Justice Breyer Says . . .

(from Demos/Facebook)

Down a Dangerous Road

So, corporations are people and money is speech?  The Supreme Court now has said “yes” to both.    These rulings are taking our Democracy down a dangerous road—only dangerous if we want to remain a true democracy.  If we don't want the outcome of our elections to rest in the hands of the super-rich donors.  These donors apparently have run out of hobbies and can't find enough playgrounds to occupy them—so they've taken up a new pastime:  king-maker.  (Given most of these super donors' political persuasions, I'm doubtful there will be many "queen-makers.")

A man dear to my heart told me that his liberal hackles are up today, after yesterday's Court's ruling.  I imagine most liberals' hackles are up.  Mine surely are. The ruling, of course is the one removing caps/limits on the aggregate contributions a donor is allowed to give any candidate.  Republicans are elated—including, no doubt, the presidential wannabes who accepted bazillionaire Sheldon Adelson's invite to Vegas, apparently to "audition" for Adelson's monetary favors.  Video clips reveal more verbal bowing and scraping than I can remember hearing/seeing in my lifetime.  How many times in a very few minutes can a fella drop the name of his potential benefactor?  Stunning, jaw-dropping to watch grown men groveling like that.

 

Today all the GOP talking points include the words "free speech" and "first amendment rights."  Holy hell, really?!  What's happening makes no sense whatsoever to me.  But for sure it "ain't good" and my blood is boiling. What do you think about the 2010 Citizens United (corporations are people) ruling and yesterday's McCutcheon ruling (individual donor cap removal)?  Do share your thoughts in a comment if you will.

Gail Collins closes her NY Times opinion piece on yesterday's ruling with this:

Watching events in Russia and Ukraine, you can’t help noticing all the stupendously rich oligarchs with their fingers in every political development. It’s a useful word, connoting both awesome power and a group you don’t really want to have around.

 

In the former Soviet Union, the money elite generally get their power from the politicians. Here, it seems to be the other way around. But the next time casino zillionaire Sheldon Adelson invites the Republican presidential hopefuls to go to Las Vegas and bow before his throne, feel free to say they were just off honoring an oligarch. Apparently, the founding fathers would have wanted it that way. 

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/03/opinion/surprise-the-rich-won-one.html?action=click&contentCollection=Politics&module=MostEmailed&version=Full&region=Marginalia&src=me&pgtype=article

He's In!

It's official!  Join the Sheheen campaign and help return South Carolina to a sane, sound and more compassionate place to live and work.  With Governor Vincent Sheheen at the helm and Ginny Deerin as Secretary of State at the Budget and Control Board table, we'll be on our way to a better South Carolina.  A friend posted on Facebook that, for every anti-Sheheen ad he sees, he will send a contribution to the Sheheen campaign.  Great idea.   Let's be on fire for this election and see that it's won.  Let's do whatever it takes to elect Sheheen, Deerin and other good Democrats/progressives to bring transformation to the Palmetto State.

Wanted: A Higher State of Consciousness

Still not up to much thoughtful writing, but I'm grateful for the wonderful like-minded memes and cartoons that come through Facebook.  Visit some of them when you can and enjoy their cleverness!

 

This is far too true and certainly worthy of reflection—don't you think?

 

(Greenpeace Africa via Upworthy/FB)

 

Belly Laugh

Thanks to Democratic Memes/Facebook for this image.  Visit them!

Did not think I could laugh out loud today, but this did it! 

From Green to Blue

As we're going green for St. Patrick's Day, I'm thinking blue.  Turning South Carolina blue, that is.  And the South Carolina Democratic Women's Council, under the savvy and energetic leadership of Susan Smith, is determined to reach that goal! 

 

The second annual "Day in Blue" is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26, at the State House in Columbia.  The day begins with a 10 a.m. press conference in the Lobby where Democratic candidates will offer a vision for a better South Carolina followed by an introduction of the group in the House Chamber.  At 11, advocacy workshops begin.  The day is rich with opportunities to learn about political action committee involvement in campaigns, fundraising myths and realities, and the importance of recruiting and engaging enthusiastic volunteers.  Also, back by popular demand is Jay Parmley's presentation on "elevator speech messaging."

 

There will be legislative updates, and Council president Susan Smith says, "If you've ever thought of running for office and didn't know where to begin, our Day in Blue panelists will provide the answers you seek. "

 

If you've gone from disheartened to appalled and outraged by the way  things are going in South Carolina—under Republican throw-back consciousness and chaos— joining the South Carolina Democratic Women's Council is an excellent way to be a part of changing the equation.  We won't turn blue by standing still and holding our breath...it will take all of us taking an active part in making it happen!  

