When I heard that his Royal Highness, Prince Harry was headed to NYC, I cringed inwardly.
In light of his racist comments earlier this year, vis-a-vis some of his fellow officers in the British Army, I had lost respect for him. I figured he would come to America, behave badly and return home.
Apparently, he has learned a lot this year and is a kinder, gentler representative of the Crown of England and its Royal Family.
He came to Harlem Children's Zone and a couple of other places to mingle with common people. Indeed, entrance to his gathering was free, but celebrities were able to pay from $500 a head, to $50,000 a table to be in the presence of His Royal Highness. He played polo, went to Ground Zero and visted the Air and Museum.
Here is the link to the story: http://news.aol.com/article/prince-harry-new-york/502542?icid=mainmaindl1link7http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fprince-harry-new-york%2F502542
His mother would be proud of his efforts this week.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
First couple's NY date - a campaign promise kept
The President and First Lady were out on the town in my favorite city last evening. I too was on the town, but not with them. I was at the Metropolitan Museum, where Michelle Obama had been recently. I don't travel in those circles, but I must admit - I am more likely to frequent a place if I know that it has been visited by this amazing power couple. They have excellent taste in restaurants and culture. They took in a meal in the Village and a play, like many other couples all across America do over the weekend.
There is some consternation from the powers that be at the Republican Party over what this must have cost the taxpayers. Perhaps they forget that President Bush went home to Crawford, Texas, his ranch and sanctuary any chance he got - the Obama's by contrast - have returned to Chicago once since the inauguration. Many couples from NYC and DC go back and forth to enjoy a weekend in the other city respectively.
Read the story and let me know what you think: http://news.aol.com/article/first-couples-ny-date-a-campaign-promise/505101
There is some consternation from the powers that be at the Republican Party over what this must have cost the taxpayers. Perhaps they forget that President Bush went home to Crawford, Texas, his ranch and sanctuary any chance he got - the Obama's by contrast - have returned to Chicago once since the inauguration. Many couples from NYC and DC go back and forth to enjoy a weekend in the other city respectively.
Read the story and let me know what you think: http://news.aol.com/article/first-couples-ny-date-a-campaign-promise/505101
Paying it forward
I am blessed with amazing people in my life. The person who has impacted me the most has been my mother, Maxine. She is amazing, strong, fearless, indomitable with a remarkable spirit of love, kindness and generosity.
My mother raised me and my 4 sisters practically singlehandedly after being abandoned by her abusive husband. She came to America to start a new life some 20 years ago and has become a citizen, productive in society, works hard to provide a living and continues to give back.
She gives her unneeded items to Big Brothers and Sisters - she donates monies to her church. She gives monies to orphans in Africa. She serves on her local church vestry and is anxiously engaged.
I love my mother for the amazing woman she is - she has overcome much in order to be the woman who she is. She is my idol.
My mother raised me and my 4 sisters practically singlehandedly after being abandoned by her abusive husband. She came to America to start a new life some 20 years ago and has become a citizen, productive in society, works hard to provide a living and continues to give back.
She gives her unneeded items to Big Brothers and Sisters - she donates monies to her church. She gives monies to orphans in Africa. She serves on her local church vestry and is anxiously engaged.
I love my mother for the amazing woman she is - she has overcome much in order to be the woman who she is. She is my idol.
The Last Jews in Libya and Sonia Sotomayor - from One Utah's blog
http://oneutah.org/2009/05/30/the-last-jews-in-libya-and-sonia-sotomayor/
Here is the link from this thought-provoking story that I just read.
Sonia Sotomayor is a remarkable woman. We have all heard of how she overcame tremendous adversity to become the judge she is today. I am thrilled to think that someone with a compelling life story, such as hers, will have the opportunity to serve the American public. Even Senator Hatch of Utah is anxious to hear her story and listen to the confirmation hearings. He has, I should point out, never denied succession to a presidential appointee to the bench of the Supreme Court.
Ms. Sotomayor's unique life experiences will serve her well as she hears cases from the bench, just as she has heard them in her present capacity.
I am excited about the appointment - Ms. Sotomayor's qualification is unquestionable - that she is a woman and a Latina is icing on the cake.
Here is the link from this thought-provoking story that I just read.
Sonia Sotomayor is a remarkable woman. We have all heard of how she overcame tremendous adversity to become the judge she is today. I am thrilled to think that someone with a compelling life story, such as hers, will have the opportunity to serve the American public. Even Senator Hatch of Utah is anxious to hear her story and listen to the confirmation hearings. He has, I should point out, never denied succession to a presidential appointee to the bench of the Supreme Court.
Ms. Sotomayor's unique life experiences will serve her well as she hears cases from the bench, just as she has heard them in her present capacity.
I am excited about the appointment - Ms. Sotomayor's qualification is unquestionable - that she is a woman and a Latina is icing on the cake.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Taxicabs and their unrighteous dominion
I just Skyped with my best friend and youngest sister in Senegal. She is based there with the UN for an assignment longterm.
We just chuckled while sharing experiences with taxi drivers. In her case, as a non-Senegalese, living there, she gets charged the "tourist" price whenever she needs to get to the airport for one of her frequent UN-related trips. She immediately explains in her perfect French that she does not wish to pay that exhorbitant price. Then the negotiation begins - ahhh - Madame, that was not the price, let's negotiate - she then argues that they should not have tried to charge her so much in the first place - and so it goes.
In my case, when I have occasion to take the subway from the city to Woodlawn in the Bronx, I am met by a barrage of "taxi, taxi, miss, casino, casino, only $2." I am not a casino goer and my fare to Hartsdale is about $50 from that particular location. I don't feel the need to share this information with them, but they always want to know where I am going. I am approached each time by every taxi driver at the stand as to my destination - talk about feeling harrassed.
Why do I share this experience? We both experience harrassment/unrighteous dominion and annoying behavior on the part of the taxi cab drivers. On two continents, worlds apart, two strong and independent women experience regular harrassment. What is wrong with this picture?
