tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23081309690452954392024-03-18T22:32:24.690-05:00CHBlogWelcome to CHBlog.ozarkattitude.com
News and commentary by Carol Henrichs, retired journalist and Peotone Airport historianCarol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-4821295595847170992022-10-23T13:59:00.004-05:002022-11-07T12:09:54.106-06:00Despite flaws in the system like too much cash, voting is what is important. Be an informed voter!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4is-EYmndAL1A9WgAZoONON2EjieJUaN0EOvEffk80FVu4zMvhTg9nN4yXY33FJS47PvbkLGxqYWRHf1fnP-Uyx01CuW7w2qYTI2EAAwKBaNaEPLF5jj5N2rXRf9Mphw1zg51-8lOW0MBSsUxHOiEL0A1lHiG3eRIhptr8Mt7mAdcPjy_FJiUxucrEw/s6583/pexels-karolina-grabowska-4386420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6583" data-original-width="4389" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4is-EYmndAL1A9WgAZoONON2EjieJUaN0EOvEffk80FVu4zMvhTg9nN4yXY33FJS47PvbkLGxqYWRHf1fnP-Uyx01CuW7w2qYTI2EAAwKBaNaEPLF5jj5N2rXRf9Mphw1zg51-8lOW0MBSsUxHOiEL0A1lHiG3eRIhptr8Mt7mAdcPjy_FJiUxucrEw/w266-h400/pexels-karolina-grabowska-4386420.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>I can't wait to vote for a candidate--and I don't care what party he/she belongs to--I am looking for someone who needs to point out the complete insanity of spending hundreds of millions of dollars to get elected to public office. <p></p><p>Money should not be the incentive for public service. Holding public office is not a get rich scheme, or at least it shouldn't be.<br /></p><p>Why do people have so little faith in government? </p><p>Look at the obscene amount of money that is spent every election season. Look at the number of millionaires that make up the U.S. Congress. Money in politics is almost cartoonish! At least it would be if it wasn't so tragic. And, it harms us all! The first priority for public officials should be getting money out of our political process. We need more than lip service. We need reform!<br /></p><p>Since I claim to be a lifelong Democrat based on policies, substance, and philosophy, I can assure you that it is not because I enjoy the countless
emails, phone calls, and advertisements asking for money I don't have. It is infuriating that candidates require any more from me than my voice or my vote. <br /></p><p></p><p>In these difficult days when corporations pay zero in taxes, the middle class is disappearing, people beg in the streets, and children go hungry, it is obscene to allow so much money to be wasted to win favor of potential voters. Do we really want to select leadership by awarding it to the highest bidder? The process to elect leaders who represent us in this Republic needs to be fair. Citizens United needs to be abolished.<br /></p><p>We all need to pay our fair share in taxes because taxes support government services that are used by all. Taxes should not be favors for friends, family, and campaign donors. </p><p>Nor should religious institutions be exempt from taxes beyond its normal charitable functions. Religious institutions have proven they cannot be trusted to keep their beliefs out of policy-making. That is not what our founding fathers intended as they proposed a strong separation between church and state. Corruption occurs when blurring that line. If churches want to be a business rather than a charity, they too should pay taxes. Simply advancing religion should not be a reason for tax exemption.<br /></p><p>Health care should not bankrupt people. Perhaps some of those campaign billions could be diverted toward making health care affordable for everyone. People are living longer because of the advancements in medicine. That is good, but when so many seniors have to choose over their pharmaceuticals or food on the table, there is a big problem. </p><p>Health care decisions should not be made by insurance companies. <br /></p><p>Cannabis, a naturally-grown herb which has proven to have health benefits and been used by humans for eons should not be illegal. </p><p>Women need to make their own medical care decisions. The idea that politicians decide what is best for women and their families is unthinkable.</p><p>Voting is the ONLY option we the people have to turn things around. It will not happen in one, two, or three election cycles, but we voters must be diligent. We have to do better. We have to be informed. It isn't enough to follow the loudest voices, especially in today's climate where lies are treated as truth for the gullible and easily swayed. </p><p>We the people must all do our homework, at the local, state, and federal level. It is vitally important. We are electing people that affect every aspect of our lives. We must read and judiciously study the candidates. We must watch how incumbent politicians vote on all issues. We need to educate ourselves. With 24-hour news and access to every speech, every debate, every aspect of a candidate's record, we must ensure that we know who we are rewarding with our precious vote. Voting is our link to the democratic system. And it is vitally important.<br /></p><p>Democracy will only work when we the people participate. We can only participate if we are informed. Change will come, but it has to come from us. We are the foundation of our democracy. The elected officials merely represent us. These people are not elite, regal, or royal. They are PUBLIC SERVANTS. <br /></p><p>We need to elect leaders who will truly represent the peoples' interests and not their own. Money should have little to do with it. </p><p>Change begins now. We must all be a part of it. <br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-72641110727365679522021-10-08T10:35:00.001-05:002021-10-08T10:43:20.661-05:00Generations fight as women's reproductive rights still under attack<div class="separator"></div><p><!--[if !mso]>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSdPdwodB08/YWBd40ZfqoI/AAAAAAABMtA/HvnUyJfFVyQj9dQZq7HZrbr2-hmKQhMCACNcBGAsYHQ/s800/Lady%2BJustice.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSdPdwodB08/YWBd40ZfqoI/AAAAAAABMtA/HvnUyJfFVyQj9dQZq7HZrbr2-hmKQhMCACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Lady%2BJustice.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">It astonishes me that one of the most
divisive and influential topics of the day—this day in the 21<sup>st</sup>
century—still revolves around the right of women to choose to end a pregnancy.
It is clear that choice is hers to make and yet too many are trying to
interfere in this very personal, private issue. The decision to have an abortion does not belong in the hands of
the government. It does not belong in the hands of clergy. It is solely a
woman’s right, along with whatever counsel she decides to engage. The
decision is hers. And, that is the law of the land. <u></u><br /></span><p></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Privacy laws protect the names and health conditions of
Americans, and rightfully so. But when it comes to pregnant women, there is no
privacy. There is only control.</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over the last five years, many changes have been brought
about in this country, thanks to our former swindler president who has led a
movement to bolster bad behavior, unscientific study, and Reptilian-like
conduct. </span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the most heinous, and there are many actions of the
former president along with his cohorts in Congress who speak with their own
forked tongues, is to stack the deck against the law of the land. With highly questionable federal judicial appointments including three members of the Supreme Court, the scales of justice could be tipped so
far to the right they could topple. I can only hope Lady Justice has a firm grasp
on them.</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is heartening to see the side of reason fighting back
again and/or still, evidenced in the recent women’s marches all over the
country for reproductive rights. There were protests even in my own state and
home town, which is as red as any place in the U.S. It was positively
heartwarming. My lifestyle no longer allows for activism, but it is certainly
where my heart is and will always be. I am grateful to every organizer, every
marcher, and every person who has a hand in trying to change the things that
are wrong in our society. We must all do our part, however minuscule. We must
all stand together to fight for what is right. </span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is disgusting that this fight goes on. Women won the
right to control their own body years ago. But then as now, a force, largely of
men who think they know better despite having no first-hand knowledge of pregnancy,
want to take advantage of the aroused masses inspired by the former president
and his ilk. </span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope they realize they may just unleash a fury that
surprises them. You know, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some forty years ago I wrote my
first letter to the editor in favor of a woman's right to choose. I was a young woman in my 20's. My getting
involved in the abortion issue was rather out of character for me. I had
dreamed of becoming a mother my entire life. I loved everything about babies. I
never knew anyone who had an abortion and I couldn’t imagine ever having one
myself. But I recognized that a woman has the right to choose what happens to
her own body, her own family, and to control her own destiny. It is no one else’s
decision. I felt the courts were right to allow abortion, for so many reasons.</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The anti-abortion movement has always bothered me. It was
like people butting into other people’s business where they don't belong. It is not the concern of a
bunch of strangers and certainly not the government, to interfere in a decision so gut-wrenching, so personal,
and often times, so painful. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The entire "pro-life" campaign is disingenuous. As people
pass around pictures of fully formed, full-term fetuses, they malign abortion.
The pictures are so misleading, but isn’t that is their point! It is all about
marketing. Who cares if it is truthful? </span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They oppose all abortions, no matter how the conception
occurred, even if it is under the most horrific of circumstances. They don’t
care about the health of the fetus or the mother. They just want a birth. </span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had been stewing over what I was hearing on the news, which until then I had paid no attention. But I was driven to write that letter when I stopped at an intersection and saw people harassing drivers as they carried
huge, blown-up glossy, gory photos of aborted fetuses. It didn’t make me
question the pro-choice movement; it just made me angry that anyone would try
to manipulate public opinion in such a way and to misrepresent situations they knew nothing about.
Behind those pictures were women whose hearts were likely broken and whose
lives were changed forever. That is not something to be taken lightly. The more
I heard from pro-lifers the more sickened I became. But the worst part was that
members of local, state and the federal government were involved. They were
spending my tax dollars to fight women. That is just wrong, no matter how it is
viewed. So, despite my being young, impressionable, and naïve, I felt I had to
take a stand against this. </span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today, millions have been inspired by the sincerity of the
pro-choice movement. It is not just a bunch of pro-abortionists, since no such
thing exists, but it is made up of people who want women to have control over
their own decisions that affect their own bodies. Millions now march for
women’s rights, as in this past weekend. It is heartening to see that protests
are no longer made up of just women. Men too, have gotten into the act. Marches
now include mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and even husbands, sons and
fathers. </span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Much has changed in the 40 years since I wrote to my local
newspaper expressing my<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>displeasure for a government that
thinks it has the right to pry into people’s most personal and private
decisions. </span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While I no longer have the actual letter I wrote or the
paper it was printed in, I do remember vividly how strongly I felt about it back
then. My views have not wavered in all these years. In fact, they have been
reinforced. I said then and I say now, that if you don’t want an abortion,
don’t have one, but you have no right to force your views onto anyone else.</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am sickened by those who claim this is a right-to-life
issue. Right-to-life is just a meaningless slogan, a marketing tool meant to
confuse. Interestingly, it consists some of the same hypocritical people who show a
callous disregard for human lives taken by the Corona Virus or gun violence.
They oppose wearing masks or getting life-saving vaccines. Ironically, they use
the phrase, “my body my choice,” when describing their stand. Too bad they
don’t apply that phrase to a woman’s right to her own reproductive health. Right-to-lifers
are also the same people who advocate for stocking up on military-style
weapons, no matter who gets mowed down in the streets, in schools, places of worship, or a fast food joint. </span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pro -lifers play to the lowest common denominator. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">People
allow themselves to be manipulated by this and other marketing campaigns
designed by unscrupulous politicians who will do anything or say anything to keep their seat of power.
It is just so sad. I wish people would wake up and listen to the whole story,
rather than just one side of it. Politicians who take positions to use their
constituents to gain wealth and power need to be voted out. And everyone should
have the right to vote them out, but that is another topic for another time.</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If we put as much money into education as we do campaigning
for government office, it wouldn’t be so simple to manipulate the public into
believing misinformation and outright lies. </span></p><p>
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Lady Justice has her hands full. I certainly
hope she can handle it.</span></span></span></p><p><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-17794516431311036462020-05-07T13:31:00.003-05:002020-05-07T13:32:37.795-05:00Better heads must prevail<a href="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/06/02/17/56/american-flag-795307__340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="American Flag, Textured, Rough, Harsh" border="0" class="MsoNormal" height="240" p="" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/06/02/17/56/american-flag-795307__340.jpg" title="American Flag" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">As we prepare to elect new leaders in this country there better be big changes ahead; safeguards must be put in place to guard our democracy against Trumpism or anything resembling it. We must not ever let this happen again. <br /><br />Admittedly, I am not completely comfortable with one political party controlling all three branches of government. I believe in checks and balances. But in this case, at this time, this is not so much about electing Democrats as it is about ousting the tools of Donald J. Trump. If that happens to be electing Democrats for President, the Senate, and House, so be it.<br /><br />Voting for party over people is simply wrong-headed. Party politics is like a cheerleading squad. They make the noise and entertain the crowd, but it is the actual elected leaders who take to the grid and score the points. They are supposed to serve the country, not their friends and family. Once an election is over, it is time to govern. Governing covers ALL the people of the country, not just the cheerleaders. Dissent is a part of the process. Truth must be the cornerstone that arises from all points of view. And it must be transparent because good governance is when those in power do the people’s business; it does not do its own business. Policy must be public, not personal. <br /><br />Because these things are obvious and evident, I am at a loss as to why Donald J. Trump has not been stopped. <br /><br />The time I thought Trump had gone too far was in December 2018 during a summit meeting in Helsinki, Finland. We all watched in horror as he fawned over Russian President Vladimir Putin in plain sight, dismissing Putin’s own admission that he favored Trump in the 2016 election over Hillary Clinton. Despite Clinton receiving nearly three million more votes than Trump, he won the election, even using a foreign government to help him cheat his way into the White House as evidenced by the Mueller Report. <br /><br />Trump should have been stopped. Why wasn’t he? <br /><br />This strategic error by Democrats and Republicans with a conscience, if there are any left, has resulted in this ineffectual out-of-control man simply takes whatever he wants and does whatever he pleases. When he doesn’t get his way, he is like a three-year old having a tantrum when in a grocery store when Mom refuses to give him candy.<br /><br />Why do we look the other way when he maligns good, decent, hard-working people who simply disagree with him, people who have devoted their career to public service, or who have earned medals for their honor or bravery?<br /><br />Why do we let him steals tax dollars from the military for his pet project, building a wall to satisfy his own white nationalist agenda? <br /><br />How can look away when he touts his desire to stop mass-shootings, but does nothing except cow-tow to the NRA and his gun-toting pals despite the harm it does to the country or innocent people? <br /><br />Why do we put up with the thousands of lies he tells, abuses the power of the office of the Presidency for his own gain, and when he refuses to divulge his tax returns even though he said he would? So much for transparency.<br /><br />Why do we ignore it when he sacrifices our country to play dealmaker with murderous dictators, resulting in the tortured death of an American citizen journalist, or when rioters kill an innocent woman, or when families are separated from their children who are put into cages and left to die?<br /><br />Why is he allowed to get away with perhaps the most egregious deed, his response to the ongoing Corona Virus Pandemic? Trump’s inept leadership has contributed to the death of more than 70,000 Americans, as of this writing. <br /><br />In general, he has pillaged our government, using every means to profit from his position and enrich his family business; he has castigated anyone who wouldn’t boost his fragile and pathetic ego; he’s used his position to destroy lives and careers of dedicated government workers because they dared disagree with him. Men, women, and children have suffered needlessly under his watch as he implemented policies, not for the benefit of the public but for himself and his friends. On second thought, he has no friends, only accomplices. Many of them are just like him. Ironically, he uses them at the same time they are using him. The rest of us are just pawns in their game. That is just not right! <br /><br />To safeguard our democracy, we must ensure that this will never happen again. We must elect leaders who will stand up to this kind of incompetence, arrogance, and malfeasance. <br /><br />As a journalist years ago, I remember covering local village meetings. The prevailing attitude was often times, one of secrecy. Elected officials didn’t want anyone to know what they were doing. It was my job to inform the public. I was often at odds with them as I stood up for the public’s right to know. That is what journalists do. <br /><br />With some elected officials, it is almost as if the public is a nuisance, in the way. To counter, they implement rules to limit public testimony or hold closed-door meetings, or whatever they can to limit public input and public criticism. They wanted to do their business in secret, giving no credence to the fact that it was not their business; it was the public’s business. Often times, they were simply unaware, ignorant of what they could and could not do. Sometimes they were merely leery of a negative reaction by the electorate. Everyone likes to be liked. But in some cases, their motives were more nefarious. <br /><br />Just reading about their own actions in the paper was enough to cause them to rethink an issue or when enough readers learn and react, individual members of the public can put enough pressure their leaders to get them to back down. <br /><br />That was just a small town, and not unlike small towns everywhere. But when such behavior occurs on a national scale, the consequences are much more dire. That is what is happening now, in the Trump Administration. Trump has an agenda, to reign supreme with absolutely no constraints. He doesn’t think he needs anyone to tell him what to do because after all, he believes he knows it all; he believes he is a stable genius, whatever that is. He believes in his gut instincts. Never mind the fact that he is just a spoiled little rich kid who doesn’t know what it is like to work for a living. He was a bully all his life and knows nothing beyond getting what he wants any way he can.<br /><br />What might be more dangerous however, are his enablers—the Senators, House members, and acting cabinet members who he’s systematically put in place and even the judges he has appointed that owe their fortunes to him. Coincidentally or not, they all just happen to be members of the Republican Party. <br /><br />So this is why Democrats must be elected this year. It is not so much to implement Democratic policies as it is to break up the ‘Good Ole Boys Club,’ which is what this government, has become. <br /><br />In small towns, the ‘good ole boys’ can be kept in line or even defeated by a few people showing up at a town meeting or a few letters in the local newspaper, but that isn’t the case on such a large, national scale. It has already been tried, evidenced by the women’s march the day after Trump was inaugurated and culminating with his impeachment, where Senators chose their own fate by looking the other way to Trump’s behavior. At another time in our history, Trump’s deeds would have resulted in a rope around his neck or a lineup of guns aimed at his head. Hopefully, we are much more sophisticated now, or are we?