Remembering the March on Washington

Tonight, August 28, is the 45th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington. I had been a college activist in the civil rights movement and had participated in two previous marches while I was in college: the children's march and the prayer pilgrimage, both spearheaded by peace activist Bayard Rustin. I was, by 1963, expecting my first child and working for the International Union of Electrical Workers. Because we were bringing in close to a thousand union marchers, my overprotective boss, Jim Carey, stationed me on the Ellipse, near the White House, to handle IUE logistics. He told me not to go to the mall. He was worried about police overreaction and the police were edgy about civil rights violence. I was so eager to get to the "action" however that I did manage to slowly work my way to the reflecting pool. There I witnessed the most wonderful collection of people of every race, dressed for an outing (no jeans and tee shirts), union people, church leaders, doctors, lawyers, legislators--all demanding long denied justice and rights for African American citizens. The singing and the speeches, especially Dr. King's will live with me forever. It was the most loving, peaceful demonstration that had ever been seen.

Today as I consider the nomination of Barack Obama I think with such joy how I have waited for this opportunity to see us overcome the prejudices of the past. We can seize this unique moment in history to create a better nation, indivisible, with justice for all. Will we do it? Yes we can.

Why I Love Scuba

Some readers have asked: "Why do you like to scuba?" So I've given some thought to it. The initial moment of descent is not comfortable (like all efforts before you acquire absolute skill). You must stop, equalize pressure, continue down into the unknown. But once you have equalized and go off, flippers moving efficiently, breathing slow and measured, you feel a new person. And the things you see! In the Caribbean you see coral formations in colors that are never revealed once these chunks are washed on shore. Schools of fish fold in and out like shifting streams of silk. Then there's always the thrill of possibly seeing the big one, as I did when snorkeling --a beautiful, submarine-like Barracuda, veering off just below me, sleek and sure. It was snorkeling that made me yearn for more. And now I just want to improve my skills and dive for as long as I can. Diving is not unlike my experience at printmaking. You think you know where you want to go but the lines in the etching reveal new paths and you have to be ready to take them.

www.hugerbites.org

The Central Pennsylvania foodbank sent me their newsletter which focuses on the growing number of children in central PA who don't have enough to eat. Among their findings is that:
1 in 8 Americans are food insecure; meaning their access to enough food is limited by a lack of money and other resources.

Increases in the price of heating oil, gasoline and rents have resulted in record numbers of individuals and families seeking food assistance during the last year.

Hunger is on the rise in Pennsylvania. Nearly 1.2 million Pennsylvanians, almost 10% of our population, live in households at risk for hunger. That’s enough people to fill Penn State University’s football stadium nearly 12 times.

18% of Pennsylvania children live in poverty.
46% of PA adults requesting food assistance are employed..

When people ask me why I have a Barack Obama bumper sticker on my car I can point to these facts plus the tens of thousands in PA with no or inadequate health insurance. We must take better care of each other.

Critical Thinking

Business says it wants workers capable of "critical thinking", adults who think "outside the box." But television, radio, and even newspapers daily provide information that is inflammatory and unsourced. Even though the internet offers sites where people can read contrary and well-researched information, these are deemed "wonky", too issue driven. How do we get our children and their parents to take the time and effort to go beyond the scare headlines? The future of our democracy depends on it.

Important Legislation for Artists and Crafts People

It's not unusual to be asked to contribute artwork or craft to nonprofit organizations for fundraising benefits. Many artists do it quite regularly. Right now the only thing you can deduct from your income tax is the cost of the materials you used for making the work. But a bill in Congress could more fairly compensate artists. H.R.1524 would allow artists to take a fair-market value deduction for works given to and retained by nonprofit institutions. The U.S. tax system now accords unequal treatment to collectors who donate to museums, nonprofits or libraries. It allows them full market value of the work. So if you've ever asked an artist to contribute something to an auction benefit, please call your member of Congress to support this legislation.

Teaching Grandsons Poker

In our family Thanksgiving is always the time for a family poker game. It's been this way for as long as I can remember. When my dear mother was not completely "there", she came to one Thanksgiving dinner and when the poker chips came out, sat down and with the skill of an old time dealer was able to win almost every pot. So naturally, as Thanksgiving is not too far away, I wanted to prepare my grandsons for their first family poker game (penny and two is our usual game). Ages 7 and 9, I thought they would have a hard time learning. I prepared a list of winning hands and began. I had to explain some poker etiquette, like it's not nice to stick your tongue out at the loser. But after that, they proceeded apace. Of course they have spent this visit absolutely killing us. In five card stud they draw full houses, four aces, straights, etc. etc. Luckily we've been playing with poker chips so no one is poorer. I guess it's not right for grandma to plan a career in poker for her grandsons. But it sure is tempting. With luck like that they could afford to go to MIT. Oops, I guess there was a movie about that!

Don't Let Facts Get in the Way

I have just returned from a trip to my favorite health food store where I overheard and was drawn into a conversation about Obama. The two women told me without a doubt that Obama was a Muslim, that he wouldn't salute the flag and several other such items. No amount of evidence to the contrary that I produced for them would satisfy. They warned he would make us all drink poisoned Kool Aid or some other such stuff. I don't know what to think about this. I gave them the name of several websites with journalists debunking these rumors (the AFL-CIO has one) but I could see they were unmoved. The conservative radio here is spreading these rumors, I've heard them. I've also seen publications that are the same. I know we've always had very bitter political campaigns and Jefferson, Hamilton and others all engaged in mud slinging. I would think that was one gift from the founding fathers that we could give up.