I am going to write a letter to the Mayor of NYC and complain about the taxi drivers this week - I have had it - I suspect my sister has had it too!
We just chuckled while sharing experiences with taxi drivers. In her case, as a non-Senegalese, living there, she gets charged the "tourist" price whenever she needs to get to the airport for one of her frequent UN-related trips. She immediately explains in her perfect French that she does not wish to pay that exhorbitant price. Then the negotiation begins - ahhh - Madame, that was not the price, let's negotiate - she then argues that they should not have tried to charge her so much in the first place - and so it goes.
In my case, when I have occasion to take the subway from the city to Woodlawn in the Bronx, I am met by a barrage of "taxi, taxi, miss, casino, casino, only $2." I am not a casino goer and my fare to Hartsdale is about $50 from that particular location. I don't feel the need to share this information with them, but they always want to know where I am going. I am approached each time by every taxi driver at the stand as to my destination - talk about feeling harrassed.
Why do I share this experience? We both experience harrassment/unrighteous dominion and annoying behavior on the part of the taxi cab drivers. On two continents, worlds apart, two strong and independent women experience regular harrassment. What is wrong with this picture?
I am going to write a letter to the Mayor of NYC and complain about the taxi drivers this week - I have had it - I suspect my sister has had it too!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Black cop killed by white officer in Harlem
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/05/28/2009-05-28_black_cop_killed_by_white_officer.html
The story broke overnight and I am listening to reports of it on CBS News' Early Show here in NY. What a sad, sad day for Harlem, Brooklyn, where the officer lived, and New York as a whole. Too often we hear of our brothers being shot while undercover or off duty by their white comrades. Too often we see that an inquest is held and the perpetrator - yes - perpetrator - is exonerated. It is enough that our black men are imprisoned fairly and unfairly by a system that is designed to hold them down or back. In the case of officer Edwards, he was a rookie and had just finished his shift. He walked a few blocks to his car and there it happened. He saw someone breaking into a car and began to try to apprehend the individual. Another police officer happened on the scene and allegedly yelled at Edwards: "Police, Stop, Drop it!" - Shots were fired and one hit Edwards in the arm, the other in the chest, wounding him fatally.
Here is a quote from his father: "If a police officer sees someone with a gun, you don't just fire without asking questions or trying to apprehend the person," said Ricardo Edwards, 72. "If the person was firing at a police officer, I understand."
I have spoken before of the training needed at all levels and in all police departments, based on my work with the Salt Lake City corporation community action teams, where I worked frequently with police officers. Their mentality is to shoot first and ask questions later. A black officer should not have to worry about being mistaken for a perpetrator of a crime whether on or off duty.
Thankfully, the amazing Mayor Bloomberg came out in the wee hours of the morning to make a public statement to the family, as he should in such times as these. This will be of little comfort to Edwards' wife and two small children who will have to struggle to maintain their equilibrium as their father and husband has violently been taken from them, even as he tried to keep the violence in New York City at a minimum.
I pray that the powers that be will hold an inquest and that the truth will come out - this looks at the outset to be a case of racial profiling - yet again - thanks New York's finest. This is a sad day for New York indeed - sad indeed.
The story broke overnight and I am listening to reports of it on CBS News' Early Show here in NY. What a sad, sad day for Harlem, Brooklyn, where the officer lived, and New York as a whole. Too often we hear of our brothers being shot while undercover or off duty by their white comrades. Too often we see that an inquest is held and the perpetrator - yes - perpetrator - is exonerated. It is enough that our black men are imprisoned fairly and unfairly by a system that is designed to hold them down or back. In the case of officer Edwards, he was a rookie and had just finished his shift. He walked a few blocks to his car and there it happened. He saw someone breaking into a car and began to try to apprehend the individual. Another police officer happened on the scene and allegedly yelled at Edwards: "Police, Stop, Drop it!" - Shots were fired and one hit Edwards in the arm, the other in the chest, wounding him fatally.
Here is a quote from his father: "If a police officer sees someone with a gun, you don't just fire without asking questions or trying to apprehend the person," said Ricardo Edwards, 72. "If the person was firing at a police officer, I understand."
I have spoken before of the training needed at all levels and in all police departments, based on my work with the Salt Lake City corporation community action teams, where I worked frequently with police officers. Their mentality is to shoot first and ask questions later. A black officer should not have to worry about being mistaken for a perpetrator of a crime whether on or off duty.
Thankfully, the amazing Mayor Bloomberg came out in the wee hours of the morning to make a public statement to the family, as he should in such times as these. This will be of little comfort to Edwards' wife and two small children who will have to struggle to maintain their equilibrium as their father and husband has violently been taken from them, even as he tried to keep the violence in New York City at a minimum.
I pray that the powers that be will hold an inquest and that the truth will come out - this looks at the outset to be a case of racial profiling - yet again - thanks New York's finest. This is a sad day for New York indeed - sad indeed.
Gay male voted Prom Queen in LA
Wow!
What a victory for allies of the GLBT community. I just found this story posted on AOL. In a week where 18,000 California families have been "allowed" to stay married, and others have been told to stand at the back of the line, in a week where the first ever Latina is nominated to be the next Supreme Court Justice, in a week where yet another Catholic Priest has left that church in order to join the Episcopal Church, an open and welcoming and affirming church, we have a gay prom queen.
Those of you who have been watching the fallout and controversy over the American Idol final know exactly what I am speaking about. Here is an excerpt from the story:
LOS ANGELES (May 28) -- "An openly gay teen was voted prom queen at Los Angeles' Fairfax High School in a campaign that began as a stunt but ended up spurring discussion on the campus about gender roles and teen popularity.
Sergio Garcia, 18, was crowned queen Saturday night at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
"I feel invincible," Garcia said in his tiara and charcoal-gray tuxedo.
That we are having a nationwide discussion about gender roles in our country is a huge step forward for our community."