<br /><br />Few could have predicted how this President would have maneuvered and manipulated facts and spread his venom throughout the land, preying on the less educated, those too busy to follow, or the ones who simply let Jesus take the wheel. Combine all those with the filthy rich who have long ago ignored their conscience in favor of their own greed, and you have a good chunk of people who might follow the lead of a lying, cheating, philandering, psychotic ‘leader.’<br /><br />So, what we have now is a king. Short of losing the election later this year, he will continue to rape and pillage America for his own gain, using and abusing everyone, including the most intelligent, free-thinking, and accomplished individuals who still make up the better part of this country. It is up to us to decipher the difference between real news and fake news. It is up to us to stay informed. It is up to us to spread truth whenever we can. And it is up to us to support a better way, better candidates, better education, and better ideas going forward. <br /><br />It is up to us to stop this madness.</span></span><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-14290001096241948912019-12-16T13:35:00.000-06:002019-12-16T13:35:46.764-06:00I remember this day; I remember Stephen Balz<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4waNAiau9So/Xffbfp68MDI/AAAAAAABHZk/gxNkZw9C1CYCxgRGZU8N7dENjskcFbx0ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Stephen%2Bbalz%2Bnewspaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4waNAiau9So/Xffbfp68MDI/AAAAAAABHZk/gxNkZw9C1CYCxgRGZU8N7dENjskcFbx0ACEwYBhgL/s400/Stephen%2Bbalz%2Bnewspaper.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My family had just moved into our new house in Chicago’s western suburbs a year earlier. I had a birthday just three days before. I turned 9. I was making new friends. I was a happy kid. Life was great, until this day 59 years ago. In some ways, that event far away changed my life. <br /><br />On Dec. 16, 1960 two airplanes collided in a horrific mid-air collision over Brooklyn, New York. At that time it was the worst air traffic disaster ever experienced. 134 people died.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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But the one thing that brought this incident close to home for me was that a lone survivor was a young boy, just two years older than me, who lived for a few hours before succumbing to his injuries the following day. His name was Stephen Balz. He was flying alone that day, enroute to Grandma’s house for Christmas. His mother was waiting for him at the airport. <br /><br />His family lived in Wilmette, also a suburb of Chicago, but on the north side of the city. Our new house was just a few miles south of O’Hare Airport, where Stephen’s plane took off from. <br /><br />Our old house was next to a set of railroad tracks. I was accustomed to the sounds, having lived my whole life there. The trains never bothered me as they rumbled down the tracks with their syncopated clickety-clack sound. But airplane noise was new to me. The engines roared and screamed. In those days, airplane noise was deafening. <br /><br />After that day, I was afraid of the planes flying over the bed where I slept. I remember sleepless nights as I stood on my bed looking out my windows and watching the planes roar past our house at just above treetop heights. <br /><br />Years earlier, I used to enjoy watching them. In fact, my family used to spend hours at Midway and later at O’Hare Airport watching planes take-offs and landings. It was a source of entertainment just as the jet age was beginning. <br /><br />But hearing about this accident had me on edge. It so disturbed me, that I couldn’t get the image of that young boy out of my head. Accounts at the time related that as he lay in the snow he told his rescuers that when he looked out the window of the plane, he recalled that New York looked beautiful in the snow, like a fairy land. <br /><br />For years, I had remembered his name. I remembered the photo of that brave, little boy just two years older than me. <br />Then along came the Internet <br /><br /> For some reason I googled the name I remembered for a lifetime. <br /><br />I was completely shocked to come face-to-face with the photograph I had carried inside my head since I was just 9 years old, the picture that haunted my memory. <br /><br />I am grateful to the technology that allows us such a view into our own past, our own subconscious mind, even if it is painful. <br /><br />I began to read everything I could about Stephen and about the crash itself. <br /><br class="separator" div="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHqrq66IPQ6YMuO3gJJ33wPg7jYyDGgzZc6f66lUcvN2XoGataStweSlSLvpC6blyP-XOKMk6HKtO_R7LeD7d7zBiIjscNCLxrMR7JC0dlljqBfeo62Z3HLWA-1jJSuSgUfiNV6_Bee4/s1600/plane-crash-dec-16-1960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="800" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHqrq66IPQ6YMuO3gJJ33wPg7jYyDGgzZc6f66lUcvN2XoGataStweSlSLvpC6blyP-XOKMk6HKtO_R7LeD7d7zBiIjscNCLxrMR7JC0dlljqBfeo62Z3HLWA-1jJSuSgUfiNV6_Bee4/s320/plane-crash-dec-16-1960.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ve seen thousands of airplanes over the years. Airplanes and airports have seemingly always been a part of my life. But to be confronted with the images of a broken airliner with parts and pieces scattered among normal looking neighborhoods remains a frightening and terrifying spectacle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn was just one of two locations marking this tragedy. Another site, one on Staten Island where the other plane fell from the sky turned a field into a graveyard with parts of bodies strewn among carefully wrapped Christmas packages. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can barely imagine the devastation this caused to so many people who just wanted to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones. The story itself breaks my heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yet, some good has come out of this horrific tragedy, as it always does. It provided lessons about air traffic safety, contributing to what makes aviation one of the safest modes of transportation available. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will always remember Stephen and the good, caring people who came to his aid. I continue to read about this tragedy and the human toll it took. Somehow I feel I owe it to Stephen to remember. I’ve carried his memory with me for 59 years. I suppose I will take it to my grave. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So on this day of remembrance, continue to rest in peace Stephen.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-35053699724708882202019-11-11T09:39:00.001-06:002019-11-11T10:10:48.307-06:00Veteran's Day, a personal view<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGodsncwIrg/Xcl__TeYqMI/AAAAAAABGqM/N2P-Krh0yCMF4kTS5cMd54gnt-Q0hqmhACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Arlington%2BNational%2BCemetery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="295" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGodsncwIrg/Xcl__TeYqMI/AAAAAAABGqM/N2P-Krh0yCMF4kTS5cMd54gnt-Q0hqmhACNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Arlington%2BNational%2BCemetery.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arlington National Cemetery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Today our nation recognizes and honors veterans, all those men and women who have given up years of their lives and more, to defend the freedom our country has avowed since its founding. This is something we must all do, especially on this day and at this time. Whether traveling to a foreign land or staying at home to vote for better leadership of our country, we must all do our part. <br /><br />I refuse to say Happy Veterans Day because this day is not happy. Too many of this country’s men and women remain in foreign places, far from home in locations they would rather not be. Too many veterans have died during and after leaving the military, or suffered from illness and health consequences directly related to their military service. So many others have been ignored and mistreated, despite efforts to do the very best we can. <br /><br />We can’t even celebrate all those veterans that have come home since so many have not yet done so. So many more have come home only to be buried by their loved ones. Statistics on veteran suicide are horrific. <br /><br />Somehow, saying “thank you for your service” seems shallow and over-used in so many instances. <br /><br />I’ve been to Arlington National Cemetery. I have never seen a more moving scene. To view row after row of stones, as far as the eye can see, marking individual graves of sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, and mothers whose lives were taken too soon, is one of the saddest things I’d ever seen. And to think there are 137 national cemeteries in 40 states. This country is only 340 years old! We have to do better. <br /><br />I recognize the calling of those who have joined the military, for whatever reason. But in my view, the best way to honor our veterans is to end all wars, to make Veteran’s Day one where we can celebrate world peace and everyone who has contributed to it. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-20111435684695420632018-11-04T11:45:00.000-06:002018-11-04T11:45:35.086-06:00Voting is important; they are supposed to speak for us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-Ky7Jcpczc/W98v8SYYDjI/AAAAAAABANA/a4dBEotewk4aki1teQokFjrZjSinKwpmQCLcBGAs/s1600/Political%2Bparties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="360" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-Ky7Jcpczc/W98v8SYYDjI/AAAAAAABANA/a4dBEotewk4aki1teQokFjrZjSinKwpmQCLcBGAs/s320/Political%2Bparties.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most politicians at the national level have proven to be vindictive, greedy, self-centered, and more involved in their own political future than in that of the country or their own constituents. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The politicians that are supposed to represent us don’t care what we think. Just write a heartfelt letter or call your congressman or senator to see how little they care what you think. Responses come in the form of mass-produced form letters that often times aren’t even seen by the addressee. Responses are handled by their staff and it is up to these unknown, unelected employees, who answer our questions or respond to concerns. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I have been able to interact with my representatives, I’ve found the general attitude to be annoyance, as if the public is in the way, a barrier to their getting their work done. And their work hardly focuses on the public good or what the public cares most about; it focuses on cash donors with the bottom line being their own election bid. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To me, the problem is that politicians are supposed to be public servants. They are our representatives that do the public’s business. They manage the country in which we live in the government that is of the people, for the people, and most importantly, by the people. Everything they do, they do in our name. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being a Congressman or Senator is not meant to be a life-long career. That has to change and the solution is term limits. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Imposing term limits as a policy would not be an easy task, since lawmakers would have to support legislation that would put the good of the country over what has become a lucrative career path with corporate kick-backs, deal making, and oh, so many perks. It would take some very open-minded politicians, the likes of which we have not seen in decades, to propose legislation that would bring about term limits. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If term limits are not possible legislatively, we, the represented, have only one choice. We, the voters can impose term limits ourselves. We have the option every two years for Congressional Representatives and every six years for Senators, to vote them out! Voting is our only tool, so we must use it wisely. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Voting is our only option. </i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When voters get no response from their representatives, we must resign to get rid of them. When we learn that our representatives are not worthy of the office they hold, we must resign to get rid of them. If our representatives choose their corporate funding sources over our concerns, such as what we’ve seen in the health care debates, we must resign to get rid of them. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When candidates lie to our faces, such as the Republican candidates that claim they will protect pre-existing conditions at the same time they voted or sued to end this provision in our health care insurance, as outlined in this story, </span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/02/upshot/republicans-pre-existing-conditions-.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/02/upshot/republicans-pre-existing-conditions-.html</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, we must resign to get rid of them. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are new examples every day of dastardly deeds unbefitting a representative of our government. If this is as bothersome to you as it is to me, remember that we can change things. It will take some time, but eventually, our leaders will get the hint. If the makeup of Congress changes every two years, it will become clear that if our public figures don’t do their job or don’t do it on behalf of the people that put them there, then they must go. </span><br /><br /><h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: normal;">There are times we will be forced to elect the lesser of two evils </i></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The lesser of two evils is not as bad as it sounds. Sometimes, the two-party system advances candidates that we consider unappealing. Instead of simply voting for a partisan, which is done all too often, become an informed voter. Don’t look at the party; look at the individual who if elected, will speak for you. Study what the candidates stand for. Hear their message, which does not include the hundreds of “attack the other guy” ads being run by way too much money in the political system. Do your homework. There are so many resources available today, at your fingertips. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Voting is one of your most important obligations as a citizen of this country. You will choose the men and women that speak on your behalf in this and other parts of the world. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tuesday is Election Day. Do your part to make this country a better place. Vote!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-56548003037032628462017-04-22T12:42:00.000-05:002017-04-22T12:42:00.308-05:00Earth Day, my favorite day of the year <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ykGgN0sEJWc/S9B0PfyXQxI/AAAAAAAAApY/ZvVj2vIFXvk/s1600/Earth+Day.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462994157580010258" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ykGgN0sEJWc/S9B0PfyXQxI/AAAAAAAAApY/ZvVj2vIFXvk/s320/Earth+Day.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 126px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 119px;" /></a><br />Today is my favorite day of the year -- Earth Day. <br />
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Mother Earth was kind enough to give presents -- a gentle rain shower that turned our Arkansas back yard into a rain forest. The sun is shining now. Like all females, Mother Earth is prone to changing her mind. As I look out the window into the woods, droplets of rain on the still new leaves sparkle as the warm sun caresses them. The landscape shimmers as if dressed in sequins. Thank you Mother Earth. The effect is spectacular.</div>
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Almost thirty years ago on this day, I experienced a kind of environmental awakening that has forever changed how I see and think about things. This new kind of spirituality inspires deeper thought, a kind of peripheral vision that takes in new dimensions, and a sense of connection to all living things. </div>
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"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe," said John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club, who was born on this day. </div>
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That quote has been my favorite since I first heard it. Connections are not always clear. Sometimes they are difficult to discern, but we must not be blinded by the obvious. </div>
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On that day so long ago, I walked with a group of other nature lovers along a trail. It was a time when "Save the Earth" was a popular slogan. I was disturbed about oil spills, killing dolphins in tuna nets, too much plastic that never degrades, landfills overflowing with trash that could be recycled into useful products, and the very future of the only planet we can call home. But as I walked the trail, in the forest remnant that had been largely untouched since it was carved out by glaciers hundreds of thousands of years ago, I realized that humans aren't able to save the earth any more than they can affect it. Mother Earth will save herself, even if it is at our expense. I fear for humans who totally miss the point. The only thing that man's work will destroy is man. </div>
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I'm saddened that little has been accomplished since that day in 1990. And I am frustrated -- no angry -- at recent political attempts to reverse protections of the environment.</div>
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Even though I'm unhappy that there must be legal efforts to thwart man's destructive behavior against himself, it is too important not to be supportive since not everybody gets it. My hope for the environmental future of mankind is that more people realize the connections. </div>
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...initially posted in 2010, but still relevant today<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-33931792101657635002017-04-06T09:04:00.002-05:002017-04-07T11:27:22.683-05:00April the pregnant giraffe preparing to give birth is a natural occurance<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Watch live streaming video of the happy event!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.aprilthegiraffe.com/">http://www.aprilthegiraffe.com/</a></div>
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Just when you think you've heard all the ridiculous things possible, something simply blows your mind.<br />
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<a href="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/12/03/23/50/giraffe-556023__340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Giraffe, Zoo, Animals" border="0" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/12/03/23/50/giraffe-556023__340.jpg" /></a>That was the case for me this morning, when I learned that the live-stream of a giraffe preparing to give birth was temporarily removed from You Tube for being "sexually explicit." The live stream from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClnQCgFa9lCBL-KXZMOoO9Q/live">Animal Adventure Park</a> in upstate New York has since resumed as the giraffe, fondly known by millions as April, prepares to give birth to her calf.</div>
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What kind of an insane person could consider an animal doing the most natural thing in the world--giving birth--to be harmful to watch because it is sexually explicit?</div>
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What is wrong with people?</div>
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The stream also contains live comments. Like with all social media, there are jerks that have to try to ruin things for others. Most comments, however, are heartwarming, loving, and caring. Folks began watching, since Feb. 23 when the stream began, in breathless anticipation. It is almost like April has become a family member to many as her pregnancy continues. Watching has become a calming way to start a new day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, as April is cheered on. Moms and Dads are using the experience as a learning tool for their children. Most who watch are grateful to the park for making the videos available to the public.</div>
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There is no doubt April's giving birth, when it happens, will be labeled "Breaking News" and will be mentioned by nearly every media outlet. April, and her companion and father of her calf, Oliver, have certainly become celebrities. </div>
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To anyone that sees this event as anything but the beautiful event it is, seek help.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-91450510112051262532017-01-27T15:42:00.000-06:002017-03-03T14:37:57.368-06:00Understanding is key<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSzMy02grOPbnXb0CibPxCkw2h0mBc5E1PuwX6NEEPVRuuezXzy" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Image result" border="0" class="irc_mut imk5Kca9tV88-HwpH6ZlgJaI" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSzMy02grOPbnXb0CibPxCkw2h0mBc5E1PuwX6NEEPVRuuezXzy" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albert Einstein...photo by Wikimedia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: medium;">“<i>Any fool can know. The point is to understand.</i>”
