A Voting Rights Champion

I'm happy to boast that this is my cousin Laughlin McDonald at the mike.  An attorney who has worked long and hard for civil rights and especially voting rights for minorities, he was a lawyer for the defendants in Shelby Co., Alabama v. Holder at the Supreme Court yesterday.  As we've talked about on Lucy Left, this is a big case challenging provisions of the Voting Rights Act (article or section 5 requiring certain states with histories of denying voting rights to submit plans for any changes in voting procedures to the Justice Department).    

 

Laughlin McDonald is also the author of several books and numerous articles on voting rights; he has served as Director of the Voting Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union.  I'm a little more hopeful about the outcome of this case now that I know he was there.  (You can Google him to see the impressive books he's written.)

"Day in Court" for the Voting Rights Act

Today, the US Supreme Court begins hearing Shelby County v. Holder--a challenge to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Section 5 requires certain states and jurisdictions to seek approval from the U.S. Department of Justice before they change laws around voting. Show your support for VRA by sharing this graphic today as we rally on the steps of the Supreme Court of the United States. —

Thanks to the NAACP for posting this on Facebook.   Still nervous about what the Court will decide; hearing a variety of speculation, but it sounds like the argument for continuing this provision went well.

We Still Need the Voting Rights Act

Georgia Congressman John Lewis was a courageous activist during the Civil Rights Movement.  He came close to paying "the highest human price" when brutally beaten for his peaceful demonstrations.    He is courageous as ever,  a voice of reason on so many issues.  We're fortunate  he's willing to serve.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, February 27) the Supreme Court will consider whether key provisions of the Voting Rights Act remain constitutional. Given the outrageous violations of the Act during the last Presidential election—blatant attempts at minority voter suppression—I would say the Voting Rights Act is as critical now as it was when it was enacted.

Here's a link to the Washington Post opinion piece on the subject by Congressman Lewis.  I'm getting nervous about this.  May justice prevail.   

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/why-we-still-need-the-voting-rights-act/2013/02/24/a70a930c7d43-11e2-9a75-dab0201670da_story.html

Why we still need the Voting Rights Act

www.washingtonpost.com

The Voting Rights Act hasn't outlived its usefulness.

Project XX South Carolina

South Carolina

is not an all-male state,

but it's fostering a men-only state of mind

when it comes to serving in public office.

 Sign up and we'll work together to change these numbers!

 I've just signed the petition and forwarded the info and link to friends.  Please support this critical initiative by doing the same!

Fun Fact

OccupyDemocrats/Facebook.  Thanks for this!

ELECTION BULLETIN

Calling on voters in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District to please, o please, get your fabulous selves to the polls on March 19 to vote for Elizabeth Colbert Busch in the Democratic Primary.  Then vote for her again in the General!  Will remind you about the General Election later.

 

We need this bright, sane, and savvy businesswoman to look after our best interests in Congress.  Jim Clyburn has been carrying that burden solo for too long now; he could use some help.  In fact, he has endorsed ECB.   She has a Facebook page and web site.   So, pay her a visit and do whatever you can to support her candidacy!

Wise Man Speaks

Yep, the funny man speaks truth—more often than the "serious news."  Keep it up, Stephen!


On another note, I just learned that Wisconsin and Indiana have bills in the works to mandate transvaginal ultrasounds.  Yep, we still need to pay attention to the supposedly "fabricated" War on Women being waged by Republicans—in Congress and state legislatures.  Have you figured out why these people want to outlaw pregnancy terminations (aka a woman's right to privacy and dominion over her own body) and at the same time want to outlaw birth control as an option?  Neither have I. 

Women's health issues (women's rights) and gun control—okay, gun safety, if you like—continue to need our watchful eyes and determined vigilant action.  NRA spokesman Wayne LaPierre has declared he's totally opposed to background checks on gun purchasers; he's now calling background checks "forced gun registration" which he says is a way to make it easy for the government to confiscate the guns of American citizens.  (A short time ago he supported background checks or claimed he did.)  Mercy. 

South Carolina's Congressional Districts

Thanks to Ginny Deerin for sharing the best map I've seen of the new 7th District.

Forgiveness?

Former South Carolina Congressman-Governor Mark Sanford's back in the political arena.  He's launching his Congressional campaign with an  ad featuring "a God of second chances" with a theme of forgiveness.  He's in a 16-candidate primary race in South Carolina's First Congressional District.   (Another high-name-recognition candidate in that mix is Teddy Turner, son of Jane Fonda's ex, Ted Turner.)  If successful, Sanford is likely to face someone I see as a strong Democratic candidate in the General.  That would be Elizabeth Colbert Busch.  

 

In a Sanford interview, he talks about failing in his personal life, in his marriage, adding this: "One place I didn't fail is with the taxpayers."  Really?  I was just reminded that, as Governor, he spent campaign and state funds on personal travel, including trips to Argentina. South Carolina Democrat Dick Harpootlian just said Sanford used state and/or campaign funds to pay other personal expenses including his cable bill! 

 

I like a good love story, especially when some drama is involved.  And I'm a big fan of forgiveness.  No doubt it's the path to personal peace.   While Sanford is talking about "personal "mistakes when he speaks of forgiveness and fresh starts, I'm thinking this:  The people of South Carolina might forgive his personal life—in itself never our business in the first place.  What voters  (aka "taxpayers") aren't likely to forgive—unless there's mass memory failure—is how erratic, uncompromising, irresponsible, and ineffective he was as Governor.  God knows we don't need another member of Congress who fits that description!

South Carolina

Two Items To Share

The subject of Pope Benedict's abdication reminds me to tell you about an HBO documentary I saw recently.   It's entitled Mea Maxima Culpa documenting the sex abuse of children in the Catholic Church and the horrifying coverups that have persisted for decades.  It was so disturbing that I couldn't watch it all in one sitting.  I recommend it if you have an interest in learning more on the subject. 

And this from Tom Friedman yesterday, totally unrelated subject:

 

 

Thoughts on a Cold Sunday Morning

This morning "Meet the Press" featured a long monologue that shouldn't have been a monologue from Sen. John McCain.  He  continued to talk over host David Gregory in what I'd call a disagreeable manner.  Remember, McCain recently said on Fox that Sen. Chuck Hagel was "disagreeable" or said certain things in a disagreeable manner.   My blood pressure was inching up with every word he spoke.  "When Sen. Hagel was a Republican . . ."  McCain said once again.  McCain is a leader in the effort to stall (and he'd like to defeat) his former friend Chuck Hagel's confirmation as Secretary of Defense. 

