fingerpainting and story-books

or, Hooray for preschool. I don't know about the rest of you, but preschool always brings back fond memories. Okay, they are admittedly fuzzy memories but they do give me a warm fuzzy feeling. It wasn't till I was much older than four that I found out that preschool is not a universal experience....it was only universal in my particular demographic set. Sometime in high school I did a research paper on The Perry Preschool Project which was born in Ypsilanti, MI in the 1960s. The Project was a precursor to our modern day Head Start and set out to prove that preschool is essential for later life success and is a particularly strategy for breaking the cycle of poverty. Now, forty-years later, it seems the folks at the Perry Preschool Project were right. Researchers tracked the original kids from the beginning...for forty years! And what they found was impressive:

As they progressed through school, the Perry children were less likely to be assigned to a special education class for the mentally retarded. Their attitude toward school was also better, and their parents were more enthusiastic about their youngsters' schooling. Their high-school grade point average was higher. By age 19, two-thirds had graduated from high school, compared with 45 percent of those who didn't attend preschool.

Most remarkably, the impact of those preschool years still persists. By almost any measure we might care about -- education, income, crime, family stability -- the contrast with those who didn't attend Perry is striking. When they were 27, the preschool group scored higher on tests of literacy. Now they are in their 40's, many with children and even grandchildren of their own. Nearly twice as many have earned college degrees (one has a Ph.D.). More of them have jobs: 76 percent versus 62 percent. They are more likely to own their home, own a car and have a savings account. They are less likely to have been on welfare. They earn considerably more -- $20,800 versus $15,300 -- and that difference pushes them well above the poverty line.

As most of my readers know, I'm not a fan of The Shrub. But I hope he read this article too. Because even though I am skeptical of his "No Child Left Behind" (after all, he didn't even fund it adequately), this would be perfect to add to such an agenda--universal preschool-- if he truly wished to leave no child behind. And, for all of those who would gripe about the cost: The newest report attaches a dollar-and-cents figure to this good news. Economists estimate that the return to society is more than $250,000 (calculated in 2000 dollars) on an investment of just $15,166 -- that's 17 dollars for every dollar invested. How about them apples?

Talisman

I have to go to Florida this weekend. Yes, I know, I shouldn't complain...it's cold here and warm there. But in the aftermath of this election, I just don't know if I'm ready... to step foot in a Red State. Scary though. Will walking around with the Constitution in my back pocket be protection enough??

Blue America

This was emailed to me and I thought it was worth posting.

Blue America Charter

Fellow citizens!
It gives me great happiness to unveil our plans for the liberation ofBlue America. For the past three years, we have, in conjunction with a handful of MIT engineers, been constructing a giant, cordless circular saw,which is now complete. With this saw, we plan to carve our thriving,prosperous eastern Blue nation away from the spreading infection of red america. We will then set a mighty sail, which will carry us around the tip ofSouth America and allow us to join our Blue compadres on the West Coast. We will use our giant saw to free our friends, then join our two lands together and sail to a designated point in the Pacific Ocean. There, we will establish our new country: Blue America.

Basic Tenets
Blue America will be founded on the same ideals as the former UnitedStates of America. These ideals, sadly, have been decimated by the same redplague that scrambled the brains of so many of our unfortunate former fellow-citizens. These ideals include:
- The Separation of Church and State
- Freedom of Speech
- Freedom of Assembly and Protest
- Equal rights for all and due process under the Constitution
Blue America will have many additional aspirations not shared by red america, including:
- The goal of giving every citizen high quality education and healthcare (even prescription drugs!), regardless of their race, ethnic background or income
- The right to a satisfying career with fair pay, job security and an eight-hour workday
- Respect for other cultures and honesty in our dealings with other countries
- The right to worship the deity of your choice (or not)
- Family values, meaning the right of anyone to form a family if they wish
- Compassion for the poor and sick
- Belief in the value of: fresh food, recycling, renewable energy,
independent bookstores and movie theatres, literacy, the free exchange of ideas, clean air, clean water, sushi, Julia Child cookbooks, Scrabble, humor, honesty,exercise, art, poetry, community gardens, mass transit, local cheese, the scientific process, the theory of Evolution, national parks, bicycles, music, sidewalks, trees, books, family farms, locally-owned diners with revolving pie cabinets, and decent coffee.

Membership

Membership in Blue America will be limited to residents of states that voted "blue" in the 2004 election, with the following exceptions:
1. Red "carriers" (or "vectors") who are currently living in BlueAmerica are kindly asked to leave before the liberation.
2. Members of certain Blue outposts in red america (like Austin,Texas) will be allowed to apply for Blue America citizenship.
3. Members of Blue outposts in Ohio (Oberlin) will also be allowed to apply for citizenship. However, if accepted they must accept a one-year probationary period. Similarly, members of Blue outposts in Florida(South Beach) will also be allowed to apply, but must accept a two-year probationary period.
4. Members of the Bush family are excluded for life, as are members of the Bush cabinet and all Fox News anchors, and Kid Rock. (Sorry, ColinPowell, but you had your chance.)

