I miss my old grocery store. Smith's in the Avenues in Salt Lake City, Utah. It comprised a deli, a pharmacy, flower shop and much more. The prices were always matched with competitors and coupons did not need to be clipped. Truth be known, I miss Kelli the pharmacist and my favorite cashier the most.
Today, As I accompanied my mother on an errand for groceries in search of lowest prices , I was reminded again why it is that I patronize locally-owned stores.
For the 3rd time in as many trips, my mother had been overcharged for items that should have scanned "on sale" or at a lower price. Determined not to be a victim again, she stood at the head of the cash register, carefully scrutinizing the prices as they were scanned in. She mentioned to the cashier that she had been overcharged on recent visits and was not about to let it happen again. The cashier took serious offense and commenced to scowl even more than she had been previous to the comments made by my mother.
Contrast that with a trip to Trader Joe's - locally grown produce, (when not local, at least it is American), happy music, Hawaiian print uniforms, free organic lemonade and happy staff - yes - happy - I said it. What does it cost to provide good customer service? Not too much. I am pretty sure that the hourly wage between our local supermarket and those at Trader Joe's is not terribly different, but I can tell you that there is a vast difference in how the staff at Trader Joe's treats their customers. It is not just that they have an information desk where one can purchase beautiful cards for $1 each. There is also an information center where there community involvement is clearly spelled out. Do you need $50 worth of coffee and pastries for a church event or other local event? You can get that at Trader Joe's. Yes, Starbucks claims to offer this as well, but based on several conversations with their manager at my local store, one wouldn't know it - it is practically impossible to navigate the black hole leading to free coffee - then again - isn't this the place that is going to close some 600 stores????
How can I speak of such things? I worked at a sprawl store a la Wal Mart years ago, while my former husband and I had small kids in elementary school. I wanted to be a full time mother and volunteer at their school, so I chose to work the overnight shift stocking shelves. I considered myself blessed to have a job that allowed for me to balance the motherhood thing.
I am NEVER going into that supermarket again - local and lower prices be damned - I am choosing the higher ground. I am shopping at Trader Joe's where I don't have to clip coupons, or wait for a sale - where I am treated with respect and dignity and where I know the names of my favorite cashiers, because they wear nametags.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Clinton voters may stay home in November
After an agonizingly protracted primary, Senator Barack Obama has emerged the heir apparent and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton appeared with him publicly in recent days to show her support.
Not so, say her former supporters - they are not switching teams. Today, A CNN poll indicates that an increasing number of Mrs. Clinton's supporters are going to stay home and - gasp - not vote.
What gives?
Allow me to elucidate on a conversation I had recently at a lovely wine tasting. I had mentioned to a woman, that I was enthusiastically going to throw my support behind Obama (had done months before - right as he announced his candidacy, as a matter of fact), and was preparing to spend lots of time working on his campaign. "But you're a woman!" My companion exclaimed, thoroughly chagrined. She is white, and I am of course, black. "You'd rather have another man than a woman?" She questioned. It was, of course, a moot point a few weeks ago once Obama had secured enough delegates to become the heir apparent and the presumed Democratic nominee on the Presidential ticket. I explained to her that while I would love to see a woman President, that Barack spoke more to me and those of my generation. I should have added that he voted AGAINST the war and with any luck, neither of my draft-aged 3 sons will have to fight in it.
Is this about race or is there something else going on? Democrats have failed to do what Republicans do well. They circle the wagons and will step down from the nomination pool - think Mitt Romney - if they think it is for the betterment of the party. I wish I could understand why thinking, intelligent women and men who supported Hillary would rather stay home and see McCain and his minions continue to decimate the working poor, middle class and disenfranchise the country even more. Who would throw their hard-earned vote away in such a manner. Are there any angry Hillary women out there who can shed light on this poll, please?
Not so, say her former supporters - they are not switching teams. Today, A CNN poll indicates that an increasing number of Mrs. Clinton's supporters are going to stay home and - gasp - not vote.
What gives?