 

 Hagel still self-identifies as a Republican, last I heard.  Is McCain saying that anyone who disagrees with Party policy or doesn't toe the Party line on legislation is no longer a member of the Republican Party?  If so, should Colin Powell turn in his membership card?  Is McCain's daughter Meghan no longer a Republican?  She has disagreed publicly with Republican positions on social issues in the past.   So much of what McCain says is absurd, and I imagine the senator from Arizona knows his posturing is absurd.   He's just too bitter to stop his various forms of ranting.

 

Continuing to talk over Gregory — as I mumbled, "Cut him off, David"—McCain kept asking whether Gregory cared that four Americans died in Benghazi.  I was about to burst for someone to interject:  "Senator, do you care that more than 4,000 were killed in Iraq, the war of choice that Sen. Hagel opposed?   Chris Matthews was on the panel this morning, and I was hoping - for once - that' he'd interrupt.  But, hey, it wasn't his show.   Very frustrating.  More than ever, I'm convinced the core of McCain's objection to Hagel is personal bitterness over Hagel not supporting him in 2008.

 

What gets  me the most about Senator John McCain is the deference the media—across the board—shows him.  Seriously, he gets away with saying outrageous things, behaving like a bully, indulging in blatantly bad manners on a regular basis—l could go on and on.  But then I'd be ranting.    Okay, we know he was a POW in Viet Nam.  I cannot imagine what he went through there; certainly he must have learned what he feels like to be bullied.   I appreciate his military service.  I doubt there's any human in American who doesn't.

 

Nevertheless, Senator McCain has won elections and gotten away with way too much for way too long,  chiefly on the basis of his military history.  For sure his successes can't be attributed to personal charm and charisma.  McCain wasn't the only POW in that war or others.  Many POW's didn't survive to enjoy a life of financial luxury and considerable political power.   

 

I'm striving to speak my mind without getting mean about it.  Nevertheless, I'm really weary of seeing McCain cower people from television hosts to citizens testifying before Congressional committees.  Sick of his sidekick Lindsey Graham, too.  He's taking bullying lessons from his buddy.  We'll talk about him another time.

 

Is anybody else out there sick and tired of John McCain's bad behavior and sicker still of his getting instant absolution from journalists/media people who should be calling him out?  I'd like to hear from you.  Please leave a comment.  

 

Two other notes:  David Gregory ended today's show with Captain Mark Kelly, talking about his and Gabby Giffords' efforts to lessen gun violence in the US.  I was glad to hear him say they'll use organization (Americans for Responsible Solutions)  funds to elect pro-gun safety law candidates and to defeat candidates who oppose gun safety changes.

 

Important Date:  February 27 will be BIG day at the Supreme Court; it's about extending the Voting Rights Act.  If you've followed recent congressional redistricting manipulations and efforts of a number of states to restrict rights of minority voters in the last presidential election, you'll know the law is still badly needed.  Badly.  Needed. 

 

 

 

Guns & Mental Health

Credit goes to OlaBetiku for creating this; posted on Facebook.

Lucy won't let up on gun reform legislation.  However, we will continue to look at other policy and political issues in the days ahead, as well.  Meanwhile, please sign the gun safety petitions that come your way and contact Congress periodically to hold their feet to the fire.  I suggest getting on a first-name basis with Congressional staff.  In a good way, of course!

Maddow: McCain and Iraq

Toward understanding McCain's antagonism for his former friend and colleague Chuck Hagel.  From The Rachel Maddow Show, February 15, 2013, on MSNBC.

REMINDER:   Watch Rachel's documentary, Hubris:  Selling the Iraq War on MSNBC, Monday, February 18, 2013, at 9 pm.

What's Love . . . ?

What's love got to do with it?  Everything!

 

 [Photo from White House website] 

 

I've been Obama-watching for a long time now.  It's a hobby that doesn't get old.  That's because the love between these two has more sparkle, more facets, than the Hope diamond.  They have something precious and rare going on, especially for a"celebrity" couple.

During campaign's silly season, President Obama was called a "celebrity" by the opposition as if it were a bad thing.  Right up there with "Kenyan,""elitist," and "intellectual."   But we Americans tend to assign celebrity status to all high-profile glamorous people who appear regularly in photos, film, or on our TV or laptop screens, don't we?   

Yep, they're glamorous without even trying to be or caring that they are.  I'd bet my house on that, and you know Lucy's crazy about her house.  I love how they look at each other.  Surely he's better at bluffing a poker hand than at hiding his adoration and desire for his beautiful wife.  It's clear that they're solid partners in love.  In parenting.  In nurturing each other and the family.   Their relationship seems to have both the comfort of a warm, fuzzy robe and the heat of a sizzling tropical sun.  They are fully who they are, consistently, it seems to me.  They're comfortable in their own skin and not given to "puttin' on airs" as my great aunt La La used to say about self-important people.  There's easy laughter as well as secret smiles.between them  Their respect for one another is obvious.  And they're just so damned good together.   I won't try to guess all the reasons why; however, I think it helps that each of them is a self-actualized person.  There's no dependency here.  Certainly no co-dependency.  Looks to me like they enjoy a healthy interdependency.  

A cable news host was saying recently that the Obamas are an exemplary couple and family model for persons of color.  I believe that's true; I also believe the First Couple's relationship is worthy of emulation by all people, whatever their ethnicity.  

Seriously, doesn't it make you smile to see them together, just the two of them or with the girls, or anywhere in any situation?  They have moved me when paying respects to grieving Americans and when they're greeting visitors at The White House.  Anywhere, any time, they are like a breath of fresh air.  I have great hopes that their love and commitment will survive even the excruciating test of two terms in the big house on Pennsylvania Avenue.

And on the eve of Valentine's Day 2013, I'm wondering whether they'll have gifts for one another.  I mean besides the obvious gift of the love they share every day.  Somehow I can't imagine the President dispatching someone to Victoria's Secret  to fetch a gift for the First Lady.   I can imagine pearls or maybe a special pair of earrings. 

