Taking Liberty for Granted

When my husband and I were invited to dinner by our Bosnian neighbors I appreciated the invitation, but did not know what to expect in terms of commonalities and conversation as we had always exchanged pleasantries and were cordial, you know, neighborly. We had watched their cat while they were away, they had watched ours while we were away, but that had been the extent of the relationship. That was, until my husband shared the task of rebuilding our shared fence..
Upon completion, the invitation for dinner was extended by Vladamir's wife, Maria. So, with a bottle of wine, we went  and as we sat outside on their covered patio, we ate, drank and talked. Before dinner, I glanced down at the glass patio table which was adorned with fine china and crystal glasses. It seemed a bit overboard for a casual dinner. I remember thinking how similar their china looked to the pattern that Jeff and I had selected as our wedding china, which was only used for very special occasions.
While we ate, I inquired about the china and Vladamir commented on how one should enjoy the things they have when they have it. A bit puzzled I contemplated the comment, then he expanded.
The Family Cingel (our neighbors) immigrated to the United States in 1993 after fleeing Bosnia during the Bosnian War. They were forced to leave their home in the middle of the night and left every single possession behind; other than what they could carry out in a backpack. They had left their photos, their clothes and other personal items behind for freedom, which included the wedding china bought for them by their best friend. "Now," Vladamir said "we appreciate what we have and use it when we can."
My neighbors now are citizens, own a home, have stable jobs, contribute to society and have wonderful, civil serving children. They are kind and generous people, people that I am proud to call friends and a great representation of an exemplary U.S. citizen.
Over the last twelve months I have come across similar stories. Stories of immigrants turned U.S. citizens. People who left the confines of their inherent nation just to become citizens of the United States of America.
Those who know me, know  that I volunteer for the 2012 Obama campaig; for which,  I make countless phone calls to former Obama supporters and on Sunday, I called Ron, a name on my call sheet,  twice, as my first call went to voice mail so I tried again later.
Which brings me to today. While watching television tonight after a long day of work, my Democratic Party designated phone rang and when I answered I knew not what to expect on the other end. On the other end was Ron who was returning a call that he thought was attributed to a Craigslist ad that he posted. I explained to Ron the reason for my call,  and our conversation made an otherwise frustrating day amazing and rewarding.
I learned that Ron came to the US for school and fell in love with this country. He attended Cornell University and gained a PHD and subsequently employment here. He became a citizen in 1994. He married and had two American born citizens who are now in law and medical school. Later, his mother immigrated and became a citizen at the age of 65 years! Ron said it was the proudest moment of his life.
He is a proud American citizen and supports our President. He believes the problems that face Obama are the product of a past administration. He still supports the President and believes in American government.
These stories of people impassioned by the American Dream and have seen it realized, makes me cherish what it means to be an American, no matter what the political view. We have an amazing country and should never take our liberties for granted.
It is a truly wonderful privilege being a citizen of the United States. We should be grateful for our opportunities and realize that it is the difference in opinion that keeps us free.

