unemployment than inflation.  If and when confirmed by Congress, her appointment won't become effective until January.  Time to feel good about something political.  Wait a minute:  I felt really good about our President's press conference yesterday.  He was calm, strong, reasoned and personalized some answers to questions about the debt.  Getting better at explaining things!  And I don't think he slammed the media once.  

 

What are your thoughts and instincts about Yellen?

The High Court Returns

First Monday in October means the Supreme Court is back in session.  I was excited for about two minutes after learning they were hearing a case involving campaign contributions—thinking we might be on the road to changing the Citizens United ruling.  Well, I was wearing my rose-colored glasses yesterday.  The case is about taking the limit off individual contributions!  Guess who that would benefit if the ruling is favorable?   I need to learn the details; it didn't sound good.

I heard once that there's no order of difficulty in miracles.  Will embrace that idea and hope for two more Obama appointees over the next three years! 

Government in the Bathtub?

You know how Republicans (especially the Tea Party wing) go on and on and on about "reducing the deficit"and stopping the President's "reckless spending"? Turns out, this is one of many instances in contemporary GOP mythology where an outlandish inaccuracy (aka "lie") is repeated over and over to various media outlets until certain news consumers begin to believe it.  "I heard it from several reporters on Fox . . . ."  Sound familiar?

 

To set the record straight, here's some information on that very subject from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office via a post at Politicususa:(To read the full article:  http://www.politicususa.com/2013/05/15/gop-whip-empty-scandals-avoid-realities-most-rapid-deficit-reduction-wwii.html)

 

"The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported a continued decline in the federal budget deficit: “The CBO projects a $642 billion budget deficit for fiscal year 2013, down more than $200 billion from its February estimate and the smallest annual shortfall since 2008. It is the lowest level of deficit spending to date under President Obama, who faced $1 trillion or more in annual deficits during his first term.”

 

Now the shutdown of our government is unconscionable.  Period.  And for those who harp on deficit reduction, the action seems downright schizophrenic.  The estimated cost of this maniacal shutdown, in monetary terms:  $300 million dollars per day.  Of course there are too many human costs to enumerate.   In the face of this high-cost drama and despite hardships too many Americans are experiencing because of it, the Republican Tea Party wing is celebrating and feeling proud about closing down the US Government.  Sheer insanity. 

 

BUT remember, what has seemed to be the chief Republican goal for years (possibly tied with stopping Obama and in lieu of that, stopping "Obamacare") has been to "shrink government" so that it would be small enough to "drown it in a bathtub."  They think we have no need for government.  At all!  How the bloody hell can any human of sound mind believe that?   Geez, people.  Maybe that's what Michelle Bachman considers "winning" which I just heard her say they're doing. 

 

We know this whole thing is crazy.  What we don't know is how or when the insanity will end.  House Speaker John Boehner could resolve it in an hour if he would allow the Senate's "clean" Continuing Resolution to come to the floor for a vote ("clean" = legislation that addresses only its intended purpose, one that has no other issues attached).   The catch:  Boehner have to show more concern for the Country than for his speakership, because he might lose it if he calls for a vote.  He wouldn't lose his House seat or his seniority.  But so far there's been no evidence of courage and little to no concern for the American people.  The Senate bill I'm talking about simply funds the government for the next 2 or 3 months (not sure which--but short-term). 

 

The President has said he's willing to discuss longer-term budget changes with Republicans after this temporary solution is passed and the debt ceiling is raised on October 17.   Contrary to Republican talking points, our President has not refused to talk with Republicans; in fact, he invited Republican leaders to sit down with him at the White House.  Of course his WH visitors held a press conference as they were leaving the meeting to trash the President and continue distorting the situation.  President Obama has said all along he will not allow all the people who will benefit from the Affordable Care Act to be left in the lurch; he's not going to "negotiate" on a law that's been law for three years!  What a horrible precedent that would set.  Impossible.  

 

It feels as though I'm in the middle of a nightmare.  But some of the frustrated Americans I've heard speak in the last couple of days—people already suffering from your shutdown—are living a very real nightmare.  Mr. Boehner, please make it possible for these Americans to sleep at night and resume their pre-shutdown lives.  Also, stop wasting federal dollars, and allow our Country to have a fully functioning government again.