―
<a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9810.Albert_Einstein">Albert Einstein</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">To me, ideas like that are the reason Albert Einstein was such a genius--that and so much more--of course. If he lived today, folks would simply say 'he gets it.' Just because he lived two centuries ago, doesn't mean we can't still glean wisdom from him.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Since the election of Donald Trump as our 45th President, there seems to be a wider than ever chasm within our country. There are folks who voted for him, that are completely confused as to why some of the rest of us are being so critical.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">"Give the man a chance," they say. "Wait and see what he does."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">I have been following politics for decades. I watched every minute of the inauguration. I watched nearly every debate. I follow the news from a variety of sources, both print, local, and cable. I was even paid to write it a few years back. What is more important though, is that I've participated in the democratic process, both as an activist and a journalist. I've watched how things work. I'd like to think I understand the process.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">I'm pretty active politically on social media sites, where I've met with a wide variety of views. Some are similar to my own, while others are diametrically opposed. This includes a wide range from friendly banter, humor, to disagreement and downright rudeness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">For those who have been really critical, my observation has shown that so many of the most vocal are the first ones to say how much they despise politics. They do not obsess over the coverage of political events. They may catch the evening news or even a cable network. Or, they participate in water cooler discussions at work. Or their talk about current events with friends over a beer on the weekend. Politics is really everywhere, like it or not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Sometimes, people are just too busy with their lives to pay close attention. But that limited involvement does not provide a real understanding of this ever-more complicated subject. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Watching what has gone on in social media is a lesson in misunderstanding. The name-calling is merely a ruse for "I don't know what I'm talking about." It was especially heinous during the Obama years. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Calling Barack Obama <i>Obummer</i> or Hillary Clinton <i>Killary</i> was simply a sign of ignorance, pettiness, and frankly, immaturity that belies credibility that doesn't even measure up to misunderstanding. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">To quote our recent Nobel Prize Winner Bob Dylan, <i>“Sometimes it's not enough to know what things mean, sometimes you have to know what things don't mean.” </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In the case of Donald Trump, this is paramount. He says something one minute and contradicts it the next--literally. There is no way to know that without following all that he says. Trump is great at giving lip service, telling people what they want to hear, but he has nothing behind it. Remember when he was pro-choice. Now he orders his Vice President to attend a pro-life rally. No one knows where he really stands on the issue. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">While it sounds good to cut regulations, what that actually means is business will prevail over property rights, healthy food choices, clean air and water, to name a few. Making money will be the only thing that matters. Imagine doing away with the regulations that have cleaned up rivers and streams where raw sewage used to be dumped. Regulations protect endangered species, keep from building in flood zones, guard against too many chemicals applied to our food, protects our children from harm, etc. Doing away with regulations is dangerous. Sometimes the price is just too high, even at a cost savings. Trump doesn't get that. Business is all he knows and all he wants to deal with. There is more to governing than a bottom line. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Politics requires study. It just isn't enough to hear news filtered through someone else. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">So don't be so hard on those of us that have real concerns about the operations of this president. He has been in office just one week and has already burnt too many bridges.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The greatest example may be his insistence that Mexico pay for a wall Trump wants. He has talked smack about building a wall on the southern border with no thought as to how his words are received by Mexico, one of our best trading partners and closest global neighbors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Donald Trump is so arrogant and so hell bent to make money off everything he can, in violation of the oath he took to uphold the Constitution, that I wouldn't be surprised if he had plans to build his wall and then establish an aviation flight school on either side of the border. That way, he could get a little piece of the action from all those rich drug dealers and criminals he claims are coming here. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Seriously though, Trump wants Mexico to pay for a wall between the U.S. and Mexico. Mexican President Enrico Peńa Nieto said no and is offended at Trump's insinuations, not to mention the words he used about Mexico sending us its rapists and murderers. Just this week, Nieto canceled a trip he had planned to the U.S. Trump is angry that Nieto won't agree, so he is looking at other ways to get the job done. He doesn't seem to care about how much it will harm the people he works for--us! He is talking about imposing a tax on imports. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Vengeance has no place in governing, yet Trump has exhibited several instances of his need to get even with people who are critical of him, much like he did with Hillary Clinton, who once was an invited guest at his wedding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In addition to angering one of our best trading partners, taxing goods in Mexico will include higher priced fruits and vegetables and other imported goods. How is this beneficial to anyone?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">There have been so many things in the last seven days that are offensive and downright dangerous, like Trump's claim that when we pulled out of Iraq, we should have taken the oil. First of all, that would be a violation of the Geneva Convention. Furthermore, how does Trump's off-handed remark potentially harm our soldiers stationed in Iraq--soldiers charged with peace-keeping duties? I certainly hope soldiers aren't killed because of Trump's bravado.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">We all have a long way to go to understand how our government operates. It will be more difficult in time, as Trump plans to silence the media that disagrees with him. This, to me, is the most dangerous thing of all. Without a free press, we might as well be Nazi Germany. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Don't ever stop asking questions. Don't ever stop trying to understand. But if you do, please don't complain about those of us who do.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-1761852676117167832016-08-02T11:15:00.000-05:002016-08-02T11:15:43.216-05:00Will spraying for Zika bring about a silent spring?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w-xx_Hra1Ug/V6C-Eug0QnI/AAAAAAAAjNg/vZ_jQboKK7gfhoKY6MgqkVYBtt4Ym25EQCLcB/s1600/P1030655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="monarch butterfly" border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w-xx_Hra1Ug/V6C-Eug0QnI/AAAAAAAAjNg/vZ_jQboKK7gfhoKY6MgqkVYBtt4Ym25EQCLcB/s400/P1030655.JPG" title="Will spraying for Zika bring about a silent spring?" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Already dwindling populations, are we irreparably <br />harming our butterflies and bees?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While watching the news this morning, I was alarmed by the reports of almost frenzied aerial spraying of insecticides in Florida in hopes of eradicating the Zika virus.<br />
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Is it wise to douse every living thing with poison?<br />
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While I understand that this illness must be eradicated, I can't help but worry about the long-and- short term effects. Is this overkill?<br />
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The Zika virus has been around for a long time, discovered in monkeys in the Zika Forest in Uganda in 1947 with the first human case five years later. Cases were reported in Africa and Asia, but not until 2015 was it discovered in South America. There are now reports of cases in southern Florida and more widespread instances of Zika-carrying mosquitoes throughout the southern United States and beyond. The disease is spread by mosquito bites, and as recently discovered, through sexual contact, and possibly by blood transfusion. Despite its long history, more than 60 years, there remains no vaccine.<br />
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While I understand the need to control the spread of this disease, which can cause microcephaly, a severe fetal brain defect, in infants. There are also increased reports of Guilllain-Barre syndrome, a disease where "a person's own immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC). But I can't help but worry about the effects of widespread use of insecticide.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Will we see a Silent Spring in seven months from now?</span></i></b><br />
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Zika is an "international health emergency," say the CDC, as new countries affected are added almost daily. According to a timeline published by <i>Reuters</i>, the first baby born with microcephaly in the U.S. was in Florida June 28 of this year. Today, it says the CDC reports 400 pregnant women in the U.S. with evidence of the infection, up from 346 a week before. Three more babies have been born in the U.S. with birth defects, bringing the total to 12. Infected babies were also born in New York City, Spain, and Honduras.<br />
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Cases are declining in Brazil where the Olympic games are about to begin. Numbers are falling--from 3,710 to 3,741--a week ago.<br /><br />The first Zika death has been reported in Puerto Rico in April where there are also 683 suspected cases, including 65 pregnant women and five suspected instances of Guillain-Barre syndrome.<br />
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Spain reported its first case of a brain-defect related to Zika in May.<br />
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Surely widespread spraying of insecticide cannot be done worldwide. Wouldn't it be more prudent to encourage individuals to protect themselves from being bitten by infected mosquitoes?<br />
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There are scientific solutions on the horizon, such as the controversial genetically-modified mosquitoes, but for a myriad reasons, not the least of which are funding and uncooperative public agencies, that is not happening.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We find ourselves in a potentially deadly situation at present, but what about the solutions causing irreversible damage to the environment? </b></span></i><br />
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The most commonly used fogging agents used in Florida to kill adult mosquitoes are pyrethroids.<br />
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This man-made chemical is similar to the natural occurring compound in the chrysanthemum flower. Large amounts of this chemical can cause dizziness, headache, and nausea that can last for several hours. Larger amounts might cause muscle twitching, reduced energy, and changes in awareness. In larger amounts, it could cause convulsions and loss of consciousness. Exposure might be capable of causing cancer, according to the <i>Toxic substances portal </i>of the <i>Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry of the CDC. </i><br />
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We have already seen a decline in the number of bees and butterflies, as well as other pollinators essential to the production of food and essential plants. According to <i>Nature World News, "</i>Now new research has determined that sprays commonly used to control mosquito populations in the United States may also be having an adverse effect on common butterfly populations." The publication cites journals: <i>Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Science of the Total Environment, </i>and <i>Chemosphere</i>.<br />
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This 2015 article, published prior to the massive spraying due to Zika, sounded alarms to the use of insecticides.<br />
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"It was already known that these chemicals were toxic to many species past a certain concentration," according to the report. It adds that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) already lists insecticides as toxic to aquatic organisms and honeybees.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-14514576878121836302016-07-28T15:31:00.000-05:002016-07-28T15:31:35.208-05:00Debbie Wasserman Schultz under fire, rightly or wrongly <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKGRtmCGXwk/V5pgChc7dfI/AAAAAAAAjL4/LUewfYPQyZsnPOHo8l_R74W-vHX-wd5kwCLcB/s1600/Debbie%2BWasserman%2BSchultz.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Debbie Wasserman Schultz" border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKGRtmCGXwk/V5pgChc7dfI/AAAAAAAAjL4/LUewfYPQyZsnPOHo8l_R74W-vHX-wd5kwCLcB/s320/Debbie%2BWasserman%2BSchultz.png" title="Debbie Wasserman Schultz under fire pic" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debbie Wasserman Schultz,<br />former head of the Democratic <br />National Committee (DNC)</td></tr>
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Apparently the hubbub about Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, now the former head of the Democratic National Committee, has passed. The news died down in short order once the first night of the Democratic Convention commenced.<br />
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Unity may never truly occur between the Sen. Bernie Sanders' supporters, which Wasserman Schultz is accused of slighting over support for the party's ultimate nominee, Hillary Clinton. Aside from the voters that flat out dislike Clinton, many of the Sanders' voters are young. They are feisty and want to dig in their heels. It appears that most of the Bernie or Bust folks are prepared to follow the lead of their mentor who suggested they switch their support to Hillary Clinton. The alternative, a Donald Trump administration is undesirable to most and a third party vote could dangerously result in a Trump victory.<br />
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None of the imperfections in the political system happened overnight. None of them will be solved overnight either.<br />
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What really ails the Democratic Party is years of apathy and inattention to politics. This lack of interest is partly responsible for the chaos that guides political parties today. The idea that new voters have awakened is a good thing, but political experience and/or knowledge of history is helpful when guiding decision making. It is helpful to fully understanding how things have been done and how they need to be done. There is never a need to reinvent the wheel.<br />
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Many of the young people excited by the notion of a political revolution, led by Sanders, are also members of the instant gratification generation. That kind of comfort just doesn’t bode well in the political arena where long, measured actions and reactions are the norm. Politics is about getting all the ducks in a row; it is about dealing with people, a difficult task because the Democratic Party consists of so many people from different backgrounds and cultures, with differing ideas, and independent thoughts. A political party deals not with just the candidates, but everyone else associated with elections, from the staff, volunteers, and voters. It takes finesse to get everyone on the same page.<br />
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There is little to indicate that Democratic Party Chairman Debbie<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2308130969045295439" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Wasserman Schultz did anything to require more than an apology to Bernie Sanders and his supporters. Granted, her actions were an embarrassment, but that is only because Sanders was so once-in-a-lifetime successful. Had he been just another candidate, nothing would have come of this. <br />
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Wasserman Schultz was already ruffling feathers when just before the convention her emails were released by Wikileaks. They provided embarrassing evidence.<br />
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Who expects a personal email to fall into the wrong hands? Who expects their words to be read beyond the intended recipient? Anyone would be embarrassed. Who is to say how, and more importantly why, and by whom this information was leaked. That is another story for another time.<br />
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The DNC is being accused of slighting Sanders’ campaign. That may be, but they why is also important.<br />
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Consider the fact that Sanders has been an Independent candidate and only chose to run as a Democrat for this Presidential election. That proves a stark contrast with Clinton, who has been a staunch Democrat for most of her political career, spanning decades. <br />
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When she lost the Primary to Barack Obama in 2008, it was evident that she would seek the Presidency again. It was almost inevitable that she would run and win this time. Following the first black President, Hillary Clinton could become the first female President. It would be historic. The Democratic Party wanted that to happen, long before convention planning had commenced.<br />
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By contrast, Sanders campaign began when he announced his intentions. It was almost out of the blue. Few took him seriously at first.<br />
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It seemed early on that the primary would be just going through the motions. By the time Bernie and Martin O’Malley entered the race, Wasserman Schultz and the DNC were already geared up for a Clinton Presidency. In hindsight, a Clinton win was premature, but by then, the ducks were already lined up. There is probably not a single person, including Bernie himself that could have predicted the dynamics of this primary battle. Everyone was surprised at the country’s apparent distaste for politics as usual. <br />
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So, if Wasserman Schultz and the DNC are guilty of anything, it is bad timing, premature judgement, and the inability to stop a runaway train. They were ill-equipped to predict the success of the Sanders campaign. Once it was finally realized that Sanders was a real threat to Clinton's candidacy, the train was already barreling down the track and it was too late to flip the switch.<br />
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Politics is not a spontaneous sport. An election is a huge undertaking that requires cooperation, understanding, and generally being on top of every little detail. And there are lots and lots of details. It also requires people skills since there are so many individuals involved in races, staff, and volunteers all across the country.<br />
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As the DNC Chairman, Wasserman Schultz was charged with doing what was best for the Democratic Party, not just the presidential race, but the entire party, which includes a whole host of governors, state officials, as well as U.S. Congressional candidates. How could she have known early on that Bernie Sanders was going to “knock it out of the park” in terms of fundraising, support, and visual turn-out for rallies? Such a phenomenon is unprecedented!<br />
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Much of Sanders’ support came from young and enthusiastic first-time voters. Others are from the far left, progressive fringe of the Democratic party. Then there are the natural Hillary haters that have bought into the quarter-century of lies and innuendos told by Republicans in hope that something will stick.<br />
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Together, all those voices made up a pretty strong force. <br />
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Admittedly, Wasserman Schultz and the DNC should not have been biased against Sanders in favoring Clinton. But then when Trump became the GOP nominee, it became urgent to boost the candidacy of whomever Democratic Party presumed to be their best candidate. They had been burned before.<br />
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The DNC experienced a heated primary in 2000 when Ralph Nader took votes that could have boosted Al Gore's candidacy. Instead George W. Bush invariably won the tight race through the back-door with help from brother Jeb and his political cronies in Florida coupled with a GOP-laden Supreme Court. The justices took control of the election and handed it to Bush. In the back of their minds—the DNC—burnt badly in 2000, would guard against that ever happening again. <br />