Here is the story: http://news.aol.com/article/gay-male-teen-prom-queen/502830
What a victory for allies of the GLBT community. I just found this story posted on AOL. In a week where 18,000 California families have been "allowed" to stay married, and others have been told to stand at the back of the line, in a week where the first ever Latina is nominated to be the next Supreme Court Justice, in a week where yet another Catholic Priest has left that church in order to join the Episcopal Church, an open and welcoming and affirming church, we have a gay prom queen.
Those of you who have been watching the fallout and controversy over the American Idol final know exactly what I am speaking about. Here is an excerpt from the story:
LOS ANGELES (May 28) -- "An openly gay teen was voted prom queen at Los Angeles' Fairfax High School in a campaign that began as a stunt but ended up spurring discussion on the campus about gender roles and teen popularity.
Sergio Garcia, 18, was crowned queen Saturday night at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
"I feel invincible," Garcia said in his tiara and charcoal-gray tuxedo.
That we are having a nationwide discussion about gender roles in our country is a huge step forward for our community."
Here is the story: http://news.aol.com/article/gay-male-teen-prom-queen/502830
GM bankruptcy still likely despite deal
We have been hearing about it for months - THE auto giant, GM is on the brink of bankruptcy. The bells are sounding, alarms are going off and one would think that the sky is falling.
Bankruptcy protection is something that can be a good thing - indeed, if the guidelines are closely adhered to, a person or corporation can emerge stronger and more efficient as a result of having filed. In the case of GM, things are more complicated because of the sheer size of the company, and the fact that the government is going to have to step in and handle some of the day to day running of the company, along with perhaps having to step in again financially and give them a boost. In the case of such states as California and New York, and even GM, bankruptcy would be a good thing, in that accountability would be forced.
Here is the story posted on CNN money today: http://sprint.cnnmoney.mlogic.mobi/money/lt_ne/lt_ne/detail/148782
Bankruptcy protection is something that can be a good thing - indeed, if the guidelines are closely adhered to, a person or corporation can emerge stronger and more efficient as a result of having filed. In the case of GM, things are more complicated because of the sheer size of the company, and the fact that the government is going to have to step in and handle some of the day to day running of the company, along with perhaps having to step in again financially and give them a boost. In the case of such states as California and New York, and even GM, bankruptcy would be a good thing, in that accountability would be forced.
Here is the story posted on CNN money today: http://sprint.cnnmoney.mlogic.mobi/money/lt_ne/lt_ne/detail/148782
US Officials headed to Asia for "intensive" talks on North Korea
President Obama chose former Senator Joe Biden for his skill and diplomacy vis-a-vis foreign policy - he chose former Senator Hillary Clinton for her intellect, skill and diplomacy. The time has come for a showdown on North Korea and these 3 individuals will be key in deciding what happens.
I must admit, I am worried about the situation - it is potentially dangerous, though Gates does not seem to think we need to deploy additional troops there.
Let us all hope and pray that a resolution can be found - extreme sanctions need to be imposed to limit the funds that Korea has at their disposal.
Here is the article as posted on CNN mobile: http://sprint.cnn.mlogic.mobi/cnn/ne/world/detail/311750
I must admit, I am worried about the situation - it is potentially dangerous, though Gates does not seem to think we need to deploy additional troops there.
Let us all hope and pray that a resolution can be found - extreme sanctions need to be imposed to limit the funds that Korea has at their disposal.
Here is the article as posted on CNN mobile: http://sprint.cnn.mlogic.mobi/cnn/ne/world/detail/311750
Bush defends interrogation program in Michigan speech
Former President Bush has been conspicuously absent and indeed silent of late. Particularly in light of the overexposure of his former 2nd in command, Cheney. It would appear that in preparation for the release of his new book, the former President is breaking his silence on tortute. He recently spoke at The Economic Club of Southwest Michigan - I lived in Michigan for 5 years - a Republican stronghold, for sure, but an economic club????? The stage was cleverly set, a Q&A without prescreened questions, but no unpredictable college students in the crowd, it appears.
It is time to restore the rule of law and discontinue waterboarding and other detrimental forms of tortute. I am inclined to agree with President Obama that perhaps we could get the same results with a different approach.
I continue to have respect for former President Bush, as he has maintained a level of gentlemanlike conduct and does not wish to speak ill of Obama. He is still in my mind, a good and decent person. He just picked the wrong people to trust - e.g. Cheney, Rumsfeld et al.....
Here is the link to the story - you be the judge: http://sprint.cnn.mlogic.mobi/cnn/lt_ne/lt_ne/detail/311787
It is time to restore the rule of law and discontinue waterboarding and other detrimental forms of tortute. I am inclined to agree with President Obama that perhaps we could get the same results with a different approach.
I continue to have respect for former President Bush, as he has maintained a level of gentlemanlike conduct and does not wish to speak ill of Obama. He is still in my mind, a good and decent person. He just picked the wrong people to trust - e.g. Cheney, Rumsfeld et al.....
Here is the link to the story - you be the judge: http://sprint.cnn.mlogic.mobi/cnn/lt_ne/lt_ne/detail/311787
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Father Oprah Episcopal
I wrote earlier this month about the struggle of Father Cutie of Florida. He is in love with a woman and yet at the same time, a Roman Catholic Priest. Pictures surfaced of the two of them frolicking on a beach together, clearly a couple in love.
He took a step back and time to regroup and think about what he wanted to do with his life. He indicated that he had long struggled with celibacy and needed to speak with his priest about the situation.
Today the news came that he has decided to join the Episcopal church - what a huge blessing. Earlier this month in the post, I wrote of my own Father Joe, a former celibate Catholic Priest who left the priesthood after finding a woman he fell in love with.
Father Cutie has my prayers as he makes this transition - he will likely continue to be an excellent priest, just in another fashion.
Here is the link to the story that broke only minutes ago. It is surely a day for celebration: http://news.aol.com/article/father-oprah-episcopal/474500?icid=mainmaindl1link4http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Ffather-oprah-episcopal%2F474500
He took a step back and time to regroup and think about what he wanted to do with his life. He indicated that he had long struggled with celibacy and needed to speak with his priest about the situation.
