The Sky is Falling (part 3) Shop locally, it’s more IMPT than cheap underwear!

Recently I received a notice that TARGET wanted to build a store in my neighborhood. I often shop at Target. So why do I resent them moving into my turf? I had to really think about it and I realized, other than the increased traffic and tacky feeling of strip mall, I am afraid local mom and pops businesses will suffer. My money represents power and I have the opportunity to wield it.

There was no author to credit on the website I read it on. So thanks to whomever wrote this:

Top Ten Reasons to Shop Local

10. Local stores are more likely to carry locally produced foods which supports local agriculture.

9. Local business owners give to more local fundraising and 501(c)3’s.

8. Local businesses create a majority of jobs.

7. Local businesses support other local businesses.

6. The business community becomes reflective of this community’s unique culture.

5. The sales taxes I pay support this community and county: fixing my roads, maintaining my recreational facilities, . . .

4. Competition and diversity result in fair prices and more choices.

3. Shopping local reduces my carbon footprint.

2. Local business owners invest in the community and have a vested interest in the future of this community.

1. My hometown is more important than a cheap pair of underwear!

Well said!

And this is a great website the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) which proposes a set of new rules that builds community by supporting humanly scaled politics and economics. The rules call for:

Decisions made by those impacted
Communities accepting responsibility for the welfare of their members and the next generation
Households and communities possessing or owning sufficient productive capacity to generate real wealth

NewRules.org discusses the importance of rules and catalogs the best. We make the rules and the rules make us.

“Nobody’s Perfect” Give me a break!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am sitting here listening to the White House Press Secretary and I just want to scream. Of course I generally support our new President but give me a break. This isn’t accountability or new leadership. This isn’t reformation. This is same old government.

“Nobody’s perfect” is their response to Daschle not paying his taxes. I want to know what would happen to me if I don’t pay my taxes.

I just mailed in a check for more than $3,200 for HALF my property taxes. What would happen if I just “forgot” to pay, or if I made an “honest mistake?” If I said, well, “nobody’s perfect.” What would happen?

Well I just checked and quess what? The average American citizen, that’s you and me, we would, after ignoring many letters from the government informing us of our need to pay, would face …

If you continue to pursue your personal revolt against taxation, it could cost you! The government has the right to recoup its money as it sees fit. It can:

Place a levy on your bank account

Place a lien on your home

Seize your car, boat, or any other personal or real property of value

Simply put, failure to file, failure to pay and tax evasion can result in any number of civil and even criminal punishments, including imprisonment.

I’m pissed off. Why do they have different rules for politicians???? Tell me what you think? And here’s what I think.

Let’s vet all politicians – make it a prerequisite for the job. I’m thinking, if two out of Obama’s cabinet have now had issues with not paying taxes, there’s like a few more old dogs in Washington that think they can get away with ROBBING the American people. It’s no coincidence, people. They are ripping us off WHILE we pay their salaries.

Here they are, asking us to fork over billions in bailouts, when they are even keeping their own houses clean.

I’m angry and disgusted.

This information was found at: http://money.howstuffworks.com/did-not-pay-taxes1.htm

Why I am not Patriotic

I don’t know if it was being born outside the United States though I am not a citizen of Papua New Guinea (they don’t allow it.) Or being raised a global citizen by parents that knew what that meant and lived it but I have been privileged to be friends with people from all over the world. I don’t know if it is because my closest friends are non-white or are “mutts” like me which were raised as 3rd culture kids. I don’t know if it is because my family moved eight or nine times, before I finished high school. I don’t really know why, but I am not that proud of and I don’t get gushy about, being an “American” and most of the times in my life that I’ve been identified as American, it’s been embarrassing.

In that context, I just have to comment on how inspired I am by our President-elect, Obama — by his life, his choices, his rise to leadership, responsibility and authority, his civic care & commitment, his educational achievements, and his healthy family.

In one of his speeches recently, he said:

” In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let’s resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long ….

To those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope ….

This is our moment. This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.”

And so, I’m feeling a little proud to have a decent, intelligent President-elect that inspires and challenges me. And I suppose I’m caught up in that sense of hopefulness. That is why I highlight this YouTube song here on my blog. Because although I am not yet that proud to be an American, this song gives me hope! Even if it is a country song. Even if it uses that old language of the Christian faith: born again. It has nothing to do with that.