Allow me to elucidate on a conversation I had recently at a lovely wine tasting. I had mentioned to a woman, that I was enthusiastically going to throw my support behind Obama (had done months before - right as he announced his candidacy, as a matter of fact), and was preparing to spend lots of time working on his campaign. "But you're a woman!" My companion exclaimed, thoroughly chagrined. She is white, and I am of course, black. "You'd rather have another man than a woman?" She questioned. It was, of course, a moot point a few weeks ago once Obama had secured enough delegates to become the heir apparent and the presumed Democratic nominee on the Presidential ticket. I explained to her that while I would love to see a woman President, that Barack spoke more to me and those of my generation. I should have added that he voted AGAINST the war and with any luck, neither of my draft-aged 3 sons will have to fight in it.
Is this about race or is there something else going on? Democrats have failed to do what Republicans do well. They circle the wagons and will step down from the nomination pool - think Mitt Romney - if they think it is for the betterment of the party. I wish I could understand why thinking, intelligent women and men who supported Hillary would rather stay home and see McCain and his minions continue to decimate the working poor, middle class and disenfranchise the country even more. Who would throw their hard-earned vote away in such a manner. Are there any angry Hillary women out there who can shed light on this poll, please?
The Williams Sisters - a dream come true
I just finished watching parts of an amazing tennis match. The Williams sisters met in the Wimbledon finals this morning. Venus bested her sister and won handily, but the game was thrilling.
Wimbledon was a staple in our family's life growing up in London - there was football (soccer), tennis and cricket. We spent hours glued to the TV, rooting for Bjorn Bjorg, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and others. We watched John MacEnroe yell at umpires, while trying to gain a point against the venerable Jimmy Connors. I watched Boris Becker play years later in Germany when my allegiance switched to continental European players. Now that I live in America, I confess - I root for American players.
Some 20 years later, I still watch though with not as much interest as I used to have.
I suppose I have learned to take for granted that the women such as Chris, Martina and Billie Jean paved the way for Venus and Serena to be playing. That is of course, after Arthur Ashe shattered the color barrier at the all white, all England tennis club.
Venus won today, and she hopes to win the doubles final so that her sister, Serena can have a trophy as well. Their father did not watch the match - it is said that he cannot bear to watch the sisters compete against each other. This is a tad surprising, as I recall reading of the sisters years ago - they were homeschooled, kept away from outward influences and reared in a strict but loving home with their parents. They did not go out into the tournament world until their dad, their coach as well - thought they were ready.
I never dreamed that I would see such diversity in this sport that I love.
Thanks to the sisters for giving us a great match today.
Often people ask my why I choose to live in America vs. England - a country that I love dearly - the answer is quite simple: Only in America is the dream of the Williams sisters possible, and Barack, and Tiger.......need I say more?
Enjoy the weekend. I hear there are a couple of sexy men playing in the finals tomorrow. I will probably be glued to that match too - for different reasons. Hey, I am all girl - what can I say?
Wimbledon was a staple in our family's life growing up in London - there was football (soccer), tennis and cricket. We spent hours glued to the TV, rooting for Bjorn Bjorg, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and others. We watched John MacEnroe yell at umpires, while trying to gain a point against the venerable Jimmy Connors. I watched Boris Becker play years later in Germany when my allegiance switched to continental European players. Now that I live in America, I confess - I root for American players.
Some 20 years later, I still watch though with not as much interest as I used to have.
I suppose I have learned to take for granted that the women such as Chris, Martina and Billie Jean paved the way for Venus and Serena to be playing. That is of course, after Arthur Ashe shattered the color barrier at the all white, all England tennis club.
Venus won today, and she hopes to win the doubles final so that her sister, Serena can have a trophy as well. Their father did not watch the match - it is said that he cannot bear to watch the sisters compete against each other. This is a tad surprising, as I recall reading of the sisters years ago - they were homeschooled, kept away from outward influences and reared in a strict but loving home with their parents. They did not go out into the tournament world until their dad, their coach as well - thought they were ready.
I never dreamed that I would see such diversity in this sport that I love.
Thanks to the sisters for giving us a great match today.