Today the news came that he has decided to join the Episcopal church - what a huge blessing. Earlier this month in the post, I wrote of my own Father Joe, a former celibate Catholic Priest who left the priesthood after finding a woman he fell in love with.
Father Cutie has my prayers as he makes this transition - he will likely continue to be an excellent priest, just in another fashion.
Here is the link to the story that broke only minutes ago. It is surely a day for celebration: http://news.aol.com/article/father-oprah-episcopal/474500?icid=mainmaindl1link4http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Ffather-oprah-episcopal%2F474500
81st wedding anniversary
This story posted on GNN about a British couple celebrating - gasp - 81 years together.
I love reading about strong couples who are committed to staying together in spite of not always getting along. A good marriage requires yin and yang - give and take - ebb and flow - not always agreeing, always saying sorry and a myriad of other things.
Read this article and feel good:
http://www.gnn.com/article/81st-wedding-anniversary/501243?icid=mainmaindl1link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gnn.com%2Farticle%2F81st-wedding-anniversary%2F501243
I love reading about strong couples who are committed to staying together in spite of not always getting along. A good marriage requires yin and yang - give and take - ebb and flow - not always agreeing, always saying sorry and a myriad of other things.
Read this article and feel good:
http://www.gnn.com/article/81st-wedding-anniversary/501243?icid=mainmaindl1link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gnn.com%2Farticle%2F81st-wedding-anniversary%2F501243
MoveOn's Top 10 Things about Judge Sotomayor
I was thrilled to hear of Obama's choice for the next Supreme Court justice. I was hoping for a fair-minded person, one with real-world experience, the best person for the job - to have all that and it be a woman and a Latina - wow and wow again!
MoveOn.org has long been the champion of all things left of center. While Judge Sotomayor can hardly be called liberal, she is definitely not conservative and appears to have a social justice approach to her rulings. I am sharing their list of 10 things to know about Ms. Sotomayor at the end of this post.
As a native New Yorker, I am particularly excited to see that Ms. Sotomayor was raised in the Bronx by a single mum - I know a little about this - she is also from Puerto Rico, one of our top allies and defied the odds being raised in the "projects" to propel herself to Princeton and later went on to write the Law journal at Yale.
I share this list of top 10 things to know about her so that you can speak intelligently with your friends on both sides of the aisle about this remarkable choice of a nominee.
She has my vote, and I love the fact that she was appointed by GW Bush Junior and ratified by his people - gotta love that irony. They liked her then and are trying not to like her now.
http://www.zimbio.com/Sonia+Sotomayor+on+Abortion/articles/8/Moveon+Top+Ten+Things+Judge+Sotomayor?Success=Your+email+was+sent.
MoveOn.org has long been the champion of all things left of center. While Judge Sotomayor can hardly be called liberal, she is definitely not conservative and appears to have a social justice approach to her rulings. I am sharing their list of 10 things to know about Ms. Sotomayor at the end of this post.
As a native New Yorker, I am particularly excited to see that Ms. Sotomayor was raised in the Bronx by a single mum - I know a little about this - she is also from Puerto Rico, one of our top allies and defied the odds being raised in the "projects" to propel herself to Princeton and later went on to write the Law journal at Yale.
I share this list of top 10 things to know about her so that you can speak intelligently with your friends on both sides of the aisle about this remarkable choice of a nominee.
She has my vote, and I love the fact that she was appointed by GW Bush Junior and ratified by his people - gotta love that irony. They liked her then and are trying not to like her now.
http://www.zimbio.com/Sonia+Sotomayor+on+Abortion/articles/8/Moveon+Top+Ten+Things+Judge+Sotomayor?Success=Your+email+was+sent.
Don't ask, don't tell - or "Tell somebody, if you're thinking of suicide"
No, I am not talking about sexual orientation, though you would be right in assuming same.
In this post, I am going to address the insanity that is taking place all over the US military, particularly in recent months at Fort Campbell, KY. Suicide, ladies and gentlemen. It seems that 11 soldiers have committed suicide since January at that army base - the highest in the army - that is an average of 2 a month - this is insane, folks. We have a huge problem.
True to form, the army had the general and commander of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell address his troops. Was the tone warm and fuzzy, accepting and consoling? Hell no! He ORDERED them to cease and desist. I quote: "If you don't remember anything else I say in the next five or 10 minutes, remember this -- suicidal behavior in the 101st on Fort Campbell is bad," Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend told his forces. "It's bad for soldiers, it's bad for families, bad for your units, bad for this division and our army and our country and it's got to stop now. Suicides on Fort Campbell have to stop now."
My regular readers will recall my posts from earlier this year addressing this issue along with PTSD and how the military refuses to adequately address this problem within their ranks. To simply tell soldiers to stop killing themselves in an authoritarian tone is not going to solve the problem.
I was a military wife in another lifetime and also struggle with depression. I vividly recall my first overdose attempt - I was a new mother, and overwhelmed with the stress of living in yet another new place, away from family and friends - my husband at the time was facing a court martial and I felt so desperately alone. I took an untold number of pills and went to bed. I woke later, sad to be alive, and at the same time, grateful to have one friend whom I could call. The military doctors I saw did no follow up - they pumped my stomach, patched me up, put me on some anti depressants and essentially told me to live with it! Ouch!
I do not share this story to achieve pity, but rather to illustrate what happens when one is driven to desperate measures. Those serving in the military, those who are the uniform wearers and the unofficial military members - their job is increasingly difficult - the enemy is real - in some cases, at least in the case of this war - the enemy has been their lying government. VA hospitals continue to be woefully underfunded.
If a soldier admits to having a problem with mental health issues, he might be relieved of duty - that is, taken off assignment, relieved of his weapons - remember the recent shooting of 5 in Iraq by the soldier who had recently been relieved of his weapon? - shipped back to the US and any other number of unacceptable consequences might befall him or her.