And believe it or not, I have signed the pledge on the Born Again website. I commit to sort out how I can do something to make my country, my community in Madison, a better place for the less fortunate, the widow, the orphan, the incarderated, the poor. This will take fortitude, commitment, deep thought and prayer.

If it is true I am my country’s keeper then we must commit ourselves to being active, involved and thoughtful citizens—a Born Again American? It sounds like an unlikely use of words, but I like it.

Will you share your voice. Declare your commitment. Perhaps sign the Pledge. Make your own video or add to the lyrics of the song and share it with the world!

And let me know what you decided to do! And I will do likewise.

Condition Critical in Congo

I often wonder why in the West we are so numb to what’s going on in other parts of the world? Who wants bad news all the time? Certainly not me.

I’ve been reading a book on the first year of the war in Iraq. And now, rather than ‘tune out’ reports on Iraq which is what I prefer, I listen to them with different ears. Informed & caring ears. The situation in Iraq has new meaning to me because I read about it. But honestly, I just don’t want to be bothered or guilted into anything. I am speaking for myself here but I’m thinking I’m not alone.

You likely know that there is a war that has been going on for a decade or longer in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mostly we don’t hear about it in our “world” news. I know next to nothing about Congo, but Googled it and found this out:

“Conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo have taken the lives of 5.4 million people since 1988 and continue to leave as many as 45,000 dead every month, according to a 2008 mortality survey released by the International Rescue Committee.” 1

From time to time Tom and I give money to an organization called Doctor’s without Borders 2 (more about them below). Today, I received an email and found myself watching the most

riveting,

sad, and

maddening

video about what is happening right now in the Democratic Republic of Congo! (I tried to embed it here, but alas I am way too dense.)

Hundreds of thousands of people are on the run, and/or in refugee camps, fleeing a war that is raging in the eastern part of Congo, in the provinces of North and South Kivu. Many people are sick or wounded, others have been separated from their children or parents. I’m sure you’ve heard the reports of women being harassed or raped. The people of the Kivus are in dire condition and the destiny of everyone in this region is shaped by the war.

This is a striking photo timeline of the war. And here’s a link to the short video full of personal stories about the impact of this war.

I think, once I have learned so much about the people of Congo, I won’t be able to ignore it in the news any more.

But even as I write this, as I read on about the IRC on their website, I find myself sighing deeply and thinking I don’t want to know any more right now. (e.g. I just read $50 could ensure that 100 refugees have access to safe, clean water in the midst of an emergency. ) I think I’ll go make myself a cup of tea and while I do I’ll thank the good Lord that I have heat, a full tummy and a toilet that flushes.

We can’t care about everyone, everywhere, all the time. But it is good to let the armor or complacency shield down every once in a while. Because somewhere, right now as I write these words, people are suffering.

———————————————————————————-

1 The International Rescue Committee is a global network of first responders, humanitarian relief workers, healthcare providers, educators, community leaders, activists, and volunteers. Working together, we provide access to safety, sanctuary, and sustainable change for millions of people whose lives have been shattered by violence and oppression. Founded in 1933, the IRC is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is on the ground in 42 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees, and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through 24 regional offices in cities across the United States, we help refugees resettle in the U.S. and become self-sufficient.

2 Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural and man-made disasters, or exclusion from health care in more than 60 countries. New York office: 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY, 10001

Every Blessing (Thoughts on the President-Elect)

I am still reliving the jubilant scenes from Tuesday night of men, women, and children — black and white, Hispanic, Asian, and of many other nationalities and races, young and old weeping and cheering as Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States of America. It was an incredible moment! I wish we could linger there just a little bit longer. I had this tremendous feeling of relief as the election was called. Tom being a numbers guy had been following the polls and predictions and called it long before I was able to actually accept what was happening. It is not just because the election of 2000 was stolen, but because I too, along with much of the world, was carried away with amazement that America was willing to vote a Black man into the highest office of our land. I am so proud of us!

But the brutal reality is that Obama will inherit a terrible legacy from George W. Wars in Afghanistan and in Iraq. The current government’s failure to prevent an economic collapse. Was it caused by greed or deregulation or both? At this point, who cares? Retirement investments are losing or have lost a fourth of their value, people need Jobs, many Americans are working two or even three, others are losing their homes or are going bankrupt because of inability to pay healthcare expenses. It is all, – so, – very, – sad.

I read today that the name “Barack” in Swahili means blessing. I must say that the results of the Presidential election feels like America has been blessed.