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So on the eve of the convention of what might be the most important Presidential Election after all she has put into it, Debbie Wasserman Schultz has announced her resignation<br />
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Hillary Clinton has offered Wasserman Schultz an honorary position in her campaign, as chair of Clinton's 50-state strategy. This is not, as some are charging, a Quid-Pro-Quo. Instead it is an opportunity for Clinton to utilize the best and brightest talent for a job that needs doing. Wasserman Schultz has experience in politics and her help will likely be invaluable.<br />
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Like many, I’m personally disappointed in how this entire Bernie Sanders campaign issue has been handled. But it is time to learn from mistakes, get stronger, and move forward. I would like to see Sanders continue his efforts to coalesce like-minded folks, who one day can continue a real political revolution. That will take very hard work and long hours however, since nothing in politics or for that matter, anything of substance, happens overnight. I’m enthused to see this political movement grow. I’m excited to see Hillary Clinton prove to her adversaries that they have been wrong about her. I believe she can be a great President. And, I’m excited to finally see a woman occupy the White House.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-46227167929802342002016-07-15T15:21:00.002-05:002016-07-28T15:33:15.598-05:00Politics as I see it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b><i>Th</i></b><b><i>is has been the most exasperating election season I can ever remember.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cK-ENWL_uIo/V5pr1DxdewI/AAAAAAAAjMI/nWDdDMWh6cwxM1FZSi9H6CVqIoyn7T5RQCLcB/s1600/Hillary%2BClinton.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hillary Clinton" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cK-ENWL_uIo/V5pr1DxdewI/AAAAAAAAjMI/nWDdDMWh6cwxM1FZSi9H6CVqIoyn7T5RQCLcB/s1600/Hillary%2BClinton.png" title="Politics as I see it" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hillary Clinton,<br />Democratic Nominee<br />for President 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</i></b><br />
That wasn’t the way it started out for me. Early on I was excited to see such a great field of Democrats vying for President.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Republican politics has just never appealed to me. </i></b><br />
It would take a pretty great person for me to vote for a Republican. It has happened in the past, but not very often. I just do not share the same philosophy with the party of ‘bigger is always better.’ This year’s candidates almost seemed like jokesters to me. I could hardly relate to any one of them. One seemed worse then the other, and there were a whole host of them. To me, the worst of the bunch were Carly Fiorina and Ted Cruz. Not only did none of them impress me, but they aggravated and annoyed me.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2308130969045295439" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2308130969045295439" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2308130969045295439" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I admit I was partial to Hillary Clinton at the start. In simple terms, I was excited about the prospect of the first female President, but I also felt that Hillary has worked hard for the opportunity to serve as President. I felt she was deserving and completely prepared for the job. These are tough times, so I am not sure there is ample time to break-in a new President. It really would be advantageous to have a candidate hit the ground running, so to speak.<br />
<br />
Despite support for Hillary, I related completely to the words of Bernie Sanders. He echoes my own feelings about what is wrong with government. I know I’m not alone there. I have plenty of friends and family members that have also been taken with the notion of a Sanders presidency. Lots of people out there “feel the Bern.”<br />
<br />
I was also pretty impressed with Martin O’Malley, who I felt could have easily succeeded Barack Obama. I’d like to see him advance his political career. He seems to share the kind of common sense that is necessary to deal with today’s problems. And, he is a good speaker, something the American people need in a leader.<br />
<br />
<b><i>A very important primary election</i></b><br />
I admit that due to some personal problems that have kept me very busy, the inability to connect with the clerk’s office to obtain an absentee ballot, and being in a quandary about who to support, I admit, for the first time, publicly, that I did not vote in this state’s primary election.<br />
<br />
The primary is over now and Hillary Clinton is the Democratic presumptive nominee, though who knows how secure that position will be, with every effort on the Republican side and even some on her own team, trying to destroy her. As I write this, I see increasing animosity toward Clinton by the Republicans, but also by the folks that support Sanders. Have they just finally been swayed by the relentless attacks by the GOP?<br />
<br />
<b><i>It is time to think hard about the future</i></b><br />
With the national convention where a nominee will be officially named, this primary season is now at a crossroads. It is impossible for anyone to make a prediction, based on the news, lack of news, lies and innuendo, too many political pundits—both professional and amateur—as well way too many opinions on social media, television, and elsewhere. The information available is as varied as it can possibly be.<br />
<br />
Bernie Sanders has finally endorsed Clinton for President, but that may not be enough since his supporters are so vehemently opposed to a Hillary Clinton Presidency. They still hold out hope that she will fail and he can be whisked in at the last minute to become the nominee.<br />
<br />
But there is another spoiler entering the fray—Jill Stein—the Green Party Candidate for President. I have nothing against her, and in fact like what she espouses, but feel she is nothing more than a stick for which to stir the political soup pot. A vote for Jill Stein is a vote for Donald Trump. This is still a country with two parties. Any third party candidate is a spoiler. Stein will take votes from Clinton, not from Trump. The result could be disastrous, if enough people vote for her. That is what the GOP is hoping for. Siphon enough votes away from Clinton, so they can get Trump to win the contest.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Haven’t we learned this lesson in the past? </i></b><br />
There is a dangerous game being played in Democratic politics and it may serve to blow up in everyone’s face. If Hillary Clinton is not elected, there is only one alternative—Donald Trump as President. No thinking person wants that to happen.<br />
<br />
<b><i>No candidate is perfect </i></b><br />
While I do not agree with Hillary Clinton 100% of the time, she still will have my vote. I refuse to pick her apart by policies—policies that are continuing to evolve—when there is a big picture to look at. We must look at the total package, and not be dazzled by the pretty ribbon tying it together on the outside.<br />
<br />
Some people don’t seem to understand that. Often times, folks are just one-issue voters. Some voters are completely inexperienced about how the political system works. Many of these are students and young people that have never seen how long it takes to fight for a cause. Others are complete idealists, refusing to see beyond their own beliefs. There is no compromise for them. They see the world through black and white with no gray area. If there are enough of these kinds of voters, we will certainly face a Donald Trump administration in our future. In my view, that would be a disaster of epic proportion, not just for our country, but for other countries of the world.<br />
While I understand the Bernie Sanders movement, and the enthusiasm he brought to the table, there is no reason to believe the movement is done. It certainly can continue from a seat in the United States Senate. Government and politics are slow-moving. A political revolution, which was promised, is not something that happens overnight. These things take time, nurturing, and planning before they are carried out.<br />
<br />
My problem with Bernie Sanders has always been that he has never been tested. We’ve seen plenty of Bernie amid like-minded people, but what would happen to him in a general election with the likes of a Donald Trump, where insults and manufactured information was recklessly revealed on every television station multiple times per day. Anyone can buy an ad. It doesn’t matter if it is truthful. Most times, it completely isn’t. There is no truth in advertising, especially in political advertising. We do know that Hillary can handle it. She has withstood it for decades.<br />
<br />
Bernie has painted himself into a corner, by claiming to be a socialist without enough explanation. So many dismissed him as a crackpot, because of their own ignorance and not by anything he did. He did little to educate them.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Let’s give the woman a chance</i></b><br />
So much has been said about Hillary and her shifting positions. I’m a woman, so I understand that nothing is ever set in stone. As new information comes to light, even our long held positions can be tweaked, tempered, or even shifted. Everything is a work in progress. Nothing is so perfect that it doesn’t need to be re-thought and re-thought again. We live in an ever-changing world. Things change. I caution against judging Hillary Clinton by the good ole boys of the past. We’ve never had a woman in the White House and it could make all the difference. <br />
<br />
I don’t believe all the ugly things I’ve heard about Hillary Clinton, because frankly, there is never any proof—just a bunch of hot air—by people with an axe to grind. People generally don’t like strong, independent women. I do. I want to see Hillary succeed. I want to see what she can do. I think that like Barack Obama surprised some of his adversaries, Hillary Clinton will too.<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-53133178926704462242016-06-08T12:28:00.001-05:002016-07-28T15:38:26.778-05:00Better to build bridges than to build walls<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
I realize it has been some time since I posted here, and for that I apologize. Truth is, I've been trying not to be a writer of late. </div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Writing has been so important to me for the most recent half of my life, which translates into about 30 plus years. I've always used writing to express my hopefulness and positive inspiration. Thing is, there isn't always hope and inspiration has two sides.</div>
<br />
<br />
...which brings me to the state of the country and the most recent primary election.<br />
<br />
I'm an avowed Democrat, only because I believe in the philosophy the Democratic Party espouses, even if it doesn't always live up to its own values. Then again, as much as we all try, who does? It is hard to hold firm to everything we believe in when outside forces often times make that so difficult.<br />
<br />
<b><i>That said, my inspiration this morning, is a mixed bag. </i></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w1sRQ4Jh0fE/V5ptCW8fzPI/AAAAAAAAjMU/7o8Hcqgu6RcF02k3jWBpb9v71m7XXR0swCLcB/s1600/Hillary%2BClinton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hillary Clinton" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w1sRQ4Jh0fE/V5ptCW8fzPI/AAAAAAAAjMU/7o8Hcqgu6RcF02k3jWBpb9v71m7XXR0swCLcB/s1600/Hillary%2BClinton.jpg" title="Better to build bridges than to build walls" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hillary Clinton,<br />Democratic Nominee<br />for President of the U.S. 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2308130969045295439" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2308130969045295439" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a 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imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>On one hand, I was thrilled to see Hillary Clinton secure the Democratic<br />
nomination for President. First and foremost, I'm proud of the continuation of a hard-fought progression of this historic undertaking. Woman have fought long and hard for equality, but that doesn't mean they are the same as men. In fact, the differences between women and men and how they think is precisely why I wanted to see a woman in the White House. Equality does not now, nor ever did mean that men and woman are the same. It is just all about fair treatment under the law.<br />
<br />
For those who despise Hillary Clinton, I'm sorry you feel that way. There have been stories made up about the Clintons since they entered the national stage. So many of them have been debunked, fallen away like too many foul balls that never made it over the plate. I've heard the criticisms, and I can't help but wonder how many of them are simply made up by men of the opposing party who seem to be unable to cope with a strong woman in a leadership position. Misogyny has proven to be very real, even in this day and age.<br />
<br />
Consider the fact that no one, perhaps not even Hillary herself, knows just what she will do or how she will react, when it is she who sits at that desk in the oval office. I don't feel she can be judged necessarily, based on her job as First Lady, past votes in the U.S. Senate or even her deeds as Secretary of State. She was always a part of someone else's administration. It is far different to take someone else's orders than to be the one giving them and being responsible for how and by whom they are carried out.<br />
<br />
What president has ever been seen with prior crystal ball clarity, even when it entails their own policies and procedures? Things happen! Pre-planning isn't necessarily the name of the game when it comes to governing a country. The game does, however, require experience, intelligence, ability, and a knowledge of every consequence. The U.S. President has to be able to react in a moment's notice, and with judgment, strength, and understanding, to every disaster and potential crisis thrown at them.<br />
<br />
I don't know of anyone on the national stage that is as prepared as Hillary Clinton to do that.<br />
<br />
<b><i>That brings me to the other side of my inspirational need to write about this primary election.</i></b><br />
<br />
<a 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i8En6NF4LPbL2G/2L9GTf2+X4Cno8OfuwrU/ocXguihj8FO3Xsj/yH0ZacNd8JSThzvhK1M0EfgkGgj8Ffborv/oyGjqtVZ6CfRUGnm1Cs2H1Wib086Zy8i4DtVU2/g/VEqfDDWQFvLKM0ZII11v7qr1VT3c3RW3gPG2OhlufrLW1NxvbX0W8874KxJp2UDEKVwZlcLFr8rgeYsVMp4Q1rcuvd5+O6n8RTFsgktmzuII2JAuB7B3so0QGW4FgTcA+K5rVM6CluQ/laRqPIJvs3Zg4u0B5C2gIIuT6pAeb+icE+VUzSCdPSanNofUEeoUiWlZawJB8zZDafFi0WIDgOQcAbDoDzaPAEKFV44ScrYWH1k/8lapGq9hKZrQ0nYbDmfAdSUX4OpCxri+2Z5zOHS+w8hp6KsUMnatOdwYRewaLC/kjeC1ltCVaZVEyTDmx5oy3u53OafwvJdp5EkeiYGGB333eht81Orp88R5EgE2O9he1xqOQ1Cq9Nj8YNjFK09BI17fTM0Ee5VukRIssOH5RcE6aoFhFS8WkkPfdmfrsJC0gezQfJwRahxcEd2O3i85reQAA97oXjrx2m/2Qed7kkkkndbhQHKicMYPVSIsTJ3VRPNTIZbItirSLHNVu2Kif3B/VDH1migvrDdaXJhos0WIv6qUMQd1QGhkuikYWG6Kpkp2IOTJxJ6W2Fe+iLS5KaZjsbtUdopNE/hOFUfaujnlkDmHlZrWu8Q7Uq202F07R9VCCNnPu71F0NNoY4AuHYW6f7RLY+u7vBv7qwuiZBGGsbYC3L5kncrzwW7+g2QviBznQuDftDUeijdlHcYkEkJkbrlIkb5NuSPUBw9UJhrmyXc06ADRS6Fxc27BdsjC4NOzwM+XyJBCrFCzsZHMv3XWew/E08vXSx8bobVoLCVOizU7gbrtQ2wQqlq7OtdT3S8kFh4jE8ltNzoE7TUx87rtXAdHC2419P2QiprJYz/jzDq0n5jZaRtuidWULgbtJHkUxSzyMdzKmNfMfuNdy5OP3uSeFNKXFv0dxcBfukEed1OGVf2T6Z0jwLmw6dUMxWnIOYN5JyWrmY2/YnkLDMMzrm2gXGxzvbmfZv4Rr7la+Ck2T+HJA+y7jz2iW3Ro/VKwml7O1vVVLiTEXOqJC093NlH/EZfzBWsT+QeflBk1DfBPRVLSqS6SU7p2CSUbo29Cuxl5LGuCiS0XRAIcUkbzRWjxTMtKaKcGgtQm2iL07kJppwdEQikssy8kQXYVJjCGxThSW1ICLBGZMkx4JRy5ZnU8ZeBo5rQD625+t03U4Vu2TTodCPC/JUzhXi4ZcshN/D9U7jvFLe1DDI1kZHMFznZuvdNmjlzvfpul39BA5LQ5T+90MrRrlJ2uncDxxszezkOvIO6Ifjcbon5tTlNzz1b1HUKrICcCqjHU9ifsk5hfbUXHkQSo+I0mWV8B0OZ0lO7oXauj8nG/qmqqcNqI5AeZt6O0H5hWXiakDnxv3ZI038GuBPyULKO6bk4FFqStu3yVegl1seR/NSoJMjteW6xKIaMvkuTJszAmqiEOHih2H1WU5TyPI7IvG2/6IYwmM0RLdx58j7j9UUiryDcONyLGx6X39So0dI46Zb+alR0D78h7rSbJSY7Fld68+p8zunp4wG6BOxUjh0XK05W+itlMEV9b2MTn315Nv8R5fv6KixmxsdQeaf4gxQzPAYfq2aN/Ed3ft/tQ2G4siRVIVnLcwjTMF7KfJTAC9lCwfvHKeYVobRXasS4ZuPKKhI0XRbCaEOUg4MS7RH8Mw/LspZe0HNpy0qfm0UirplEdotRbYPJFIcE9l1tQSVBmcvQPRY5K4F3Gyu0nDTxqHEFOVuCvIO58lZIQdynZa5jBqVPBsptLg9U25Z3TzBOx0V0o8QeYwyVjToLgk+tjsUKquIQOQQibiA+Cw0i7JuO8PG8csAJjMjGuYbZoyXDXTm0/JFuJJLNef/wA5DfzBA+ZCA03E7hz5KZW1zZ4nDctt8wf0UohS4C0OBcLtv3hvY6Gx2I5jyRCspiw5Sbi12u2e3Y+22yhVNOWmxRzCJGzx/R5DZw1jdzP+/Lz3dppLdwWnRAp5tLH08Edw6uBGV3P+WQGandG8scLEGx/Qg7gjUFSoIr63QJRGIyLfBVjQgqdHWjf1VNiJB0upsReddgCSfAC5VchNxcG1TSFV+P5ZTBeI3jDss1vtAG1v+JNwfG3VR6Ovc4gDQH3RaimyPsQHNf3XNcA5rgdCCNwQbeN9tMrGPH7AZJ3wjN4jcKTEinFmACln7l+xlGaK5uW9Yyd7bHceNwBUTbKNU6YEkwTZHtcNvmtKfRSMiZKO/E9oc17dRYjk7oVmJFwtP/pTj2aN1I8g5buY13ItP2238Dr6rLjZqMqI8EguikbxZEca4ba674BkdzMR5H/oPXwVaEpbodCNCDzCE1QeMkwhO4ITUDVSO2umpGrUZJA8qYPlaktCkPYkubosOVsWUgNXYxs1CzJI/qpeG4Q9zwHBX/DOGGgDRCz6xQ4QxHHZntPgkr9iitNwI9/MlajQYI0bI5T0IGyQlrMj8BljiY87+mjyO64hQJuCayE3aMw9lv8AHCBsnDTtPMBSGryr5KcInzZXUhIIewtd0I/JAW5mP0Ni03BHXZfS2N8LxTNN2hY5xlwXJAS+MFzdxuP3XQw6uM+HwwUsdeDkMTK2IH7MzRlv1t9028dR5kfCEK7J0RyvbZw0I/nMcjfxUPBq4wyBw5HuuGvof58ua0T+3w1jASbPtZrwBfXkLDnqRp1dYWzMA6Disiv5MRntKzRsBCfxQZKeTLzLMoP/AFaH5XSxhz4nZDlIuQHsILXEaEgj8tkrEoT2RHgUttph27QDwKQOaD7/AM/ntdWB8f8APfr6/P8AFmquBGxe0cwQ4e9vzIVzoRmbqNRppfyBG9jbz0A5hqahygDCkNDHX05pZTaTnG882v2P6Hr5/ay6rpJIZHRSNyyRuLXtOxH5jcHcEFathmHE95pNxYgCxuN7bHm3TlqOQIyxf6rYOHRQ14HeGWGYjdpH1byfA92/Mh7brU42rMfJmBbupGF1roZWSs0LXA+fUeouExG8X1SnNtpsUuaN4w3FGyMZI03a5oI9f2QzivCu1jMkI+saLkbvA/VU/wDp7jWU/RnnQ6xnx3b68/daLBJqPZUXZluF4hd1jsjwIIUPjzA+xk+lwjuPdaVo+48/eHgfzUXC64OHNByQrlGnktUwi9qZkCeJTMpQ0JvyF8PgbmGivmHwjKFn0chGoVowDF/ulTX6O/ziM4M38sszI7KU1qZY4EXCeYVxPkcFhdCTddutEHA5QsQoGSCxCkZl7MrsqjG+OuCcmaWJtjzIHI+Pmqtw9iz2tfGDY5H5eoIadLH19yvoPEKQSMLSFg/HOCPo6kSMFmOOZp2B3BXV0Opb/CQHLD5QplaYwwN3N9dWm3Uc7kEHyPNHGZJY8zbWPMbtPQquTEObcciPbQEH00J8GAKTwziOZ2Q6OtlcPi6X8rLpSgYjKmCzS9nUkbOBA9wf0KtGCzMILZQcrr5SLixIF9R4AIVjsNnsI5h7fnp+qP09M0R3eA0AXLnaADzV4bZMnDLDhoAzbi9hbW+munI83G2mhcPEBv6p4u8UjIY23je8dtIDmDcpzMbf8Ttc3LTq6wFsxZr5DBDewAzP1GcEAgAbC1v5zsscLXsyvaHMe0tc08iDzutZMv8AKMJGL3UxhuLIlxNw3JSOJHfhJ7kg1GvJr+jtvFCIggFi43FpDgbEag9FqfCOPioZldpK0d4dbfeCy4hS8JqnxzMfFfOCLAfe8LeKhDZK9jZG5XDMyRpa4HdZPidE6jnMZJLD3o3fE39xyWoGQ5dRYhwNumYXshPGWHCopXZQM8f1jDvp9oDzF1RGrKtTYgCE86oBVOhqCN1NhrisvF6B7OS7iVOMqcpuNlELUhxsnWLo0Dh7GQ8WurNG5Zlwq76wrR4HaBeb1uOMMnB1MTbjyPly7mTLyuNckwo45yZLinCU28KEHY5lAx/BY6qIse0HpdO3T0Uq1Gbi7RVGE8RcNTUbyWkmPx1t4EbhCaectcHiMZr3JGYX35Ar6DxfDWTsIIBuFkOOcOOp5O6O7c256b2Xc0ep6i2vyLZIVyiB/cpXkuysuORyg2Omuqdra+ZzfrA1wbrZzQRcWN/PUJ2ijGuZuh8eWg/YqfU0zXRusNbfoL29l0EuADkVzgWUySue/UuJJWlwWtZZzwXH2cjt7PPstHEwA05pV+QqHJQMpDgC0ixa6xBB5gjdZ9xRwyIfrqfVl+9GdSy+7Du3w2/K9sZmN3KJjEYYxx2sef5/ooiGbYfSte4B77X2A1PUA9VoeA4fTsjzQx2JuCXDv+p28lTMFw3NUXeDa922JBbblY7LRaWJrbNaLAjl4/urIcqHb9Wj5L0bwRY8iPkdCm3jUeZHumYXbeY/X9FCGS11P2cr4/he5voDp8rJppRfjKPLVvPxBrvcW/RAnSLZk0XOmJ5l5eTDFF5LDwc3fqVoMLtF5eXmta28rOrj/VDhK4CuLyUYQXdcJXl5Qgy9ca5eXlkskRPUDHsKbMw6bLy8jYpOMk0ZkuDKaqmfDIWHXcH32TjJXEHxFren/teXl6jFJuCbOfJUwfwzbtSPxn8gr7DGAvLyBLyFXg454zeQuq9VzGomcD/iiIYAPitfMRuvLypEJDKLI4FH2nuhy8vKyEesFibdQf57qK82Lh01XF5QhnHHLj9JF/8A62W93KvBeXltGT//2Q==" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for public images of Bernie Sanders" border="0" 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" /></a>While Sen. Bernie Sanders has energized many folks, especially young people, his job is far from over. History will not remember that he held huge rallies and scored millions of votes in a primary election. History will remember him for what he does next.<br />
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In my view, it is time for him to have a teaching moment with his followers. Many of them are young and inexperienced. They don't know the history, and have likely never participated in national politics before. I would bet most never even participated in their own local politics either.<br />
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Bernie said all the right things. I felt the Bern at first as well. I believe all the things he believes. It was so gratifying to hear someone on the national stage and running for President who espoused the same things I believe. It was like he spoke directly from my own soul. But then I started to question how he could get them done. I've seen how government operates. It is a long, drawn out process. It is like the U.S. government operates on dial-up while the rest of us connect at higher and higher speeds. While I am still hopeful that Bernie can get done the things he is passionate about, and that I am passionate about too, it could never be as President. Barack Obama's inability to get things done with an obstructionist Congress is a perfect example of why Sanders would fail.<br />
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Sanders has never been tested in the way that Clinton has been tested. The GOP never took him serious enough to try to annihilate his character or demean his very existence as they have with the Clintons. We don't know how Sanders would react to that type of unfair, unethical scrutiny. The opposing media never hammered on his every word. Bernie Sanders was an unknown in that regard.<br />
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Bernie Sanders could very well beat Donald Trump in the election, but there is so much more to governing than campaigning.<br />
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Bernie has done little to change the membership in Congress or help individual governors get elected. The GOP and especially the tea-party wing of the party has to go. That is part of what a political party does. Bernie has simply not played the game. To a political party, the election of senators, representatives, governors and mayors is almost as important to the operation of a united country as electing a President.<br />