Today, I remembered why I am a Democrat

I am a small business manager; a job that intrinsically is much different than my former career choice. In addition, I volunteer for a Pro Obama organization in an effort to take the pulse of the community and determine how they feel about the current administration and President Obama.
Most days, I resolve my volunteer activities without incident. Of course there is perhaps a hang up or an "I hate the president" comment, but most days people are cordial and treat me with dignity and respect. Today, that absolutely did not happen.
While I was on my lunch break and in between meetings I decided to "canvass" part of my designated "turf" which is essentially the people in which that I need to communicate and interact with in order to find out whether or not they support the president and how they feel about how the country's trajectory is going.  Unknowingly I encountered,,  which was by far, my most difficult and combative individual/Republican, with whom I have ever engaged.
My friends and family know that I am a Democrat: No question. Growing up in Salem, Oregon where the majority of residents are a bit more on the conservative side, my views often rub many of my friends the wrong way, but we accept each other for who we are and look beyond our political differences and identify with the individual and who they are at the core and not their political views.
While canvassing, I ALWAYS say," I don't care how you vote or who you vote for, just use your Constitutional right and FREAKING VOTE!" So, today I approached a few people who were admiring a particular rose bush with the question: "Are you registered to vote at your current address?" Unknowinglly I had embarked on a quest.That simple question led to the most painful and frustrating experience with the opposing side.
I was called "foolish" which insulted my  intelligence. I was also called ignorant and a sheep. "A woman who could not think for herself."
He told me to get a job and when I explained to him that I was a manager of a successful business he replied with "Than how can you have time to do this?" I then explained that I was able to allocate my time in accordance to my schedule demands and that was none of his concern.
He told me that President Obama was a racist and that the only reason he was elected was because people felt badly that there had not been a black President.  He implied that I had no concrete evidence of the President's accomplishments or lack there of.
This man was unnecessarily cruel and harsh. I politely asked him to stop calling me names and tried to engage in a polite conversation, but it soon became evident that there was no way that I could dissuade this man's interpretation of reality. He was spewing FOX news propaganda and told me that "Just because I was educated did not mean that I was smart." Women have no place in politics apparently, according to him.
I handled this lashing with as much poise and kindness as possible, and as he verbally assaulted me, I tried to assure him that I heard and understood his concerns and promised to look into his arguments. This man insulted me personally and tried very  hard to break my composure, but I would not give him that satisfaction.
I left the conversation with "I appreciate your input and hope that you have a great day." The ONLY thing that this man did was make me appreciate what the non-judgmental attributes of the Democratic Party.
It is very clear that the repugnance and stench of the Republican Party is beyond repair and it is clear that the drastic personalities of the extreme right are against the very nature of our Nation's Constitutional Beliefs.
Our Constitution clearly identifies that we, as people have the right to hold difference in opinion and still coexist; then why would any American find it necessary to make the conscience effort to diminish the competence or legitimacy of another person's view or efforts?
This was a hard day for me and a blow to my efficacy of a human being of the female variety. This man can hardly help himself with FOX news relaying misinformation to the  perfect ear. I try not to take it personally and know that he was not directing his anger toward me, but it was still hurtful and difficult and a day that I will not soon forget.
The upside is that this man made me realize why  I am a Democrat and proud to be so. As far as I am concerned, although he verbally assaulted me, he did not , in anyway diminish my passion for my country  or my President.

The Worst Thing to Happen to Women in Politics: EVER!

As a female that likes to pay attention to politics and would consider myself to be politically involved, I just have to say that I HONESTLY believe that Sarah Palin may just be the worst set back for women in politics: EVER.

There are some brilliant and effective female politicians that have made and continue to make positive impact in this world; Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, serious left-wing Nancy Pelosi (sorry Jeff), Barbara Boxer and Condalisa Rice for example, but Sarah Palin is DEFINITELY not one of these women.

I have a friend who commented earlier this week that a very " Right Winged" friend of hers made the comment "When is this woman going to go away?" I completely agree. Her persistence has become so pervasive that I would have equate it to toxic black mold.

The level of her ignorance is staggering and I would love, L.O.V.E. to see her in a political debate with Barack Obama, who has brilliant mind and a firm grasp on political concepts. He taught Constitutional Law for crying out loud.
The thought of Sarah Palin being the Commander in Chief would make me sick if it weren't so laughable.

Some impeccable Sarah Palinisms (and my thoughts) below:

"So we discussed what was going on in Africa. And never, ever did I talk about, Well, gee, is it a country or is it a continent, I just don't know about this issue.''—Sarah Palin, asked about the post-election revelation by McCain staffers that Palin thought Africa was a country, not a continent, Fox interview with Greta Van Susteren, Nov. 11, 2008

(Possible contestant on "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?)