 

At the next GOP caucus, you might tell your members that the United States Government will not be drowning in a bathtub or anywhere else—not as long as Barack Obama is President of the United States.  Not as long as there are some voices of reason left in the Senate and the House.  I have little doubt there will be a lot more of those voices after the next Congressional elections, thanks to irresponsible actions of Republicans.   What do you think?

 

 

Yes, please!

Open for Business

No amount of bitter tea nor grandstanding nor government shutdown was ever going to padlock this program.  May all Americans without insurance— and even those with pre-existing conditions—find a plan that works for their needs.

 

 This achievement took over half a century to accomplish.   Surely some Republicans are smart enough to understand there will be changes made as problems arise with the program; that's what happens with any endeavor—in the public or private sector.  I'm so tired of the GOP's antics I don't even enjoy drinking tea these days!

Not So Gentle On My Mind

Major news that I believe deserved more serious attention—and a President who deserved more credit:  The recent achievements in smart diplomacy began with laying the groundwork at the G8 for Russia to get Syria to turn over their chemical weapons stockpiles.  Long story short, the UN is involved now, and it looks as if inspectors could be working in Syria as early as next week.  That, after Syria's Assad had been denying the existence of chemical weapons in his country, much less using them on innocent Syrians, including children.  Big, positive developments there.

 

And after decades of the U.S. not dealing with Iran (other than imposing tough sanctions for their unwillingness to cooperate on nuclear weapons),  President Obama has communicated with the new President of Iran.  There's understandable skepticism about Iranian intentions; however,  rational people see opening communications as a good thing.  Secretary of State Kerry is in talks with his Iranian counterpart, and Secretary Kerry will be talking about that on 60 Minutes tonight.  The two Presidents have communicated in writing and now have spoken on the phone.  Maybe there will be light at the end of that long, long tunnel.  President Obama has said we will be checking and verifying what we are told about the nuclear material they have.    Remembering Senator McCain's "Bomb bomb bomb Iran?"  He and some other Republicans have been itching to do just that for years.   Had McCain been elected, war might be in progress by now; we can't know for sure.  President Obama favors using every peaceful means to resolve conflict with other nations.  But he's also willing to resort to military action if all else fails.  It's a relief to be on the road to peace for a change.  And it's a good thing the world takes our President more seriously than Republicans do.

                                                                          * * *

 

For all the legitimate concern  about weapons of mass destruction,  a more certain threat to all humanity seems little more a blip on the radar screen of media reports.  More than a "critical mass" of scientists issued another alarming report this past week:  Global climate change is on the fast track, and we can't afford to waste any more time in taking serious measures to deal with it.   It won't be long before catastrophic change is  irreversible.   Now 95% of scientists agree that mankind is chiefly responsible for climate change.  Thus, we humans are the only hope of reversing what no longer could be, but will be.   Talk about mass destruction!   This truth goes far beyond "inconvenient."  

 

Please be in touch with members of Congress and the White House; tell them to take the freaking blinders off and get busy.  Of course one of the items high on the agenda for the Republican House—besides "repealing Obamacare" and taking women's rights back decades— is deregulation of damn near everything that pollutes our planet and cutting funding for the EPA, as well.   Mercy. 

                                                                          ***

 

Once again I wish everybody would stop referring to Tea Party Republicans as "conservatives." Far from being conservative, they're dangerously radical.  I've been tuned in to the Sunday morning talk shows and my head is about to roll across the room from shaking it--no, no, no!   These radicals are casually messing with what has been a fairly effective democracy for centuries.  Seriously, the House Republicans, and not all Tea Partiers, are pretending to want to "compromise" on the budget bill.  The only compromise they would accept is to "postpone" the Affordable Care Act for a year. This is after 42 different attempts to repeal it.  First, it ain't gonna happen; you'd think these clowns would change the subject.  But they're willing to have the government shut down (a dream come true for many of the radicals); secondly, they don't want to postpone it.  They think another year would help them in next year's House races and then they could repeal it. 

 

I think House Republicans are underestimating the intelligence of the American people.  The same people smart enough to vote President Obama a second term.  And they also forget the rational Republicans who are still in our midst.   Karma will happen.  I hope it's swift in the case of those wreaking havoc on the lives of so many struggling Americans with their overblown egos and self-serving votes.   First the debt ceiling last go round, then the sequester, then cutting the food assistance (SNAP) program that serves mostly children, the disabled and the elderly and gave huge farm subsidies to big farmers who didn't need them.   Shame.  Shame.  Shame!