Often people ask my why I choose to live in America vs. England - a country that I love dearly - the answer is quite simple: Only in America is the dream of the Williams sisters possible, and Barack, and Tiger.......need I say more?
Enjoy the weekend. I hear there are a couple of sexy men playing in the finals tomorrow. I will probably be glued to that match too - for different reasons. Hey, I am all girl - what can I say?
Friday, July 4, 2008
Are prisons obsolete?
Angela Davis (whom I had the privilege and honour of meeting a couple of years ago in Utah of all places) has written a book with the aforementioned title. I am going to be reading it soon, along with a host of other amazing books. It was recommended by my cousin, a college professor in Virginia, who is now speaking to his students about the econimic cost of prisons.
There are some 2.3 million or so individuals incarcerated in America. At a rate of about $25,000 a year per resident, that is some serious money. The question is, do they all belong there?
A family member is awaiting sentencing for crimes committed during a seemingly innocuous 6 month probation for minor infractions - you know, hanging with the wrong crowd sort of thing. I am not excusing the behavior by any stretch, but I am curious to know whether a mental health screening took place as noted in the prisoner handbook of the jail where he awaits sentencing. He had confided to me that he thought he was schizophrenic right before these crimes were committed. Unfortunately, the family with whom he lives do not believe in mental health counseling, medication or anything else that would have prevented this individual's demise and subsequent sucking into the system that is known as the criminal justice system.
This family member was raised in the same family as a national honor student, a second in state track star and an advanced middle school student. What gives? This family member worked at McDonald's in high school and staged a walkout leading to his termination after the minimum wage increase was not honored. What awaits this individual after some 2+ years in a federal prison? The same fate that awaits many ex prisoners, particularly those who are felons. This family member is so very close to my heart. He is indeed the same silly one who brings me pies in the middle of the night from Burger King when I am having PMS. The same one who gorges on Slurpees, soda, PBJ sandwiches and cereal in exhorbitant proportions. The one who love shoes, like his mother, who loves music - you should hear his lyrics. The one who couldn't quite seem to fit in. His mother is bi-polar, his father has depression - statistically, he would be prone to depression too. Some 300+ people are praying for this individual whose hearing is on Monday. Perhaps you would care to pray too, now that you know how much he means to me. This is serious business.
Earlier this week, I read in the news of a resourceful Mayor in the city of brotherly love - Philadelphia (incidentally, the first state I came to when immigrating all those years ago - the first time I saw a police officer with a gun in this country) - tired of recidivism and the community fallout from too many broken homes has taken matters into his own hands.
It seems he is having business owners receive tax credits for hiring former prisoners (forgive me, but I don't like the term "ex con" - it has a negative connotation). That city has one of the highest prison populations in the country - I am not quite sure what the Governors (present and former) have done to mitigate this, but as I learned, working as a political appointee to a mayor - grassroots is where it gets done - not on the federal, national or even state level, but on the local levels, through the National League of Cities and Towns, through the National Conference of Mayors and other such amazing organizations.
Why is this subject of such great importance? Let's just say - if caucasians were imprisoned at the rate of our black brothers and sisters, I believe that mitigation would have happened long ago.
Any thoughts out there?
There are some 2.3 million or so individuals incarcerated in America. At a rate of about $25,000 a year per resident, that is some serious money. The question is, do they all belong there?
A family member is awaiting sentencing for crimes committed during a seemingly innocuous 6 month probation for minor infractions - you know, hanging with the wrong crowd sort of thing. I am not excusing the behavior by any stretch, but I am curious to know whether a mental health screening took place as noted in the prisoner handbook of the jail where he awaits sentencing. He had confided to me that he thought he was schizophrenic right before these crimes were committed. Unfortunately, the family with whom he lives do not believe in mental health counseling, medication or anything else that would have prevented this individual's demise and subsequent sucking into the system that is known as the criminal justice system.