Sports
The first official sports team of Blue America will be the Boston RedSox (hereby re-named the Boston Blue Sox). However, red propagandist Curt> Schilling will be cut from the Sox and banished to the worst team in baseball. Also, we'll take Derek Jeter, if he's interested. {llama note: some of us are not interested in Jeter aka "smug bastard" and would vote to amend this section of the charter}

Timetable
Engineers have already begun separating northern Maine from the continent. We plan to be fully liberated and set sail on Blue Inauguration day, January 21, 2005. Pack your guitars, books and Hawaiian shirts, and let'shear it for the blue, white and blue!

Bring on the saw!

Historical Perspective

In fact, far from being a mandate, and despite the 58 million who voted for the scary weasel, this was the weakest incumbent reelection in decades. http://interestingtimes.typepad.com/interesting_times/2004/11/some_historical.html

Let's Do Something

I can't remember where I read this, but somewhere I read about a woman who was able to vote for the first time, and voted for John Kerry. Despite the fact that Kerry lost, she felt that being able to vote was liberating, that she finally had a voice. And, just because Kerry lost, she was not prepared to be silenced. So she is going to write Bush a letter a day.

Now, I think that writing a letter a day will probably get me investigated by the FBI. And, though I'm sure that I will have several things to say about Bush, I don't know if I can write 365 compelling letters a year for the next four years. But I do plan to write him regularly, once month, to remind him that 51% is not a mandate. That 55,564,633 of us voted for the other guy. And tell him why.

Because I will not stand by silently out of despair and fear and watch my country go even further in the wrong direction.

On Baseball and Politics

For those who don't know, this blog is written in Boston, home of the Boston Red Sox. And, for those among you who are not baseball fans, (Mom, Dad)... Last night the Red Sox won game 6 of the ALCS after being down 3-0 at the beginning of game 4. And they won last night in spite of a blatant attempt to cheat by A-Rod. A-Rod happens to be a Bush supporter and gave $2000 to Bush (go to Fundrace.org to look it up). So it just goes to show that Republicans will cheat, even at baseball. And then have the audacity to deny it.

Split Loyalties and Baseball Angst

The Red Sox are playing The Detroit Tigers tonight. My baseball-addled husband is listening to the game in the other room. I am hiding in here with the computer unsure what to do. I grew up cheering for the Tigers. For my 9th birthday I asked my parents (who are not baseball fans) to take me to a game. I cheered them on in the World Series in 1984 (as in, The Tigers Roar in '84). My childhood is filled with memories of Kirk Gibson and Louuuuu Whitaker and Chet Lemon and Alan Trammel.... But now that I live in Boston, well, I root for the Red Sox...and not just root, I think I've become a true Red Sox fan. The other night, when Mirabelli was up to bat I pleaded with him to please please please hit a home run...and moments later, he did. I told my husband that he had me to thank for that. According to a friend who has spent her life as a member of Red Sox Nation, this psychosis is unique to Red Sox fans. I actually read the sports section of the paper, and have been pontificating on the rise in wins of one-run games. So what's a llama to do when her home team plays her home team?

The SJC Again

Well, another split decision from the SJC in a case somewhat related to the same-sex marriage issue. Except this one goes the wrong way, IMHO. The case, in a nutshell, involved a lesbian couple, one of whom had a child through artificial insemination with the other's consent and financial support. But, they broke up 2 months before the child was born. And, because of this, and because the two had not been married (this was also before the two could have been married, that is, before the Goodridge decision) the woman who did not give birth is not obligated to pay child support. This is wrong on so many levels. The court sites the fact that the non-biological-mom was ambivalent about having the child. And her lawyer thinks that if you're ambivalent, you can back out before the child is born. She contrasts this with having unprotected sex which ends up in a pregnancy. I think there is little, if any contrast here. If anything, the non-bio-mom has at least the same responsibility as an unwed dad who didn't use a condom. She couldn't donate a sperm, so she helped pay for some, twice. And, they were in a committed relationship when she did it. This emphasis on biology (that is, she is not biologically related to the child) is outdated. Many people are ambivalent before they have children, even when they intend to get pregnant. But, what's done is done. You facilitate the conception of a fetus and that fetus is born you have a responsibility to that human being until he or she grows out of those ugly teenage years and even beyond. I applaud the justices who dissented but I'm saddened because this decision is bad, bad for gay and straight alike, and, worst of all, bad for children. (The Globe Article)

Inconsistency noted...

Yes, I realize that at the end of my last post I say that we should be inspired by Kerry and Edwards and in the post before that I said the John Kerry does not inspire me.  This may seem inconsistent, perhaps even that I flip-flop or waffle.  That is not the case.  John Kerry does not inspire me...but I really really really wish that he did.  I know that despite my rather blah feeling about the man that I will vote for him anyway.  I'm not so confident about everyone else.  This country needs some inspiration.  The Bush Administration has been force feeding us fear and fear is not inspiring, fear will not get people to the polls, it will keep them inside with their shades drawn.  Perhaps Edwards is all the inspiring this campaign needs and despite my more cynical self feeling that his speech ran into some serious cheese last night, my more hopeful self wants more... more "Hope is on the way."  Still, it is Kerry who is running for the highest office and if I could have a do-over on my birthday wish (which was in May)... I would close my eyes and wish with all my might that people would be inspired by John Kerry.