 

God help us and the rest of the world if these radicals cause the USA to default on our debts—but we have until October 17 to worry about that.

                                                                          * * *

 

 On the same day last week I heard two reports:  A man was released after serving a 31-day (yes, day) sentence for child rape. 

 

Then there was news I didn't need a blood pressure pill to hear:  Marisa Alexander is a mother of three whose husband's repeated abuse had landed her in the hospital in the past.  After firing a warning shot into a wall to deter her husband from abusing her (9 days after the birth of their premature baby), she received twenty years (yes, years) in prison.  Did not kill the man.  Did not wound him.  Now this Jacksonville, Florida woman has been granted a new trial.   She can't get back the time she has served (I think two or three years?), but surely a jury will acquit her this time.  Last time she had to prove her innocence.  This time the state will have to prove her guilt.  I thought that was a given in our free country; apparently whoever approved the appeal had the same thought!

 

Incidentally,  3/4 of imprisoned women have experienced sexual abuse as children and/or physical abuse of various forms as adults.   I wish you well, Marisa.  I wish you freedom from incarceration— and from abusive men.

                                                                       * * *

 

Personal note to Friends of Lucy Left:  The tendonitis is still active—but only when I use my arms (LOL) typing, schlepping the groceries or driving more than a short distance.  I've missed being here.  What I'd like you to know is that I wrote this post in three increments with stretching and rest time in between.   I'm trying to learn some patience and taking reasonably good care of myself.  

 

Shine on,  dear Libs, and thank you for your well wishes!

One More Thing

from Moms Demand Action on Gun Sense in America today.   By the way, "Moms Demand" welcomes Dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles.  They—we (I'm a member)—welcome all concerned people who want to see positive change in the gun laws and regulations.  To see fewer people meeting their mortality far too soon because of firearms.

EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT OF SHOOTING AT YELLOWSTONE: Earlier this month, a 3-year-old girl found her parents' gun at a park campsite and shot herself. What follows is an account of the shooting by a nearby camper (http://tinyurl.com/kjlakty):

"The girl’s father walked in circles a few hundred feet from the table his daughter was dying. Through his fingers, which were covering his mouth in shock, he admitted to fellow campers that he had just bought the gun last week to protect his family from wild animals."

Congress passed a bill allowing guns in national parks in 2010. Take action - tell Congress to ban guns from national parks and pass sensible gun laws NOW: http://momsdemandaction.org/take-action/

South Carolina Ranks #1

Thanks to Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense - South Carolina for posting this on Facebook.  South Carolina is #1 again in something we cannot feel good about.  BUT you might feel better when you contact Moms Demand Action and get involved.  If you're in South Carolina, Erin Dando will tell you how you can help!

 

“Nine women each week are shot to death by their husband or intimate partner,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “That's nearly 500 domestic gun violence deaths each year — more than twice the number of servicewomen killed in military conflicts since the Korean War. We urgently need better policies that protect women and their families from this senseless violence. No American, adult or child, should live in a perpetual state of fear. It’s inhumane.”   I would add that these kinds of data from other countries usually has us scratching our heads and callling them "uncivilized."  Well...?

 

View the full report: http://www.vpc.org/studies/wmmw2013.pdf

South Carolina Ranks #1 in Rate of Women Murdered by Men (09/25/2013)

www.vpc.org

Washington, DC — South Carolina ranked first in the nation in the rate of women murdered by men, with a rate of 2.54 per 100,000,

Incentives 101

(Rachel Maddow Fan Page/Facebook)

Insurance Notes

Questions on the Affordable Healthcare Act?  www.healthcare.gov  Check out the marketplace and help spread the word.   October 1 is the day!

 

Apparently the Act is already saving big bucks:  http://www.examiner.com/article/new-report-obamacare-has-saved-americans-over-1-billion-2012

Myth-buster for today--Seniors do benefit:

Shame on the House Republicans

At a time when about 20% of our citizens go hungry regularly and rarely have food security,  Republicans in Congress decided today to take food out of the mouths of children, the elderly, the disabled and veterans.  They make up a majority of "SNAP" recipients, along with others who are unemployed or underemployed.   Way to go Republicans:  Kick the poor while they're down and struggling to get back up.  I don't see how today's action can be called anything other than cruelty.  Obviously those who voted to take away food from some of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters know little about poverty.  They continue to equate poverty with laziness.  I'm more than sick of that ongoing misrepresentation.  Excuse me—that lie.  We have had two unfunded wars which left colossal unpaid bills in America's in-box (Note: One was a war of choice and the other might also have been avoided, I believe).

