DEMOCRATIC THOUGHTS

Not the political party, but the democratic governmental process. Democracy has been around since ancient times. It evolves as societies become more sophisticated. Equality of access is the main principle. All citizens, regardless of gender, religion, social/financial status or any other factor, must participate in the political process. That ranges from being elected, appointed, assisting persons in political office, donating money, and volunteering time for campaigns or specific issues. The most important aspect is one person one vote without interference from anyone (being told how to cast a vote), also known as a free and fair election. Corruption cannot be tolerated at any level. Also, corporations should not be permitted to donate to campaigns.

Women must be a part of the process. They are generally about half the population and should hold half the elected and appointed positions. Unfortunately, few governments have attained parity. Women are not perfect, they will make mistakes but at least gender balance will help all the citizens of the country. It is imperative to have a representation of the population, based on the demographics. When one group of people consider themselves to be superior for any reason it will result in harm. The civil unrest in the Middle East is a current example. America had the Civil War because some people thought that they had the right to own other humans. No one is superior. Humans are flawed, every single person. Period. End of discussion.

I prefer the Parliamentary style of democracy. Coalition building is preferable to a two-party system. Plus, if confidence is lost in the Prime Minister/President a new election will be held within a few months. However, the House of Lords/Senate should be elected not appointed or inherited by heredity. Ability to lead is not a genetic trait. I am surprised that monarchies still exist in the 21st century.

Tolerance of all people is essential. Democracies must not be based on religion. The political process must be secular. Even if every single citizen practices the same faith, there are different interpretations and no one should be forced to follow what they don’t believe. America is moving towards pluralism, though the struggle has been unpleasent. It would have been beter if we started with pluralism.

Equality of access regardless of one’s religion (or non-religion) is essential. If you think that one religion is better than another, you are making the foolish mistake of superiority. Remember, no religious doctrine/practice is superior. Every religion has a right to exist, but not crowd out alternatives. Religion must not be used as an excuse for causing harm to others. Period. End of discussion.

Democracy isn’t perfect, but it’s a lot better than many other types of governance or anarchy. Every citizen must participate to make it work. I wish for true democracy in the countries undergoing transition right now … Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, etc … best wishes to them all!
© 2011

BOYCOTT THE EXCLUDERS

Boycott any business which excludes unemployed candidates from applying for open positions. This is clear discrimination! If you know of any companies who do this, please send a copy of their posting as proof and we'll start a list on my Facebook page. Boycott the excluders!

Read an interesting article posted at http://www.ere.net/2011/02/28/refusing-applications-from-the-unemployed-best-practice-or-madness/
All the negatives are relative, they apply to some people but not all unemployed people.

I've been unemployed for almost eight months. I am not rusty, if anything I am charged up to perform at 1,000%.
(c) 2011

WINTER OF MY DISCONTENT

No, I shan’t be murdering my nephews. Our family has neither title nor property (land, valuables or cash). I’m just frustrated with the job search. It has been over seven months and I am anxious to work full time. I have sent out nearly 150 resumes and only garnered two in-person interviews. Ugh!

I am glad to have a computer at home, which was given to me by my best friend, Annie. Dial-up is slow but at least I have access to job search sites. I get to visit lots of interesting websites since postings seem to be listed on 100+ sites instead of 99% of them being in the Sunday newspaper. Too many hours sitting at the keyboard to do the same research an hour with the newspaper would have accomplished – grrrr. What a waste of time and energy.

I am grateful for time to devote to projects. The yard sleeps under a couple feet of snow so I can focus on inside chores when I am not shoveling. I want to organize stuff and do more air seepage insulation to keep out the cold. I have the supplies but it always takes a lot of time to figure out exactly what needs to be done, prepare, do it, and clean up. Inevitably, the task always takes myriad times as long as the original estimate. There is always something to clean or sort. If I get enough chores completed, I can get back to doing artwork. It’s been a long time since I’ve worked on a creative project. I also want to read more books.

I have time to support Mitch. He finished alcoholism treatment in December and continued to attend weekly AA meetings. Besides gatherings of our group of friends, we have gotten together a couple times. He surprised me the other day by calling and initiating a meeting for coffee/tea. In the 20 some years that I have known Mitch, this is a rare occurrence. I look forward to our meeting! His partner, Peter, seems to be okay but I check in with him too. I am still a bit stunned that Mitch is an alcoholic and I that totally clueless. Friends are my family of choice since my biological family is not supportive. I am blessed to have some good friends, even though several reside out of the area.

Anticipating spring and a job.
© 2011

BOOKWORM REVIEW TWO

Four worms is top rating. Five is perfection but that is rarely attained.