[despite the lack of inspiration, Kerry is clearly the better candidate... high ratings from all the progressive organizations, a man with integrity, with brains, who can string more than a few words together without sounding like an idiot, and a long long record of experience and dedication to public service...and he's pro-choice]

Hail to the Duke!

Last night the dems at the dnc gave a nod to 3 men who would have been president, McGovern, Mondale and, my favorite, Dukakis.  Of course, the powers that be did not let them speak.  They have all been keeping these loyal dems at arms length because, well, they lost.  And it saddens me that we aren't allowed to be inspired by them.  No, they did not win their elections but they are good people, with integrity who might have something to say that's worth hearing.

I have been lucky enough to meet Michael Dukakis twice in my life.  The first time he was speaking at UAW event in metro Detroit (Dearborn maybe?) during his 1988 presidential campaign.  I was in the 10th grade and luckily my history teacher thought this would be a worthwhile field trip.  Being among the shorter members of the class (having not yet reached my full height of 5'3"), my classmates allowed me to stand in front of them, which meant I was standing along the ropeline as Dukakis entered the hall.  Not only did I get to shake his hand but I also caught glimpses of myself on the news.  I wish I could remember what he said.  I do remember being awed and inspired.  And being extremely disappointed a short while later when he was badly beaten in the election.  Still, that memory stayed with me through the years.

When I moved to Boston in 2001, I had the good luck to meet him again, at a much quieter forum, for a longer time, when we could actually have a conversation.  Over iced tea he told wonderful stories, about baseball, the history of Boston, the Big Dig, days of being governor and of state-wide elections.  He seemed professorial, smart, kind, sincere , funny and did I mention smart? wicked smart.  And again, I wished that 1988 election had turned out differently.

Last night, waiting for Edwards's speech, I was watching C-Span2 where they have been showing convention speeches of past elections.  Sure enough, just after publicly dissing ("honoring") Dukakis, Mondale and McGovern, on C-Span1 there was The Duke on C-Span2, smiling and waving to thunderous applause as he began his acceptance speech.  Sure, there were mistakes in the campaign, the tank, the death penalty question... we all remember those and perhaps there were smaller mistakes on the way.  But as I watched the speech I wondered if sometimes the best candidate, the best president, might be the one worst at campaigning....  Dukakis was attacked mercilessly during that election and he didn't attack back, believing that the truth of his message would win out.  In the end I still sometimes wonder why it didn't. 

The campaigns in presidential elections are just like any other ad campaign, trying to convince you that their product is the best.  Well, you don't buy a car based on a 10-second spot...you research, you test drive, you read consumer reports, you ask friends.  It is a thoughtful process.  When you buy a can of tuna, perhaps you don't check around as much, maybe you compare prices but that's it.  The next president of the United States will have a greater effect on  your life than a can of tuna or even your next car.  I don't know what could have been had we all been smart enough to be inspired by Michael Dukakis and elect him our President.  But it will be a long long time before we recover from the damage done to our country in the past four years.  Let's hope that no matter what the coming months bring, we allow ourselves to be inspired by John Kerry and John Edwards...

Convention Watch

My darling husband is simultaneously listening to the Red Sox and watching replays of old conventions (conventions where something actually happened, where decisions were made)...the current one got, well, a little boring.  I gave up midway through Carter's speech.  I'm a fan of Carter, the only good president of my childhood.  And, I think he was a better president than many give him credit for.  I got a little bored.  There are only so many speeches I can watch and tonight is the first night.  Perhaps I'll tune back in for Bill and Hillary.  I could use a little inspiration these days, and they can be inspiring speakers.  What I find a bit depressing, and more than a little alarming, is that Carter, who is really old right now, is more inspiring than our presumptive nominee.  Don't get me wrong, I like Kerry, I think he will be a good president (p'haps more on that later).  But inspiring he is not. Sigh.

What was also more than depressing was the 10-15 minutes given to the Democratic Women of the Senate. Glenn Close introduced them.  There are 9 of them.  Yep, folks, that's it... 9 Democratic women who are senators.  That figure alone is pathetic.  It's the 21st Century.  Where are all the women.  By the way, the Republicans have 3 women in the Senate, bringing the grand total of women in the senate a whopping 12%.  Second, it is pathetic that all the women were given one spot.  It felt patronizing.  Like little pats on the head.  Granted, some of the women are probably speaking later on in the convention.  And there are some women Representatives who will also speak.  But to have a showcase of the Democratic Women of the Senate just makes clear what an oddity they are, a freak show, a rarity.  I do not aspire to be a politician.  But where are the women who do?  Tomorrow I'm going to an event sponsored by Revolutionary Women, a new organization dedicated to supporting women in politics.  Jennifer Granholm will be there, and Madeline Albright, and Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Boxer and others, I'm sure...But I hope that in my lifetime we won't need such an organization because we (women, especially progressive women) will be fully represented in all levels of leadership, government and otherwise.  As Abigail Adams said, over 200 years ago, "...remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands.... If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation."  And in this election, I certainly hope that we remember our voices, because another four years of Bush is good for no woman.