 

Did you notice that Republicans voted overwhelmingly for subsidies for big oil and corporate farms, both industries raking in record profits; the last thing they need is a subsidy!  And they fight on behalf of the mega-wealthy one or two percent of Americans.  Amazing how hard they've fought for the rich.  So, they cut food stamps to help deal with "the deficit." Can you imagine their insulting our intelligence by pretending that this very modest food assistance will make a difference in the debt (which by the way has been significantly reduced since President Obama took office)?   How can any American not be sickened by this vote?  Cruelty, insanity, hearts of stone?  Yes!   Every person who voted for this should have to live for a month on the same income as the average person who receives food stamps.  But they won't.  And since they won't, the next best thing is to vote the bastards out.  Seriously.  Google today's vote and check out how your representatives voted.

Must get off the keyboard— but I can't get today's vote off my mind.  Here's some good information on the SNAP ("food stamps") program:

Update: Sharing on 9/22/13 -  An eye-catching headline and piece at Forward Progressives.  Appalling it is,  yet good info to have when debating one's Fox-watching acquaintances—or do we still bother to debate them?  I saw something that made me think of such debates recently:  "I was hoping for a battle of wits, but I can see you are unarmed."    http://www.forwardprogressives.com/republican-congressman-whose-family-received-millions-in-farm-subsidies-mocks-people-on-food-stamps/

I Might Be In Love

with Pope Francis.  Or it's a major crush.  He's my kind of guy—seems to merely tolerate the pomp and circumstance of his auspicious office, graciously of course.  Schleps his own bag, rides the bus, and advocates for the poor.  He's living proof that a person can be humble and powerful at the same time.

Then yesterday in an interview he talked about the quality of mercy and how the church needs to be less judgmental, how there needs to be mercy in all things.  He spoke about abortion, birth control and marriage equality (said the Church is "obsessed" with those issues) . . . .   Here's a link for you. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/20/world/europe/pope-bluntly-faults-churchs-focus-on-gays-and-abortion.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

 I could go on and on about this man who's honest and bold enough to criticize the church for putting "dogma before love."  But instead of rambling, I'll just say,  "Kudos!  Carry on, Your Holiness."

Checking In

Only a phrase from childhood adequately describes how I've missed writing at Lucy:  I'm "'bout to bust" to get back!  Tendonitis has flared every time I've thought it had healed enough to spend more time with Happy, my laptop .   I just can't write more than a few sentences without paying the pain piper.  So . . . 

 

A friend in Texas is excited.  It looks like state Senator Wendy Davis will be running for Governor in the Lone Star State!  God knows it's the only positive news out of Texas for a long time, especially for women.

 

The horrible Navy Yard shootings, the lack of action on gun reform in our political "system,"  our political system itself, the stunning determination of House Republicans to "defund" Obamacare at all costs, and yet another Benghazzi hearing in the House today (Hearing = trying to tarnish Hillary).  Plenty to write about. 

 

Will remind you (and myself) to keep the faith and rev up your personal power.  Make all the calls and sign every petition you can on whatever issues are burning in your belly right now.  Help ProjectXXSC recruit progressive women to serve on South Caroilna's boards and commissions and please join Moms Demand Action on Gun Sense in America; there's a  chapter in SC, and  I'm  a proud member.

 

 I'll be back at full speed soon, so don't jump ship on Lucy yet.  Missing you lovable Libs!

Responsible?

Too many gun deaths in our country every day.  Far too often children are the victims.  Accidents mostly.  A weapon in the from their own household.  The NRA would have us believe that every gun owner is a "responsible gun owner" which obviously is not the case.  A young woman attemps a prank on her friend, jumps out of a closet,  and is shot dead.  A five-year old shoots a two-year-old.  Guns are found on school playgrounds, in elementary schoolers' backpacks, etc. I could paper this blog with recent gun "incidents.  The word incident sound so—incidental, you know?   The lives that are lost or altered forever are not incidental.  Neither is the love of those grieving for them.  There are far too many careless gun owners; that's all there is to it.  We can't turn a blind eye to this reality.  We just can't.