For information about joining the Council or questions about the Day in Blue, contact Susan Smith (ssmith8562@aol.com) or Amie Haynes (amiehaynes@aol.com).   Now is the time to step up!

 

 

Happy St. Pat's!

Lucy Left is still mostly absent from the blog, spending time with Mama who will be 90 on Friday, March 21.  Please say a prayer or send positive thoughts to her—Mary Martin in Columbia, SC—recovering from a partial hip replacement and broken shoulder while grieving the recent death of her son.  A heavy load.  She's an amazing woman though and already doing a little physical therapy at an NHC facility.

Be well, dear Lefites,  and have a Happy St. Patrick's...and if you have a blind date, I feel sure it has to turn out better than this one.   I'll be back!

A Pie in the Face...

I've missed being here, missed you all.  My dear liberal brother passed away last week.  The night he died my mother (who will be 90 in two weeks) fell and broke her hip and shoulder.  Hard seeing her suffer.  She's doing much better this week, out of hospital and in a rehabilitation facility.  

This image on Facebook inspired me to come back tonight.  Couldn't resist sharing it with you.

I'll be back on a more regular basis as soon as I can.  Meanwhile, keep the faith...and let's keep our ears to the ground.   There's so much work to be done!

Hear the Words of John

(From Do As One/Facebook)

 Truer words are seldom spoken.  And we need to hear them, and share them, now in a big way.

 

There's a fear epidemic growing like an especially aggressive cancer on the hearts and minds of Americans.  We've learned—yes, learned—to be afraid of other humans.  Humans who don't look like us, are not familiar to us.  We're afraid of our own shadows (which in most cases are less benevolent than those "others" we fear.)  Americans are buying into the fear being ginned up by the NRA in its effort to sell more and more guns.  There's no moral compass guiding their marketing tactics, nothing noble in their motives.  Seems they are willing to say and do anything to make a whole lot of money.  Right-wing television, talk radio, and internet sites do more than their share of fear mongering, as well.  And state legislatures pass laws like "Stand Your Ground"— providing any aggravated gun-toter with an alibi for taking the life of another human being for, say, playing music "too loud," then claiming self-defense; the killer can say he feared for his life and get away with murder.  Literally.  A shooter kills a stranger in movie theater,  a father—for texting his child during advertisements.  Others feel empowered to shoot because they don't like the way another person looks or drives or chews his food.  They don't feel threatened, just entitled.

 

You think I've gone off topic, moving on to examples of anger and hate.  To me, anger and hate are fear dressed in different costumes.   The opposite of love is not hate.  It's fear.   We fear people whose skin is a different color, whose religious practices are foreign to our understanding, whose political views are different—all of "those people" are part of this country's rich diversity.  We could be celebrating our cultural differences, learning from one another, rather than arming ourselves against them.  What fools we can be!  What total fools of fear,  seeing the gifts of other humans in our orbit as nothing more than a threat or annoyance. 

 

More than ever, it's important to repeal "stand your ground" laws, starting with Florida.  It's  important to join with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.  There are chapters in every state, making a positive difference for gun safety.  https://www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction. 

 

I believe the bottom line for change is unlearning fear.  That's where transformation of our society might begin.   But how can we unlearn fear?  Where do we begin?  I don't know the answer, but I'll continue to think about it.  I do know it's important to live with compassion, to speak up for  kindness, and tolerance.  I think the words of John Lennon are well worth contemplating and sharing.  If we can fully love ourselves, open our hearts to our own goodness and imperfections, then we will become more capable of embracing others in their fullness.  All beings.  We cannot fear what or whom we love.  Fear and love cannot exist in the same heart space.  When we fully love ourselves, we will be better able to model the peace and compassion we want to see prevail.  What better time to begin than with the next in-breath?

St. Valentine's Day

Here's wishing you a happy, peace-full Valentine's Day!  Thanks to my friend Lyn Phillips for this great image.   Politics later, I promise.  Peace and love today—but, now that I think about it,  peace and love are part of our politics!

Sarah's Curtains

No way I can resist this.  Thanks to Occupy Democrats for posting on FB.  I might be punch-drunk with all the warmth, light, and comfort at Casa Lucy,  but I laughed out loud--really loud!

You're welcome.  

Brrrrrr . . . Talking Weather

Thanks to global climate change and an ice storm in the SC Lowcountry,  Casa Lucy has been cold, dark and loaded with electronic deprivation for the past 23 hours.  The bright side: There's nothing like the heightened gratitude I'm feeling now—with the heating system chugging away, the thermostat climbing from 46, now at 60 and rising.  Thoughts of a hot dinner and not having to read by flashlight or sleep in gloves tonight!  I am a winter-weather sissy, ever ready for sweet springtime and flip-flops.