This family member was raised in the same family as a national honor student, a second in state track star and an advanced middle school student. What gives? This family member worked at McDonald's in high school and staged a walkout leading to his termination after the minimum wage increase was not honored. What awaits this individual after some 2+ years in a federal prison? The same fate that awaits many ex prisoners, particularly those who are felons. This family member is so very close to my heart. He is indeed the same silly one who brings me pies in the middle of the night from Burger King when I am having PMS. The same one who gorges on Slurpees, soda, PBJ sandwiches and cereal in exhorbitant proportions. The one who love shoes, like his mother, who loves music - you should hear his lyrics. The one who couldn't quite seem to fit in. His mother is bi-polar, his father has depression - statistically, he would be prone to depression too. Some 300+ people are praying for this individual whose hearing is on Monday. Perhaps you would care to pray too, now that you know how much he means to me. This is serious business.
Earlier this week, I read in the news of a resourceful Mayor in the city of brotherly love - Philadelphia (incidentally, the first state I came to when immigrating all those years ago - the first time I saw a police officer with a gun in this country) - tired of recidivism and the community fallout from too many broken homes has taken matters into his own hands.
It seems he is having business owners receive tax credits for hiring former prisoners (forgive me, but I don't like the term "ex con" - it has a negative connotation). That city has one of the highest prison populations in the country - I am not quite sure what the Governors (present and former) have done to mitigate this, but as I learned, working as a political appointee to a mayor - grassroots is where it gets done - not on the federal, national or even state level, but on the local levels, through the National League of Cities and Towns, through the National Conference of Mayors and other such amazing organizations.
Why is this subject of such great importance? Let's just say - if caucasians were imprisoned at the rate of our black brothers and sisters, I believe that mitigation would have happened long ago.
Any thoughts out there?
Idi Amin is alive and well in Zimbabwe
The recently elected (by default) Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe says he is open to talks on ending the country's political crisis, provided the opposition accepts him as leader.
"I am the president," he said. "Everybody has to accept that if they want dialogue."
"Opposition must accept Mugabe." So reads the headline on the BBC website today.
My headline is a tad more provocative, even scandalous, some might say.
His way or the highway. Where have we heard that before? Mussolini, Hitler, Idi Amin, Saddam Hussein, and Hu Jintao to name a few. All military leaders who would see their countries destroyed and their people killed rather than admit defeat, dialogue or compromise.
Recently, I was going to take a tour around the fabulous island of NY when I came upon a demonstration right near the Chinese Embassy downtown. I enquired of one of NY's finest as to the guidelines, etc for hosting such protests. I was enlightened and glad to know that under their guidelines, pretty much anyone can hold a protest if they follow the appropriate permit process. God bless America.
Having lived in Salt Lake City during the Olympics, we too, as an administration had to grapple with free speech. Barriers were erected to create a designated free speech zone, and postcards disseminated with quotes from Dr. King and Gandhi regarding non-violent opposition under the capable leadership of one of the finest men whom I know, the amazing civil rights attorney - Ross C. "Rocky" Anderson. It was a privilege to be his political appointee for over 5 years.
I for one, am not going to watch a single Olympic event this summer. I stopped watching a Wimbledon match yesterday with a Chinese player. I know it is not her fault - she is an innocent pawn - a bystander, but we have to take a stand somewhere. In fact, I am making a conscious effort not to purchase anything from China if I can at all help it. Beware you Marshall's and TJ Maxx shoppers - those are my two favorite stores - most of their home goods are made in China. I am not entirely sure how it happened that China is allowed to host the Olympics given their human rights violations - Tianenman Square and Tibet come to mind. This should not stand and we should not let it. If we all stopped purchasing their goods, they might be forced to take a look at their human rights record and make some changes. Look at what happened in South Africa?
Anything is possible.
"I am the president," he said. "Everybody has to accept that if they want dialogue."
"Opposition must accept Mugabe." So reads the headline on the BBC website today.
My headline is a tad more provocative, even scandalous, some might say.
His way or the highway. Where have we heard that before? Mussolini, Hitler, Idi Amin, Saddam Hussein, and Hu Jintao to name a few. All military leaders who would see their countries destroyed and their people killed rather than admit defeat, dialogue or compromise.