 

Time to unite with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.  Good people working hard for positive change.  Have you joined your state chapter? What are you waiting for? http://momsdemandaction.org/join-us/

 

 

The Back Story?

A President who abhors war and voted against invading Iraq, who ended that war and is ending another.  A President with healthy self-respect but without the cowboy bluster or an overblown ego.  A President willing to cede some of his power and take smart risks for a higher good— even if doing so makes him look like a bumblebutt in the eyes of his critics—and some of his friends.

 

I've had my own questions and doubts about the plan for striking Syria, and frustrations with the way the President left himself open for criticism.   I imagine he wishes he had said "the red line set by most of the civilized world years ago"(or something like that) the first time he used the term "red line."  Still, I know the "red line" statement wasn't the motivating factor in his decision to strike; it was the killing of the children and understanding that we could not let that horror go unpunished.

 

My doubts were about the volatility and chaos in the Middle East and what a desperate dictator like Assad might do to his people or his neighbors in the aftermath of a U. S. strike.  My doubts never have been about President Obama's intelligence, integrity or intentions.  I have tremendous confidence in those attributes he embodies—and in the goodness of his heart.  No, he doesn't wear it on his sleeve, but it's there. 

 

We don't know "the back story" of how Putin came to press Assad to give up his chemical weapons to the international agency that monitors those deadly weapons.  Assad had not only said he didn't gas his people but that he had no chemical weapons.  Now he's admitted to having them.   We can't know everything; details cannot always be transparent and effective at the same time.  Still, I believe our President laid the groundwork at the G8 Summit—with Putin and with other leaders, possibly asking allies to apply some pressure as well.    I'm convinced there was serious behind-the-scenes calculus that got us to where we are now.  Secretary Kerry's "off the cuff" remarks might well have been strategic.  And, without a doubt, we wouldn't be looking at the possibility of a chemical-weapon-free Syria today had the President not been willing to retaliate at all costs--going it alone if need be.

 

The President is an excellent poker player; if the Russians and Syrians don't make good on turning the chemical weapons over, I have no doubt Assad will pay a price for his atrocities.  The President will see to it, Congress or no Congress.  He won't get credit if it goes well, and he'll continue to take the blame for everything that appears to go badly.  And anything that actually does go badly.  He's willing to take full responsibility and make the hard decisions.  I like that about him, too.

 

Whatever else may happen, I have confidence in my President.  And I'm glad he's the one in the White House right now.

A Day for Remembrance

Getting High

(from Being Liberal/Facebook)

Happy to have a 48-hour high with my intelligent friend Anita.  Seriously, intelligent conversations are harder to come by these days; have you noticed?

Stay smart and carry on!

Arial's Take on "Red Lines"

Political cartoonist Robert Arial's images definitely "paint a thousand words."  Thanks to him for posting this on Facebook.  Whatever your position on Syria, you're likely to agree Robert is clever.

Political Geekdom

Yes, it's hopeless:  I'm a political geek who's past saving.

 

It was a beautiful beach day when I arrived.  I loaded luggage from the tightly-packed car onto the hauling cart in record time, then shoved it into a sluggish elevator.  Got it all unloaded, got refrigerated items transferred from cooler to fridge.  Committed the hanging clothes to a closet and set the bags  down to be dealt with later.

 

The sun was beaming into the Atlantic, and I was in a hurry.   Did I dash out to the beach or plant myself on the balcony with a cool drink and the binoculars— and then hit the beach?  Of course not.  I tuned in to the Senate Committee hearing on Syria.  I heard Secretary of State Kerry do what I thought was impressive job with his statement and responses to questions.  He was flanked at the witnesses' table by Joint Chiefs Chairman General Martin Dempsey and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel who also answered questions.