"The America I know and love is not one in which my parents or my baby with Down Syndrome will have to stand in front of Obama's 'death panel' so his bureaucrats can decide, based on a subjective judgment of their 'level of productivity in society,' whether they are worthy of health care. Such a system is downright evil." –Sarah Palin, in a message posted on Facebook about Obama's health care plan, Aug. 7, 2009

(Weird, I have really been waiting for this Death Panel Thing to take off. What's Up With That?!)

"We used to hustle over the border for health care we received in Canada. And I think now, isn't that ironic?" -Sarah Palin, admitting that her family used to get treatment in Canada's single-payer health care system, despite having demonized such government-run programs as socialized medicine that will lead to death-panel-like rationing, March 6, 2010

(Really? After mocking "Obama Care" you admit to using socialistic medicine because it was cheaper? Does Canada have a "Death Panel too?)

"I don't know if I should Buenos Aires or Bonjour, or... this is such a melting pot. This is beautiful. I love the diversity. Yeah. There were a whole bunch of guys named Tony in the photo line, I know that.'' - Sarah Palin addressing a Charity of Hope gathering , Hamilton, Ontario, April 15th, 2010

(Ohhhhhh? And here I thought that The United States of America was known as THE melting pot and FYI, I am pretty sure that there are a whole bunch of guys named Tony everywhere in North America AND Buenos Aires? WTF?)

"Refudiate,' 'misunderestimate,' 'wee-wee'd up.' English is a living language. Shakespeare liked to coin new words too. Got to celebrate it!" --a Tweet sent by Sarah Palin in response to being ridiculed for inventing the word "refudiate," proudly mistaking her illiteracy for literary genius, July 18, 2010

(So, you compare yourself to the brilliant playwright, William Shakespeare. . . . you maybe a bit more like the "Shakespearean Fool", say, for instance the character " Puck" from "A Midsummer Night's Dream".)

"He who warned, uh, the British that they weren't gonna be takin' away our arms, uh, by ringing those bells, and um, makin' sure as he's riding his horse through town to send those warning shots and bells that we were going to be sure and we were going to be free, and we were going to be armed." -Sarah Palin, botching the history of Paul Revere's midnight ride, June 3, 2011

(Does that once popular catch phrase "THE RED COATS ARE COMING! THE RED COATS ARE COMING!" ring even the tiniest bell? Seriously, this is first grade history people. Unbelievable.)

There are people in this country who whole heartedly think that this woman is capable of running what is arguably the most powerful country in the world. Give me a break.

FDR's Final Address

An excerpt from "Nothing to Fear" by Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
FDR died on April 12th 1945, this speech was intended to be delivered at the Jefferson Day Dinner on April 13th 1945. It has eerie similarities to our current plights both politically and economically. He was unable to make this final address to the country, but his last address was found and published.