Please read this article in its entirety and then call your congressperson - let them know that you support the troops but are concerned that they are stretched beyond their breaking points. We cannot simply continue to sweep the issue of mental illness under the rug - that elephant will not stay under the rug anymore - it is too damn visible - the carcass is rotting and the flies are swarming.
http://sprint.cnn.mlogic.mobi/cnn/ne/us/detail/311007
In this post, I am going to address the insanity that is taking place all over the US military, particularly in recent months at Fort Campbell, KY. Suicide, ladies and gentlemen. It seems that 11 soldiers have committed suicide since January at that army base - the highest in the army - that is an average of 2 a month - this is insane, folks. We have a huge problem.
True to form, the army had the general and commander of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell address his troops. Was the tone warm and fuzzy, accepting and consoling? Hell no! He ORDERED them to cease and desist. I quote: "If you don't remember anything else I say in the next five or 10 minutes, remember this -- suicidal behavior in the 101st on Fort Campbell is bad," Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend told his forces. "It's bad for soldiers, it's bad for families, bad for your units, bad for this division and our army and our country and it's got to stop now. Suicides on Fort Campbell have to stop now."
My regular readers will recall my posts from earlier this year addressing this issue along with PTSD and how the military refuses to adequately address this problem within their ranks. To simply tell soldiers to stop killing themselves in an authoritarian tone is not going to solve the problem.
I was a military wife in another lifetime and also struggle with depression. I vividly recall my first overdose attempt - I was a new mother, and overwhelmed with the stress of living in yet another new place, away from family and friends - my husband at the time was facing a court martial and I felt so desperately alone. I took an untold number of pills and went to bed. I woke later, sad to be alive, and at the same time, grateful to have one friend whom I could call. The military doctors I saw did no follow up - they pumped my stomach, patched me up, put me on some anti depressants and essentially told me to live with it! Ouch!
I do not share this story to achieve pity, but rather to illustrate what happens when one is driven to desperate measures. Those serving in the military, those who are the uniform wearers and the unofficial military members - their job is increasingly difficult - the enemy is real - in some cases, at least in the case of this war - the enemy has been their lying government. VA hospitals continue to be woefully underfunded.
If a soldier admits to having a problem with mental health issues, he might be relieved of duty - that is, taken off assignment, relieved of his weapons - remember the recent shooting of 5 in Iraq by the soldier who had recently been relieved of his weapon? - shipped back to the US and any other number of unacceptable consequences might befall him or her.
Please read this article in its entirety and then call your congressperson - let them know that you support the troops but are concerned that they are stretched beyond their breaking points. We cannot simply continue to sweep the issue of mental illness under the rug - that elephant will not stay under the rug anymore - it is too damn visible - the carcass is rotting and the flies are swarming.
http://sprint.cnn.mlogic.mobi/cnn/ne/us/detail/311007
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Scenarios: Which US States might legalize gay marriage next
After yesterday's crushing defeat, I have had time to regroup and believe that we allies will come back stronger than ever to a victory on Proposition 8 - we will take this back to the voters and do amazing grassroots advocacy and outreach and be sure that anyone who has an interest in equality and civil rights, clearly understand what this issue is about - fairness, equality and civil rights.
I am not generally given to the use of cursing when writing, but on this issue, my blood boils. Those ultra conservatives who have taken the gay marriage issue and turned it into a media circus and an issue about morals have hijacked the cause for which we allies are so desperately fighting. In my own version of a couple of quotes heard on this debate: "Focus on your own damn family, and I will stay the hell out of your church!"
This is not about my wanting to marry a woman of my choosing in your church - I am straight, after all - it is about my wanting to marry a woman of my choosing in a city hall, park, any venue, but by a minister who believes in being open and affirming, if I so choose, by a justice of the peace or anyone else who is recognized as being capable of performing the ordinance of marriage.
This is about fairness, equality, civil rights and doing what is right for the people of the great state of California and any other state in the Union that chooses to extend gay marriage.
The fight is far from over - and this article that posted on Reuters late last afternoon proves it - provocative reading for sure.
http://mobile.reuters.com/mobile/m/FullArticle/p.spr/CPOL/npoliticsNews_uUSTRE54P69220090526?p=1
I am not generally given to the use of cursing when writing, but on this issue, my blood boils. Those ultra conservatives who have taken the gay marriage issue and turned it into a media circus and an issue about morals have hijacked the cause for which we allies are so desperately fighting. In my own version of a couple of quotes heard on this debate: "Focus on your own damn family, and I will stay the hell out of your church!"
This is not about my wanting to marry a woman of my choosing in your church - I am straight, after all - it is about my wanting to marry a woman of my choosing in a city hall, park, any venue, but by a minister who believes in being open and affirming, if I so choose, by a justice of the peace or anyone else who is recognized as being capable of performing the ordinance of marriage.
This is about fairness, equality, civil rights and doing what is right for the people of the great state of California and any other state in the Union that chooses to extend gay marriage.
The fight is far from over - and this article that posted on Reuters late last afternoon proves it - provocative reading for sure.
http://mobile.reuters.com/mobile/m/FullArticle/p.spr/CPOL/npoliticsNews_uUSTRE54P69220090526?p=1
Former NYPD commissioner Kerik indicted
http://sprint.cnn.mlogic.mobi/cnn/ne/politics/detail/310271
I admit, I had a touch of Schadenfreude when reading this post that appeared late last night on CNN mobile.
Mr. Kerik had been tapped by former President Bush to be head of Homeland Security. Unfortunately, he had some nebulous dealings with a contractor to the tune of some $200,000+ in renovations to an apartment he owned in Riverdale, an upscale area in New York's Bronx bourough. He wanted to allegedly receive favoritism from the contractors in exchange for work to be performed on the dime of NYC taxpayers.
This story is disturbing on many levels. Only yesterday, I spoke with a friend of the mentality (in general, and in my personal and professional dealings with them) of police officers - give a person a gun and a badge and that person will quickly become used to getting immediate gratification, whether from a suspect in a crime, a subordinate, a family member or, in this case, a city contractor.
There is a reason why certain personalities are drawn to the law enforcement professional. I actually had a NYC police officer try to persuade me to date him because I "owed it to him" since he puts his life on the line to "protect me". As if!