I'm back (again)

It has been far far too long since I have last posted.  And, I have no good excuse.  I have been out of work since June 18th and therefore should have plenty of time to write... but it's amazing how the days just get frittered away when you have nothing to do but watch bad daytime television, apply for unemployment and send out endless resumes. sigh.  but enough of that, I am turning over a new leaf and getting back to blogging (especially now that my earlier reason for not blogging, not wanting to do it at work, has now vanished).
 
So, for part of my new found freedom... I headed back to Great Lake State for a week... Yes! Michigan!  (Anyone remember that ad campaign).  Usually I find the visits to be rushed and hectic weekend or holiday visits with many family obligations, no time to relax and no quality time with old friends.  This week was much needed. 
 
During the visit, Dad took the afternoon off and we headed to Henry Ford Museum (we were supposed to go to Point Pelee but the sky looked threatening).  They were having a special exhibit on Disco... Now, for those of you who don't know, The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village is an historical experience (it's billed as "The world's greatest historical attraction"... no humility there).  In the village there are many many houses of famous dead people or houses that are historicall architecturally significant: Edison's Lab, Stephen Foster's home, a working historic farm,  one room schoolhouse etc.  On one visit my mother overheard the  following comment: Isn't it amazing that all these famous people lived right here in the same neighborhood?!  And the speaker was not joking... but I digress...
 
The disco exhibit was quite interesting, discussing the politics, culture and music of the era.  There was even a mock dance floor and booth where you could try to be a dj and sync the records as a real dj would when mixing.  What was strange was, the exhibit was about something that happened in my lifetime.  The museum, like the village, is dedicated to historical things, nickelodeons, steam engines, old household appliances, etc, all well before I was born.  Is it that I'm getting old (no) or that they are running out of material??  What was amusing was that, most of the songs I remember from college when I went dancing with friends (we are family, i will survive, ymca... all standards)... and the Mickey Mouse disco album.  Embarrasing but true...but my best friend Jean and I loved that record and I can picture us dancing in her room as we played it over and over again.  The Sesame Street Disco album was also a hit.
 
I would definitely recommend a visit next time you're in town.  For those of you in the know, yes, Henry Ford was a rabid anti-semite.  The tour guides, however, do not now much about this.  A cousin of mine (who is my father's age) once went with her children who were mortified when, at the end of a tour she asked, "could you please explain Henry Ford's relationship with the Nazi Party?"  Good question but not covered in the traininng of tour guides.
 
Also, if the weather is fine... do check out Point Pelee

Why I'm marching:

Short, sweet and to the point. This has gone far enough. I am woman, watch me march... and vote! Both Girl and Mo have more to say on this...

Promises to keep...

I have just returned from seeing Julia Alvarez at the Harvard Book Store with Girl and now it is time to blog... I have been meaning to for quite sometime but I have promised both Girl and Mo that I will get back to blogging and so here I am. The long hiatus was due to the fact that my husband and I have just bought a condo. As a friend recently put it, we have now joined the class of landed gentry. I wouldn't go that far but we do have 937 square feet to call our own... plus a parking space (and the parking space alone is prime real estate in this neck of the woods!) So at last I am re connected to the internet and can shout from the rooftops yet again (except of course that our condo is on the ground floor).

It was a wonderful night out. I had never heard Julia Alvarez read before though I have read most of her books, poetry and fiction. There was something tonight, though, that made brain come alive. Sometimes I feel that parts of it, all the non-lawyer parts are slowly atrophying. But being in a bookstore, surrounded by so many words, so many stores, and listening to the voice of a poet, makes me wake up. One thing in particular has been rattling around in my head. Alvarez spent much of her childhood in the Dominican Republic before immigrating to the United States with her family. Tonight she talked about learning to speak English. Not the same English she had been taught in school in the Dominican Republic, not classroom English, but American English. And she spoke about how she would practice her facial expressions in the mirror, so that her face would match this new language in which she would have to express herself. Partly this was, she implied, because those of us here in the north are not as expressive as our latino neighbors. We are a bit more quiet and our faces and tones don't always match the words that come out of our mouths. This resonated with me because lately I seem to be having a problem keeping my face shut. As one of the partners explained to me some additional research he wanted me to do, I thought about it, and as I did he said, "why are you frowning?" "I'm not frowning, I'm thinking," I said. The funny thing is, this has happened more than once in the year or so I have been working there, and with more than one partner. What troubles me is not only that my expression is often so misread, it's that each partner thinks it's worth commenting on. And the fact that it's commented on, is it that they are more astute, more aware of people than previous bosses I've had, or is it that they are more troubled by my expressions than others have been. What do they see in my face?

Faces, tonight it was Girl's I searched for in the crowd. She beat me to the bookstore and saved seats for us both. Having met only once, a week or two ago, while Mo was in from the other side of the country, I had a moment of fear that I wouldn't quite recognize her. But, of course, I did. And it is good to have another friendly face in town. What is amazing to me is the loops and circles that the friends in our lives create. It was a year ago that Mo discovered my e-mail address and dropped me a note. We have been e-mailing since then though we had not seen each other in 12 years. And Mo introduced me to the world of the blog...which led me to Girl who is one of Mo's dearest friends... who lives in Cambridge where, until recently, I lived too. Okay, it's late and I'm tired and that does not seem like much of a circle yet, but I'm sure that more connections will emerge, more will be made and the design only grows larger, more intertwined.