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Many of the criticism of the Democratic Party are by some who have never participated in it before. If I were Bernie, I would challenge all my supporters to participate in their own local elections, to run for office themselves if they feel strongly enough, and to study how a local political system operates. That is how things change, from the bottom up. Young people who are interested in how things operate and are inspired to change it, need to stick with it.<br />
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There is no place in politics for instant gratification. If young people aren't willing to start at the bottom and work their way up, they don't understand how it works. If real change is going to happen in this country, it will not happen in one election cycle. If this really is a movement, then it is imperative that it continue.<br />
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My hope is that Bernie Sanders and all his supporters continue to stay active and involved. Reach out and work with the next President of the United States to make the changes we all want and need.<br />
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The most important thing Hillary Clinton said when she secured the delegates needed to clinch the nomination Tuesday, was that it was better to build bridges than to build walls. While she aimed that remark toward Donald Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee she will likely face in November, it is true for all people in all aspects of life.<br />
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Isn't it time all Americans come together and fight for what we all want? Don't we all just want a better country and a better way of life for everyone?<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-70694095105304431922015-09-06T11:08:00.000-05:002015-09-06T11:09:37.574-05:00Just one Hillary Clinton Criticism<span style="font-size: x-small;">Every day the politics of this country become more and more inane. I think it is time I begin writing about it, because even if no one else ever reads what I write, I will have the satisfaction of purging some of the raging feelings politics in 2015.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Just one Hillary Clinton criticism</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">So much negativity is being said about Hillary Clinton, even from people who have and should support her. I believe it is time for a woman to occupy the White House. Hillary is the woman who can get it done because becoming President of the United States isn't a walk in the park. It takes experience, tenacity, intellect, and so much more, including guts. It has been interesting to watch the evolution of Hillary since her early days as First Lady. She has matured into a power house of knowledge about the world, the government, the voters, and above all her opponents. She has come a long way from baking cookies in the White House kitchen just to prove a point, to the politically-savvy woman she is today. Hillary is qualified to be the Commander and Chief of this country for many reasons, but most of all, because she's been through the fire and come out the other side. She is stronger, smarter, and more able to fend off her foes. This race will be interesting to watch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">In trying to satisfy my urge to communicate through Facebook posts, I found that to no longer suffice. There seems to be so much that needs saying these days. Besides, I just can't help myself. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7UHifbNvZ8/VexkgLBuDJI/AAAAAAAAfuE/dgAxsqy6-GY/s1600/5639317952_3a16e2e60d_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7UHifbNvZ8/VexkgLBuDJI/AAAAAAAAfuE/dgAxsqy6-GY/s400/5639317952_3a16e2e60d_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">I was inspired by a Facebook meme I saw this morning depicting Hillary Clinton talking to Henry Kissinger. It was apparently a piece by <i>Reverb Press</i>, an online news and lifestyle magazine,<i> </i>entitled "Why Did a War Criminal Advise Clinton For Years?" In it, a litany of questions were asked about which of his policies she supports.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I'd like to know why is there an assumption that she supports any of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This publication appears to have a liberal slant, but it could have come from the other side just as easily. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The piece outlines how the dastardly Kissinger enabled Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, and protected Chilean dictator, General </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Augusto</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pinochet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"We know thanks to the posted emails from the Clinton server that she was in regular contact with Kissinger," the webzine stated, adding, "We know that she considers him a friend thanks to her review of his book last year."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The assumptions are troubling, but what really troubles me is the conclusion, "That Clinton would willingly interact with the man who engineered the genocide in Bangladesh should give us all pause."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">These kinds of assumptions harm our politics, malign good people, and rev up a frenzy among unintelligent, non-thinking, reactionary masses of people who hate Hillary Clinton for whatever is their reason du jour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Can't we just stop it? It is so frustrating to see such jump-to-conclusion journalism with nothing to back it up but assumptions. I'd personally like to see the motive behind these allegations that somehow Hillary has a mutual agreement with Henry Kissinger just because of a few past interactions. The reality is that this woman was the Secretary of State, charged with the handling of all the foreign affairs of this country. She has to interact with everyone who may provide insight, information, or informed opinion available to her. That can't be an easy task, given the climate in today's world filled with so much upheaval, particularly when it comes to the Middle East. I'm sure it is a bitter pill to take, to have to talk to people you agree or disagree with on a regular basis. But that is how it is done! Keep your friends close; your enemies closer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Whatever happened to giving the benefit of the doubt, trusting in judgement, refusal to burn bridges, and recognizing that Regular Joe just isn't privy to all the information needed to make an informed opinion on this or any subject. The point is that to run a country, or in Clinton's case, to manage its international affairs, all the information available is not just fair game, but may be vital and necessary. To discount any one person or bit of data or factual truth is to fail. To do the best you can, which is all I believe Hillary Clinton ever did in any job she has ever or will ever hold, there can be no less. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">To make a real judgement, it takes facts, as many as can be obtained, from all angles. I would expect nothing less of her than to seek out friends, enemies, and all parties involved in decision-making before a rush to judgement is ever made. Decisions must be products of calculated thought without speculation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Regular Joe doesn't seem to get that. And stringing words together does not a journalist make. Regular Joe doesn't get that either. Too many people are believing too many things that simply aren't true based on what they read on the Internet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I don't know if Hillary Clinton considers Henry Kissinger her friend. I really don't care. Does it really matter? As long as she is qualified and does the best job she can do, that is all that really matters. I am not in her close circle of friends. In fact, I've never met her. So I don't care about her personal life. I do care about the decisions she makes that affect the country I call home. And if Henry Kissinger can giver her insight into doing that, great! And I believe she will do the best she can to make the right decisions that are best for the U.S. of A., as I believe she has always tried to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Folks need to slow down and think about what they read. It seems we could all take a lesson from Hillary Clinton. Don't discount information, no matter where it comes from. And don't believe everything you see and only half of what you read. </span><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-73579390559380319872015-07-29T14:03:00.000-05:002015-07-29T14:04:07.337-05:00Already sick of 2016? There is a long way to go!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Obama08acceptance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="English: Barack Obama delivering his electoral..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="467" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e8/Obama08acceptance.jpg/350px-Obama08acceptance.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 350px;">English: Barack Obama delivering his electoral victory speech on Election Night ´08, in Grant Park, Chicago. (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Obama08acceptance.jpg">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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It is rather amazing that it is only the summer of 2015 and already the political season seems to be in full swing. In a few short weeks, debates will be held. Well, they aren't really debates; they are more like Fox News' idea of who they'd like to see compete.<br />
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In my view, everything that has to do with Fox News and every "candidate" that has anything to do with them should simply be considered satire. Who in their right mind would believe any of the drivel they "report?" I suppose the optimum phrase here is "right mind."<br />
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The only good thing I can see about this ever-earlier focus of news organizations on the upcoming election is that it has resulted in the country's dimmer switch on President Barack Obama. He's had enough of their attention, which isn't really attention at all; it is more like a negative obsession. Since the day he announced his run for office, so long ago, they have been criticizing, complaining, and making up whatever they like to discredit him. So, while the right-wing nut jobs have been rallying around Donald Trump, wondering how they can get a word in edgewise, Obama has been able to simply do his job.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Donald_Trump_star_Hollywood_Walk_of_Fame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="English: This photo depicts Donald Trump's sta..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="240" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/Donald_Trump_star_Hollywood_Walk_of_Fame.JPG/350px-Donald_Trump_star_Hollywood_Walk_of_Fame.JPG" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 350px;">English: This photo depicts Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Donald_Trump_star_Hollywood_Walk_of_Fame.JPG">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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Oh, the Donald! These damn crazy Republicans are easily distracted by a well-placed media spotlight, especially when they all dance around it, hoping they can steer it their way.<br />
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It has been positively shameful how our President has been treated. Clearly, his racial makeup is responsible. Some folks just can't handle that a President of both black and white descent occupies the White House. I think this is evident, as the country seems as divided as it was in the 1860's.<br />
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Despite how long this election season has gotten, I do see a bright side. If nothing else, it will be an interesting one to watch.<br />
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I can't help but wonder if the next President will face similar scrutiny as the current one. I suspect that we ain't seen nothin' yet, especially if the next President happens to be the first female to hold the office. I suspect it very well could be. We will see all the misogynists come out of the woodwork. Equality is not something that is clearly understood in this country. It seems as though the bottom line is, if you aren't a wealthy white male, you just don't seem to count.<br />
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<b><i>Republican field </i></b><br />
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I don't mind admitting that I have very little respect for the Republicans in the field. In fact, I dislike most of them and would hate to see any of them as our 45th President. Surprisingly, there are now 33 declared Republican candidates with two more considered potential. I have never heard of some of them and can only hope they have better credentials and stronger positions than the ones that have already made a mark--or at the very least have name recognition.<br />
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<b><i>Democratic field </i></b><br />
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Even the Democratic field is much fuller than we are told by our friendly neighborhood reporters. There are about 16 declared candidates and others possibly waiting in the wings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bernie_june06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator from Vermont" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="300" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/Bernie_june06.JPG" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 236px;">Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator from Vermont (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bernie_june06.JPG">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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The Republicans have the Donald. Democrats have Bernie. As much as I would love to see a Bernie Sanders Presidency; I mean this guy says everything I want to hear. I am not convinced that it is possible to elect him. As much as the Conservatives like the Donald, the liberals like Bernie. We have both wings of the Republicans and Democrats. While it is true that the county is divided, I believe the majority still lies between the two. That is why I just don't think Bernie will be elected. There is also a real fear factor. Democrats will do anything not to get another Republican in the White House. And, one of the most popular Democrats is running as well--Hillary Clinton.<br />
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The county has a real dislike for much of what is going on in the country. It has awakened an interest in many that never participated in the process before. Bad economic times touched lots of people too, as did unemployment, housing, poverty, and other society ills.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sen._Hillary_Clinton_2007_denoise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="Hillary Rodham Clinton, January 2007" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="233" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Sen._Hillary_Clinton_2007_denoise.jpg/350px-Sen._Hillary_Clinton_2007_denoise.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 225px;">Hillary Rodham Clinton, (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sen._Hillary_Clinton_2007_denoise.jpg">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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There have been other hot-button issues, like the legalization of same sex marriage, way too many mass shootings, insensitivity invoked by the Confederate flag, police shootings caught on video, part of the Voting Rights Act being struck down, the rise in income inequality, the war on women, the makeup of the Supreme Court., etc. More and more people in this country are being touched politically by one issue or another. So, who really knows which way the country is going.<br />
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Personally, I don't think things will run much farther amok than they already have. If the election were held tomorrow, I think Hillary Clinton would be our 45th President. But, we have a very long way to go. So, I for one plan to watch and see how it all plays out.<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-19812446248816646622015-05-15T11:38:00.000-05:002015-05-15T11:42:44.425-05:00Tipping my hat to Shonda Rhimes<div style="text-align: right;">
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<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Greysanatomy-title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="English: This is the title screen from the ABC..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="103" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/Greysanatomy-title.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="200" /></a></div>
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I am more than a little shocked at how many people refuse to grasp the fact that television is an entertainment medium, and not real life.<br />
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<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Patrick_Dempsey_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="English: Patrick Dempsey at the presentation o..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="320" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/Patrick_Dempsey_cropped.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="259" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 273px;">Patrick Dempsey (Photo by <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Patrick_Dempsey_cropped.jpg">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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This has been evident in the total meltdown of Grey's Anatomy fans after the untimely death of heart throb Derek Shepherd, played by Patrick Dempsey, who was killed in a traffic accident just minutes after he rescued victims of another wreck at the same location. Gotta love the irony!<br />
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My shock sounds pretty funny even to me. In fact, when I read what I just wrote, I'm a little surprised by it myself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="zemanta-img">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lassie_title_screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="Lassie (1954 TV series)" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="136" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7e/Lassie_title_screen.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 200px;">One of my favorite TV shows Lassie (1954 TV series)<br />
(Photo by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lassie_title_screen.jpg">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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I love television! Admittedly, I'm an addict. I grew up in the golden era of television, nurtured by the likes of I Love Lucy, the Carol Burnett Show, and my all-time favorite show, Lassie.<br />
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In addition to animal stories and variety shows, and daytime drama, I was always drawn to medical/emergency shows like ER, Rescue 8, Emergency, Trauma, and so many others over the years. It is no wonder that I have watched Grey's Anatomy since the day it started.<br />
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I too get emotionally invested in my television viewing. I don't miss a single line of dialogue, when a favorite character is on screen. As a writer, I know how important every word can be as a plot twists and turns throughout the story. Every word is a contribution.<br />
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I love a good story! When the writing is good, and in Grey's case it is far better than good, I empathize with the characters. I feel I know the people I see each week. I too was shocked by the death of this beloved character I had watched for 11 seasons. But life goes on in television, as it does in life. Ironically, in a television drama, the closer it is to real life, the better the show. If there is anything I despise, it is the 'all feel good all the time' model that television has been dabbling in for too long. Television is basically fantasy that mirrors real life. Something is terribly lost however when fantasy mirrors just more fantasy. The realism is the draw for me. I really hate all the dark fantasy that is filling the airwaves, but that is another blog post entirely.<br />
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So basically, instead of hating Shonda Rhimes, the brilliant creator/writer of Grey's Anatomy, I give her props. The outrage by fans merely serves to validate Rhimes' work. The hatefulness being expressed toward her is, in many ways, better than an winning an Emmy. Writers want to engage their audience. Rhimes certainly has done that. And, she has done it very well.<br />
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To the outraged fans who say they will never watch Grey's Anatomy again, I don't believe you. Who doesn't want to see how the doctors and nurses of Grey/Sloan Memorial Hospital fill the void left in their hearts by the loss of their beloved friend and colleague?<br />