As long as issues continue to arise vis-a-vis police brutality with the advent of mobile phone cameras, Rodney King incidents will become more accessible and deliverable to the general public via mass media and I will continue to distrust police officers in general - I like them, but I don't have to date them!
The jury is out on the personality and integrity of Kerik.
I admit, I had a touch of Schadenfreude when reading this post that appeared late last night on CNN mobile.
Mr. Kerik had been tapped by former President Bush to be head of Homeland Security. Unfortunately, he had some nebulous dealings with a contractor to the tune of some $200,000+ in renovations to an apartment he owned in Riverdale, an upscale area in New York's Bronx bourough. He wanted to allegedly receive favoritism from the contractors in exchange for work to be performed on the dime of NYC taxpayers.
This story is disturbing on many levels. Only yesterday, I spoke with a friend of the mentality (in general, and in my personal and professional dealings with them) of police officers - give a person a gun and a badge and that person will quickly become used to getting immediate gratification, whether from a suspect in a crime, a subordinate, a family member or, in this case, a city contractor.
There is a reason why certain personalities are drawn to the law enforcement professional. I actually had a NYC police officer try to persuade me to date him because I "owed it to him" since he puts his life on the line to "protect me". As if!
As long as issues continue to arise vis-a-vis police brutality with the advent of mobile phone cameras, Rodney King incidents will become more accessible and deliverable to the general public via mass media and I will continue to distrust police officers in general - I like them, but I don't have to date them!
The jury is out on the personality and integrity of Kerik.
Pfizer announces free medicines program (for recently unemployed individuals)
Pfizer announces free medicines program
Pfizer Launches Free Medicines Program For Newly Unemployed Americans - - - Employees Inspire Plan to Help People Continue Pfizer Therapy During Unprecedented Economic Times
NEW YORK, NY May 14 -- Pfizer Inc announced today that it will launch an innovative program to help eligible unemployed Americans and their families who have lost their health insurance maintain access to their Pfizer medicines for free. The inspiration for the new program, called MAINTAIN™ (Medicines Assistance for Those who Are in Need), was generated by Pfizer employees who were witnessing friends, family and neighbors struggle to make ends meet after losing their jobs.
“We all know people who have been laid off recently and have lost their health insurance, making it difficult for them to pay for health care,” said Dr. Jorge Puente, Pfizer’s regional president of Worldwide Pharmaceuticals, a leading champion of the initiative. “We thought there must be some way we could help recently unemployed people who are taking Pfizer medicines to continue treatment during these challenging economic times.” The program, which applies regardless of prior family income, will be open for enrollment through December 31, 2009 and applies to eligible Americans who have become unemployed since January 1, 2009. It is designed to help recently unemployed Americans.
Pfizer Launches Free Medicines Program For Newly Unemployed Americans - - - Employees Inspire Plan to Help People Continue Pfizer Therapy During Unprecedented Economic Times
NEW YORK, NY May 14 -- Pfizer Inc announced today that it will launch an innovative program to help eligible unemployed Americans and their families who have lost their health insurance maintain access to their Pfizer medicines for free. The inspiration for the new program, called MAINTAIN™ (Medicines Assistance for Those who Are in Need), was generated by Pfizer employees who were witnessing friends, family and neighbors struggle to make ends meet after losing their jobs.
“We all know people who have been laid off recently and have lost their health insurance, making it difficult for them to pay for health care,” said Dr. Jorge Puente, Pfizer’s regional president of Worldwide Pharmaceuticals, a leading champion of the initiative. “We thought there must be some way we could help recently unemployed people who are taking Pfizer medicines to continue treatment during these challenging economic times.” The program, which applies regardless of prior family income, will be open for enrollment through December 31, 2009 and applies to eligible Americans who have become unemployed since January 1, 2009. It is designed to help recently unemployed Americans.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Proposition 8 - the verdict
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" How ironic - a quote from Charles Dickens - his name was the name by which my high school class was known Here in America in the present day, a Latina is nominated to be on the Supreme Court and California's Supreme Court has upheld Proposition 8. Talk about dichotomies!
I have been trying to decide what I could put into words for over an hour. There was no text message to apprise me of the outcome, so when the verdict came in over lunch, I had to wait to get home and find out via my inbox on my email, thanks to Equality Utah and the NY Times.
I truly cannot comprehend what those justices were thinking as they deliberated. Do they not realize that we live in the United States of America? Have they not seen that 4 more states have passed gay marriage legislation since their Proposition 8 fiasco? What of the LDS Church and the millions of dollars that they poured into the Proposition 8 campaign - this from a church that should understand persecution - the Governor of Missouri issued an extermination order - an order to kill all Mormon men unless they left that state - all this in the not so recent past of this great nation. And now they use their considerable resources to persecute yet another group.
I am heartsick for my gay brothers and sisters who have agonized over whether to come out to friends, coworkers and family.....those who remain closeted because of the stigmas attached to homosexuality - for some - those who cannot be married to someone whom they love because a court has told them in the same way they told Brown v Board of Education and Loving v Virginia that blacks could not go to school, nor intermarry with whites - this cannot and should not stand. Those who risk discrimination in employment, healthcare, housing and others because they happen to be gay - yes, that might be a small 5% of the population by some figures, but that matters not - just to be a minority should not automatically indicate discrimination!
I hope that states all around the country will continue to see the light and follow in the footsteps of CT, IA, VT, ME and NH - 5 states where clearly one is not judged by their sexual orientation, but not judged at all - not by their sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, sex or any other protected class.
This is the United States of America and I hope that all Americans will begin to see the bigger picture here - this is a civil rights issue - just as whites stood with blacks in order for them to get equality, just as men stood with women in order for them to get suffrage, just as straights such as myself stand up to get equality for everyone - it is time for Americans to stand up and demand equality for their gay brothers and sisters. Those who hide behind the guise of gay marriage being a threat to straight marriage are driven by fear and this should not be - they should come out of the shadows and have honest, crucial and candid conversations with those whom they know to be gay - let's be honest - we all know someone who is gay - a friend, coworker, family member, loved one - or in my case - former spouse. They need and deserve our love and support, not to be condemned and treated like second class citizens.