My wish is for them to have a stolen hour or two, hiding out in one of the lesser-known bedrooms, with the door double locked.  Maybe some Al Green going on the Bose and some champagne and chocolate within reach.  Okay, they can celebrate it however they want!  They're the First Couple, after all.   Happy Valentine's Day to the leader of the free world and his goddess of a partner in love.

And Happy Valentine's Day to you all, too!

State of the Union 2013

 In case you missed it or want to see it again, here's a link to the full video from CBS News.  

The President was in good "second term" form and aced it, I thought.  Will catch the critiques later this morning.  For now I'll bask in the memory of John Boehner's pained expression throughout.  He looked utterly miserable.

www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50140940n

22 Republicans Who Voted NO Yesterday

These faces should be on Post Office walls or on America's Most Wanted.  Thankfully the Violence Against Women Act passed the Senate—with both of South Carolina's current senators voting against it yesterday.   Let's make "current" the keyword here and elect Senators who will represent ALL South Carolina citizens.  Unconscionable.  Now we'll see what the House does with the bill. 

[Thanks to Democrats of Georgetown County SC USA for posting this on Facebook.]

Tonight, tonight . . . .

Well, this is a big day for us political geeks.  Today is like Christmas for me, with our Prez playing Santa, bringing us the State of the Union message. The media is hyped, too, what with both expectations for the President’s speech and the Pope’s abdication. News Nirvana.

 I just heard that Speaker Boehner told reporters the President “doesn’t have the guts” to stand up to his own Party when it comes to spending cuts.  When asked whether he stands by that statement, the Speaker affirmed that he does.  Oh, and by the way,  North Korea has launched a “miniaturized” nuclear warhead; such a warhead, regular size, could reach the U.S.  Those news nuggets and Ted Nugent’s craziness all under the big top—dome— tonight.  It’s speculated that the President will have something to say about the North Korean launch tonight.

Reflecting on the hateful things Nugent has said about the President (hoping no doubt to revive a dying career), I’m also wondering whether one of my own Congressmen can resist shouting out “You lie!” at some point.  After all, Joe Wilson was happy as a hog in slop with all the media attention he got last time.  He raised a truckload of money when he acted out, too.  An embarrassment to us blue dots in this red state.

Then there will be guests who are survivors of gun violence.  The list includes the mother of the fifteen-year-old honor student from Chicago who was shot shortly after she participated in the Inaugural Parade.   This devastated mother will be sitting with the First Lady.   Some families of Sandy Hook victims will be there, victims of colossal grief themselves.  And you know what?  I’m offended that these grieving humans are being called “props” by gun safety opponents.  I’m disappointed in the slice of humanity that forgets its humanness, ignoring or trivializing the deaths of so many innocents, and focusing instead on correcting gun safety advocates on any errors in firearms vocabulary. 

I believe President Obama will give us all a lot to ponder tonight.  And I believe he will manage—even with all the sadness, fear and turmoil in our world— to inspire us.  That is, those of us who are open to inspiration.   And hope.  

You can bet Speaker Boehner's comment will have him fired up and ready to go! 

Time-Sensitive FYI

This morning we learned that Pope Benedict will resign on February 28, for age-related reasons.  First time a Pope has abdicated in about 600 years.  Tomorrow night we'll hear the President talk about the State of the Union.  The world seems shocked by the Papal resignation; I'm shocked for a very different reason:

 

In what Twilight Zone does the "Tea Party" get to respond to the President's SOTU address?  Help me understand.  Last I heard, the Tea Party defines itself as a movement, not a political party.   Tea Party candidates, in elections past, have run under the Republican banner.  

 

So, Sen. Marco Rubio will give the Republican response and Sen. Rand Paul will react on behalf of the Tea Party.  Does that mean I can respond as a Liberal?   How about Occupy Wall Street?  Now there's a movement that might like to be heard.  Jeeeez, media.  Will you really give air time to a Tea Party "movement" spokesperson?  Who's next— Donald Trump?   FYI, this is not a good precedent. And I'll be sending a message to the networks and cable news channels today expressing that opinion.   Will you join me?  

 

 * * * * * * *

TV WORTH WATCHING

 

Rachel Maddow has a compelling documentary airing Monday, February 18 at 9 pm.  It's Hubris:  Selling the Iraq War.  I don't want to miss this.

Elizabeth Colbert Busch for Congress

Democrats United: Elizabeth Colbert Busch and Martin Skelly after Mr. Skelly announced his endorsement of the Colbert Busch campaign.   

This is the race to fill South Carolina's First Congressional seat formerly held by Tim Rice.  Rice was appointed to the Senate by Governor Nikki Haley when Jim DeMint resigned (Do I hear an Amen?) to lead the Heritage Foundation.

 

I believe Dems will remain united and celebrate victory this spring.  But there's work to be done between now and the time the sap starts to rise.   Elizabeth has my support.   How about you?   How would you like to help make this happen?  Check out her web site and Facebook page!

Invoking Ronald Reagan

Wondering how many Republicans will invoke the name of Ronald Reagan on the topic of gun regulation?  

 

This is the time to keep our focus, not allow other issues to distract us, on gun safety legislation.   Let's keep track of Senator Feinstein's bill and where the President's proposal goes— and call/email members of Congress when the timing is best.  I'll be posting about the status of gun legislation here.

 

February 11, 2013:  Just received a comment about this post.  Can you guess the name of the gutsy gun rights advocate who had this to say:  "Please learn the difference between a semi-automatic rifle and a machine gun. Machine guns haven't been produced for cilvilians since 1986. They are very tightly regulated by the ATF. Maybe if people who are so ready to take away gun rights would learn how to properly use and RESPECT a gun, and teach other people value of life, we might be in a better place. Heres something to make you laugh: "If guns kill people how does anyone survive a gun show"  Actually, the gun show humor at the end didn't make me laugh.  What did make me laugh was that this brave gun advocate wouldn't sign his (or her) name to the comment.  I'm fairly certain it's a relative I can ID by the way it's written.   Thanks for the comment, Anonymous.

(Image from Go Left/Facebook)

Love It!

(Thanks to MJ Parlier/Facebook)

Post-op Post

(Bright Star Live Events/Facebook)

Love is the best healer, isn't it? Unable to write much this morning, medical goo in the eyes.