The other thing I gained tonight was a reminder of what I love about this city and what I miss from other cities. I was reminded, tonight, about one of the first readings I attended when I moved to Boston the first time, post-college and jobless. I opened the paper and saw that Sandra Cisneros was doing a reading at the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum. I grabbed my keys and left the apartment that I shared with a college friend. I hopped on a bus to Harvard Square, took the Red Line to Park Street, managed to get on the right Green Line (the "E") and was on my way. As the T headed out towards the museum, I overheard to women behind me talking about Cisneros. (Eavesdropping on public transportation is still one of my favorite passtimes). So, I turned around and asked if they were going to hear her read. They were, but, they informed me, I needed a ticket and they were sold out. I was crestfallen, but only for a moment, it turned out that they had an extra ticket and gave it to me. The reading was wonderful. I cannot remember the specifics, nor do I remember which book she was reading (though it was the fall of '95 so I'm sure I could figure it out). But afterwards, I waited in line to speak to her. I explained that I had read her book in my anthropology class (I happened to know that she was a friend of my professor) and that I had just moved to Boston and was so excited to get the chance to meet her. She gave me a hug and thanked me, genuinely, for coming out to see her. I felt warmed and welcomed. And connected. Meeting a writer whose words I'd loved. Making the connection to the old world of college I'd so recently left behind, and yet, at the same time, taking it a step forward... so that I would know that the words, the books, the stories were still there to discover outside the university... And that was brought back to me full circle when Alvarez mentioned seeing Cisneros recently... because they, of course, are friends too.

When I was in law school I made an extra effort to go to concerts, see movies, attend readings, go to plays etc. so that my world would not be so cloistered. Out in the "real world" it is sometimes hard to remember to keep doing that. It is easy to get dragged into the routine of work and home, to forget to go beyond the boundaries of the neighborhood, of the usual circle. But venturing out every so often is a good thing. It reminds me of who I am, who I want to be, what makes me happy, what makes me think, what new things I want to try, what old things I want to remember. Also, when I was in law school, two friends and I had a weekly writing group. It was informal. We would go to a coffee shop for an afternoon and do short writing exercises and read them to each other. It stretched our brains, reminded us to think creatively, that statue is not statute misspelled. Even now, I still forget that sometimes.

Supporters of Equal Rights Win Victory

This article from the Boston Phoenix is a good explanation of what went on yesterday. Even though I was there I found it very hard to follow.

Also, please contact your legislators and either thank them for their support thus far, or try to convince them to do the right thing the next time. You can find out how your legislators voted and how to contact them here.

The title to the article I link to above is "Gays Win Huge Victory" but I really think this is a victory for all of us, gay and straight alike because once the people in power start discriminating against one group of people, all of our rights are at risk.

Interestingly, the Boston Globe reported that it was "hundreds of gays and lesbians" singing is an attempt to make this debate seem a battle of extremes. Yes, there were gays and lesbians singing, but a lot of straight folks were there too. It is important to remind people that supporters of gay marriage come from all walks of life (E.g., I saw a sign that said "Another Straight Catholic for Same Sex Marriage"). So, keep the media honest. And, when you make that phone call to your legislators let them know who you are so they know what a broad base of support they have when they vote down the amendment.

Being a patriot...

As many of you know, this blog is written from Massachusetts, center of the gay-marriage debate. Yesterday was the much awaited constitutional convention in which our elected officials were to decide whether or not to write discrimination into the constitution. After a long day of political and strategic maneuvering, including some surprising votes of supporters of gay marriage (note: strategic maneuvering) they adjourned at 11:40 p.m.

I was there for about 5 hours. But many many others had been there since 8am. Singing their hearts out. Yes, singing. Hundreds of us stood outside the chamber where our legislators were doing their thing and we sang 'till we were hoarse. Bags of cough drops were being passed around. What most moved me was that what we sang were patriotic songs: America the Beautiful, God Bless America, My Country 'Tis of Thee, and The Star Spangled Banner. I have never sung that many patriotic songs in my life. I think I have always felt a little fearful of flag-waving patriotism, believing that it was reserved for right-wing conservatives, the kind who would not look kindly on my family's historically left leanings. (Yes, there are communists on my family tree). But as I sang the words to some of these songs, they took on new meaning. This debate, and, more importantly, this activism is truly patriotic. God Bless America... Land that I love. My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing... from every mountainside, let freedom ring. We are singing for liberty and freedom and justice. God bless America, my home sweet home. Because even though I'm only half-joking when I say I'm moving to Canada if Bush stays in the White House, this is my country. And, I want my country to live up to its values. I want it to honor and protect freedom and equality. It's our country too.

Presidential Flip-Flops

When you're talking about flip-flops....
are you sure you're not talking about George W. Bush?