 

Senator John McCain asked his questions, then entertained himself playing video poker on his phone.  Senator (and I want to LOL when I say "Senator" here) Rand Paul tried to be charming and appealing before invoking his middle-school snarkiness; I loved it when Senator Kerry recommended that he attend the classified briefing scheduled for this morning.  See, Paul has been talking about "not having enough information" on the Syrian situation and yet he opted out on one major classified briefing, designed for providing—you guessed it—information to Committee members.   Check out a video of Kerry and Paul:  http://www.forwardprogressives.com/cant-stand-rand-paul-then-watch-john-kerry-absolutely-embarrass-him-over-syria/

 

Senator McCain announced later that he couldn't support the Committee resolution as written (He and Lindsey Graham want a much broader scope of options, including toppling Assad.  The American people and most of our representatives definitely don't want that.)   I enjoyed the machinations of the hearing, distracted for a time from the images of the gassed children in their shrouds.   In fact, I've put in countless hours of attentiveness to  Syria-related commentary on TV and radio—from C-Span, CNN, MSNBC, the evening newscasts including PBS.  And I still don't have a strong position.

 

 Nevertheless, I don't believe this President is lying to us.   I believe he has given deep consideration to the pros and cons in his decision to strike Syria.  He has listened to numerous viewpoints and assorted advice.  And I know he's smart.  Sometimes he mulls over a situation endlessly before arriving at a decision, but his is never a knee-jerk reaction as was sometimes the case in the previous administration.   I know President Obama is not one who ever, ever wanted to take the action he is proposing.  He doesn't want war.  Period.  I trust his intentions.  I trusted the answers I heard from the Secretary of State, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Secretary of Defense.  I just don't trust the chaos in Syria or the ability to limit our involvement over time.  Far too many "what if's" invade my thoughts .

 

At this point it seems that Congress should approve limited action to deter Assad from future use of chemical weapons. But one strike might not deter him.  What if the chemical weapons are moved to a place we would strike and the poisonous gas spreads into the population?  How many children would be killed by our strike, no matter how "precise?"  I think the President should lay out his case to the American people, and then we'll see whether Congress supports the President.  I hope they do.   But I'm not rock solid in that opinion,  a rare thing for me.  I am sure that my hope is for the highest good.  If I could make a wish that could come true, I'd make a really big one:  That Russia and China would agree to U.N. Security Council actions and that that body—or the appropriate body— would punish Assad for his horrifying atrocities.  For his war crimes. 

 

I feel a deep sadness that military action needed to be contemplated, much less executed.  Besides being a poitical geek, I'm a poet. Like most people with beating hearts, poets don't want to see such horrors.  But when we do, we must write about them.  At our best, we interpret what's going on in our world through the lens of empathy.   And I will strive to do that, whatever happens.

 

(from the Bhakti Fest page, posted on Facebook)

 

Environmental Impact Statement

                   (from More Trees Less Assholes/Facebook)  Irresistible and sadly true.

Honoring Labor Today

(Other 98% via my Facebook Feed)

Thinking this morning of the fast-food workers and their one-day strikes for fair wages.  The parent companies of these fast-food entities are making record profits.  Those at the top continue to rake it in while the workers who make the profits possible often hold down more than one job and in need of our taxpayer dollars for food subsistence themselves.  I have no problem with my tax dollars going to people who are struggling; however, when these people should be paid a living wage by companies that can well afford to do that and won't, it's shameful.  Let's hear it for the Labor Movement which continues to be demonized beyond recognition by the Right.  

 

Thanks to DC Jobs With Justice for this image— companies with hefty profit margins refusing to pay their employees a living wage:

My hope on Labor Day 2013 is that the minimum wage will be raised before year's end.  Nobody can live—much less support a family— on $7.25 an hour.  No human who works full time should be condemned to a life of poverty.  Justice, please!

Politics and Religion

(Image posted by Being Liberal/Facebook)

On Syria

  UPDATE : 9/1/13:  Excellent info I'm calling Syria 101.  This piece was helpful to me; maybe it will be for you.  There's a map,  good followup links and even a Syrian music video.  But mostly it's a quick and easy Q & A about the situation there.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/08/29/9-questions-about-syria-you-were-too-embarrassed-to-ask/

 

Images of the children and others who succumbed to the chemical attacks in Syria have stayed in my mind.  I agreed with the President that we can't ignore proof that the Syrian government visited this horror on its own people.  I hope "we" includes many other countries, and maybe even a reconsideration by the UK, by the time action is taken.

 

I have listened endlessly to commentary by former State Department and military officials, as well as some members of Congress and "political analysts."   Still, no easy answers.   I can say only one thing about the U.S. taking "limited and precise" military action:  I was extremely relieved when President Obama spoke today in the Rose Garden, announcing he will ask Congress to debate his decision and take a vote.  Republicans in Congress (and some Democrats) had continued to say the President needed to "consult"with them "more" as they continued their three-week recess.