To those of you "up North" on the East Coast:   I wish you snow instead of ice and sustained electrical service and heat throughout.

 

 Here's my 8-year-old Bliss Bringer in PA" helping" her dad with the driveway.  She's looking mighty serious; maybe she'll encourage her parents to move down South.  Oh wait!  That would be where we just had the ice storm—ice now gone, but winds still howling and far too cold for me.  Never mind. . .  Stay safe,  warm, and well dear Lefties!

Immigration Illustration

So, what do you think of the chances an immigration bill could pass this year?  When?  Ever?

 

If I hear one more word about lack of "border security" from Republicans, I will tear my fine hair out.  Under this Administration more manpower, air power and money have gone into securing the border than EVER before.  In all of history.  Do we hear much about that?  Of course not. 

 

While on the subject, I can't resist sharing this.  How many immigration opponents do you think would even make the connection? 

 

(Image from Punk Rock Libertarians/Facebook)

Regulations and Jobs

 

 

(fb/FreeDumbNation via Living Blue in South Carolina)

That's An Order!

(from Jim Morin Cartoons & Animations Fan Page/Facebook)

I'm waiting to hear some of these stats from the cable news media, countering some of the Teapublicans' talk about our "imperial" president and "Obama thinks he's a king, not a president."

This President and his gracious restraint in the face of insults, disrespect and downright hatred over the past five years have my utmost respect.  I might even send him a new pen. Carry on, Sir.

"My Ignorance...Your Knowledge"

(Image from I Heart Climate Science via Daily Kos/FB)

Note from Lucy:  Hoping for a concrete plan to combat climate change in tonight's State of the Union message.  With the recent Senate filibuster rule change, there might be hope for getting a decent bill through; that's where it failed last time.  With the more reasonable filibuster rule in place, there remains "only" one impediment to progress on this front: Republican billionaires—especially the oil barons—whose well-compensated lobbyists crowd the halls of Congress.  As winter storm Leon brings ice and snow to the South Carolina Lowcountry today, and temps (country wide) for January have been the coldest in this century, let's hope significant action will be taken—and soon. 

Wanted: More Activists!

I've been shamefully delinquent about posting recently.  I'll be back, probably not daily, but more regularly, at least.   Don't give up on me, dear Lefties.

 

Some miscellaneous observations, beginning with the Maryland mall shooting today:  Three people were killed.  Press briefing at 4.  Cable news is saying the shootings didn't appear to be random; someone's commenting that it's sad we're growing so accustomed to news of shooting sprees in public spaces that we are somewhat comforted when more people aren't killed or that shootings aren't random.  Yep, these incidents are far too familiar, and I guess we take comfort wherever we can find it.  (I used the word "incident" as I'm thinking these happenings are not incidental.)  My friend Elizabeth has followed gun violence, accidental and intended, ever since Sandy Hook; she often posts links to articles about the shootings on Facebook.  It has been jaw-dropping to see all the posts— about "responsible gun owners" who have shot a child or someone who came to the door asking for help; in some instances, the gun-toters accidentally shoot themselves!

 

Yesterday there were shootings at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC as the ink dries on a brand new law allowing South Carolinians to take guns into bars and restaurants.   Booze and firearms—always a great idea, right?  O.M.G.  Friends and I agree there's no way we'd consider gun ownership.  We'll also be thinking twice before going out to dinner at some of our favorite restaurants.  It makes me sick that the NRA—and some of their constituents— are responsible for terrorizing us Americans.  There are far too many gun bullies out there, and they're far less concerned about their second amendment rights than about in-your-face control.   They're probably affecting more of us than any foreign terrorists. (Thanks to Elizabeth for giving me food for thought on the "control" motivation.)

 

Elizabeth is one of my heroes, visiting local restaurants and talking to owners about the new law.   I'm happy to report that already several owners have agreed to post signs letting their customers know firearms aren't welcome in their establishments.  Elizabeth isn't looking for praise, and she's  definitely not looking for something to occupy her time.  She's a busy educator who pours her best self into her work.  And yet she makes time to do all she can for gun sense.

 

Check with Moms Demand Action—South Carolina (Facebook) about the signs if you're in South Carolina and willing to be a part of making gun sense.  And wherever you are, be sure to join Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.  The voices of those who care about firearm safety can be as powerful as the NRA.   We only need to join and support Moms Demand Action, an organization that's making a positive difference already.

 

Well, my first random thought turned into a full post.   It feels good to be here with you again.   But now I want to learn more about yesterday's shootings at S. C. State.   Hoping against hope no one was killed.  

 

 

Note to Republicans

I'd like to see this sign presented any time a "pro life" bill is introduced or your Fox-watching sibling pontificates at the family gathering.  (posted by Occupy Democrats/Facebook)

If Al Qaeda Had Done It . . .