Recently, I was going to take a tour around the fabulous island of NY when I came upon a demonstration right near the Chinese Embassy downtown. I enquired of one of NY's finest as to the guidelines, etc for hosting such protests. I was enlightened and glad to know that under their guidelines, pretty much anyone can hold a protest if they follow the appropriate permit process. God bless America.
Having lived in Salt Lake City during the Olympics, we too, as an administration had to grapple with free speech. Barriers were erected to create a designated free speech zone, and postcards disseminated with quotes from Dr. King and Gandhi regarding non-violent opposition under the capable leadership of one of the finest men whom I know, the amazing civil rights attorney - Ross C. "Rocky" Anderson. It was a privilege to be his political appointee for over 5 years.
I for one, am not going to watch a single Olympic event this summer. I stopped watching a Wimbledon match yesterday with a Chinese player. I know it is not her fault - she is an innocent pawn - a bystander, but we have to take a stand somewhere. In fact, I am making a conscious effort not to purchase anything from China if I can at all help it. Beware you Marshall's and TJ Maxx shoppers - those are my two favorite stores - most of their home goods are made in China. I am not entirely sure how it happened that China is allowed to host the Olympics given their human rights violations - Tianenman Square and Tibet come to mind. This should not stand and we should not let it. If we all stopped purchasing their goods, they might be forced to take a look at their human rights record and make some changes. Look at what happened in South Africa?
Anything is possible.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
A call to serve
I am the proud former wife of a servicemember. He served 15 years of his life in the US Army - they didn't ask, and he didn't tell - another story for another day.
Today, Barack Obama has issued a call to serve - the military, Peace Corps, wherever we can find a need that should be filled in our communities, at home and globally. Hand in hand with that goes his desire to expand faith-based initiatives. He does not speak of the ultra right-wing conservative groups who have latched on to this program en masse under the Bush era, rather a sweeping level of access - yes, even to his own United Church of Christ and possibly even that of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - the church of his apparent opponent on the VP ticket - Mitt Romney.
I have ties to both of these churches. I was an active member of the LDS faith for some 23 years - yes, another long story for another day - and am now working at The Church in the Highlands in White Plains New York.
What are the differences between these two churches? On the surface, not many, but let's examine this further.
The LDS Church has thousands of missionaries - those who proseletyze, and those who serve in temples, those who live in the splendor of the mission president home and the elders and sisters who live in tiny one room apartments. Those who serve welfare missions building bridges in third world countries, those who step in after a disaster when the US Government fails.
The Church in the Highlands has no missionaries that I have seen - at least, none that wear nametags and go door-to-door. They do, however show up in my office regularly - to take the newsletter to the mail, after collating and stuffing by hand - a tedious job for the most devoted of the Savior's followers. They call the office when they hear of a new baby or a death or a hospitalization of one of their fellow congregants. They come to be with me in the office to help me with office tasks when I need a little help. They make bank deposits, and watch over the children, clean the church and a myriad of other tasks seen and unseen.
They are connected under the love and care of an amazing woman, the Reverend Melanie Miller. They are planning a community garden, a morning of learning how to can, learning to shop efficiently and locally, taking advantage of the farmer's market and eating locally grown produce. They are instituting movie night where everyone from the community is welcome. They have weekly bible study and meditation and recently watched "For the Bible Tells me So" - I am sure that the discussion was thoughtful and deeply insightful.
They are some old, some young - their attendance has doubled under Reverend Miller's careful tugelage this last year since they snatched her up from a congregation in Chappaqua.
They trade old books and magazines, volunteer at the food pantry and have a resale shop where items can be procured at little cost for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
The church is a beautiful edifice - recently a pew was removed after careful deliberation in order to accomodate young families with little ones, strollers, and those with wheelchairs.
No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome there.
Their faith is old, their thinking is not.
Today, Barack Obama has issued a call to serve - the military, Peace Corps, wherever we can find a need that should be filled in our communities, at home and globally. Hand in hand with that goes his desire to expand faith-based initiatives. He does not speak of the ultra right-wing conservative groups who have latched on to this program en masse under the Bush era, rather a sweeping level of access - yes, even to his own United Church of Christ and possibly even that of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - the church of his apparent opponent on the VP ticket - Mitt Romney.