 

Certain members of Congress would have liked nothing more than to keep the "consultations" private.  That way, they wouldn't need to go on record with a vote and could complain endlessly, berating the President for taking action without a vote.  Well, Mr. Obama has called their bluff.  I believe it was a wise decision, apart from the political reasons.  I'm very, very glad Congress will be held accountable, along with the President, for whatever action goes down in Syria.   (Already certain members of Congress are putting out statements criticizing the President for doing what only days ago they've been criticizing him for NOT doing.  He cannot win over schizophrenic bias like this!) 

"Rising Star" - Really?

http://nikkihaleyfacts.com/

Okay, so much for cable news talking heads touting Nikki Haley as a "rising star."  She's popular with the Tea Partyites, for sure.  Not so much with South Carolinians who have been poorly served by her sad excuse for leadership.  

 

Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, Texas governor Rick Perry, and Wisconsin governor Scott Walker visited Greenville, South Carolina earlier this week.  They came to stand by Governor Haley as she announced her intention to seek a second term—and likely to get camera time for their own purposes here in S.C.  The crowd estimate was in the high sixties.  I imagine that count included all the protesters in attendance.  A sad showing of Haley fans and no State officials there to stand with her.  Haley-appointed Senator Tim Scott was the only S. C. dignitary I spotted in the photos.

 

Anyway, the S. C. Democratic Party will highlight facts about Governor Haley and her first term at the site linked above.   The "rising star" label might be traded in for something more accurate if the national media consults that site periodically. 

Sweet Charity?

http://www.upworthy.com/words-like-good-and-will-dont-belong-together-if-this-is-the-kind-of-thing-they-do-5

Here's an eye-opener on the subject of third-world sweatshop wages right here in the USA—and hefty salaries at the top.  The latter is becoming an American tradition.   It's also about civil rights for persons living with disabilities.   This was a shocker for me. 

A Speck of Light

Images from Syria can't be cloroxed from my consciousness .  I've obsessed over pros and cons of USA military action against this horrific use of chemicals to kill innocent humans.  Children.  Women, Men. Babies.  And I still have no answers.  I have gotten strong in my hopeful opinion that President Obama needs to call Congress back to debate this no-win situation.  Let them share the responsibility. Congressional Republicans are hoping he will take action after briefing them, without their returning to Washington for a vote, so they can blame him for all eternity, starting now.  For whatever happens.  It won't be good; there's no way it can be. 

 

In the midst of my hand-wringing yesterday  I came across this post on Facebook.  Thanks to Jeanne Porter Ashley for sharing it (creative credit is on the image).  It puts everything in perspective.  I'm not CEO of the world, after all.  To keep striving for all the answers is folly, at best.  Or madness.

 

I'm simply a speck of light.   A tiny part of the Universe.  And I will try to remember both—speck.  And light.  Especially the light.  All I can do is let that light shine in every situation and circumstance as best I can.

250,000 to 5

 

(From bewareofimages.com via Being Liberal/Facebook)

Walking in Memphis and the 50th Anniversary

A Southwest road trip with friends was loaded with memorable sights and events:  
Dazzling Zuni dancers at Chaco Canyon, and sounds of a flute lifting us as we climbed to the canyon rim to wait for solstice sunrise.  The sacredness of Medicine Mountain where even warring tribes would come in peace, the three of us holding hands in silence there.  The magical Black Hills of South Dakota, and at the Taos Pueblo, two little girls splashing in a clear stream.    Big Sky, 12,000 feet above sea level with snowcaps touching the clouds.  The amazing Black Canyon.  The eerie, beautiful Badlands .  Breathtaking vistas everywhere.   Waterfalls.  Mesas.  Clean mountain air.  Bison.  Elk.  Moose.  Devil’s Tower Monument—you saw it in “Close Encounters. . . .”  Staying at the Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, Wyoming, where Butch Cassidy, Calamity Jane, and Teddy Roosevelt were regulars.   At Mt. Rushmore I bought a bound copy of the United States Constitution.  We were sad there were no monuments at Wounded Knee .