--- Bush is against campaign finance reform...
... then he's for it.
--- Bush is against a Homeland Security Department...
... then he's for it.
--- Bush is against a 9/11 commission...
... then he's for it.
--- Bush is against an Iraq WMD investigation...
... then he's for it.
--- Bush is against nation building...
... then he's for it.
--- Bush is against deficits...
... then he's for them.
--- Bush is for free trade...
... then he's for tariffs on steel...
... then he's against them again.
--- Bush is against the U.S. taking a role in the Israeli Palestinian conflict...
... then he pushes for a "road map" and a Palestinian State.
--- Bush is for states right to decide on gay marriage...
... then he is for changing the constitution.
--- Bush first says he'll provide money for first responders (fire, police, emergency)...
... then he doesn't.
--- Bush first says that 'help is on the way' to the military...
... then he cuts benefits
--- Bush: "The most important thing is for us to find Osama bin Laden."...
... Bush: "I don't know where he is. I have no idea and I really don't care.
--- Bush claims to be in favor of the environment...
... and then secretly starts drilling on Padre Island.
--- Bush talks about helping education...
... and increases mandates while cutting funding.
--- Bush first says the U.S. won't negotiate with North Korea...
... now he will
--- Bush goes to Bob Jones University...
... then say's he shouldn't have.
--- Bush said he would demand a U.N. Security Council vote on whether to sanction military action against Iraq...
... then Bush announced he would not call for a vote
--- Bush said the "mission accomplished" banner was put up by the sailors...
... Bush later admits it was his advance team.
--- Bush was for fingerprinting and photographing Mexicans who enter the US...
... After meeting with Pres. Fox, he's against it.


Keep paying attention, folks. I'm sure there will be more....

Ah, Bush

Thanks to Mo for this link. Yahoo! News - 9/11 Victims' Kin Angered by Bush Ads I was not surprised when I read that Bush was using the Twin Towers and September 11th for his ads. I was dismayed though, and I wondered how it would play to the voters. Well, now I guess we know. I'm sure some people will continue to see him as a leader in a time of crisis, but it was a truly crass thing to capitalize and politicize such a tragedy.

Fast Day

Today, in Jewish tradition, is the Fast of Esther. Most years I only fast on Yom Kippur. In fact most of the other fast days in the Jewish Calendar I know nothing about. But this year, I feel moved to observe Esther's fast. The Fast of Esther is the prelude to the holiday of Purim. And the story of the Purim is told in Megilat Esther (aka the Book of Esther). The story of Purim is a remarkable tale of the Jews triumphing against an enemy who would have put them to death. What is most remarkable about this story, retold each year amid raucous festivities, is that there is no mention of God. Not once. Not anywhere. The entire story is filled only with the actions of the people involved, no divine intervention whatsoever. I am sure that there is some religious interpretation of this, some God back story. But this year I choose to fast specifically because of the absence of God from this miracle, I choose to fast to commemorate the power of two brave woman, and to inspire myself, in a way, for the long fight we have ahead, not just as Jews, but as Americans, to return justice and rights and freedom and equality to the United States.

Two Brave Women: There are two women crucial to the story of Purim, both of whom were queens married to King Ahaseurus. Though the more memorable, more famous of the two is Esther, the other, earlier queen, deserves recognition as well. Vashti was the King's first wife. One evening as the King partied with his friends, he began to brag about how beautiful his wife was. And, in so doing, called her to come dance for him, and his friends, naked. Vashti refused. And, for this she was banished. It is important to remember Vashti, for she sets the stage for the rest of the story. But it is not simply that without her banishment, Esther would not have become queen. It is that she is the first to stand up for her self and her rights, as a woman and as a person entitled to dignity. Because in the end, that is what Purim is about, standing up in the face of wrong.

And now about Esther. [note: this is going to be greatly abbreviated] The King must choose a new Queen, and chooses Esther, who is Jewish, though the King does not know it. About the same time, Haman, the King's vizier (or some other high and lofty position) begins to craft a plan to kill the Jews, telling lies to the King about them and why they deserve to be killed. Haman begins building the gallows. Esther's cousin (or uncle, I never remember which) Mordechai hears of this plot and warns Esther. He tells her to go to the King to make him put an end to this. Esther is afraid to do this because if you go to the King without being sent for you can be put to death. But, Esther, realizing that the life of her people, and herself, is in her hands, decides to go anyway. And before doing so, to prepare herself, she fasts. I'm a little fuzzy on the next bit of the story, but Esther plans two banquets for the King and Haman and shows the King what an evil man Haman truly is and Haman is hung on the gallows he built for the Jews.

And so in celebration of all this, every year we retell the story, and each time Haman's name is read we drown out his name with shouts and noisemakers. And we dress up in costumes, and eat Hamantaschen (three cornered cookies with sweet filling meant to represent Haman's hat, or, in Israel, Haman's ears "oznei haman") and we put on Purim shpiels (plays) which usually involve a lot of cross-dressing and we get so drunk that we can't tell the difference between good and evil, Mordechai and Haman

And so it is in this election year that I am observing Esther's fast. It is oversimplification to say that the current is administration is evil. But I truly believe that they are causing great, monumental harms in ways that we don't yet even know. And we cannot rely on some supernatural being, whether it is God or Superman, to save us. We have it in our power to oust the President and to elect a good leader, one who will respect the rights of all our citizens and also the citizens of nations throughout the world.