I have ties to both of these churches. I was an active member of the LDS faith for some 23 years - yes, another long story for another day - and am now working at The Church in the Highlands in White Plains New York.
What are the differences between these two churches? On the surface, not many, but let's examine this further.
The LDS Church has thousands of missionaries - those who proseletyze, and those who serve in temples, those who live in the splendor of the mission president home and the elders and sisters who live in tiny one room apartments. Those who serve welfare missions building bridges in third world countries, those who step in after a disaster when the US Government fails.
The Church in the Highlands has no missionaries that I have seen - at least, none that wear nametags and go door-to-door. They do, however show up in my office regularly - to take the newsletter to the mail, after collating and stuffing by hand - a tedious job for the most devoted of the Savior's followers. They call the office when they hear of a new baby or a death or a hospitalization of one of their fellow congregants. They come to be with me in the office to help me with office tasks when I need a little help. They make bank deposits, and watch over the children, clean the church and a myriad of other tasks seen and unseen.
They are connected under the love and care of an amazing woman, the Reverend Melanie Miller. They are planning a community garden, a morning of learning how to can, learning to shop efficiently and locally, taking advantage of the farmer's market and eating locally grown produce. They are instituting movie night where everyone from the community is welcome. They have weekly bible study and meditation and recently watched "For the Bible Tells me So" - I am sure that the discussion was thoughtful and deeply insightful.
They are some old, some young - their attendance has doubled under Reverend Miller's careful tugelage this last year since they snatched her up from a congregation in Chappaqua.
They trade old books and magazines, volunteer at the food pantry and have a resale shop where items can be procured at little cost for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
The church is a beautiful edifice - recently a pew was removed after careful deliberation in order to accomodate young families with little ones, strollers, and those with wheelchairs.
No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome there.
Their faith is old, their thinking is not.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Independence Day - Change is coming
Will Smith is undeniably hot - as in sizzling, sexy hot. I loved him in Independence Day - one of the biggest holiday weekend blockbusters of all time. I loved how the movie made me feel - proud to be an American - proud of what we could do if we all pulled together.
And now to another more serious issue.
Rwanda, Darfur and now Zimbabwe. I dined with my dear friend, Blaine and his partner Scott recently. Blaine was born and raised in Zimbabwe. I cannot begin to imagine how heartsick he must be at the events as they unfolded in his homeland in recent weeks. Where is the international community? Where is the outcry as women and men are torn limb from limb because they affiliate with the wrong party? Why did the UN Security Council wait so long to express their "concern"? Why did Doctor Condoleeza Rice, one of my most-admired women - wait so long to "strongly" condemn the killings?
I spoke with a Senegalese man recently and asked his opinion - it is too sad to even write about. Suffice it to say, we are both hopeful that with the Obama administration, God willing, foreign policy towards Africa will change. This continent and her 70 countries is beautiful, rich, steeped in heritage, culture, spirituality and history - for too long she has been raped, murdered, taken advantage of.
I will continue to pray for Obama and his family - a change is sweeping the country. I welcome the change.
And now to another more serious issue.
Rwanda, Darfur and now Zimbabwe. I dined with my dear friend, Blaine and his partner Scott recently. Blaine was born and raised in Zimbabwe. I cannot begin to imagine how heartsick he must be at the events as they unfolded in his homeland in recent weeks. Where is the international community? Where is the outcry as women and men are torn limb from limb because they affiliate with the wrong party? Why did the UN Security Council wait so long to express their "concern"? Why did Doctor Condoleeza Rice, one of my most-admired women - wait so long to "strongly" condemn the killings?
I spoke with a Senegalese man recently and asked his opinion - it is too sad to even write about. Suffice it to say, we are both hopeful that with the Obama administration, God willing, foreign policy towards Africa will change. This continent and her 70 countries is beautiful, rich, steeped in heritage, culture, spirituality and history - for too long she has been raped, murdered, taken advantage of.
I will continue to pray for Obama and his family - a change is sweeping the country. I welcome the change.
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