For the first time in YEARS I am not ashamed of being an American. Ooooooooh, Michelle Obama was blasted for saying something like she wants “to be pround of America again.” (Not a direct quote). And I know what she means.

I’ve never been that patriotic, perhaps because I feel like what is called a 3rd Culture kid. Being born in the highlands of Papua New Guinea and living there for the first years of my life, I often don’t feel like I identify with Americans. (Nor am I New Guinean if anyone is wondering.) I’ve seen American’s kiss the ground when they return home from a cross-cultural trip overseas and I just don’t get it.

Anyway, simply put I think President Bush and his reign has disgraced and tarnished America’s reputation globally. And I’m not alone!!

I read on a NYT Op Page these comments from people living globally:

Jessica watched the results from a bar in Cape Town and wrote: “For the first time in recent memory, I can shout in the streets that I am American and be proud of the progress, hope and color that now define us.”

In Switzerland, an American was bathed in compliments comparing the election to the fall of the Berlin Wall. An American in Kenya named Tom wore an Obama T-shirt and found that his walk to work took more than an hour because so many people stopped to congratulate him and celebrate with him.

An awed Tanzanian named Leonard wrote to say that this election has promoted democracy far more effectively than anything the United States could say or do. He ended: “Long live America.”

And lastly here in the United States, an 8-year-old boy announced on Wednesday morning his new career goal: He will be America’s first Latino president.

“Lord, we ain’t what we want to be; we ain’t what we ought to be; we ain’t what we gonna be, but, thank God, we ain’t what we was.”

(From a preacher who had once been a slave.)

I feel more hopeful about the future than I have been in a very long time.

To Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post

Dear Mr. Robinson,

I read with interest your thoughts on Obama being elected. You are one of the most generous people on MSNBC (sometimes you are so full of restraint!) and I value your comments and critique.

“… something changed on Tuesday when Americans — white, black, Latino, Asian — entrusted a black man with the power and responsibility of the presidency. …”

I have five biracial nieces and nephews (two half Nigerian/half white and three half Mexican-American & half white) and a Chinese nephew and niece (with white parents.)

One picture of this new America is I have observed with great interest over the last decade as the kids in the March Madness contest have become clearly bi-racial and of many different mix of races.

Also all around me in my neighborhood here in Madison, WI, I see mixed families through marriage and adoption.

It is a new world that we are raising our kids in, a beautiful one. The emotions you were describing — I appreciate so much! I am so glad that these beautiful kids and my own are growing up in this time and place in our history to be relieved from the burden and pain, of the sting, of racism you and your parents have experienced. They need to know our history of course, but they are living in a world in which there are fine examples to both inspire and to aspire to become… I know that Obama is but a symbol of change and that each of us has an ongoing responsibility to continue the important changes.

Thanks for your fine commentary. I admire you immensely.

Making History — Did he really win? Yes he did!

I still cannot believe that the election has gone the way it has. I am truly amazed and I am profoundly hopeful that Democracy has been restored just a little bit in America. And that I am living in a day when a beautiful biracial young man can aspire to and become the President of the United States.

I am still in awe. He is one of the best leaders that America has to offer the world and to see people around the world celebrate was a beautiful, life-changing, profound moment.

My kids woke this morning saying “Did he really win?” Yes, he did.

On another note, as we look to the future, I am a frequent reader of Sojourner Magazine. Something that I read on their website this morning that I loved, a letter to Obama, future President of the United States. I don’t agree with everything on Sojourner, but this I agree with.

Priorities for our Nation:

Overcome poverty, both here in our rich nation and globally. Your efforts to resolve the economic crisis must include those at the bottom, the poorest among us. You pledged during the campaign to mobilize the nation to cut domestic poverty in half in ten years and to implement the Millennium Development Goals to cut extreme global poverty in half.

Find better ways than war to resolve the inevitable conflicts in the world. It is time to end the war in Iraq and emphasize diplomacy over military action in resolving problems in Iran and Afghanistan. We need better and smarter foreign policy that is more consistent with our best national values.

Promote a consistent ethic of life that addresses all threats to life and dignity. We must end genocide in Darfur, the use of torture, and the death penalty. I urge you to pursue common ground policies which can dramatically reduce abortions in America, and help bring us together on this divisive issue.