The surgery went well.  Recovery is interesting and sometimes a little uncomfortable.   Thanks to my earth-angel friend Jodie for being with me and giving me the best of care.  Hated to see her go, but she left me well organized to "carry on."  Now it's time to tap into my low reserve of patience and allow healing to happen in its own time.

This quote from Dr. King is worth pondering (as most of his words are) before we get back to our gun-safety regulation advocacy.   Something else I believe is worth remembering, especially now:  The opposite of love is not hate; it is fear.  Always fear.   We're seeing an abundance of fear over the guns issue. 

Counting on you Lefties to keep your eyes on the Right until I'm back  "full steam." Thanks for your visits and the supportive words.  We will carry on!  ~  Lucy

Brief Absence

Good Morning!

Lucy will be having outpatient surgery this morning and won't be blogging for a few days.   When healing happens, she'll be able to see better,  maybe even make fewer typos.  Meanwhile, y'all hold down the Left and keep your eyes on the Right.  They're doing all they can to derail Chuck Hagel's appointment.  Don't let 'em.

 

If we don't watch them every minute,  they'll be outlawing ALL birth control and God knows what else.   Stay awake and keep the faith.    Back soon.

 

O'Reilly Argues with Colin Powell

Bill O'Reilly argues with both Colin Powell and the facts.  Check out the video. 

 Thanks, Media Matters.

http://mediamatters.org/embed/static/clips/2013/01/30/28726/fnc-or-20130129-vra2

First Hearing on Gun Violence

Yesterday the Senate held its first in a series of hearings on Gun Violence.  I was frustrated not to watch the testimony; however, maybe it was a gift not to hear all that Wayne Lapierre (NRA) had to say.  (What I did hear made me wonder whether Lapierre could pass a mental health background check.) I was disappointed not to hear Gabrielle Giffords' plea that the Committee "Act now."   I was on the road, listening on Sirius XM until I reached my destination.   It was disheartening to hear the "easy out" on banning assault/military style weapons:   That the last ban "did no good."  I'm not convinced that's the case.  Even some Dems seem to be hedging on that aspect of reform.  

 

    (Image posted online, no source given.)

 

I heard opponents of gun reform talking about criminals getting their hands on guns.  The people who perpetrated the mass killings were not criminals until after they committed multiple murders.   In fact, the less-than-stable shooter at Sandy Hook chose his weapons from an assortment procured legally by his mother;  she was one of those killed by him.   Even if a person is mentally unstable or a potential "criminal," guns in the household—legally gotten or not—assault/military style weaponry (especially with rapid-fire clips) can beget tragedy.  [Why not allow certified shooting ranges to have those high-power, multiple clip guns available for on-premise use by those who can't resist the thrill?] 

 

Gun shows were mentioned as one of the loopholes that need to be closed.  How about the internet?  I've read that 40% of all guns purchased are ordered online.  Another issue we hear little about is the number of suicides in which guns are the easiest means to the end.  And  people who had suicidal feelings often have recovered from their depressive states, thankful there were no firearms close at hand during their darkest moments.  

 

You'll be hearing much more gun safety talk here at Lucy Left in the weeks ahead.  Surely we (the people) need to pull out ALL the stops on this issue.   Stay tuned and let me hear your thoughts on this issue!  Better still, let your members of Congress hear your thoughts.

Amazing

Hard to imagine anyone voting against stopping violence toward women, but too many Republicans did.  Some of the same people who tried to decree transvaginal ultrasounds and outlawing certain forms of birth control.  As I' said in an earlier post, much of the legislating to restrict women's health choices are happening at the state level now.  Let's keep our eyes open and be aware of what's going on and, of course, do what we can to stop the outrageous restrictions, the denial of our freedom and privacy.

Of course it's hard to imagine anyone not voting to curb violence of any kind.  Toward any human or animal.  Hard for me to imagine, at any rate.  Senator Diane Feinstein has introduced a bill to make gun violence a less-than-ordinary occurrence in our culture.  I see her proposal as a reasonable, somewhat modest, approach.  Of course any regulation of firearms, including this bill, will be met with heavily-funded opposition.  Let's watch the progress of this bill and make our voices heard with phone calls and emails to our own Congressional delegation and other key members of Congress.

If you want to make bets on which members of Congress will oppose smart gun regulation, follow the NRA's money,   See my December 15, 2012 post to do that.   Meanwhile, let's pay attention and speak up - even when our voices shake!

A Lesson About Bullying

 

A teacher in New York was teaching her class about bullying and gave them the following exercise to perform. She had the children take a piece of paper and told them to crumple it up, stamp on it and really mess it up, but do not rip it. Then she had them unfold the paper, smooth it out and look at how scarred and dirty is was. She then told them to tell it they’re sorry. Now even though they said they were sorry and tried to fix the paper, she pointed out all the scars they left behind. And that those scars will never go away no matter how hard they tried to fix it. That is what happens when a child bully’s another child, they may say they’re sorry but the scars are there forever. The looks on the faces of the children in the classroom told her the message hit home. Pass it on or better yet, if you're a parent or a teacher, do it with your child/children.

(from Wiping Out Homophobia via Facebook)

About "The Founders"

(via Being Liberal/Facebook)

Exactly.

From Being Liberal fan page/Facebook.  Thanks, good Liberals!  Check them out.

Impressive Finish, Madame Secretary

Looking for an example of phenomenal personal and professional growth?  Consider Hillary Clinton. Think of her as the idealistic young woman who came before Congress in the early 90’s on an unsuccessful mission to sell the Clinton health care proposal.  Then, see her as Secretary of State Clinton testifying this morning before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  (This is the committee looking at the assault in Benghazi, Libya that took the life of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three staff members.)

I should let you know that I’m not a “Hillary worshipper” (a term already appearing in comments by right wingers this morning).  In fact,  I voted for President Obama in 2008.   I am a Hillary admirer though and hope to vote for her in 2016.

In her next-to-final official Capitol Hill appearance as Secretary of State (She’ll testify for a House Committee at 2 pm), she was clear about accepting full responsibility for Benghazi and the safety of all the State Department's (approximately 70,000) employee.  She wanted to learn everything there was to know about what happened and why; she instructed that everything that could be revealed (from the standpoint of security) be out in the open.

Forceful at times, she showed considerable passion and a flash of defiance responding to inane questions by Senator Ron Johnson. Ms. Hillary doesn’t suffer fools gladly.  Or at all!   Believe me, that exchange was must-see TV.  She chewed him up and spit him out—with all due respect, of course.