Americans are gathered together this evening in communities all over the country to pay tribute to the living memory of Thomas Jefferson-one of the gr; and greatest of all democrats; and I want to make it clear that I am spelling that word "democrats" with a small "d."
I wish I had the power, just for this evening to be present at all of these gatherings.
In this historic year, more than ever before, we do well to consider the character of Thomas Jefferson as an American citizen of the world.
As a minister to France, then as our first Secretary of State and as our third President, Jefferson was instrumental in the establishment of the United States as a vital factor in international affairs.
It was he who sent our first Navy into far distant waters to defend our rights. And the promulgation of the Monroe Doctrine was the logical development of Jefferson's far-seeing foreign policy.
Today this Nation which Jefferson helped so greatly to build is playing a tremendous part in the battle for the rights of man all over the world.
Today we are part of the cast Allied force-a force composed of flesh and blood and steel and spirit-which is today destroying the makers of war, the breeders of hate in Europe and in Asia.
In Jefferson's time our Navy consisted of only a handful of frigates-but that tiny Navy taught nations across the Atlantic that piracy in the Mediterranean-acts of aggression against peaceful commerce and the en the enslavement of their crews was one of those things which, among neighbors, simply was not done.
Today we have learned the agony of war that great power involves great responsibility. Today we can no more escape the consequence of German and Japanese aggression than could we avoid the consequences off attacks by the Barbary corsairs a century and a half before.
We, as Americans, do not choose to deny our responsibility.
Nor do we intend to abandon our determination that within the lives of our children and our children's children, there will not be a third World War.
We seek peace-enduring peace. More than an end to war, we want an end to the beginnings of all wars-yes, an end to this brutal, inhuman and thoroughly impractical method of settling the difference between governments.
The once powerful, malignant Nazi state is crumbling, the Japanese lords are receiving, in their home land, the retribution for which they asked when they attacked Pearl Harbor.
But mere conquest of our enemies is not enough.
We must of on to all in our power to conquer the doubts and the fears, the ignorance and the greed, which made this horror possible.
Thomas Jefferson, himself a distinguished scientist, once spoke of the "brotherly spirit of science, which unites into one family all its votaries of whatever grade, and however widely dispersed throughout the different quarters of the globe."
Today, science has brought all of the different quarters of the globe so close together that it is impossible to isolate them one from another.
Today we are faced with the pre-eminent fact that, if civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships- the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together and work together in the same world, at peace.
Let me assure you that my hand is steadier for the work that is to be done, that I move more firmly into the task, knowing that -you, millions and millions of you-are joined with me in the resolve to make this work endure.
The work my friends, is peace, more than an end of this war-an end to the beginning of all wars, yes, and end, forever, to this impractical, unrealistic settlement of the differences between governments by the mass killing of peoples.
Today as we move against the terrible scourge of war-as we go forward toward the greatest contribution that any generation of human beings can make in this world-the contribution of lasting peace, I ask you to keep up your faith. I measure the sound, solid achievements that can be made at this time by the straight edge of your confidence and your resolve. And to you, and to all Americans who dedicate themselves with us to the making of an abiding peace, I say
" The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith."


The correlation of our wars and influence on the world are clear. Whether it be Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya or North Korea. The intent and responsibility of the United States is ultimately peace.

School's In Session: Rockfish Gap

Oh to be a fly on the wall on August 4th. The year, 1818 and in a small tavern in Rockfish Gap, VA twenty-one men gathered together. However, they were not there to solely partake in a refreshing pint of ale. Instead, the men, Commissioners for the University of Virgina gathered together to forever set the stage for future American thought. The University of Virgina is our country's first university, and the only university founded by a U.S. president. These well intentioned American thinkers, led by Thomas Jefferson, together established the foundations and principles of our current educational system which was there established, discussed, ratified then later published. (Thank You)

I suppose I never really put a lot of thought into the inception of our public education, the curriculum of both primary and high schools, and the formulation of our publicly funded universities. (Something which I will further discuss in future post) I now know that I really took the concept for granted and never fully enveloped the details of how and why into my conciseness . It wasn't until yesterday while watching a completely unrelated television program, that I began consider the details and read more about why the importance of education and the adherence to our First Amendment Right became such a critical component of the United States of America and our government and the subject of much debate today in political banter.

In the television program, the point was made that while seeking advice from John Adams about the professors of our Nation's first university, Adams suggested that Jefferson should not look for professors in Europe as the components of Christianity and education were so entwined that the educators would be unable to teach pragmatically and leave religion and God out of it, thereby violating our Constitution and First Amendment Right.

In the Report of the Commissioners for the University of Virginia, Jefferson points out that in the United States, all religions are equal. He writes "In conformity with the principles of our Constitution which places all sects of religion on equal footing, with the jealousies of the different sects in guarding that equality from encroachment and surprise, and with the sentiments of the Legislature in favor of freedom of religion, manifested on former occasions, we have proposed no professor of divinity. . ." thereby intentionally not integrating religion as a lesson funded by public monies and later Jefferson did make provisions for future private universities that chose to teach divinity ensuring a cohesiveness in educated minds. A value forever instilled in the American collective.