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Kudos Shonda Rhimes. I can't wait to watch what you are thinking.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-12887222792020157702015-04-20T09:02:00.000-05:002015-04-20T09:10:29.353-05:00Dr. Oz's reputation is far more credible than his critics<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: right; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dr._Oz_at_ServiceNation_2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="Dr. Öz at ServiceNation 2008" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="263" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Dr._Oz_at_ServiceNation_2008.jpg/350px-Dr._Oz_at_ServiceNation_2008.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 350px;"><b><i>Dr. Mahmet Oz </i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dr._Oz_at_ServiceNation_2008.jpg">Wikipedia</a>)</span></td></tr>
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The latest media feeding frenzy now centers on Dr. Mehmet Oz, a well-known, well-respected cardiothoracic surgeon who made a name for himself when he was first appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show more than a decade ago.<br />
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Since then, he has hosted his own show on ABC where he has delved into just about every health issue imaginable, explored even the most private ones, and offered expert medical advice to anyone who was interested.<br />
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"There are no embarrassing questions," he would tell his audience, as he urged viewers to share as much information as possible with their own family doctors.<br />
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Dr. Oz encouraged viewers to be aware of their own feces for changes in color and consistency in order to ward off diseases such as colon cancer. Oz underwent his own colonoscopy in an effort to assuage the fears of the dreaded test that can detect and potentially prevent early colon cancer.<br />
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He has long celebrated patients who have lost weight and encouraged many more to change their diets in favor of more healthy eating habits. He advocates for sexual intercourse as a normal, healthy, activity for adults.<br />
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Some of the topics he has broached have been controversial, outside the customary medical parameters.<br />
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Oz has been an advocate for traditional medicine to work in conjunction with alternatives. He is an advocate for patients, calling himself, "their cheerleader." He is not just another doctor who touts taking a pill and calling him in the morning.<br />
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<b><i>But it appears he has ruffled a few feathers in the medical community. </i></b><br />
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Doctors are not always the driving force behind personal medical decisions that drive health care. Pharmaceutical companies and the insurance industry are becoming more entrenched in these decisions. There are millions of dollars at stake by complying with these industries. And, the close ties between business and government is not lost on those in the field. The FDA and USDA for example, drives the food industry, with complete control of the food that is regulated and therefore consumed in this country.<br />
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So, it stands to reason that anyone who questions the wisdom of widespread practices would be taken to task. So, while this is not the first time, Oz, who has created in a wrinkle in the system by urging individuals to think about the treatments they are using, has recently come under fire by other doctors closely aligned with the health care industry. They are calling for Dr. Oz to be fired from his faculty position at Columbia University. He is being called a quack and charlatan.<br />
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A letter, signed by Dr. Henry I. Miller of the Hoover Institutional at Stanford University says Oz "endangers patients and is a menace to public health." Miller went on to say that he doesn't believe Dr. Oz should be on the faculty of a prestigious medical institution.<br />
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<b><i>Request denied!</i></b><br />
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Doug Levy, chief communications officer for Columbia University Medical Center, responded, "As I am sure you understand and appreciate, Columbia is committed to the principle of academic freedom and to upholding faculty members' freedom of expression for statements they make in public discussion."<br />
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He later clarified that the university planned no action against Oz because the university "does not regulate faculty engagement in public discourse."<br />
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<b><i>This is political, pure and simple</i></b><br />
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From what I can tell, and I don't claim to be an expert, Dr. Oz is an advocate for his patients. He wants what he says he wants, for people to be the best they can be, when it comes to their health and with regard to their health care. </div>
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His biggest critic is Dr. Henry I. Miller, the founding director of the Office of Biotechnology at the Food and Drug Administration. He is an advocate of genetic engineering of food sources, opposes an FDA mandate to label GMO foods, and has been critical of Dr. Oz's skepticism over the safety of Arctic apples, those that are genetically-modified to prevent them from turning brown after being cut into.</div>
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This isn't Miller's first go-around with Dr. Oz. In 2011, he went after Dr. Oz when Dr. Oz did a show that resulted in the identification of identified high levels of arsenic in apple juice. Oz was critical of FDA approval of this known health hazard. Two years later, the FDA proposed a limit for the amount of naturally-occurring arsenic in apple juice. </div>
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Rather than weighing into the debate of the facts presented by these two professionals, all I can speak to is what I've noticed in the years I've watched Dr. Oz's television show. </div>
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I've learned a great deal about coping with my own medical issues. I've been inspired by Dr. Oz's common sense approach to health care. I've learned what signs to look for in determining the severity of potential illnesses. Dr. Oz has offered important advice about the benefit of eating healthy food. I have taken some of his advice and at 63-years old, have never felt better in my life. I understand the benefits of healthy food choices and recognize that you really are what you eat.<br />
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Watching Dr. Oz has demystified the medical stigma, which makes it easier to talk to my family doctor about ailments. In short, a trip to the doctor is not so intimidating. I've learned the value of second opinions, prevention and cures, and questioning things I don't understand. I have learned to listen to what my body tells me. </div>
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I see a value in watching an informative television show, especially one that is so enlightening about issues that affect us all every single day. I have no qualms about watching Dr. Oz. and following his advice. </div>
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It is ironic that criticism of Dr. Oz comes from a source that is so obviously has his own conflicts of interest. Dr. Miller is affiliated with the Hoover Institution, which in itself is a right-wing public policy think tank. It doesn't take a scholar to realize that questioning the long-held status quo in the medical field is going to make some waves.<br />
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One of the others who signed the letter is Dr. Gilbert Ross, who heads an independent research organization--American Council on Science and Health, (ACSH) that defends fracking, opposed New York's efforts to ban sugary beverages, and supports the use of pesticides such as atrazine and BPA (bisphenol-A), according to <i>Al Jazeera America</i>.<br />
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The publication also noted that according to <i>Mother Jones Magazine</i>, donors to ACSH are largely from energy, agriculture, cosmetics, food, soda, chemical, pharmaceutical and tobacco corporations like Monsanto, DowAgro and Syngenta. <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2005/11/paging-dr-ross">Read more about Dr. Gilbert Ross</a>, who is a convicted felon who defrauded New York's Medicaid program of approximately $8 million for which he spent 46 months in prison.<br />
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I dismiss these critics and I stand with Dr. Oz.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-23192720276282002562015-04-14T12:40:00.000-05:002015-04-14T12:40:39.124-05:00Response to U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I haven't written updates about the Peotone Airport (South Suburban Airport) for some time. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I just couldn't help but respond to an editorial in the Chicago Sun Times by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, entitled </span><a href="http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/514180/counterpoint-2" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Still Waiting on 3rd Airport"</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> that was touted by the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, (SSMMA).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My opposition to the state building a new international airport began in 1987 as part of a small protest outside the IDOT offices on Michigan Avenue. That led to the formation of RURAL, Residents United to Retain Agricultural Land, which I helped get off the ground officially on Aug. 2, 1988. RURAL was </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">the predecessor of the present anti-airport group STAND (Shut This Airport Nightmare Down).</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">More than 10 years ago I moved out of the area, so I was no longer confronted with the day-to-day assault of my senses in the form of the deteriorating landscape at the hand of the State of Illinois. Much of the land has been sold or taken by the state through eminent domain scattering the inhabitants of the rural community. Perfectly good homes have been razed, homesteads destroyed. I've kept in touch with some of those who remain, despite communications that continue to break my heart. Even now, with each headline, Facebook post, or random thought, I still find myself annoyed. I said in those early days that this airport will never be built. I'd like to stand behind that premise, although who could predict the lengths the state has and will continue to go to try to get this airport built despite its lack of support and lack of need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That brings me to the editorial written by U.S. Rep. Kelly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She attempts to paint a dismal picture of O'Hare International Airport, which incidentally has recently reclaimed its rank of the #1 busiest airport in the world. At one point it was third. Ms. Kelly, O'Hare is doing just fine, thank you very much. She goes so far as to call domestic hub operations and cargo potential as in a "decline." Oh really!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She touted the increased capacity of a new airport as being roughly 100,000 flights per year at a cost of $1 billion. All that tells me is she has bought into without question, the wildly-inflated numbers the state has used since the project was first envisioned in 1985. What they have done is write, revise, write, revise until their numbers are close to acceptable. Then, even though inflated, they build from there. The foundation of the study of this project is faulty, which logically, all else built upon it merely teeters. The state has gone to great lengths to control the study process, so all of it has been bought and paid for by them. They have had ultimate control. Since the beginning, IDOT has used every trick in the book to paint a rosy picture of this project. It just never really stuck. But they are relentless. They will try anything.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Take the new jobs figures Kelly touts--pie-in-the-sky. I hate to tell her, but the jobs figures have always been overstated. Thanks to the late Suhail al Chalabi and his wife Margery, who have long manipulated the numbers. Suhail is gone now. I wonder who the state will get to produce the salable numbers now? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When an elected official tells you "dollar for dollar, the third airport is a better deal for taxpayers," you better start asking questions. Better yet, you better start electing better officials. Kelly is the replacement for Jesse Jackson, Jr., who is currently finishing his sentence for corruption in a half-way house. He was a big promoter of this airport along with Gov. Pat Quinn, who just lost the election to new Gov. Bruce Rauner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Building on projections is not wise. Wouldn't it be better to build on past experience? Look at what the state has already done. Mid-America Airport in downstate Illinois is an example of an airport the state had to build to relieve St. Louis' Lambert Field. Trouble is, Mid-America has no air traffic, no airline tenants, and little hope. It does have funding--from the taxpayers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kelly suggests that it would be smart for American and United Air Lines to reinvest in Illinois to ensure Illinois as a premier aviation hub. Sorry Ms. Kelly, but Illinois is already a premium aviation hub. It is called O'Hare International Airport. Furthermore, American and United Air Lines have already stated their opposition to a new airport near Peotone. Had you been at all informed about this project and its history, you would know that American and United hate the idea of another new airport. So do all the other air lines that have been on the record for decades opposing this project. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are far better ways to create jobs for the beleaguered south suburban region of Chicago. An airport 40 miles away is not the answer. The only thing that should be done with the South Suburban Airport is drop it and move on! This project started in 1968. It is about as innovative as transistor radios and 45 rpm records. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As far as the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, they tout this editorial in their website. <a href="http://ssmma.org/editorial-south-suburban-airport-needed-to-regain-aviation-market/">"Editorial: South Suburban Airport needed to regain aviation market." </a> This group has been the lead voice for three decades. At least they are consistent, but isn't that a long time to beat the same dead horse?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>More content:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://chblog.ozarkattitude.com/search?q=MidAmerica+fleecing">Illinois Airport featured on NBC "Fleecing of America"</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://chblog.ozarkattitude.com/2012/01/voice-of-reason.html">Voice of reason</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Use the 'search this site' on the sidebar of the home page for additional information</b></span><br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-70472543972349466062014-11-26T12:32:00.000-06:002014-11-26T12:32:25.568-06:00R.I.P. Jon Mendelson<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image result" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For much of my life, I've remembered November 22 as the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated. From this day forward, that event is dwarfed by a more recent loss--the day the world lost Jon Mendelson.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2308130969045295439" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just learned of his passing. I am profoundly saddened for his family, especially his wife Judy who was in every way his soul mate. This is such a loss not only to Jon and Judy's friends, and everyone who knew him but to those who hadn't yet had the pleasure. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jon Mendelson was a retired biology professor at Governors State University, University Park, IL. He was a teacher who embodied the true meaning of the word--as both the noun and the verb. Everyone, with whom he came in contact, was better for it. He exuded knowledge like no one else I've ever met. He easily shared what he knew. Moreover, he not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jon was a driving force, not just for education, but for conservation, preservation, and the very connection of man to nature, obvious in the nearly 1,000 acres of Thorn Creek Woods in Park Forest. Jon was personally acquainted with the trees, bushes, ponds, streams, native wildflowers and wildlife within the now-preserved forest. Jon and Judy followed in the footsteps of the late Jim and Mary Lou Marzuki, who were instrumental in the early protection of this unique urban sanctuary. Jon was not just knowledgeable about the gullies, ridges, and waterways created thousands of years ago; he was the expert.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I first met Jon when I was studying the environmental effects of the proposed airport development near Peotone. Though we were just acquaintances, I felt a profound connection to him and all he stood for. Jon was inspiring. He made me want to know more about the environment. He was a good man who cared about all the right things. He was humble, brilliant, and hard-working. Nature was his passion. In my view, he represented the very best of the human race. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2308130969045295439" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I specifically remember one year in the mid-90's. It was Earth Day. I had recently been awakened to global environmental issues such as destruction of habitat, oil spills, and potential nuclear calamity, to name a few. I felt a need to renew my own connection with nature, so I decided to go for one of the many walks/tours Jon conducted through Thorn Creek Woods. I was so impressed by his knowledge and mesmerized by the way he communicated with the mid-sized group on the tour, especially the children. He changed my own focus of individual destructive acts by mankind toward the larger, more serene picture of the earth and its life cycle. He pointed out rocks that have stood for centuries, since the glaciers dropped them right where they stood. He spoke of oak and hickory trees planted in the 1800's. He spoke of the flora and fauna as if they were his dear, old friends. I left that day feeling exhilarated and anxious to learn more about the world around me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I no longer live in the area. I haven't seen Jon in years, but I will always remember the sound of his voice, the way he laughed. I will forever be touched by the fact that I knew him, a fact that makes me proud. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is with great sadness that I recognize his passing. Rest in peace Jon. We are all better for having known you.</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-3480105022730159802014-11-23T13:20:00.000-06:002014-11-23T13:20:44.420-06:00We need to hear from Bill Cosby<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: right; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BillCosby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="061003-N-0000K-001 Dr. William H. "Bill&q..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="385" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/BillCosby.jpg/350px-BillCosby.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 350px;"><b>Bill Cosby, now under scrutiny from alleged past deeds</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Allegations in recent days have been leveled against Bill Cosby by a long line of women. These allegations are disturbing for so many reasons, but the biggest danger is to try to paint this picture in black and white, without the predominantly gray areas that must be examined. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Understanding what really happened all those years ago is not going to be easy, especially when only one side--the side of the alleged victims--of the story is being told. Media can't be expected to paint a complete picture when all the facts aren't available. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What has been written will likely result in so much regurgitation from all who have an appetite for every morsel of information about this seemingly scandalous story. The danger to the truth comes when seasoning is added to those morsels in the form of sensationalism and misinformation added by both media sources and the consuming public.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is for that reason that I think Cosby owes it to the millions of people who have admired him for years, to at least explain his side of the story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like all others, I am trying to understand this story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I admit I rarely watched the Bill Cosby show. I doubt I ever watched a half dozen episodes. I don't recall ever watching I Spy. So, the only thing I really knew about Bill Cosby was the comedian that I saw on variety shows. I considered him to be a very funny guy, in a real world view kind of way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He wasn't really even on my radar, until he began talking to black youth about their behavioral issues. That impressed me. Someone had to do it. Someone had to take a stand that might affect the uptick in black on black crime in the inner cities. Someone with standing had to be heard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first thing I have to say is that we must not judge what happened 30, 40, 50 years ago by the standards and attitudes which have evolved since that time, particularly in regard to feminist issues. Times have indeed changed. Woman have come a long way since those days and see things through a completely different lens. We must not use that lens to judge the past.