Mostly, our Secretary of State was steady-on, self-possessed, confident and consistently clear.  Even with antagonistic questions, she never seemed defensive.  Even on the brink of tears as she described meeting the plane that brought the flag-draped coffins back from Benghazi and embracing the families, she was very much in control.  In full possession of her personal power, she didn’t appear arrogant, even though brighter and better informed than most of her interrogators.  That must have been hard to pull off.

The Democrats, and some Republicans, commended her on the job she has done.  Madame Secretary was gracious about the praise, also poised and fully prepared.  Anyone who knows her history and work habits won’t be surprised by her preparedness,   She brought her “I’m comfortable here, so do your best” attitude.   She was respectful of committee members without giving away her power.

Even when Rand Paul (R-KY) indulged in abrasive, self-promoting ridicule, making statements rather than asking constructive questions, this woman was cool.  Somehow in my mind’s eye I see the Senator from Kentucky wearing a court jester’s costume; he can be amusing when I don’t allow myself to be outraged.  It's especially entertaining when he pretends to know things. I think he tries to cover up his lack of understanding and knowledge by pontificating—not only today but often.  (For example saying again and again that the President should “lead,” should “be a leader.”  Then, after the President signed executive orders in an effort to decrease gun violence, Sen. Paul said the President “wants to be king.”  Jeeez.) Today Sen. Paul said, had he been President (a chilling thought), he’d have fired her.  “Removed her from her post.”  I ask you: In what version of Hell would Rand Paul be president?

When Senator McCain—transparent in his insatiable need to slam the President—challenged the Secretary, she calmly suggested that he read both the classified and unclassified reports of the Administrative Review Board chaired by Admiral Mullen and Ambassador Pickering.  Remember, Secretary Clinton appointed the independent review board to ensure investigations and recommendations would be policy-focused rather than tainted by politics.  The Secretary not only accepted the recommendations of the ARB but implemented them. 

In closing, I’ll say it didn’t hurt that Madam Secretary was wearing some serious black-framed glasses that said (to me):  Do not even think about screwing with me.  I hope she polishes those suckers to a fare ye well before she takes on the House Committee at 2.   No doubt it will be less civil than the Senate session; whatever happens this afternoon, my money's on Hillary.

January 22, 1973 - Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

The road to women's reproductive freedom was paved when a pregnant single woman known as "Jane Roe" brought a class action suit questioning the constitutionality of the Texas criminal abortion laws.  (Roe was the alias for plaintiff Norma McCorvey; "Wade," the defendant, refers to Henry B. Wade,  District Attorney for Dallas County, Texas.) At that time Texas law prohibited procuring or attempting an abortion, the one exception being cases in which a doctor determined the procedure necessary for saving the mother's life. 

 

At the tender age of 26,  gutsy Texas attorney Sarah Wedding successfully argued "Roe" before nine male Supreme Court justices.  A huge victory.  Ms. Wedding appeared on Andrea Mitchell's MSNBC show today; one thing that got my attention as she spoke: . . .(paraphrased here) Before Roe, Texas law prohibited a woman from getting contraception without certification that she was within six weeks of marriage!   Beyond belief?  Nope, not at that time.  I  share that flashback for the younger women among us who probably can't fathom such an archaic and humiliating restriction of women's rights.  Believe me, there were restrictions and humiliations a-plenty.   Results of a recent poll indicated that many younger Americans have no clue what Roe v. Wade is.

 

The case was argued before the "big court" December 13, 1971 and the decision was handed down forty years ago today.    This historic decision overturned a Texas interpretation of abortion law and makes abortion legal in the United States. The Roe v. Wade decision said that a woman, with her doctor, could choose abortion in earlier months of pregnancy without legal restriction, with restrictions later in a pregnancy, based on the right to privacy.

 

There's something worth noting on this significant day—something that requires our vigilance.  Since this landmark decision, those who oppose reproductive rights have taken their fight to dismantle women's rights to state legislatures.  I understand that approximately 750 reproductive restrictions have been enacted by the states.  Of course the Republican majority in Congress introduced a variety of bills to shrink women's reproductive rights, including proposals to de-fund Planned Parenthood.  (Planned Parenthood president, Cecile Richards reminds us that pregnancy terminations represent only a small percentage— 3% or is it 5%?— of their services which include counseling, birth control,  and cancer screenings using pap smears and mammography.  In fact, Planned Parenthood serves huge numbers of women who can't afford their own private physician.  

 

I'm grateful for courageous women like Sarah Wedding, Norma McCorvey, and the countless sister-friends who worked so hard for reproductive rights for all women— and for those working now to sustain them.  Perhaps we'll join those working to ensure that freedom continues to be a reality.  (Check out Planned Parenthood and NARAL for starters if you want to stay informed and/or become involved.)

 

 Here's some information on efforts to dismantle women's reproductive choices from Pro Choice America/NARAL and a link to their site for more insights:

http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/government-and-you/state-governments/key-findings-threats-to-choice.html 

At the federal level, the 112th Congress (2011-2012) took 14 votes on choice: 10 in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate. Thankfully, the pro-choice-controlled Senate and President Barack Obama served as firewalls and blocked many anti-choice measures from advancing, most notably defeating Sen. Roy Blunt's (R-MO) attempt to undermine the nation's new contraceptive-coverage policy, and in the House, thwarting efforts to ban abortion after 20 weeks in the District of Columbia (H.R.3803) and criminalize doctors for the reasons women seek abortion care (H.R.3541).

At the state level, among the 42 anti-choice measures newly enacted in 2012, the most prominent trends were: bans on abortion care after 20 weeks; laws prohibiting abortion coverage in state health-insurance exchanges; and laws that prohibit state funds from going to Planned Parenthood or to any health center that provides abortion services.


Let's stay tuned to Congress and our State Legislatures to monitor what they're up to; only when we're informed can we make our voices heard and make sure bad bills don't become law.  Those who oppose Roe v. Wade are hard at work; I'll give them credit for determination. It looks like they decided, if they can't get Roe reversed, they'll become metaphorical dentists and yank the teeth out of our current law.  In  fact, they're using an assortment of means to that end at both the state and federal levels.  We can't allow ourselves to be complacent about our freedom.  Ironically, Roe opponents are usually the ones you will hear beating the drum for less government and more personal freedom.  Except when that freedom involves a woman's privacy and the ability to make decisions about her own body.  Amazing.