Note about Kerry

Kudos to Kerry for winning the nomination. One of my readers has pointed out the juxtaposition of two of my previous posts, the one in which I defend Kerry as being more than Bush Lite and the other when I bash him for his hypocrisy on gay marriage. Kerry's move regarding same-sex marriage was hypocritical and cowardly and politically motivated. And for this reason I did not vote for him on Super Tuesday. However, he is the democratic nominee and as such has my full and complete support. Hell, I may even donate to his campaign. Even on the issue of same-sex marriage he is a far far cry from Bush. Kerry supports a state amendment and only if it includes civil unions which would grant rights to same sex couples. Bush is considering no such caveat. And he wants to do it on a Federal level. On all other issues, Kerry is a good choice. This will not be an election of the lesser of two evils. Kerry is a good man and a good senator and will help repair the damage caused by the Bush administration. He was not my first choice. He was not even my second choice. But now that he is the nominee, he is clearly the right choice. It's not even a close call.

An Open Letter About Emergency Contraception

As Bush and cronies attempt to erode a woman's right to choose, I thought this was a timely and important message. Though an FDA advisory committee has recommended making emergency contraception available over the counter, the FDA itself is delaying approval once again. Emergency Contraception over the counter is necessary so that women who've had unprotected sex would have ready access to a postcoital method that prevents pregnancy 89 percent of the time. What surprises me, but shouldn't, is that though emergency contraception prevents about 51,000 abortions a year (because it prevents the pregnancies themselves), the Right and the anti-choice groups are against it. Therefore, this isn't about the right to choose any more, really. It's about women's rights to control their bodies and their destinies. Oh, wait, that is what the right to choose is all about. It's clear that we must continue to speak out about our rights. Because first it's abortion, then it's emergency contraception... who knows, The Pill may be under attack next. No, I'm not trying to instill fear. But this president and his appointees are consistently being sneaking and underhanded in eroding all of our rights. We need to pay attention and continue to speak out.

Note: the facts/info I cite above are from this article by Katha Pollitt in The Nation.

Patriotic Duty Haiku

Edwards or Kerry?
Maybe Dennis Kucinich?
It's your choice, go vote!

Go Vote!

If you live in any of the following states, GO VOTE! I don't care if Kerry is leading in the polls, it's not over 'till it's over. And here's what's at stake:

Super States

States voting March 2 and the delegates at stake in each:
California: 370
Connecticut: 49
Georgia: 86
Maryland: 69
Massachusetts: 93
Minnesota: 72
New York: 236
Ohio: 140
Rhode Island: 21
Vermont: 15

Bliss and Bigotry

Bob Herbert says it all.

Fetal Rights?

Wow, it has just been a banner day, hasn't it? I found this particularly alarming. The House just passed a bill that would criminalize killing a fetus. That is, if someone, in committing violence against a pregnant woman kills a fetus in the process, that killing of the fetus would be a separate crime. It is no secret that this is just a back door way to attempt to overturn Roe v. Wade. The bill defines a fetus , or rather an "unborn child" as "a member of the species homo sapiens, at any stage of development, who is carried in the womb." Not that you needed another reason, but this just adds to the list of reasons why we should all go to The March for Women's Lives.

Hey, Kerry, you lost my vote!

Well the word is out that Kerry backs state ban on gay marriage. Though he was one of only 14 senators to oppose the Federal Defense of Marriage act, because he thought it was gay bashing, that line of reasoning is apparently out the window. Even an amendment that provides for civil unions would still enshrine discrimination into our state constitution by banning gay marriage. It would be an embarrassment and a smear on Massachusetts's long history of advancing freedom and equality. This is about far more than semantics and far more than "who gets to use the 'm' word." A civil union is likely effective only within this state's borders. It has no portability. It may not provide the many many rights that are federally funded but state administered and it certainly won't allow for a challenge to gain federal rights. I don't know if this is Kerry's true heartfelt belief or that this is political maneuvering. I am sure he's afraid of the label "liberal senator from Massachusetts." Well, he has clearly now proven that that label no longer applies. Shame on you, John.

Not Bush Lite

This is a good response to those Nader supporters and "Deaniacs" who seem convinced that Kerry (and Edwards) are simply Bush Lite. Granted, neither of them are as far left as I'd like them to be...but they are a far far cry from the ultra-right-wing person occupying the Oval office. If you want to criticize the current viable Dems, fine, then do so. Tell them to push their agendas. Tell them what they need to do to get your vote. But to simply call them Bush Lite is cowardly and irresponsible.

Bush's Ban

Bush urges ban on gay marriage

George W. Bush
do not protect my marriage,
try protecting rights.

While you are at it
give thanks for your job to those
activist judges.

The Weather

February rain
in L.A. is the tax paid
on months of sunshine

Commuting

The Silver Line joke:
a silver bus ain't a train
it's a bumpy ride

The City by the Bay

In San Francisco
beautiful weddings of love
and long denied rights.

The Independent

Ralph Nader's ego
has grown too large. But, don't fear.
We'll still evict Bush.

Duh!

I'm so glad someone finally figured this out! Really? The Silver Line is not the be-all and end-all of modern transportation? I'm shocked! First of all, it is not a "line." It is a BUS! The red, orange, blue, even green, lines are lines, they are trains and street cars on dedicated tracks. The Silver Line is not. No wonder it can't measure up.