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a society, we need to define and discuss rape. This one word covers everything from the violent, horrific physical act that includes beating, bruising, and death or near-death experiences that happen to include sexual intercourse, to the more psychologically-harming drug-induced sex act and everything in between. I believe there are very many variants of what we now call rape. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The way rape is viewed by law enforcement varies from state to state as well as in judicial remedies. But probably the biggest road block in the understanding of rape may be in the interpretative differences between men and women. As much as we are equal, we are also different. We need to better understand our differences.<br /><br />One thing that has changed drastically, and with good reason, is the tendency to blame the victim when it comes to sex crimes, whether it be a woman or a man. The catch all seems to have been provocative clothing. While this is of course no reason to rape someone, nor should any woman dressing in sexy clothes be targeted or blamed, we need to understand why clothing may be a contributing factor to why someone rapes. Instead of casually dismissing it, its context must be understood. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our society is to blame for much of how this story has seemingly unfolded, at least from what is known. Why do we treat celebrities as though they are god-like? Why would a 19-year old girl accept drinks and especially drugs offered to her during a seemingly casual encounter? Is Bill Cosby a rapist or is he suffering from a sexual addiction? What was his motive? Why would anyone think it is OK to drug someone and then have sex with them without their consenting participation? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are so many more questions about this story, but the bottom line is, I'd like to hear from Cosby. Is he sick? Is he still sick? Does he want to live the rest of his life with this cloud of certain speculation over him? Is his attempt to counsel inner city youth his way of apologizing for his own indiscretions? What do the women he allegedly violated hope to get from telling their stories? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until those questions are answered, it is impossible to draw conclusions.</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-70087633792866561572014-11-20T11:09:00.000-06:002014-11-20T11:11:30.898-06:00Society has run amok with violence<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: right; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Peace_flag.svg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="United States flag with peace sign canton" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="184" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/US_Peace_flag.svg/350px-US_Peace_flag.svg.png" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 350px;">United States flag with peace sign canton (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:US_Peace_flag.svg">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It seems that every day, headlines across the country </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">scream</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">about violence erupting in some small town, village, or hamlet. Without even mentioning the violence in major cities, or on foreign shores, our society must do something about the increasing abundance of violence that threatens to turn a peaceful life into chaos with ramifications beyond imagination. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've long been concerned about increasing violence throughout our society. It fills our televisions, movies, news, and satire. Graphic images, perfected through technology, make me cringe. I am increasingly concerned over what all this is doing to us, in the recesses of our brains. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While I don't have any scientific evidence to back up theories about violence, it just seems logical that pounding gut-wrenching pictures and ideas into our brains will have some kind of effect, if not now, at some point in the future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a more than middle-aged woman, I have seen the escalation of violent tendencies overall, complicated by a sense of immunity to it by young people. They not only accept violence, but they value it in their entertainment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">The statistics about violence, are to me, staggering.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The 20th century was one of the most violent periods in human history. An estimated </span><strong style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">191 million people lost their lives</strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">directly or indirectly as a result of conflict, and well over half of them were civilians," according to the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.thepeacealliance.org/" rel="homepage" title="Peace Alliance">Peace Alliance</a>, a non-profit that promotes peace. Some of the other statistics the group cites are as follows:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In 2001, almost 21,000 homicides and 31,000 suicides occurred; and almost 1.8 million people were assaulted, while about 323,000 harmed themselves and were treated in hospital emergency departments. (Surveillance for Fatal and Nonfatal Injuries – 2001, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Vital Statistics System)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Worldwide, an estimated 1.6 million people lost their lives to violence in 2000. About half were suicides, one-third were homicides, and one-fifth were casualties of armed conflict. [World Report on Violence and Health, World Health Organization, 2002]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Homicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 24 in 2001. Suicide was the third leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 24 in 2002. [Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System – 2002, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The health-related costs of rape, physical assault, stalking and homicide committed by intimate partners exceed $5.8 billion each year. Of that amount, nearly $4.1 billion are for direct medical and mental health care services, and nearly $1.8 billion are for the indirect costs of lost productivity or wages. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Costs of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the United States, April 2003.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A 1992 study in the United States put the annual cost of treating gunshot wounds at $126 billion. Cutting and stab wounds cost an additional $51 billion. (Miller TR, Cohen MA.,. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 1997, 29:329–341.)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">I believe that as we age, we are an accumulation of all that has occurred in our lifetimes. We are like a computer whose hard drive runs continuously soaking up bytes of information to be stored for later use. The bytes consist of all that we have experienced in our lives. The longer we live, the more we store. Every image, thought, or memory remains filed away. It isn't always easy to retrieve. I believe our dreams are like defragmenting that hard drive. Haven't we all had violent dreams often times based on something we've seen or heard?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Recently, I experienced a picture on Facebook where Hannibal Lechter was digging a spoon into somebody's brain. I do not want to see such an image. I'm appalled by it because cannibalizing people is real and horrible. A picture like that doesn't belong among pictures of cute cats and babies.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Another one that got to me was a promotion for the television show, "The Walking Dead." A supposed human corpse, complete with hanging skin, bloody scalp, and tattered clothing advertised the series. Will we start seeing a rash of grave robberies now as people try to find a zombie they can call their own? Why does anyone watch this stuff?</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:R.I.P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="A rest in peace sign." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="125" src="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/22/R.I.P.jpg/350px-R.I.P.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="125" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 125px;">A rest in peace sign. (Photo credit: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:R.I.P.jpg">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Murder is the #1 attraction at the box office and in television shows and video games. How many different ways can a person be snuffed out? And how often are these dramas played out in real life? Which came first, the attempt at a perfect murder or the TV show that portrayed it? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Violence seems to be a never ending cycle. Where is the value of human life? I used to think it was obsessive to try to ban violent video games, and I still believe more strongly in the first amendment than any form of censorship, but where is the hue and cry that says enough is enough. Can't we see that we are harming human beings, especially our youth? Doesn't all this exposure to violence simply guarantee a screwed up, Xanax-riddled society? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Then there is the gun issue</i></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">There seems to be a real romanticism about guns. We all want to be John Wayne or Marshall Dillon or the Rifleman, where justice was settled quickly and easily. That isn't the world in which we live today. It wasn't even the world of yesterday. It was all fiction. The whole ugly story of the violence that occurred when the west was settled wasn't shown on weekly TV shows. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">We are all capable of violence. Our hair-trigger emotions in today's overly-complicated society where induced anger is so often the result, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">do we really want to make it easier to kill people?</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"> An increasing number of people experience mental health issues. Their emotions are less stable, so it follows that they would be more likely to act upon their anger. Yet, our societal laws equally encourage them too, to own firearms. We have seen the hideous results. There can be no greater horror than sending your child to school one day only to learn they have been gunned down by a disturbed young man turned depraved killer. The horror of Sandy Hook Elementary has changed so many people, yet not enough apparently. How many more tragic events in the workplace, on college campuses, in public restaurants, or in a private residence are we going to allow before we decide to do something? </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Politically, we don't even talk about it. That's inexcusable! Must the violence reach inside our own individual homes and families before we wake up and realize the gravity of this situation? </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">I don't have answers. No one person does, but it seems to me we need to start to change our thinking. Instead of the bottom line being about dollars and sense, perhaps the bottom line ought to be about common sense. </span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-71116397972420268432014-08-28T12:43:00.002-05:002014-11-20T11:14:48.516-06:00Time to ask more questions about Peotone before it's too late!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the past, <a href="http://chblog.ozarkattitude.com/">CHBlog</a> has been a source of information about the proposed Peotone Airport, a project that has been talked about for nearly a half century.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In recent times though, I've been avoiding the topic. I no longer live in Illinois, and have had little to do with the proposed airport for the past several years. However, I still maintain friendships with people there who remain deeply affected. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I admit that it surprises me that hearing about a resurgence in activity about the proposed Peotone Airport is still jarring. When I lived in Illinois, I was an active participant in the study process. My position--that an airport wasn't needed 40 miles south of the City of Chicago, didn't fit among the farm fields of eastern Will County, and is a project that has never stood on its own merit--has been well known and widely documented.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While there have been developments, they are virtually meaningless rhetoric from a governor facing a tough re-election, if and until the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) actually approves the project for construction. That hasn't happened yet! </span><br />
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<a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Governor_Pat_Quinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="English: Illinois Governor Pat Quinn addresses..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7e/Governor_Pat_Quinn.jpg/259px-Governor_Pat_Quinn.jpg" height="320" style="border: medium none;" width="259" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 259px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Governor_Pat_Quinn.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the first of many resurrections of this project took place in 1985. I didn't personally become involved until 1987. It took that long for the private talk among legislative leaders to eke out into the public arena. I suspect Illinois leaders would have liked to keep things quiet a little longer, just so they continue getting all their ducks in a row. They like nothing better than control over the message that ultimately makes it to the public. So sorry that we learned before you were ready.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Controlling the message!</b> That is how Illinois leaders in Springfield do things. In their zeal to control what the public perceives, elected officials rarely pay attention to public input. In the case of the Peotone Airport, they have long stifled public input whenever possible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am reminded of this practice by recent activity in the <i>Chicago Tribune</i>. An editorial was written to send the message that the next governor of Illinois is on notice. Forty-seven years is long enough to keep a project on the back burner. Whether the next governor is Pat Quinn or Bruce Rauner, it is time to put up or shut up. Either get on with building it or kill it once and for all. This message too is a repeated incantation spoken throughout the years. It is difficult though for anything to be new about this project since it has been around so long.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In response to the <i>Chicago Tribune</i>, my long-time friend Bob Heuer, reiterates the paper's call for a decision by the next Illinois governor. He also drives home my point about local input when he says, "The Springfield bureaucracy's heavy-handed tactics combines deep pockets, fuzzy math and an arrogant disregard for on-the-ground reality." He goes on to point out that a resolution passed by local governments and organizations to study reasonable alternatives to the airport has gone virtually unnoticed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I concur with Heuer's call to the next Governor of Illinois to stop simply taking IDOT's word for it that thousands of jobs and economic potential lies just around the corner. IDOT should be scrutinized just like a con artist waiting for his next victim.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heuer has given permission to print his letter. It follows:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Making an informed decision about an airport at Peotone</span></span></b><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In “Knock-knock. It’s Peotone again,” (Aug. 26) the Tribune editorial board encourages the winner of November’s gubernatorial election to either go full throttle” on building a new airport in the eastern Will County countryside “or ground the issue once and for all.”<br /><br />Our next governor can be sure of one thing: He won’t be able to make an informed decision based on analysis from the Illinois Department of Transportation. In recent decades, IDOT has spent tens of millions of dollars to engineer a consensus for the so-called “third” commercial airport in a tri-state region that isn’t fully utilizing the five we already have.<br /><br />The Springfield bureaucracy’s heavy-handed tactics combines deep pockets, fuzzy math and an arrogant disregard for on-the-ground reality. <br /><br />One example is a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kNsYcemV9EczfFcHM8uQHYNhihVO6P5Vtbfo8sk5rH8/edit?usp=sharing">2005 resolution</a> adopted by a half dozen units of local government, the Will County Farm Bureau, and community group Shut This Airport Nightmare Down. Nine years ago, IDOT ignored the Peotone community's reasonable demand for an “independent study” of all viable alternatives. <br /><br />IDOT never wavers from its agenda, which includes pummeling anybody obstructing Springfield's goal of seizing all of the land in the so-called airport “footprint.” Next month, IDOT will choreograph a Peotone forum which the Tribune recognizes as Gov. Quinn's attempt to “create a pre-election sense of inevitability for the airport development, as he has tried to do for the Illiana” toll road.<br /><br />Our next governor owes the people of Illinois what the people of eastern Will County asked for in 2005. Is it too much to expect our governor to demand a legitimate analysis of “airport-related costs and benefits based on various scenarios, including an assumption that a Peotone airport would attract no daily commercial passenger service for many years, if ever?” </span><br />
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<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li" style="background: none; display: block; float: left; font-size: 11px; list-style: none; margin: 2px 10px 10px 2px; padding: 0; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; width: 84px;"><a href="http://www.rrstar.com/updates/x1987747009/Critic-of-Peotone-airport-project-predicts-losses" style="border-radius: 2px; box-shadow: 0px 0px 4px #999; display: block; padding: 2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.zemanta.com/noimg_96_80_80.jpg" style="border: 0; display: block; margin: 0; max-width: 100%; padding: 0; width: 80px;" /></a><a href="http://www.rrstar.com/updates/x1987747009/Critic-of-Peotone-airport-project-predicts-losses" style="background-image: none; display: block; height: 83px; line-height: 12pt; overflow: hidden; padding: 5px 2px 0 2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Critic of Peotone airport project predicts losses</a></li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li" style="background: none; display: block; float: left; font-size: 11px; list-style: none; margin: 2px 10px 10px 2px; padding: 0; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; width: 84px;"><a href="http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2014/08/rep-demmer-to-gov-quinn-no-to-peotone-airport-yes-to-rockford.html" style="border-radius: 2px; box-shadow: 0px 0px 4px #999; display: block; padding: 2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.zemanta.com/290889548_80_80.jpg" style="border: 0; display: block; margin: 0; max-width: 100%; padding: 0; width: 80px;" /></a><a href="http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2014/08/rep-demmer-to-gov-quinn-no-to-peotone-airport-yes-to-rockford.html" style="background-image: none; display: block; height: 83px; line-height: 12pt; overflow: hidden; padding: 5px 2px 0 2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Rep. Demmer to Gov. Quinn: No to Peotone Airport, Yes to Rockford</a></li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li" style="background: none; display: block; float: left; font-size: 11px; list-style: none; margin: 2px 10px 10px 2px; padding: 0; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; width: 84px;"><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Quinn-to-OK-bill-for-Peotone-airport-DePaul-arena-4685828.php" style="border-radius: 2px; box-shadow: 0px 0px 4px #999; display: block; padding: 2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.zemanta.com/188046720_80_80.jpg" style="border: 0; display: block; margin: 0; max-width: 100%; padding: 0; width: 80px;" /></a><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Quinn-to-OK-bill-for-Peotone-airport-DePaul-arena-4685828.php" style="background-image: none; display: block; height: 83px; line-height: 12pt; overflow: hidden; padding: 5px 2px 0 2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Quinn to OK bill for Peotone airport, DePaul arena</a></li>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-409174148369157152014-05-07T18:22:00.000-05:002014-05-07T18:22:52.230-05:00'All About Ann' - the beginning of the end<span style="font-size: large;">I love a good movie, especially if it has a good story behind it. I'm all about the story. This morning I watched "All about Ann: Governor Richards of the Lone Star State.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Those were the days! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="CHBlog: Ann Richards" class="thumbimage" data-file-height="2200" data-file-width="1760" height="275" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/Ann_Richards%2C_Governor_of_Texas.jpg/330px-Ann_Richards%2C_Governor_of_Texas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="CHBlog: Ann Richards" width="220" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Governor Ann Richards-<i>Wikipedia</i></td></tr>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I remember Ann Richards very well, as her tenure in the Texas mansion, occurred during what was the dawn of my own political interest. I was in the thick of it--fighting Illinois Republicans' effort to build a new airport in Illinois--where even today, its only success has been on paper. </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I admired Richards. She was spunky, unafraid, and really quick-witted, but with a caring side steeped in a love of the people she represented. It was easy to relate to her. All the cards seemed stacked against her, yet she continued to work hard, driven by what she believed in. She would not be bullied by the good ole' boys; those traditionalists we know today as the gods and guns crowd. She fought the good fight to become the first woman to be elected governor in the State of Texas. Texans were better for it too. She was a popular governor, accomplishing much of what she set out to do. She was a champion for women, minorities, and generally, all the people in her state. She established alcohol and drug abuse programs for prisoner inmates. She knew from where she spoke, as as admitted alcoholic. Such honesty and high achievements didn't sit well with the state's elite, who was used to doing it only one way; their way. They suffered through one term by the liberal governor, but were not about to deal with another. Thus began in my opinion, America's darkest days, days for which we have yet to emerge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just a one-term governor, Ann Richards' tenure came to an abrupt halt in 1994 when she was defeated by George W. Bush. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I remember watching the election returns. Her defeat was a blow to me personally and to the country as a whole. Hers was one of the most important races in the country, because if she fell, others would too. And they did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I watched the movie this morning, I could recall the moment I heard she was defeated. It was like a stake in the heart of everything I believed politics to be. After all, my own personal cynicism had not yet taken hold by that time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I admit I was more interested in local politics then; I was just beginning to learn the players on the national stage. I hadn't watched the Texas governors' race closely, but I knew enough to know that defeating Ann Richards was big in 1994, and not in a good way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Looking back, I think that moment in time was the beginning of the end of our democracy. That one race made a difference that set in motion a destructive turn of events.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If only Richards had won re-election, Bush would not have been governor of Texas. That would likely have precluded his moving to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. I can only dream of how great that would have been. Imagine: no Iraq war, no Supreme Court nominees, no September 11, 2001, no homeland security, no Dick Cheney, no Rumsfeld's war machine,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> no NSA spying,</span><span style="font-size: large;">... Al Gore would likely have been allowed to serve after being elected. The problems we are now facing with climate change would have been minimized rather than exacerbated. The things connected to Bush's presidency are mind-boggling and to me, represent everything I abhor in politics. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The movie portrayed Bush's campaign against Richards as a whisper campaign, orchestrated by the brilliantly devious Karl Rove. The campaign quietly, but effectively painted a false picture and used television ads and lies and innuendos on campaign fliers about Ann Richards. They called her a lesbian because she employed people who happened to be gay or lesbian. The National Rifle Association (NRA) opposed her, even though she had her own firearms and knew how to use them. Rove was relentless. These are people who want to win at all cost and don't have the ethics not to cheat to do it. Think hanging chads, a biased Supreme Court decisions, gerrymandered congressional districts, voter registration purges, Citizens United, and the latest campaign finance free-for-all. It all started with Karl Rove and George W. Bush. It continues with no end in sight. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Whisper campaigns are nothing new; these types of campaigns have gone on for as long as the country has held elections. But today, whisper campaigns are on steroids with the advent of unlimited spending, unscrupulous media sources, and completely unethical behavior. The whispers are now deafening. Efforts to persuade voters has become commonplace, because potential voters are becoming less interested and less engaged in politics. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">People don't like politics. It is a dirty word. Admittedly so, but participation of an informed electorate is the only hope for a working democracy. With a constant assault on the Middle Class and women's rights, worker's rights, and the ever-widening chasm between the have's and have-not's, it is more important than ever that potential voters be informed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In fact, that is the only way to once again elect decent representatives that will work for the good of all the people and not just their pals. Potential voters have to be able to see through the tactics and know enough to differentiate fact from fiction. They need to take issue with falsehoods and those who tell them. Truth needs to be defended with honor again. There need to be more candidates like Ann Richards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ann Richards died seven years ago, but she left behind a legacy and an example. We should settle for no less. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In November, there is an opportunity for voters to do the right thing for today and tomorrow. We must vote for candidates that can see farther than the nose on their faces; candidates that emphasize what is good for all and that which will better our world community as a whole. Candidates stuck in the 1950's will not solve the problems of the 21st Century. We must all get informed and to whatever extent, get involved.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-14117608715619354342014-03-23T13:28:00.001-05:002014-03-23T13:28:30.899-05:00'Everglades of the North' inspires hope<span style="font-size: large;">"All men make mistakes, but only wise men learn from their mistakes." - Winston </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Churchill</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNNI0zrqED8/Uy8jlHIaiUI/AAAAAAAADIM/1QcCWdf082Q/s1600/Harry%27s+Habitat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="CHBlog: my trip to the marsh" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNNI0zrqED8/Uy8jlHIaiUI/AAAAAAAADIM/1QcCWdf082Q/s1600/Harry's+Habitat.jpg" height="260" title="CHBlog: my trip to the marsh" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many trips to the marsh</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When it comes to man's relationship with nature, it seems the same mistakes are often repeated. There has been too little interest in protecting natural areas and making sure that development does the least amount of harm to the environment. That may be changing as awareness grows about the myriad environmental degradation that occurs on almost a daily basis. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isn't it time we begin to learn from our mistakes, to exhibit the kind of wisdom of which Churchill referred? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Awareness has to begin with simply telling the story. That was done well by the </span><span style="font-size: large;">award-winning </span><span style="font-size: large;">documentary, "Everglades of the North - The story of the Grand Kankakee Marsh," (see excerpt below:)</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lh6RWgyDnJw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This story reveals a detailed view of man versus nature strictly for man's benefit as he gives little or no thought to the potential harm caused by his actions. It is a tale of how a once spectacular natural phenomenon--the Grand Kankakee Marsh--could have sustained a population with its vast diversity of species and unique benefits in the thousands of acres of wetlands it contained. Left intact, it would have held such an advantage to the region, not the least of which include flooding prevention, cleansing and filtering water, and providing a habitat for plants and animals, now extinct.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yet the marsh was nearly decimated. Its natural benefits and potential to provide for a healthy, sustainable future were squandered for reasons as petty as political advantage and personal fortune. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Those who understood the value of the marsh and lived in kinship with this spectacular natural spectacle, were simply disposed of. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I watched the story of the marsh, I was saddened by the realty of what mankind has done to nature. These stories are too common as headlines every day reveal a new environmental horror at the hand of man. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not only was I saddened by the big picture this film provided, but for me, this is a much more personal story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know the Kankakee River and its marsh lands. I've traveled on the Kankakee in a boat; I've swam in its water. I know several of the people associated with and shown in this film. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I once considered the area along the Kankakee as my own personal respite, a place I could go for solitude and to be one with nature. I believe that to be a necessity for us all. Unfortunately some don't realize the peace that can come over you as you gaze out over a marsh teeming with life. I can only imagine what it must have been like in those early days when wildlife was so abundant. For me, it was a thrill when any animal revealed itself in the woods, air, or water. I loved the beauty of the area, the sounds of birds' whistles and calls to one another, the splash of a fish jumping, the ripple of a breeze playing on the surface of the water, or a boat motor humming in the distance. I reveled in the peace it held for me personally. Naively, I was fond of the area, unaware of how grand it once was. It angers me that this place had not been cherished and protected.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I no longer live in Illinois, but the scenes depicted in the film were as familiar as my own reflection in the mirror. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I now live in a beautiful area of the Ozarks, where it is easy to appreciate nature just outside my own back door. But </span><span style="font-size: large;">I miss the grasslands, the wildflowers, the gentle flow of the waters of the Kankakee. As sad as it was to learn the fate of this magnificent place, I'm grateful to have learned some of its history. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As the film points out, there is so much more known today about the importance of wetlands. This film does an excellent job of reconciling what has been done in the past with what can be done in the future. While there is no turning back the damage, there is a potential for the future as nature does her best to reclaim the marsh. This film left me with hope. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Copies of this excellent film are available for purchase at: <a href="http://www.kankakeemarsh.com/buy-the-dvd/">http://www.kankakeemarsh.com/buy-the-dvd/.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2308130969045295439.post-90293221925688264982014-03-15T17:30:00.001-05:002014-03-15T17:30:41.480-05:00Understanding where we came from is key to how we feel about guns<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: right; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Constitution_Pg1of4_AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="English: First page of Constitution of the Uni..." border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted zemanta-img-configured" height="424" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/Constitution_Pg1of4_AC.jpg/350px-Constitution_Pg1of4_AC.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 350px;">Constitution of the United States (Photo credit: <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Constitution_Pg1of4_AC.jpg" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
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I've been doing plenty of thinking lately about guns: I was profoundly affected by the slaughter of 26 people including 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary by a mentally unstable kid who had access to his mother's weapons. He used them to kill her too. Murder is unthinkable, but to me, this incident was among the ultimate horrors. <br />
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Since that occurred on Dec. 14, 2012, I have watched the various gun debates take place. <br />
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One of the most troubling aspects to me, is the cavalier attitude some folks have about what amounts to these tools of murder. I urge all who think about this issue to examine all of the angles, all of the possibilities, and just what could happen to them or their loved ones if guns, even their own guns, get into the wrong hands.<br />
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I live in the south, where guns are seemingly a necessary part of life.<br />
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Here, there is a long tradition of hunting, often times to fill the freezer with venison or other game. It is also not uncommon for the Springtime to bring hungry bear cubs looking for food after their mother sent them out on their own to forage. A careful shot in close proximity generally is enough to scare him right out of next week's trash. Forests are plentiful here, and are filled with animals unafraid of humans. Scaring them away is easy with one pop of a rifle. There are poisonous snakes around that are not afraid to strike when startled.<br />
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Guns, especially long guns have a tradition in the south.<br />
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They are like trophies befitting a young man's coming of age; some guns have been passed down with pride for generations. Others enjoy collecting them. I am the first to admit there is some beautiful workmanship that has gone into making guns. And, the south is just a little romantic when it comes to the old west, where shootouts in the streets were a way to settle a score, or the Civil War, which still harbors some bitterness.<br />
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Where I live, there is a real effort afoot to push carrying guns openly and in all venues. Just today there was a march by 70 people intent on showing their support for the Second Amendment. They were allowed to march through the streets of our town. Thankfully, there were no incidents. <br />
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I wasn't born in the south. I'm a little sad not to have roots here, a place that remains unencumbered by too much population and thoughtless economic growth. Instead, I was born on the south side of Chicago, in a neighborhood I'd be a little afraid of going back to. When I lived there, our little ethnic neighborhood, consisted largely of Polish/Bohemian descendents of immigrants. In those days, the neighborhoods were each like small towns of their own, sustainable by its own markets and dime stores, doctor and dentists, parks and playgrounds. <br />
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I didn't grow up with guns. My father, who was raised an outdoorsman in rural Michigan, was an avid hunter and fisherman. I remember the last time he went hunting though. It wasn't a big hit in our family. He brought home rabbits which he cleaned and cooked for dinner. I was pretty young at the time, but I remember not wanting to eat what was on my plate. Neither did my brother or my mother. My father tried to convince us, but we didn't much like the idea of eating bunnies.<br />
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It wasn't long before he too lost his appetite for killing little animals. I have memories of his doing some target shooting at his father's place farm. But those were my only memories of guns as a child. I wasn't afraid of them, but as I got older, I admit, I never liked them. When I had a son of my own, I wouldn't allow anyone to buy him a gun. I just didn't like what they stood for. In my mind, the only thing guns were used for was hurting and killing. I didn't like either. <br />
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When my father changed jobs, we moved to the Chicago suburbs. Guns were not in my consciousness, unless something horrible happened that I'd seen on the news, like President Kennedy being assassinated. I was still pretty young when that happened. But the killing didn't stop. Bobby Kennedy was killed; Martin Luther King was assassinated. There was the Viet Nam war, where guns killed so many. The world seemed poised to change. More guns; more killing. I've been personally touched by suicide by a gun, twice. One victim was a relative; the other a friend.<br />
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I remember lying in bed at night troubled whenever I heard the news about someone randomly shooting from a clock tower, at a McDonald's restaurant, at a K-Mart, the day Laurie Dann broke into an elementary school in a posh Chicago suburb killing one student and wounding two others. The list goes on and on. The senseless violence that has taken place at the end of the barrel of a gun is hideous. There have been so many needless deaths and tragic events that survivors had to try to cope with. When a murder rate become a statistic on the evening news, there is definitely a problem.<br />
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I was so taken aback one of the pastors in town came to a family garage sale several years ago. One of the first questions he asked, was if we had guns for sale. <br />
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I understand that the gun debate is as varied as the north and the
south, city and country, often times encouraging opinions depending on
where you grew up and what your priorities are. But the results of so
many guns on the street are the same--people die. Life is too precious
for that. <br />
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But it isn't just crime in the city. It happens everywhere. Who can forget the tragic school shootings that took place in Jonesboro,
AR on March 24, 1998. <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Archives/video/march-24-1998-jonesboro-school-shooting-13192973">The news video from that day is really hard to watch</a>.
Since then there have been countless more shootings of young children. No child should ever have to face the kind of lifelong trauma or
worse, that those kids experienced.<br />
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The supporters of guns, those who want them openly carried into public buildings, and into private businesses are becoming more brazen, as they claim they are supporting their Second Amendment rights. The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was written with ambiguity, yet many a scholar would argue against everyone having the right to do whatever they choose with a gun on their hip.<br />
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While it is clear that a division in the interpretation of the Second Amendment is as vigorous as the debate about gun ownership, gun control, and gun protections, those of us who have not studied the law will gain nothing by attempting to debate the complex legal arguments that have spanned the ages. <br />
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In my view, there is simply no way authors of the amendment could have foreseen the kind of technology that modern firearms have undergone, so their intent is moot. Guns are simply not the same as they were then. Because I can't go back through history and know definitively what the founding fathers were thinking, nor can I argue case law, I can only speak on behalf of what I've seen, what I've felt, and what I know to be true.<br />
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The idea that someone could bring a semi-automatic weapon into a school or church or shopping mall or restaurant is insanity. The notion that anyone can wield a weapon of mass destruction for no apparent reason is craziness. I watched with horror when former U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in 2011 at a campaign rally in a grocer store parking lot forever changing her life. But at least she has her life. People were killed that day by a lunatic wielding a weapon. It was preventable. It shouldn't have happened.Yet it did happen. And it continues to happen. The insanity must end. Humanity is so fragile. A sensible, non-partisan, logical debate needs to be held, but not for debate's sake. Solutions must come about. Loopholes need to be closed. Laws must be written, sooner rather than later. <br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">google.com, pub-0367670945039116, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0</div>Carol Henrichshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06328038893854035269noreply@blogger.com0