 

Of all the memories, the one I internalized and carry in my being to this day, happened in Memphis on a sizzling day in June, 2008.  We were off to explore the Civil Rights Museum.  As we approached I stopped, breathing suspended along with my sense of ordinary reality.  Right in front of me was the Lorraine Motel.  I hadn’t expected to see it.  My stomach clutched as I caught up with my friends.  It was powerful, the museum and the meaning of all the exhibits inside.  There was Rosa Parks’ bus and a lifesize figure of Ms. Parks riding it.   There was the cell where MLK wrote  his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” and so many other significant reminders of the arduous and life-threatening struggle for freedom. For justice. For equality in this democracy we call America.  My friend Patsy relived a March—not from 1963, but a later one.  We visited the room where Dr. King had stayed, arranged exactly as it had been before— and outside, the balcony where he lost his life. 

 

One member of a church group—kids around ten wearing brightly matching t-shirts—wondered out loud, “Why those white ladies crying?”   Decades of grief and so many other emotions visited us at the museum.   I will go back one day, hopefully with my granddaughter’s hand in mine.

 

There's no rest in the struggle for justice and equality.  Now that the Supreme Court has gutted the Voting Rights Act, Republican-majority state legislatures are busy disenfranchising minority voters in every way they can.  They’re saying it’s because of (nonexistant) voter “fraud.”   Thankfully the Justice Department has vowed to fight these laws that are stripping the hard-won right to vote.  Mostly affected are college students, poor people, the elderly and those in urban areas who use public transportation and don’t have photo ID cards.  Mostly voters who usually vote for Democrats. But, more burdensome on those voters, and many minority voters of all ages, are the restrictions the new laws imposed on early voting, Sunday voting and same-day voter registration—among other creative voter suppression efforts.

 

So, on this 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech,” there is more to overcome.  Much more.  There’s no doubt that having a black President in the White House has been a catalyst for the resurfacing, and intensification, of racism.  It hadn’t gone away, but it had become more subtle than it once was.   Most of the subtleties have gone by the wayside now.  At least we know what we’re dealing with.

 

I learned the other day that while Dr. King was speaking singer Mahalia Jackson called out to him:  “Tell them about your dream, Martin.”  He nodded, and began to speak without notes.  We all know what he said or some of it.  And we can be reminded, if we’ve forgotten, at 4 and 8 pm today on MSNBC.  The President will speak, along with Presidents Carter and Clinton; there will be other activist speakers, and some celebrities— like Oprah Winfrey.  It will be good.  So, I need to wind this up and get myself ready to watch every minute of coverage.

 

 May those who have come into positions of leadership continue to follow the footsteps of Dr. King, ever marching toward The Dream, in peace against all odds.  There’s great strength and power in peace and harmony, especially when you’re living that particular dream in the face of hate.  Of resentment.  I believe there are good torch-bearers in positions to carry on the peaceful fight that continues.  They have my confidence and respect.

 

I don’t know how it all will unfold, but I do believe deep in my heart, “We shall overcome someday.”

Fox "Celebrates" the 50th

(From Media Matters via Facebook)

It's very sad that while so many have suffered during the struggle to secure the right to vote for all Americans, conservative media is trying to walk back those efforts in favor of a more discriminatory process.

Fox marks the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington by smearing the voting rights struggle: http://mm4a.org/1dqltLL

Lucy's Take on a Serenade

The divas were seen singing outside the SC Governor's Mansion the other night.   I have a hunch it was an early dress rehearsal for 2014 when they'll return to celebrate the beginning of positive change in the Palmetto State.  No doubt a gracious Governor Sheheen and his family will welcome them!

Admission:  I poached this image from Facebook just now from Columbia artist Bill Davis, creator of the divas.   Visit these whimsical gals (Divas by Bill Davis ) on Facebook.  You'll want to invite them into your home!

Disclaimer:  Lucy's hunch about the divas' plans is her own and without benefit of consultation with the divas or the artist.

Health Care Links

NEW STUDY 


http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2009/09/new-study-finds-45000-deaths-annually-linked-to-lack-of-health-coverage/

That's linkage to some good data for debating the need for affordable health care.  Urge the uninsured or those who have high premiums to check out the exchanges this fall.  Details on that can be found at https://www.healthcare.gov/  

DeMINT and HERITAGE FOUNDATION 

Check out the linked video and article. 


http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/08/26/medicare-lies-by-heritage-foundation-on-cnn-video/