Reverse the effects of climate change on God’s creation. We must learn a new way of living in America to end our dangerous dependence on Middle East oil. We need a spiritual commitment to stewardship and national policies that promote safe, clean, and renewable energy. You spoke of job creation and economic renewal with a new “green economy.”

We need your presidential leadership for this type of societal transformation, but I promise also to do my part.

I will pray for you as you assume the awesome responsibility of leading our nation. To be the best president you can be, you will need both the support and the push of the faith community. I pledge to help build the movement that will keep your administration accountable and faithful.

Blessings,

Please Vote!

The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.

Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th US President, (1963-69).

Please, make sure you vote today no matter what your day looks like. Don’t let anything deter you! I voted about a week ago, and the lines were long lasting about three hours. I nearly gave up, thinking I’d have another chance. But Tom wanted to make sure that Molly voted (our 20 year old!) The election is about each person voting!!!

We need a resounding message tomorrow. No matter what your conviction is, regarding who should be President, express it with your vote!

Music Makes Kids Smart

The policies of George W. have forced many cuts to local school budgets over the last eight years.

One cut we have felt is that 4th graders at our elementary school can no longer learn a string instrument until 5th and they may cut the Strings Program all together.

Emma is in fifth. Since third grade she’s taken the standardized tests required by George W, which tell us what we already knew, she’s extremely intelligent.

Someone should tell old Dubya, that study after study has shown that learning music can make kids smarter.

When your child learns to play a musical instrument, not only does he learn how to make tunes, but he also enhances other capabilities of his brain as well:

* A 10 year study involving 25,000 students show that music-making improves test scores in standardized tests, as well as in reading proficiency exams (Source: James Catterall, UCLA, 1997).
* High school music students score higher on the math and verbal portion of SAT, compared to their peers (Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, The College Board, compiled by Music Educators Conference, 2001).
* The IQ’s of young students who had nine months of weekly training in piano or voice rose nearly three points more than their untrained peers (Study by E. Glenn Schellenberg, of the University of Toronto at Mississauga, 2004.)
* Piano students can understand mathematical and scientific concepts more readily. Children who received piano training performed 34 percent higher on tests measuring proportional reasoning – ratios, fractions, proportions, and thinking in space and time (Neurological Research, 1997).
* Pattern recognition and mental representation scores improved significantly in students who were given a 3-year piano instruction (Dr. Eugenia Costa-Giomi study presented at the meeting of the Music Educators National Conference, Phoenix, AZ, 1998).
* Music students received more academic honors and awards than non-music students. These music students also have more A and B grades compared to non-music students (National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 First Follow-Up, U.S. Department of Education).
* More music majors who applied for medical school were admitted compared to those in other majors including English, biology, chemistry and math. (“The Comparative Academic Abilites of Students in Education and in Other Areas of a Multi-focus University,” Peter H. Wood, ERIC Document No. ED327480; “The Case for Music in Schools”, Phi Delta Kappan, 1994)

Other research also linked music making with increased language discrimination and development, improved school grades, and better-adjusted social behavior. Why does this happen? What is at work here? and why is George Dubya making decisions that force cutting music programs around the country?

Why Dubya, why???

John McCain’s Temper

I just don’t quite know what to say. I think John McCain is going Cuckoo. Don’t get me wrong, I was a John McCain fan, back when he was truly independent, truly a maverick. I have to admit I was crazy for the guy. He really had me. I was so seriously in love with John McCain, I even have a MCCAIN t-shirt and considering the options at the time I confess that I would have voted for him (though I almost can’t admit it now). But I feel he has ‘sold his soul to the devil’ in order to become the Republican candidate for president. He is not the man he once was. I’m not quite sure what has happened. It can’t be as simple as a lust for power, but it is really distressing. I’m not writing a treatise here on John McCain, just passing this YouTube video on. He has done some really productive things for our country as a US Senator. But growing up with a father who had rage issues, I must admit this video scares the hell out of me.

I know what rage looks like, feels like, sounds like, smells like. It isn’t pretty.

I hope you’ll watch this video, it will take you less than five minutes, on John Mccain’s temper.

The Sky is Falling!! (part 1)

This is the best summary I have seen on the state of the current financial crisis, which I read online in Scientific Monthly. Succinct with ways to fix things.

But before reading that article, consider this poem by Kipling. I loved it when I first read it.

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream — and not make dreams your master;
If you can think — and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build’em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings — nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And which is more; you’ll be a Man, my son!
Rudyard Kipling
1865-1936, written in 1895