Today on MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports I heard part of some stunning commentary and learned that the water plant in West Virginia was about a mile and a half away from the chemical site.  Nobody had a clue what all was in this chemical cocktail nor what the effect could be on humans.  The CDC did not even have any data as to long-term impact of these chemicals on human beings.  Yep, there are REASONS for regulations, America.  The "bad ole gov'ment" is not really so bad when it's doing its job and protecting life and property.  Holy hell.  So hard to accept this. 

 

 

 (via The Other 98%/Facebook)

 

 We can't afford to send a Republican to the White House in 2016— and, for Godssake we need to work to keep the Democrats in the majority in  U. S. Senate.  No matter how futile it seems, we also need to work for some liberal House candidates (donate, volunteer, write letters to the editor).   AND we need more liberals/progressives in the State Legislatures, too.  Things are already bad enough, as evidenced by West Virginia's experience—where people, even today, are being affected when they use the local water to bathe.  Toxic chemicals, firearms,  food and water safety, and environmental protection:  These are some of the critical areas that need to be carefully regulated.  Not—as Republicans are wont to do—by allowing the foxes to write regulations governing the hen house.  No.  Allowing industries to regulate themselves— and merely pay fines they can well afford after wreaking havoc with the environment, etc.— as they wink at one another and repeat the offense whenever they choose will NOT DO.  We must have more representatives  willing to take on the mega-wealthy polluters (like the Koch brothers) and their paid lobbyists.  We must.

Sad to See 'Em Go

Could be the death of a dear younger friend and a two-week tug-of-war with the flu that have me reflecting on loss today.  (By the way, I've missed communing with you, dear Lefties, but  haven't been up to posting.) 

 

I've been marinating in the sad news that Congressman George Miller (D-CA) will be retiring.  A hard-working liberal Democrat, Mr. Miller has served for 40 years; he's one of two remaining members in the "Congressional Class of '75," elected in 1974 for the first time, just after Watergate.  Thankfully, it looks like Congressman Henry Waxman won't be leaving just yet.  George Miller has been a strong advocate for the environment, public education and affordable health care.   I heard him say he's determined to see the minimum wage raised before his departure.   If you don't know his record, believe me:  You will miss him.

 

Carolyn McCarthy's (D-NY) exit leaves me with a heavy heart, too.  In 1993 her husband was killed and her son severely injured by a mass shooter on a Long Island commuter train; the tragedy motivated her to run for Congress.  She's very forthcoming, seems more comfortable than most about speaking her mind.  Her advocacy, especially for gun safety, will be greatly missed.

 

I'm also sorry to see Mike McIntyre (D-NC) go.  God knows North Carolina needs his representation in D.C. The odds aren't great for electing another Democrat in that district—but who knows?  Maybe the passionate Moral Mondays crowd will unite with Democrats to pull off a miracle.

 

While I've celebrated a couple of retirement announcements (Michelle Bachmann's, R-Minnesota, for example), I'm focused mostly on the decisions of some of our wiser Senators and a few strong House members to end their Congressional careers.   I was heart-broken when Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) announced he wouldn't be seeking another term.  No way to replace him.  Just no way.

 

Then there's Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, a straight-talking, nose-to-the-grindstone, get-it-done Democrat.   Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) and  Jay Rockefeller (D-West Virginia).— Sad.  Sad to lose them.   Max Baucus (D-Montana) won't be coming back either.  He has disappointed me at times, hasn't been as liberal as I've wished, but still . . . .  I checked with a cousin of mine in Whitefish, Montana earlier this morning.  She said there have been Democrats in the U.S. Senate ever since she and her family moved to Montana;  they'll do all they can to keep up that tradition.  

 

Here's Rollcall's list of members who plan to retire:

 

House:

    •    Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., 66, 11 terms
    •    Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., 57, 4 terms
    •    John Campbell, R-Calif., 58, 5 terms
    •    Howard Coble, R-N.C., 82, 15 terms
    •    Jim Gerlach, R-Pa., 58, 6 terms
    •    Tim Griffin, R-Ark., 45, 2 terms
    •    Tom Latham, R-Iowa, 65, 10 terms
    •    Jim Matheson, D-Utah, 53, 7 terms
    •    Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., 70, 9 terms
    •    Mike McIntyre, D-N.C., 57, 9 terms
    •    George Miller, D-Calif., 68, 20 terms
    •    Jon Runyan, R-N.J., 40, 2 terms
    •    Frank R. Wolf, R-Va., 74, 17 terms

Senate:
   