“Oyster: History on the Half Shell” four worms, written by Mark Kurlansky; gets a bit histrionic in the middle (aka bland) otherwise quite interesting
“Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” three and a half worms, authored by Lisa See; a few logic issues but well written
“The Eight” three worms, authored by Katherine Neville; the last third of the book should have been expanded into a second novel. Understanding the game of chess helps the reader.
“Shutter Island” three worms, by Dennis Lehane; not quite accurate regarding mental illness. Learn the facts at www.nami.org
“Nemesis” three worms, by Philip Roth; Cantor character starts well and then stalls
“Absent a Miracle” two and a half worms, by Christine Lehrer; too many tangents that did not intersect
“Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show” two and a half worms; by Frank Delaney; too many digressions and the main character would have hired a private detective regardless of cost
“Hero of Our Time” two worms, by Mikhail Lermontov; the scenery descriptions are excellent. Maybe something was lost in translation to English
NOTE: Four Worms is the highest rating for this group.

One of my peeves is when an author hurries an ending of the book. I am sure it is at the request of the editor but it ruins the tempo of the novel. The descriptions are cut short and the character development ends. I’d rather have a book divided into two or three volumes rather than rush the end. “The Eight” which was published in 1988 is a perfect example; either edit out the extraneous stuff in the first part of the book or else expand the final chapters.

Read another review of books from the posting Bookworm Review on September 14, 2010. Please leave suggestions of books that I should reveiw, plus, join as an official "follower" of this blog.

Happy Reading!
© 2011

CONGRESS: BUILD A HOME ACTION PLAN

This is the second posting regarding a method to improve communication within the US Congress. Please read the first blog "Congress: Build A Home" for background information. Thanks!

#1 CONTACT CONGRESS
Urge your members of Congress to dedicate several shifts at the Habitat for Humanity House in Washington DC during the current session.

To learn the name of your Representative and both Senators, visit
http://hq-salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5950/getLocal.jsp (sponsored by League of Women Voters). Call, write a letter, send an email, send a fax, or visit them in person. It is good to use at least two forms of communication to send your message. Be polite, brief, and let them why you care that they participate in the Congress Build A Home project

#2 SHARE THIS PETITION
Let other folks know about this effort to increase communication amongst member of Congress in a positive effort. The future of the United States depends upon the relationships of our public servants. I want my Representative and Senators to find common ground with others.

#3 SET AN EXAMPLE
Actively engage in your community. You can assist at a Habitat for Humanity home or another charity of your choice. Lots of great opportunities are located at the www.handson.org; www.volunteermatch.com; and www.idealist.org websites. Not all nonprofits are listed on the Internet so just call a nonprofit and ask for the person who works with volunteers. Then, inform your Congress-members that you are building the community through volunteering. Some people refer to it as civic engagement or in school they may call it service learning.

#4 DONATE FUNDS (after the project is finalized)
Visit the website www.dchabitat.org/individual.html for a variety of options.
Or, donate directly through the Network for Good website. Make certain that you use the “Program Designation” box for “Congress Home” to ensure the funds go directly toward this effort. You can call the DC Habitat office at 202-882-4600 ext 232 for specific information.

If for some reason members of Congress do not follow through on this effort, all funds raised will be added to the general fund of DC Habitat to build homes for deserving families. Make certain that you note this second option when donating; this project has not been finalized, yet.
NOTE: If you are unable to donate, that is fine, it is more important to personally contact members of Congress.

#5 THANK CONGRESS
When they actually start working on the home, make certain that you let them know that you are proud of their efforts. We will applaud all members of Congress who fulfill their shift requirement. Praise is good!

Thank you for your participation in this effort.
© 2011

CONGRESS, BUILD A HOME!

Good communication is essential for every relationship. It was nice that some Members of Congress sat next to each other during the State of the Union 2011 speech, but as you know, the United States Congress has not been communicating very well for several years and the entire population suffers as a result.

In an effort to improve communication, it is proposed that:
112th CONGRESS BUILDS A HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME IN WASHINGTON, DC.

Only elected members of the US 112th Congress (sworn in January 2011) would be permitted to volunteer their time to work on the home within the "Beltway." Habitat is a trustworthy charity and would provide a neutral location for members to get to know each other. It would be required for half the volunteers to be "liberal" and half "conservative" during each shift, example: 10 volunteers needed so 5 would be Democrat and 5 would be Republican. Independent party (Tea Party)-unaffiliated members of Congress would join the political party that they vote with the majority of the time. Technically, conservatives currently outnumber liberals so one extra Republican per shift would be permitted.

No cameras, microphones or cell phones would be allowed on the site. The goal is to construct a home for a deserving family and build personal relationships in Congress. Donations to the project would be anonymous, as to avoid corporate sponsorship or influence from lobbyists. The goal is to complete construction before they get busy with the next election.

Each Senator and Representative would assist for several shifts (the exact number depends upon the specific house). If they were physically unable to help due to an injury or physical condition, would serve their shift in the hospitality tent and serve coffee and snacks to the workers. If they are unable to assist with hospitality, they could send their Chief of Staff (no other exemptions are permitted). The Caucus Office of each party could schedule shifts with DC Habitat office. Building a home takes several months so there is ample opportunity to schedule a shift.

Members are not permitted to take on extra shifts or substitute for someone. The point of this effort is to create a shared experience for ALL MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. It won’t work if only a few folks participate. Many members have already helped at homes in their local district or even in DC but the 112th Congress effort is unique. Perhaps they will get along better if they hammer nails along side of each other. Habitat for Humanity of Washington, DC has already indicated a willingness to do this project. To learn about their organization, visit www.dchabitat.org for more information.