Soon I'd like to write about the terms "pro life" and "pro choice."  Clearer terminology is imperative.  If we must use labels, let them be accurate!  Most people I know are "pro life" and also "pro choice."  Let me hear your thoughts on this subject.  Thanks!

Hail to the Chief!

          
The Battle Hymn of the Republic is ringing out as I post this photo, the Brooklyn Choir doing it up right.  I'm having chills that aren't weather-related.  There's a lump in my throat.  I'm trusting "Happy" my laptop not to electrocute me if a few tears find their way into the keyboard.

GLORY, GLORY HALLELUJAH!

  (I feel for non-Liberals/Progressives/Dems/open-minded others who stumble onto Lucy Left and see my effusive  joy in this day.) I see joy in the faces of the crowd.  I'm feeling special pride and joy in our black brothers and sisters in the crowd and where a long, hard journey has taken them on this day.  I'm honoring the memory of Dr. King ... and celebrating Barack Obama, our President!

GLORY, GLORY to the 44th President of the United States of America.   We'll have your back, sir.

Inauguration Day!!!

                  Photo by Lyn Phillips from First Inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Lyn's memories of attending President Obama's first inauguration: the huge concert on the Mall, the SC Ball, the Air & Space Museum Ball, walking in the freezing cold to the inauguration in a massive crowd of the most peaceful, happiest, diverse people; people watching in trees; a million-plus people all being kind and courteous to each other... and experiencing the event itself. Amazing.... will never forget it.

 

Once again, it's cold in D.C. this morning.  Cozy in my South Carolina living room, I'm noticing feelings different in some ways than I experienced on the morning of the first Obama Inauguration.  As then, there's immense pride and respect for the President who has been willing to take on leadership of this troubled country.   At a time when the world seems to be tilting on its axis from fear, strife, hate and hardship.  

 

But there's no rush of heady excitement this time— because I know what he's facing; that is, what is knowable at this point.  There will be unexpected challenges, no doubt.  Also, now I'm more aware of the magnitude of mindless hate that too many feel for this President.  There's more a sense of relief and gratitude than excitement today.  I'm feeling a a little comfortable,  dancing on the edge of confidence.   I wouldn't want anyone else at the helm of our battered ship of state.  Would you?

 

This President is an honorable man—like you and me, a human being with gifts and flaws.  An earnest man who carefully thinks his way through problems that come before him.  He is wise enough to ask for the counsel of others.  He's thoughtful and measured in his words and actions.  Those things give me great comfort and peace.  He's steady.  No drama, right?  He won't steer the ship into the rocks.  I'm grateful to have him as our leader at this time in our history.

 

Some people grow older and wiser.  Others just grow older.  It's evident that President Obama has grown wiser to the ways of the Republicans in Washington and in general.  He seems to have given up the role of Charlie Brown, trusting them to hold the ball while he kicks it.  They've pulled the football and the rug out from under him too many times as he continued trying to heal the partisan divide.  He had high hopes for doing that, I think.  Just turned out that the other Party wanted only to see him defeated on every issue, even on issues they favored until he joined them! They wanted to see him defeated in 2012—wanted it far more than getting people back to work and the country back on its feet. 

 

This President has the passion, determination, and the wisdom of experience to make things happen, with or without the obstructionists.  A preview of coming attractions: Signing Executive Orders to increase safety in the face of accelerating gun violence.  I sense a fire in his belly, a passion unhampered by re-election considerations.   He seems to have removed "bi-partisanship" from its lofty place on his priority list.  Now he's just there to get the job done.   And I believe he will. 

 

During the last Inaugural festivities"hope" was everywhere I looked in the 1.8 million crowd.   Four years later,  there's no doubt in my mind that this time it's "change"that's in the air.   I can feel it.  Can you?

A Short, Historic Life: 1929 - 1968

I'm thankful for this precious little boy who grew up to be a hero.  Certainly one of my greatest heroes.  He was all about nonviolence and nonviolent activism—for us here in the United States and countless humans around the world.  We need him to help change our  culture of ever-accelerating violence now.  May his spirit somehow open the hearts and minds of those in Congress who will attempt to block the President's proposals.  Those would be the proposals intended to make our country safer by enacting new gun laws.

 

My friend Lyn Phillips, a woman with a sharp mind and a beautiful heart, posted the photo on Facebook.   Here's what she had to say about it:  THANK YOU, UNIVERSE, for this child... who grew up to lead the way for us... He surely changed my life and the lives of millions... the hero of my lifetime.

 

                                                                              * * *

Dr. King, this year on January 21 (the day your birthday is officially celebrated here in the U.S.) our first African American President will take the oath of office for a second term!  And, in case you don't know, he'll be using your traveling Bible.  Without your courageous work, this would not be happening.

 

 How could the hardest among us look at the innocent face in this photo and not feel—what?  I feel great tenderness seeing you at this young age.  And it's pride and respect I feel recalling images of the adult you.  I feel those things and awe.   You understood that your work was likely to end your life far too soon, but that didn't stop you.  Nothing deterred you from your faithful, tireless efforts to gain greater equality for all Americans.   What a legacy!  Thank you.  Thank you!

 

                                                                             * * *

 Lucy readers, if you want to give yourselves a wonderful gift, take time to read Dr. King's letter from the Birmingham jail.   If you've never read it, you have a treat in store.  There's so much richness and wisdom in it, I'm struck by something new each time I read it.    Here you go:

http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html 

 

                                                 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

                                               January 15, 1929 — April 4, 1968

Yep

Thanks to the Being Liberal Fan Page on Facebook!

Hmmmmmmmm

Thanks to Occupy Vagina via Being Liberal/Facebook!  Gotta love this—unless . . . .

Jubilation - Our President's Got Plans!

On Wednesday I posted the following comment on Facebook, just after the President's speech outlining proposals for new gun safety measures: 

I've always respected President Obama, and never been prouder of him than I am today. If you missed what he just had to say about reducing gun violence in our country, do yourself a favor and find it online. Please watch and listen. Then contact your Congress members to ask for their support on the new safety proposals soon to come before them. No matter what our political affiliations or absence thereof, we're all in this together. Let's be united on this critical issue. Please.