    •    Max Baucus, D-Mont., 71, 6 terms
    •    Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., 70, 2 terms
    •    Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, 74, 5 terms
    •    Mike Johanns, R-Neb., 62, 1 term
    •    Tim Johnson, D-S.D., 67, 3 terms
    •    Carl Levin, D-Mich., 79, 6 terms
    •    Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., 76, 5 terms

 

Stuart Rothenberg over at Rollcall offers his take on the open House seats on his Rothenblog:  http://blogs.rollcall.com/rothenblog/rothenbergs-dangerous-dozen-open-house-seats/

A New Day

...best thing that's happened lately in DC!      (Image:  Democratic Party)

Climate Change and Clean Tech

Please, o, please stop using the term "global warming" and switch to the more accurate "global climate change."  Besides, the  "warming" term is confusing to some, especially Teapublicans.

(The Jon Stewart Fan Page/FB)

AND related to efforts to lessen the scary effects of climate change, there's this on a "Sixty Minutes" piece that begs the question:  Did CBS recently hire Fox producers or what?  Check it out over at Media Matters.  http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/01/06/whats-the-matter-with-60-minutes-cleantech-edit/197434

Define "Liberal"

(The Left Compass/FB)

More on living liberal in the days ahead.

Socialism At Work

(from Occupy Democrats/Facebook)

Think city halls were inundated by Teapublican calls demanding less "government intervention"  during and in the aftermath of the winter storm?  LOL.

 

Seriously, I feel for all of you who've been dealing with the brutal winter weather.   Being a lifelong Southerner, it's winter to me when the thermometer dips below 70!  If it makes you feel any better, I did have to cover plants last night; expected low was 27. 

Bill Clinton's Right on the Mark

Amen, President Clinton, you're right.  And both issues deserve our attention and support.  Holidays are over now—time to get back to work!

(The Knowledge Movement FB page)

Start Spreadng the News . . .

Not really up to writing today, sounding like I have the old-fashioned croup.  I cough like some jungle animal I haven't identified yet.  Still, I want to give a quick shoutout to New York mayor-elect Bill De Blasio.  By the time I'm done here, the new mayor will have been sworn in by former president Bill Clinton.  

 

What I want to say is that De Blasio's election gave me some hope—in terms of seeing a change in the horrifying income inequality in this country.  New York is the high-profile metropolis that not only this country, but the whole world, watches. I believe this new mayor will give the issue the attention it deserves.   De Blasio 's campaign was largely focused on the wide disparity between the have's and have not's.  (The main reason I suppoted John Edwards in the presidential primaries in 2007 was his concern about the "two Americas."  I've been told by people who know him well that he was always committed to healing the income equality divide.  His position was never political schtick. )

 

Mayor Bloomberg did some good things, to be sure. He also wholeheartedly supported and defended the "stop and frisk" policy which essentially amounted to racial profiling.  And  let's not forget, as he begins his term, that De Blasio doesn't have the personal fortune Bloomberg has.  Apparently Bloomberg spent $650 million of his own money on bettering the City he has led.  While commendable, that's chump change in light of his considerable holdings.  So, we will keep that in mind as we celebrate a change of administrations.

 

 I don't share my Beloved's concerns about De Blasio causing the city to become more racially/ culturally divided.  In fact, I think there's hope for narrowing, and even healing, that sad divide between the "two New Yorks." I believe the discontinuation of "stop and frisk" as it has been implemented is a good first step in that direction.

 

The whole family pays a price when a member dedicates him or herself to public service.  It looks like this family is solidly "in this" together.   I think the Mayor has a  good grasp on how it all works and knows some of sacrifices that will be necessary.  To the family, I'd say this will be harder than you can imagine at times, but I believe you're up to it. All the best to the new Mayor and all the De Blasios.

Fearless Non-Resistance

Yesterday I wrote a poem.  Today I'll be busy with the collards and black-eyed peas and watching the University of South Carolina Gamecocks (hopefully) win some post-season game in Orlando.  But first I was ruminating on one of my favorite poets, Rumi.  He and I share the same birthday, different century.  (Rumi - ruminating.  I wonder . . .)  Here are some of his words of wisdom; they seem to fit the theme of "change" that accompanies the beginning of every new year. 

“Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?”   ~   Rumi

          

Doesn't everybody resist change at one time or another—or nearly always?  I want to get better at simply surrendering to change.  That is, change that isn't clearly "bad" for me, but might scare me a little.  Or a lot.  I want to try letting life live through me.  Allow it to flow without blocking the life force with fears and excuses born from the fear.  Time to step up,  be braver.  To simply allow without trying to control.  Time to rethink running away.  To inhale change and exhale the crippling staleness of "I always have..." or, or, or.  You know the words you use.  I know the words I use to talk myself out of adventures.  Out of risk taking.  In the days ahead when I hear myself cranking up the excuses, I'll pay attention and invite the excuses to remove themselves from my mind.