I encourage you to write to your senators, legislators, congressmen and governors, participate in rallies - support GLBT causes, businesses who support gays and offer domestic partner benefits - we can do this.
I have been trying to decide what I could put into words for over an hour. There was no text message to apprise me of the outcome, so when the verdict came in over lunch, I had to wait to get home and find out via my inbox on my email, thanks to Equality Utah and the NY Times.
I truly cannot comprehend what those justices were thinking as they deliberated. Do they not realize that we live in the United States of America? Have they not seen that 4 more states have passed gay marriage legislation since their Proposition 8 fiasco? What of the LDS Church and the millions of dollars that they poured into the Proposition 8 campaign - this from a church that should understand persecution - the Governor of Missouri issued an extermination order - an order to kill all Mormon men unless they left that state - all this in the not so recent past of this great nation. And now they use their considerable resources to persecute yet another group.
I am heartsick for my gay brothers and sisters who have agonized over whether to come out to friends, coworkers and family.....those who remain closeted because of the stigmas attached to homosexuality - for some - those who cannot be married to someone whom they love because a court has told them in the same way they told Brown v Board of Education and Loving v Virginia that blacks could not go to school, nor intermarry with whites - this cannot and should not stand. Those who risk discrimination in employment, healthcare, housing and others because they happen to be gay - yes, that might be a small 5% of the population by some figures, but that matters not - just to be a minority should not automatically indicate discrimination!
I hope that states all around the country will continue to see the light and follow in the footsteps of CT, IA, VT, ME and NH - 5 states where clearly one is not judged by their sexual orientation, but not judged at all - not by their sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, sex or any other protected class.
This is the United States of America and I hope that all Americans will begin to see the bigger picture here - this is a civil rights issue - just as whites stood with blacks in order for them to get equality, just as men stood with women in order for them to get suffrage, just as straights such as myself stand up to get equality for everyone - it is time for Americans to stand up and demand equality for their gay brothers and sisters. Those who hide behind the guise of gay marriage being a threat to straight marriage are driven by fear and this should not be - they should come out of the shadows and have honest, crucial and candid conversations with those whom they know to be gay - let's be honest - we all know someone who is gay - a friend, coworker, family member, loved one - or in my case - former spouse. They need and deserve our love and support, not to be condemned and treated like second class citizens.
I encourage you to write to your senators, legislators, congressmen and governors, participate in rallies - support GLBT causes, businesses who support gays and offer domestic partner benefits - we can do this.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Michael Vick - let the man play football!
Michael Vick returned to his home this week after realizing that there was no room in any of the halfway houses for him to spent the last of his confinement.
And now comes the pressing question: Should he be allowed to return to his beloved NFL as a football player? He is going to spend some time doing construction work until his release is finalized, but the man has clearly learned his lesson and has satisfied his debt to society. He is a convicted felon which will make his life more difficult than the average NFL player.
I am not condoning his behavior, but fully recognize that if a person has served time for a crime, that individual should be allowed to participate fully in society after having satisfied justice.
Here is a link to the story posted on ESPN yesterday: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4183786
And now comes the pressing question: Should he be allowed to return to his beloved NFL as a football player? He is going to spend some time doing construction work until his release is finalized, but the man has clearly learned his lesson and has satisfied his debt to society. He is a convicted felon which will make his life more difficult than the average NFL player.
I am not condoning his behavior, but fully recognize that if a person has served time for a crime, that individual should be allowed to participate fully in society after having satisfied justice.
Here is a link to the story posted on ESPN yesterday: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4183786
Monday, May 11, 2009
Stop the insanity - war is never the answer
The news of a shooting spree by one of our servicemen is shocking and saddening. I have marched in several marches against the war in Iraq and will continue to do so. This war is not winnable and is causing untold angst, anguish and harm to come to both sides.
This soldier, according to preliminary reports, might have received some treatment at a "stress clinic" in order to deal with the horrors of this particular war. The army continues to deny stress, PTSD and other mental disorders due to this war. Enough already.
Call or write to your congressmen and tell them to support efforts to classify PTSD appropriately so that veterans can get the help they need on the battlefront and when they return home.
My prayers go out to the families of those slain needlessly today.
Here is the link to the story as updated just a few minutes ago on CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/05/11/iraq.violence/index.html
This soldier, according to preliminary reports, might have received some treatment at a "stress clinic" in order to deal with the horrors of this particular war. The army continues to deny stress, PTSD and other mental disorders due to this war. Enough already.
Call or write to your congressmen and tell them to support efforts to classify PTSD appropriately so that veterans can get the help they need on the battlefront and when they return home.
My prayers go out to the families of those slain needlessly today.
Here is the link to the story as updated just a few minutes ago on CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/05/11/iraq.violence/index.html
A tale of two Catholic priests - the celibacy debate
Recently, I watched the movie "Doubt" for the first time. I am a huge fan of Meryl Streep, but I am still not utterly convinced that she was entirely virtuous in her role in the movie. I am, in other words, still filled with my own doubts as to the relationships with the priest in the movie and his students past and present.
This brings me to the story du jour. It seems that a Catholic priest is considering stepping down from the priesthood as he has fallen in love and might want to marry a woman he has been friends with for some 2 years. According to an AOL news survey, an overwhelming 76% of respondents do not believe that priests should be celibate. I am inclined to agree. Celibacy is not the natural state of being, nor is being alone.
My own priest, Father Joe was too a celibate Catholic priest who fell in love and left the priesthood. Years later, he is happily married to his wife Joanne and serves as an Episcopal priest. He is touching lives in ways he would not have been able to prior to being married.
I for one think there has to be a compromise in the Catholic church - for those who want to be celibate, let them so live and for others, let them live another order - that is let them be married and still be priests.