 

Because this issue has left a hole in my heart and most human hearts, I counted the number of "Likes"—and I took the comments to heart, as well.  Only one responder didn't agree with the President's and the Biden Task Force's recommendations.  They're taking big steps to bring greater safety to our culture of ever-growing gun violence.  Here's one of the comments affirming the President's plans and my comments: 

This is the perfect sentiment, and I agree 100%! Will be contacting our reps today.

 

And here's what a relative of mine had to say.  

Yes please take my guns rights, a good law abiding citizen, meanwhile knowingly let AK-47's into Mexican Drug cartels which have been linked with hundreds of deaths.  

 

I didn't want to crank up a debate on Facebook; I do that here at Lucy Left.  But I was tempted to say that since he's a good, law-abiding citizen  he surely can pass the universal background check.  And he shouldn't worry:  The Prez will take his guns but, with the founding fathers and the 2nd Amendment in mind,  he will be sure to give this young man a musket for his empty arsenal.  I'm assuming he must have more than a hunting rifle.  In fact, I don't think he hunts.  Not sure about that though.

 

Please contact your Congressional delegation, too.  And if they're not supporting the President on these measures, ask why not.  Why not?!

 

 Thanks to those who shared this; they're listed on the clever message/Rottenecards.

 

 

Justice Thomas Speaks!

A banner teaser at  The Washington Post this morning says "Clarence Thomas breaks silence with a joke."  I did not know that this Justice hasn't asked even one question of any counsel during oral arguments to the Court since 2006.  Amazing. Can you imagine him sitting in silence all that time, not a single question for any of the barristers at the High Court's bar?  No comments either?  I can't.  The why is a mystery.

 

My immediate thought on seeing that he had broken the silence with a joke was:  Clarence Thomas IS a joke.  Just not a funny joke.  But in all fairness, no human being is a joke, even when our human behaviors qualify. 

 

Thomas's wife Ginni is a big Tea Party activist and has worked as a paid lobbyist against health care reform; still, he didn't recuse himself when that case came to the top of the roster.  Back in July, 2012, US News reported:

 

According to Thomas's 2011 financial disclosure report form, filed on May 15 and obtained Friday by Whispers [Washington Whispers is a column at USNews.], the Thomas’s invested up to $15,000 in the political lobbying firm Liberty Consulting, where Ginni Thomas continues to earn a salary and benefits. The firm lobbied actively against the healthcare law, according to liberal news magazine Mother Jones.
Ginni formed Liberty Consulting after she was criticized for her work at Liberty Central, a non-profit tea party organization that also lobbied against the health care law.
In March of this year, Liberty Central was the subject of a letter sent to the IRS by Common Cause, a nonprofit that works for government accountability. The letter argued that Liberty Central violated the proportionality rule for non-profits because the majority of its activities were designed to help Republican candidates.

(To read more, go to http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2012/07/02/new-financial-forms-show-clarence-thomass-wife-continued-to-lobby-against-healthcare-in-2011.)

Due to the activism of Ginni Thomas, there was an outcry from progressives for Justice Thomas to recuse himself when the affordable care act came before the Court.  In fact, 100,000 Americans signed a petition, and the issue was also raised by members of Congress and the media.  Still, Thomas stubbornly refused to take himself out of the deliberations.

I was sadly disappointed when Thomas was appointed, did not think he should have been.  My initial disappointment back then was only the beginning of many head-scratching moments, only the beginning of my ongoing amazement that this man is actually a member of the highest court in our Country.

I'm kicking myself off this blog for now;  it's the last day of the current string of global warming days, and I intend to get out in it!  Maybe visit the ocean.  I'll leave you for now with the link to the Post piece.   Later, friends.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/clarence-thomas-breaks-long-silence-during-supreme-court-oral-arguments/2013/01/14/a7c6023c-5e7a-11e2-9940-6fc488f3fecd_story.html?wpisrc=nl_politics

Good Advice for This Time, All Time

Rumi is one of my favorite advisers of all time.  This verse might have been written to help us heal in the aftermath Sandy Hook and from all the turmoil around gun reform.  Since Rumi was born in the 13th Century,  this wasn't written for our time or circumstances.  But thank you, dear teacher; we need all the peace and calm we can get right now.

 

This is Rumi translated by Daniel Ladinsky and posted on Facebook this morning by Joan Borysenko. 

 

A VOICE THAT CALMS

A voice that calms, movements that calm,
eyes that quiet- dreams that also do the
same, and enliven too...

Be a precious donor of peace and hope
Give love to all you meet,

for so many in this world are being torn
apart.

Guns and a Guest Activist-Writer

The mental health component of background checks needs to apply to the current gun owners I've seen on cable news this evening.   They're running amok, one fellow vowing to "start killing people" if anybody tries to mess with his guns.  And I also learned there will be a "Gun Appreciation Day" around the time we celebrate the birth of the prince of nonviolence himself, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.    Jeeeeez, people. Timing?  Really?

 

Rush was announcing "they're" going to do a "gun grab." I think he means the bad ole government is planning to confiscate your hunting rifle.  Or the little number you carry in your handbag just in case there's someone with an assault weapon at the Piggly Wiggly.  (I'm with the ever-astute Jon Stewart on the founding fathers and the second amendment:  Everybody has the right to bear muskets.)

 

It's too close to bedtime to write about all the fear I saw masquerading as hate on the telly earlier.  The NRA is hellbent to fight any and every effort to make our country safer, especially anything coming out of the White House.   I hope the Administration won't hold back on taking giant steps in that direction.  I think it's about to happen.  The big steps.  Or some kind of steps.  Progress.  Meanwhile, gun owners need to understand that the NRA represents gun manufacturers/sellers, not gun owners.  There are reasonable gun owners who favor taking steps to make our children, our schools—all public places— SAFER.  Come out, come out wherever you are, and let us hear from you.  Please.

 

 Here's a reasonable gun safety advocate and friend who's speaking up: 

 

                                       Reinstate Assault Weapons Ban

     by Bernadine Bader

 

My brother’s family attended a children’s mass at their church this past Christmas Eve. Toward the end of the service, unexpectedly, a man walked from the back of the church up the center aisle toward the altar. He was wearing a red suit and sporting a long, white beard. A gasp went up from the crowded church, not so much the sound of joy or surprise, but rather of consternation, especially from the adults. 