 

How DO I know that the side I'm used to will be better than the one to come?  Only way to find out is to allow.  Give up resistance to change.  Maybe I'll do that.  Are you with me?

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

Wishing you fearless non-resistance to whatever change the "new" year brings, along with gratitude for enriching my life with your presence here.  LL

New Year's Poem

I wrote this in the wee hours of morning when a coughing spell shook me loose from delicious sleep.  LL

 

 New Year’s Eve 2013

 

The Moon pays time no mind,
Waxing her way to fullness
As we earthlings ready ourselves
For a new year.

Poised on the brink of fresh starts
Over a safety net of hope,
We vow to do better, live deeper,
Wishing unwanted habits would
shed easily as old snake skins.

We repeat familiar rituals
Or invent new ones, good
Juju for visions
Of transformation—
Unlikely to manifest.

Nevertheless, we raise a glass
To noble thoughts, being better,
Doing better, unaware the
Sweetness in a single moment
Can lead to higher ground the next.

We’re waxing in our own way,
As the Moon smiles with great
Tenderness, paying time no mind.

                     ~ Lucinda Shirley

                             

"A glimpse of the world as it was . . . ."

On the cusp of a new year,  a president's words remind me of our need to actively preserve, protect and defend the environment here on the home planet.  Let's focus more deeply and fight harder in 2014—to make the habitat sustainable.  The clock is ticking louder.

 

If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.
                                                                    President Lyndon B. Johnson

Slow-Motion Lynching

Time to play catchup with what's gone on in the world since the holidays began.  I'm glad to share a post by former high-profile right-wing Christian who saw the light and changed his mind and political affiliation a long time ago.  Posted December 17, this piece is still relevant and, sadly, is likely to remain relevant for the remainder of President Obama's second term.  I can see you nodding your heads, dear Lefties, andyour hearts filling will brand new determination to speak the truth—even if your voice shakes!  Check out the patheos site- "hosting the conversation on faith".

 

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/frankschaeffer/2013/12/the-slow-motion-lynching-of-president-barack-obama/

 

Amen, Mr. Schaeffer.

'Tis Still the Season, Right?

(Marian Domansky Fisher/Facebook)

Think About It

(Quotable Liberals/Facebook)

I'm ransacking my memory to name the radical Republican (can no longer refer to them as"conservatives") who said he opposes raising the minimum wage because it would "deprive" minimum wage earners of experiencing "the bottom rung of the ladder" they need to climb to improve their lot.  I was incensed when I heard it. ( It might have been Rand Paul or Rick Santorem.  Just not sure.) 

 

No doubt you have your own examples of Teapublicans twisting stark realities— of poverty, voter suppression, and immigration reform, for starters— into unrecognizable scenarios to fit their fabricated justifications.   Facts, truth, reality—nowhere to be found in many of these "moral justification for selfishness."  

 

Let's keep our eyes open for instances of such "moral justification" and call out the people who invoke them in political discourse. We can't let such distortions go unchallenged.

Last Holiday Thought 2013

(Image from Americans Against the Republican Party/FB)

And I hope you've had a wonderful Christmas, without a single thought of Republicans to spoil the fun.  We'll be thinking of them soon enough,  as we work to turn some red and purple states blue in the coming year.   That's guaranteed to be a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

More Holiday Cleverness

(Posted on FB from Tara Brach's page)

Who?

This might be my favorite description of Jesus ever.  He's certainly not the same fellow most of the Righties claim to follow, is he?  

(From The Other 98%/Facebook)

More Ho Ho Ho

The late Norman Cousins said that laughter is like an internal jog.  So, get your exercise laughing out loud.  Lucy has a high daily laugh quota, so satisfying some of the lust for laughs with you, dear Lefties.

                                               (Posted by Backwoods Life on Facebook)

Moms Know Where to Shop

ARE YOU BUYING GIFTS THIS WEEKEND? Shop with gun sense this holiday. Use our list to find out which companies prohibit guns in their stores, and sign our petition telling retailers to put our families' safety first. LIKE and SHARE: http://nb.momsdemandaction.org/open_letter_please_prohibit_guns_at_your_stores ‪#‎NoMoreSilence‬

Ho Ho Ho

and LOL.  A little seasonal humor.

