'Tis the Season...

In Central Pa the practice of holiday decoration is somewhat toned down by our Mennonite and Amish neighbors who reject that "fancy" display. Although, there are plenty of others who are prepared to spend their money on electricity to run ferris wheels filled with Simpson characters in holiday garb. My favorite is the Santa on a Harley with huge(kick ass) boots, he better not come down my chimney.

Most of all I spend some time reading the signposts outside homes and farms that are supplied by religious publishing houses. They offer instant homilies -- something like the old Burma Shave signs along the road. I puzzle at the contradictions. They warn against sin, they proclaim that sinners are forgiven. They tell us only the "pure in heart" see Jesus and then tell sinners they can be redeemed. Are they saying that a simple renunciation of past ways by a really bad abuser, molester, robber, or drunk can open the door to heaven? Boy that must make the hard working, nose to the grindstone, never straying Christian pretty annoyed. Where's the justice if it takes so little to gain admission?

Of course if it makes sense to that set of believers, it's ok with me. I just would like to find a little peace on earth and common sense for all. Oh, and for the New Year? How about single payer and jobs for all who want them.

Another Celebrity Casualty

Just when I was thinking that nothing could disappoint me as much as the wayward ways of John Edwards, along comes Tiger. Grrrr! It's not politics, true. But it does demonstrate how easily celebrity can cause good people to forget their human obligations and think they can satisfy any itch with impunity. If you read Woods' website you can see that fans are struggling with his "transgressions"... half are saying they're still with him and half saying what a jerk he is. Most of all I think of the disappointment and confusion of kids who have regarded him as a hero.

A whole raft of politicians have shown themselves to be sexually promiscuous and oblivious of the consequences. They, of course, hurt more than partners or parties. They create even more cynicism and sometimes even alter the course of political progress by defiling their espoused causes. Ironically they're bait for celebrity media which created their aura.

Art and Other Things

Community show at the Greencastle Gallery 7 ... the show will continue through weekends in December and hopefully attract some buyers who think Art for holiday gifts will be worth more than some unnecessary "stuff" from Walmart, KMart, JunkMart.

Pleased to have an etching selected in a juried show (Chambersburg Pa miniatures) My two color etching of a faded sunflower "End of Summer". Many excellent entries (over 400 from all over the USA) and I'm one of the selected. This is the second time I've had a piece in this show and it certainly is a morale booster.

Hoping our upcoming visit to Maine will be a chance to draw and find new ideas for prints. I'm still looking for satisfactory and efficient ways to create multicolored prints in multiples on my equipment at home. It may be a break from the depressing politics of the US Congress.

I'm shocked by the Democrats who are so worried about losing their seats that they won't vote for programs that will give voters a reason to reelect them. The Republicans are ridiculous with their constant "no's" and worse. Voters should see there are no ideas from that source.From this vantage point I would say people are not enamoured of the Repulicans, they just vote the way they always have. Meanwhile Ms. Palin and her family and political adventures are the latest soap opera to divert Americans from what's really happening to them.

Not a good post election morning

The Democrats suffered two important losses in Virginia and New Jersey and locally our efforts to overcome a 2/3 Republican registration failed. Our few local candidates didn't get elected either. The Virginia governor's race was not a surprise. The candidate just didn't have it -- no spark, no ideas, no meaningful positive campaign. BUT...why didn't African American and young voters turn out on his beahlf to help out the President the elected? Beats me! The quick flip flopping of the American people is a mystery. Yesterday they vote for change and a new direction, today they're down on President Obama and his policies. I lay it all to no politics -- that is: most Americans have no overall political perspective and point of view and are easily swayed to respond to what appears to be the current problem.

What's the beef against Obama? He said he would go for health care reform and he has -- his try to build a concensus approach was a mistake. But even in his own party he has foot draggers that block his efforts. Do you blast him from the left? What do we accomplish by doing that? He has to fight the right who still spread lies about him even doubting his citizenship.

Congratulations Mr. President

Was I surprised that Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? You bet! Was I pleased and thrilled? Yes! This president has moved our nation to the road of peace seekers. I don't know if he or we will succeed. The odds are not good, the opponents are often vile and dangerous. But no situation is intractable. People in other nations, caught in the unceasing horror of war, destruction and loss, must yearn for calm and safety. This may tell them the world is watching Obama and believes he is a true peace maker. This may be a message to have courage.

And what can one say about the Republicans? They have lost all sense of judgment. If I hated the President, I would say, "What a great honor for our nation. It shows that the world still believes we are powerful and can effect change." I would certainly avoid the tone of sour grapes that has tainted every message that has come from the Republicans. Even CNN notices that their form of participatory governance is to just say "NO!".

Some victories are in order and not the least would be greater participation of our allies and our sometime allies (China and Russia)in our efforts to get Iran and North Korea to the bargaining table.

Mother of Exiles -- What has happened to that sentiment?

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame,
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

by Emma Lazarus, New York City, 1883

L'shana tovah. We wish you a sweet and healthy new year.

Discouraged but not down

I have been so discouraged by the quality of the discussion of health care reform. Tonight's outstanding speech by President Obama buoyed my spirits and made me write again about the desperate need for people to develop critical thinking, as my neighbor said recently, to be able to analyze the arguments and determine the course of action that best meets their interests.

My husband and I were in a Friendly's restaurant recently (yes,when things get tough the tough eat ice cream). We engaged the waitress in a brief discussion and found out that she had no health care on the job and earned LESS than the minimum wage. We suggested that health care reform could help her. She told us she was very leery, didn't trust Obama. "Did you see the paper," she said, "now he's going to give a talk to kids and I just don't trust him." What does one say at that point to an otherwise nice person who is unable to advocate on behalf of her own best interests. Why was she so easily swayed by talk shows, TV news, etc.? Surely she knows that she needs health care coverage. Why doesn't she trust our president? I haven't figured it out yet. I know when I worked as a union organizer I was always astounded at the number of people who voted against the union. At least then I knew that the employer was threatening to close the shop, or move the job. Fear is a powerful force and that is what the interests have been using to scare ordinary people.

It's up to all of us to talk to people find the right responses and carry the day for health care reform. It will be a better country for it.