 

Was this person part of the program? Or was he an intruder come to do harm? For a few uncomfortable, worrisome seconds, no one knew.

 

Such is the world we now live in. There is no more feeling safe – not at our jobs, at a shopping mall, a college campus, a nursing home, a movie theater, a first grade classroom or a house of worship, where even the arrival of a benevolent Santa Claus gives pause. Pro-gun advocates cite many reasons for the carnage in Connecticut: violent video games, mental health issues, lack of or absence of parental guidance. Each certainly plays a part. 

 

But let’s face it. Guns make killing easy – insanely easy. Pull the trigger once and mow down a room full of first graders. Easy.  There is no reason whatsoever for semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines to be in the hands of civilians. None. These are incredibly lethal weapons of war. They should be available only to the military. Period. No exceptions. 

 

But, the argument goes, there are already over 300 million guns out there. Well, I say you have to start somewhere. So let’s start by taking these weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of the general public and giving mentally ill, angry or just-plain evil persons the means to commit mass murder. 

 

Because of the obscene influence the NRA exerts over our “leaders,” there has been virtually no dialogue at all regarding gun control – not after Columbine, not after Lancaster, not after Virginia Tech, not after Fort Hood, not after Tucson, not after Aurora, not after the other 55 mass shootings that have taken place since 1982. It took the bullet-riddled bodies of 20 dead children to at least start us talking again. At the very least the Assault Weapons Ban which expired in 2004 should be reinstated. It’s not much, but it’s a start. 

 

The sad fact remains that as long as we dwell on planet Earth we will always find ways of harming one another. Let’s just please make it a little harder to do so.

 

 

 

 

Baby, It's NOT Cold Outside

So, NOAA — the official temperature-taker — has announced record highs for our planet this past year.  While there's nothing "official" about me, I can tell you with certainty that it's January 11, 2012 and 73 degrees outside my house, with 78 or higher predicted for tomorrow.   I was out and about town earlier wearing a cotton dress, no jacket, no sweater.  Lovely?  Sure.  Close to perfect for me.  But even in the Southland these unseasonably warm temperatures are eerie.  Good as it feels, it's not a good thing.

A majority of climate scientists around the world confirm that global climate change is occurring at a rapid rate.  The polar icecaps are melting!  How is it that so many radical right-wingers, their elected officials, and their Fox News buddies can  continue to say climate change (aka "global warming") is a hoax?   Have they not noticed the dramatic change in weather patterns in recent years?  How can they deny the conclusions of that many scientists?  They can't.   So they simply deny it louder.

Here's a plausible theory on why some elected officials are naysayers when it comes to climate change:    It doesn't pay to accept reality.  

 

[Thanks to the Pragmatic Progressive for posting this on Facebook.  Original sources are listed at the bottom of the photo.]

Myth Busting on "Hitler's Gun Ban"

The Myth Of Hitler’s Gun Ban

    (From propagandaprofessor.net; posted by The Pragmatic Progressive/FB)

Whenever a politician, or anyone else, starts talking about regulating guns, it’s a safe bet that someone will bring up how Hitler supposedly outlawed guns in Germany, which supposedly enabled him to do all the mischief he did.  As we’ve noted before, Adolf is a staple reference among propagandists. It’s become an automatic response to compare anyone you don’t like to Der Fuhrer, on the grounds that since he was evil incarnate, everything he ever said or did must also be evil. People have even been known to suggest that since he was a vegetarian, vegetarians are evil. It’s not surprising, then, that you often see this quote pop up:
“This year will go down in history! For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration! Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead into the future!”  –Adolf Hitler, 1935
 
Trouble is, Hitler never made such a speech in 1935. Nor is there any record that he ever spoke these particular words at all.  This little “speech” was obviously written for him, many years after his death, by someone who wanted you to believe that gun registration is Hitler-evil.
What he did say, seven years later, was this: “The most foolish mistake we could possibly make would be to permit the conquered Eastern peoples to have arms. History teaches that all conquerors who have allowed their subject races to carry arms have prepared their own downfall by doing so.” 

So it’s fair to conclude that he believed “gun control” had its uses. But that’s quite a different thing from claiming that “gun control” was instrumental in the NAZI rise to power.
And the truth is that no gun law was passed in Germany in 1935. There was no need for one, since a gun registration program was already in effect in Germany; it was enacted in 1928, five years before Hitler’s ascendancy.  But that law did not “outlaw” guns, it just restricted their possession to individuals who were considered law-abiding citizens, and who had a reason to own one. And there’s no reason to consider that law particularly significant, either; the NAZIs didn’t seize control of their own country with gunpowder. They used a much more potent weapon: propaganda.
 
Under their reign, Jews were prohibited from owning guns, just as they were prohibited from doing many things. And it has become an article of faith among the gun culture that had they been armed, the Holocaust would not have happened (that is, among those members of the gun culture who know that the Holocaust really did happen). But the concept of a handful of citizens armed with hunting rifles and Saturday night specials fending off an army is delusional hubris peculiar to gun addicts. On American soil, its most glorious day in the sun has been perhaps Waco. And we all know how well that turned out.
 
The gun culture is right about one thing, however. Hitler really did enact a new gun law. But it was in 1938, not 1935 – well after the NAZIs already had the country in its iron grip. Furthermore, the new law in many ways LOOSENED gun restrictions. For example, it greatly expanded the numbers who were exempt, it lowered the legal age of possession from 20 to 18, and it completely lifted restriction on all guns except handguns, as well as on ammunition.
 
Given all of this, it’s pretty hard to make a case that “gun control” played a significant role in NAZI conquest. In fact, one might well say that when gun addicts brandish Hitler as a weapon, they are unwittingly arguing against their own cause.
                         
                                                                    * * *

I like the Propaganda Professor's Mission Statement:

The Propaganda Professor is dedicated to studying the glorious efforts of those who work so hard to do your thinking for you. We offer solid fact without becoming pedantic, and personality without relying on opinion. The purpose of this blog is not to persuade anyone of anything; the Propaganda Professor is well aware that when people decide to believe something, all the facts in the universe will not alter their convictions. The purpose here is to provide information and thoughtful analysis for anyone who is interested in seeking the truth — not to provide reinforcement for beliefs.