 

 (Posted by Snarky in the Suburbs/Facebook)

Letter from John Steinbeck

http://www.lettersofnote.com/2012/12/america-is-like-that-second-kind-of.html

Ahhhh real letters.  Written on paper, placed in an envelope, stamped,  and sent through the postal service.   I miss them.  Close friends and family would likely tell you my e-mails ARE letters, as I ignore the "acceptable, straight-to-the-point" point of e-messages.  When I finally surrendered and included a minimal amount of texting in my phone plan, they thought they'd be getting shorter messages from me.  Ha!  For this lover of words whose lifeblood is  communicating with people I love, texting is a sacrilege.   I simply cannot, will not, get in step with a drummer playing a tune I cannot recognize.  I refuse to "keep it brief."  If anyone is unwilling to spend time reading a paragraph or two (or three) from me, then I can't believe they value me or my presence in their lives very much. 

At any rate, the linked letter is from author John Steinbeck to his friend Adlai Stevenson, sharing, among other things,  his feelings about Americans' consumer gluttony at Christmas. He states his case far more eloquently than I just did!  Enjoy.

Ho Ho Ho

(Via Dan Boyle and E Montgomery on FB)

The Grinch Grown Wiser

(Thanks to Kay Lingle Koonce for posting this on Facebook.)

Namaste

Why is my serenity so easily lost to politicians and preachers who declare that this is a Christian nation? Maybe it's because, next to a lie, part-truths get my goat the most. Through the lens of my mind-heart-life, I see the USA as a work of art, painted in bright colors of religious freedom. Freedom to subscribe to the belief or spiritual path one chooses. And the same freedom to opt out altogether.

 

Hanukkah has ended, and as we approach Winter Solstice, with Christmas on the horizon, I'm thinking about the "Christian nation" thing.  And wondering why I torture myself.  After all, this should be a magical time—the coming of Light, the renewal of love.  Whether you consider Jesus an inspiring teacher of love and kindness, your personal savior, or an interesting mythological figure, the season of his birth is traditionally a time for hope and happy celebrations.  So, it’s especially disheartening to witness the manufactured hoopla over a heartfelt wish for Happy Holidays—a greeting/wish intended for people of all religions.  It’s not a “war on Christmas.”  Quite the opposite.  It's about extending good will and inclusion.  (Here's an example of how strong the negative reaction can be, especially among "Christians"—http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/17/happy-holidays-salvation-army-attack/)

 

As I understand it, Jesus was all about inclusion. He'd be the first to say, "Good for you" to anyone setting out to explore a different spiritual path, wherever it might lead. He wouldn't put that explorer out in the street or out of his heart.  He wasn't prone to judging. And he wouldn't be happy to see the judging we’re seeing today—or having his name used to further an agenda of separation and exclusion. 

 

This country was founded as a safe place to believe as one chooses, to practice or not practice one's faith without fear or intimidation. To me, any love-based spiritual path is a good thing. I can respect your beliefs even if they’re different from mine.  No problem. And I would ask that you respect mine, as well.

 

My Hindu friends clasp their hands together prayerfully, at heart level, and bow as they say, "Namaste." This greeting roughly means "I see the Divine in you." Wouldn't it be great if we all would say Namaste to one another and mean it? 
 

 

People sometimes ask, "Are you a Christian?" (Yes, it does get that personal sometimes, especially in my native South.) If I say "no," the questioner often feels compelled to "save" me. So, I usually answer: "Although I'm not enthusiastic about labels, I might call myself an elastic Christian." My life has been expanded by various spiritual traditions:  Buddhism, Sufism, Hinduism, and Native American spirituality.   When I learn more about Islam, that path is likely to offer inspiration, as well.

 

So, my country is not a Christian nation; it's a free nation. A spiritual melting pot, bubbling sweetly in a welcome-home kind of way.  It can continue to work well, unless one faith insists on being the only "right" one, unless one individual or group thinks they know what's best for others. With freedom, tolerance—and, most of all, respect—for one another, our diversity of cultures and religions is a magnificent gift. Magnificent.

 

In parting, I offer this from Sufi poet Hafiz's "Would You Think It Odd?" as a gift to you.

 

Would you think it odd if Hafiz said,
"I am in love with every church
And mosque
And temple
And any kind of shrine
Because I know it is there
That people say the different names
Of the One God."

 

Ahhhh, yes. Namaste.

Greed and the Minimum Wage

". . . regarding the “trickle-down theories” which assume that economic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and social inclusiveness in the world. The promise was that when the glass was full, it would overflow, benefitting the poor. But what happens instead, is that when the glass is full, it magically gets bigger – nothing ever comes out for the poor. . . ."   That's my favorite point in Pope Francis's comment about the "Marxist" comments of Rush Limbaugh and criticism from Fox and other "conservative" media talkers.   This quote is from a piece at Forward Progressives:  http://www.forwardprogressives.com/pope-francis-responds-to-rush-limbaugh-and-ultraconservatives-saying-hes-a-marxist/   

 

 

(Posted by Americans Against the Republican Party/Facebook.)