Apartment Haiku(s)

Gorgeous apartment
two bedrooms, hardwood floors, porch,
Cambridge, Central Square

Vacant April 1st
laundry in building, great street
close to Inman Square

Windows, light, backyard,
one-thousand square feet, any
takers? Contact me.

Liberal Haiku

Dennis Kucinich
I like your politics, too
bad more don't lean left

Haiku of 2 Johns

Kerry with your chin
can you take us to the top?
or will the "shrub" win?

Edwards, your verbal
flair has promise, but can
you get young George out?

Political doubt Haiku

Kerry or Edwards
to be or not to be our
president. Who knows?

Political Haiku

Goodbye Howard Dean
Where'd you spend that forty mil?
Wasted donations.

Food Haiku

Call me Eeyore: thistles,*
also known as artichokes,
are delicious. Yum.

* yes, I know that line has six syllables instead of five. poetic license?

Baseball

So, it seems the evil empire has signed A-Rod. What exactly does this mean? Are they dumping Jeter? And, why didn't these negotiations ever hit the rumor mill? I mean, when the Red Sox were negoitating it was all over the news. And now we don't hear about it until he signs? Well, I for one am happy to cheer on Nomar. Go Red Sox!

Hours of Fun!

This will give you hours of unrestrained hilarity! It's the"Dishonest Dubya Lying Action Figure." Be the first on your block to own one! Be the envy of friends and neighbors! Piss off republicans everywhere you go!

Of Whales, Water and Wine

Whales and Water: Last night, finally, I watched Whale Rider. It was a wonderful, beautiful film on more than one level, which, of course, the best movies are. It was set (and filmed) in a small Maori community in eastern New Zealand on the coast. The scenery was stunning, both land and sea. The story, too, was beautiful and spare and simply told and the acting seemed filled with honesty and integrity. Perhaps this was in part the young girl around whom the movie was centered, one who had not acted before. The emotions her character went through were visible on her face, as was true with the rest of the more veteran actors. And last night I slept soundly and dreamt of the ocean... and of whales, whose surprisingly graceful images were an integral part of the film.


Water and Wine: I have been meaning to write for sometime about Cork Boat, by John Pollack. In his book, John tells the story of a childhood dream fulfilled: to build a boat entirely of wine corks. He tells his story well, and you are compelled to keep reading to find out not only how he accomplished his boat building feat, but also, what came next. It is a book that is filled with humor, good spirit, adventure, ingenuity, tenacity, a hint of politics, memory, poignancy, family and a journey. I highly recommend it.

Mixed bag

So, last night on my way home I stopped at the video store and rented:
-The Avengers, 1967, volume 1
-Midnight Cowboy
-Whale Rider

I then went to the grocery store and bought:
-4 packages of tofu
-an 8 pack of snack size yogurt
-an artichoke
-a pound of red meat

I feel like all these items should be in that scene on Sesame Street in which they would sing "One of these things is not like the other...."

Did you write the book of love?

did you write the patriot act,
and do you have faith in un's pact?
if dick cheney tells you "no."
do you believe in awol bush,
and should we save some arab tush,
and can you teach me how to snub nato?

well i know destruction could be mass
unless we kick iraqi ass,
we bombed them in basra.
i dig that shock and awe!
we left poor mosul in a pinch,
but israel thinks we're a mensch,
while we were saving private lynch
the day the statue died.

i started singing
bye bye you iraqi bad guy
drove my hummer through the summer
but the bummer won't die
and rummy's boys drinkin' whiskey and rye
sayin' this'll be the day saddam dies
this'll be the day saddam dies.

--Weird Al

break over

and it's back to politics. the massachusetts constitutional convention defeated finneran's constitutional ammendment by a hair. they are now debating traviglini's. for updates, go to www.boston.com. and if your senator/representative voted the right way, thank her/him. and if your senator/representative voted the wrong chastise him/her.

Work Haiku

hum from computer
numbing glare of fluorescent
light drains energy

haiku caveat

note: i'm new to the haiku (unless you count my attempts in the fourth grade in Mrs. Campeau's class) so, just playing around here... and taking a break from politics...

Winter Haiku2

buried 'neath blankets
furnace rumbles into night
long for chirping birds

Winter Haiku

melted snow seeps in
warm toes now chilled -- leaky shoes
so tired of puddles

Legal News from MA

Gays Have Full Marriage Rights, Massachusetts Court Says At last the SJC has confirmed that it meant what it said. Hurrah!

Judy, Judy, Judy

I thought this was another good piece on the "issue" of Judy Steinberg Dean. Judy, Judy, Judy

On Judy Steinberg Dean

I thought that this was the best article I've read so far on Judy Steinberg Dean. Short and to the point. I was so angered by both pieces in the NYTimes recendly (by Jodi Wilgoren and Maureen Dowd) that I could not string together two coherent words. So, thank you to Rebecca Traister for an intelligent article on the woman. And, if you live in NH, Go Dean!

Salon.com News | Mich. city rethinks beard requirement

Salon.com News | Mich. city rethinks beard requirement Yes, I have many more important things to write about. And I will, someday. But this headline was just too good to pass up. Besides, it's from my home state.