Inevitably, my mind wandered toward the catechism and contention concerning the Pledge of Allegiance and its place in the the protocol and regimen of public, primary schools. As many people know the addition of "Under God" was not added to the Pledge of Allegiance until the Cold War in 1954 and was clearly added for a passive aggressive religious stance to the world. As a child, I remember the daily ritual, facing the flag with my right hand over my heart and reciting the words not really paying attention to nor contemplating their meaning it reminded me of another oration habitually performed in another arena. I was raised Lutheran, I recited the Apostle's Creed as a child and recited every Sunday at church; again without paying attention to, nor contemplating, nor fully understanding their implication until much later in life.

I have much respect for the intent of teaching the Pledge to our children and believe that knowing it is critical. It is an unparalleled symbol of patriotism and loyalty, while I question the legitimacy of adding the "Under God" in the first place, I believe a greater emphasis should be placed in teaching our children what the words mean fully, so they are completely knowledgeable when oath is sworn.

I find Jefferson's thoughts and opinions about education and the effects of our actions on the Constitution and each other both poignant and well formed. He rightfully placed the United States absolute and rigorously sought adherence to our Nation's code. I believe that one would be hard pressed to find a current politician more articulate, educated and as well intentioned today.

"Education generatess habits of application, of order and the love of virtue; and controls, by the force of habit, any innate obliquities in our moral organization. We should be far, too, from the discouraging persuasion that man is fixed by the law of nature, at a given point; that his improvement is a chimera,and the hope delusive of rendering ourselves wiser, happier or better than our forefathers were." Thomas Jefferson Well said T.J.

GOP: Credit for Bin Laden?

First and foremost, I must apologize for my noncompliance with my original intentions with this Poly-Blog; all I can say is that life interfered.

I have resolved to again speak my mind on current political events and attitudes.

Clearly the death of Bin Laden has created quite the media stir. Unlike finding Saddam hiding in a hole, being captured and undergoing a meaningless trial, Osama Bin Laden was found by Navy SEALS and exterminated. . . a feat that in all honesty, came to fruition a decade late.

During the 2008 campaign, Obama proclaimed that he would reestablish the CIA team to locate Bin Laden and eliminate him as a threat. A year and a half later Bin Laden is dead. Now the GOP Spin machine wants some of this credit to go toward the Bush Administration. . an Administration that blatantly lied to the American people about the pretext of war and subsequently lead our country into a decade long war resulting in countless American soldier casualties.

It has been CLEARLY documented that Bush no longer considered Bin Laden a threat and in 2006 ended the committee organized to find and kill Bin Laden. I suppose that since he was able to capture and prosecute his nemesis, Saddam Hussein that he was no longer interested in pursuing the individual personally responsible for the Twin Tower demise, the attempt on the Pentagon and the death of thousands of innocent people.

Osama Bin Laden continued to create videos, make threats and denounce The United States and specifically stated that he planned further attacks on our country. I find it repugnant that the GOP has the audacity to claim credit for the death of Bin Laden! The Bush Administration ignored the warning signs that preceded the Twin Tower attacks, went to war with a country that ultimately had no hand in the attack and lead Americans into a long, drawn out war that has left us drained and disillusioned.

Finally! A victory to celebrate and a win for the Obama Administration. The war in Afghanistan is drawing to a close, the Tali Ban is losing velocity and it has NOTHING to do with the blundering actions of the former Administration.

Again, the GOP Spin chooses it's so called facts selectively, emphasizing the positives while ignoring the obvious failures. (FOX NEWS exceeds at this so well it is shocking!)

I read a poignant statement yesterday that rang surprisingly true:

"Those who forget history vote Republican."