 

Raising the minimum wage would be a good move in every way.   For starters, once a living wage is in place, maybe the glass wouldn't magically get bigger.  Most of all, the working poor will have a fighting chance to support themselves and their families.

See?  Thanks for posting this on FB, Living Blue in South Carolina.

Insurance Fear Mongering Continues

Just read an article written early last month and still relevant—"How Private Insurance Companies Are Using Obamacare Fears to Rip People Off."  Wisconsin Governor and possible 2016 Republican presidential contender Scott Walker was just promoting the same misinformation on "Meet the Press" so thought I'd share this link.  

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/11/05/insurance-companies-obamacare-scam/

Aussies Got It Done!

Take note, America!

(Posted by Being Liberal on Facebook)

A Sad Anniversary

Moms across the country are gathering at more than 70 events in nearly 40 states to honor the lives lost one year ago today, and all victims of gun violence in America. Our hearts are heavy, but our resolve is strong.   Join Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America to take part in changing the sad reality of gun violence in our country.

 

 One year since the Sandy Hook massacre.  Who could have imagined that, instead of an increase in firearm regulations, far more guns laws have been "loosened" this year.  And the number of gun purchases has increased.  Don't you know NRA officials and gun manufacturers and sales outlets are making a killing?  Bad choice of words, but—sadly true.   You don't have to be a mom to JOIN MOMS!  No more silence!

One In Five

 

We can't afford to stop talking about wealth inequality in our country.  The divide grows wider all the time, and suffering deepens.  A gift we might give ourselves and others is to keep the issue alive and work to change what we can.  I will advocate for reversing Citizens United and work for more restrictive campaign finance laws.  That would be a start at getting to the underbelly of the beast.  Meanwhile, we can speak up and call people out when we hear hateful terms like "welfare queens" or statements that translate to "Poor people are lazy people." What else can we do?  Please leave your thoughts and ideas in a comment.  Solving this shameful problem will take a village—at least.

Sex Ed

 

This plan seems far more effective than "abstinence only." Too many  Right wingers don't realize that, while condoms aren't foolproof, they don't break as easily as a vow of abstinence.  Certainly the crying baby idea would be better than one recommended by a Republican operative on cable news:  Aspirin for birth control— women should hold one between their knees.  How sexist and disrespectful was THAT comment?  I swear these guys keep outdoing themselves on comments to piss women off. 

Anyway, I like this idea.  Carrying around an egg or a bag of flour or sugar to simulate having an infant isn't quite the same as listening to a baby cry for 5 hours straight...or the cartoons repeating.  The cartoon repetition might also get a suspect to confess a crime!

 

(Image posted on Facebook by My Husband Ate My Ice Cream.)

Missing Nelson Mandela

(Image from Media Matters for America/Facebook)

We need Nelson Mandela today more than ever.  His wisdom, his truth, his light.  My hope is that the world will honor him by reflecting on his life and embracing his teachings.  His Light will continue to shine for all who remember this brave and compassion man.

 

May these words from Nelson Mandela find their way into the hearts of those among us who seem not to understand the nature of poverty—who feel contempt for the poor rather than compassion.  May the understanding of this truth lead to a living wage.  And may our government truly be of the people, by the people (not the corporate lobbyists and elected officials who live in their pockets), and FOR the people.  We must combat the ever-growing economic divide.

 

The stars were shining a little brighter last night to welcome this great teacher home.  Who can say—maybe Nelson Mandela will be working on the world's behalf from the other dimension/spirit world.   Could happen.  After all, there's no order of difficulty in miracles.  And we could surely use some miracles here on Planet Earth.

Web Site Obstructionists?

Enough already about problems with the web site.   It's the main topic on some of the Sunday shows this morning. 

 

I still hope for an investigation into what went wrong with the site—not another witch hunt conducted by Darrell Issa and his Committee, but an investigation by the Administration.  I hope the FBI is already checking into possibilities of sabotage.  Again, my mind doesn't think in terms of "conspiracy" as a rule; however, there have been so many efforts, so much money, devoted to wrecking the Affordable Care Act that give me cause to wonder— including discouraging people from enrolling,  And don't forget the nearly 50 foolish Congressional efforts to repeal it.   Now Forward Progressives reports Georgia's Insurance Commissioner saying, ". . . [We're doing] everything in our power to be an obstructionist."  Can you imagine what's being  done that isn't admitted openly?  I hope someone in the Administration can imagine and explore the possibility that someone decided to play "obstructionist" with the ACA web site.

Here's the post at Forward Progressives: http://www.forwardprogressives.com/georgia-republican-brags-about-sabotaging-obamacare-as-governor-gets-paid-by-health-care-industry/