Here is the link story about the celebrity Miami priest - I'll let you decide what you think should happen.
http://news.aol.com/article/priest-admits-affair/474450
This brings me to the story du jour. It seems that a Catholic priest is considering stepping down from the priesthood as he has fallen in love and might want to marry a woman he has been friends with for some 2 years. According to an AOL news survey, an overwhelming 76% of respondents do not believe that priests should be celibate. I am inclined to agree. Celibacy is not the natural state of being, nor is being alone.
My own priest, Father Joe was too a celibate Catholic priest who fell in love and left the priesthood. Years later, he is happily married to his wife Joanne and serves as an Episcopal priest. He is touching lives in ways he would not have been able to prior to being married.
I for one think there has to be a compromise in the Catholic church - for those who want to be celibate, let them so live and for others, let them live another order - that is let them be married and still be priests.
Here is the link story about the celebrity Miami priest - I'll let you decide what you think should happen.
http://news.aol.com/article/priest-admits-affair/474450
Thursday, May 7, 2009
An official investigation has been launched into the baptizing of Obama's mother
As I wrote earlier this week, the late mother of President Obama was baptized posthumously into the LDS/Mormon church last year. Ordinarily, one waits some 95 years until after the passing of an individual who is not a family member in order to perform such rites.
In this case, it seems that the Mormon church is investigating who performed the baptism and who submitted the name for same. There is also some speculation that his father had this ritual performed on his behalf at around the same time.
As someone who was in the Mormon faith for over 2 decades, this disturbs me greatly. Such baptisms should have first been approved by close family members prior to being performed in order to quell the need for investigations into same.
Here is the story as it posted in the Chicago Tribune:http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/religion_theseeker/2009/05/obamas-momma-a-mormon.html
In this case, it seems that the Mormon church is investigating who performed the baptism and who submitted the name for same. There is also some speculation that his father had this ritual performed on his behalf at around the same time.
As someone who was in the Mormon faith for over 2 decades, this disturbs me greatly. Such baptisms should have first been approved by close family members prior to being performed in order to quell the need for investigations into same.
Here is the story as it posted in the Chicago Tribune:http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/religion_theseeker/2009/05/obamas-momma-a-mormon.html
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Mormons posthumously baptize Obama's late mother
My regular readers know that I lived (read - barely survived) - in Utah for 7 years. Much of my discomfort there came about due to the lack of tolerance for those not of the predominant faith. While Utah is home to over 600 religions, the Mormon/LDS faith takes precedence due to its sheer masses and the fact that Salt Lake City is home to the church's headquarters.
I was quite disturbed to read this story in one of Utah's local dailies a few moments ago. In an ongoing effort to ensure that everyone who has ever lived on this earth will have the opportunity to hear the message preached by the Mormon religion, the powers that be have posthumously baptized the departed mother of our 44th president. What does that mean? Everything and nothing. For their part, the LDS church states unequivocally that when baptizing individuals after death, they make every effort to reach out to family members to gain permission prior to doing so.
As the story went to print, there was no official word from the White House.
You can read the story in its entirety at this link: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12299851
I was quite disturbed to read this story in one of Utah's local dailies a few moments ago. In an ongoing effort to ensure that everyone who has ever lived on this earth will have the opportunity to hear the message preached by the Mormon religion, the powers that be have posthumously baptized the departed mother of our 44th president. What does that mean? Everything and nothing. For their part, the LDS church states unequivocally that when baptizing individuals after death, they make every effort to reach out to family members to gain permission prior to doing so.
As the story went to print, there was no official word from the White House.
You can read the story in its entirety at this link: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12299851
Monday, May 4, 2009
Court to review life sentences for young offendors
There are literally thousands of children in the US who have been sentenced to life without parole for crimes committed in their youth.
According to this story that posted recently on AOL, a 2008 report from Human Rights Watch said that there are 2,484 youth offenders serving life without parole in the United States, with Florida, California, Louisiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania having the highest number. The United States is the only country in the world that still sentences juveniles to life in prison without possibility of parole, Stevenson and other advocates said.
We all know the variables that are at play in instances where young people, mostly young men who are African American - commit heinous and even unspeakable crimes in their youths as a direct result of living in fractured homes, where often drug abuse and physical abuse are a daily part of their lives.
With the recent announcement that Justice David Souter will leave the bench at the Supreme Court, we have the opportunity to have a compassionate person hearing these cases, though the case referenced in the article will have been heard this summer and Souter will step down in the fall. I am not saying that all supreme court justices are incompassionate, rather I am saying that it is too easy to look at case law and the rule of law and forget that these are children that we in the United States of America - are sending to become hardened adults in America's prisons - as previously stated, Florida, California, Louisiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania have the highest rate of youthful offendors in prison for life sentences.
Our prison population is too high in the US - when will we listen and take note that the system is broken and needs to be fixed? President Obama is looking to address inequities in the prison system and I hope that this happens quickly.
The article can be found at: http://news.aol.com/article/court-to-review-life-sentences-for-young/461385
According to this story that posted recently on AOL, a 2008 report from Human Rights Watch said that there are 2,484 youth offenders serving life without parole in the United States, with Florida, California, Louisiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania having the highest number. The United States is the only country in the world that still sentences juveniles to life in prison without possibility of parole, Stevenson and other advocates said.
We all know the variables that are at play in instances where young people, mostly young men who are African American - commit heinous and even unspeakable crimes in their youths as a direct result of living in fractured homes, where often drug abuse and physical abuse are a daily part of their lives.
With the recent announcement that Justice David Souter will leave the bench at the Supreme Court, we have the opportunity to have a compassionate person hearing these cases, though the case referenced in the article will have been heard this summer and Souter will step down in the fall. I am not saying that all supreme court justices are incompassionate, rather I am saying that it is too easy to look at case law and the rule of law and forget that these are children that we in the United States of America - are sending to become hardened adults in America's prisons - as previously stated, Florida, California, Louisiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania have the highest rate of youthful offendors in prison for life sentences.
Our prison population is too high in the US - when will we listen and take note that the system is broken and needs to be fixed? President Obama is looking to address inequities in the prison system and I hope that this happens quickly.
The article can be found at: http://news.aol.com/article/court-to-review-life-sentences-for-young/461385
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