Post a comment and let me know what you think of this idea.
(c) 2011

TILLIE TAILS

Front paws down on the ground, tail lofty, and wiggle the hoisted butt. Lots of rolling around on the ground and urgent need for a tummy rub. Yowling for 5-10 minutes at a time. Ah, the non-joy of feline ovulation. Tillie has experienced her first “heat.”

She was acting a bit odd for a few days and then progressed to profound annoyance for three days. Tillie is about eight and a half months old but since she has some Norwegian Forest Cat heritage I thought that her ovulation would be delayed (NorFors mature more slowly than other breeds). I plan to have her reproductive organs removed but need to delay until the weather gets warmer. She could travel safely to the veterinarian but I don’t want to bring home a post-op cat in a cold car. No opportunity for her to get outside since all the windows are sealed for winter and I watch to make sure no cat sneaks out the door. I did notice a lot of cat prints in the snow so male cats in the neighborhood must of smelled her as I went in and out of the house.

Poor Zozo, five years old and already spayed, Tillie would get into position and shake her butt in Zozo’s face. Much to Zo’s chagrin this occurred frequently throughout the three days. She would run to me to hide her from Tillie under the blanket when I was sitting on the couch or else beg to go downstairs where Tillie isn’t permitted, yet. I am almost done with cleaning, organizing and adding insulation to the basement.

When I was a kid, our dog Toto would go into heat at least once per year. We would have to guard her against the amorous attentions of male dogs. She never got pregnant and lived to be 18 years old. I don’t remember any odd behavior except that Toto would drip an amber hued liquid from her behind and be very whiney for a few days.

Tillie’s an adolescent cat now!
© 2011

RESPECTFUL POLITICAL DISCUSSION

Reducing political rancor can only help us. Please explore the No Labels website to learn more, www.nolabels.org Democracy is about thoughtful discussion. Calling each other names and refusing to communicate are the actions of a child and immature political pundents.

DECLARATION OF NO LABELS:
We are not labels – we are people.

We care deeply about our country.

We are frustrated and concerned about the tone of politics.

We are passionate about addressing America’s challenges.

We are Democrats, Republicans and Independents.

Most importantly, we are Americans.

We believe hyper-partisanship is destroying our politics and paralyzing our ability to govern.

We may disagree on issues, but we do so with civility and mutual respect.

We believe in the vital civil center — a place where ideas are judged on their merits.

We believe that together we can make the future better and brighter — and give us what we all deserve — a government and a political system that works — one driven by shared purpose and common sense.

We believe our politics can change, so that government will work again and produce better results.

The consequences of inaction have never been greater, because the issues we face have never been more serious, more complicated, or more dangerous.

And yet, we have a crisis of governance – A crisis that compels us to work together to move America forward.

We must put our labels aside, and put the issues and what’s best for the nation first.

A promising future awaits us.

DEALING WITH DEMONS

My best friend in high school was a male, Markus. Markus could not figure out why I would strike at him whenever he did not announce himself and scare me. He was gay so his touch was never sexual. My body must have remembered the sexual abuse perpetrated when I was a wee child and was protecting me on an unconscious level.

I was in my early twenties when my sibling revealed to me about the incest sexual abuse done by a step-relative. I finally understood the nightmares and skittish reaction to male touch. I went for a few counseling sessions but wasn’t impressed by the therapist (she was a newbie). About a year later I joined a sexual abuse survivors group but didn’t feel comfortable. It took another couple years before I located a gifted art therapist, Nelly, who was able to help me make some progress.

Nelly understood that because the abuse occurred before I knew words, it was difficult for me to articulate what happened. I would draw or create a mini sculpture and talk about the feelings. I had built up walls of resistance since I was an infant to protect myself from pain. I remember watching a Star Trek rerun when I was in kindergarten (my dad would turn on the tv when I got home from school when my mom wasn’t home). I learned that Spock protected himself by having no feelings and that is what I decided to emulate. I experienced limited emotions until Nelly helped me to lower some of the barriers. It took a lot of meetings with Nelly but it was worth every hour and every penny (I was able to see her at a community clinic with a lower fee).

Feelings are great but still make me rather vulnerable. I have learned to avoid my family because they make me feel extra vulnerable. No matter what I say or do my siblings will never be happy. They will never be kind or supportive of me. Unfortunately, I get reminded of this frequently. Nelly told me that it is probably because I have sought out counseling and they have not. I urged them to get help but they only reacted hatefully. I have had limited contact with my siblings and their offspring for over ten years. At times I am tempted to completely withdraw all contact and just have them communicate via a lawyer. After our parents die, that will probably be the sad case. It is a pitiful situation. They should direct their anger at Arnold, the perpetrator of the sexual abuse, not me.

Keep seeking; a good therapist is out there! (Experienced and legally licensed counselor is the best option.)
© 2011

LETTING OUT THE DEMONS

I have been reading the book “Women, Food and God” it seems simplistic but is logical. Eating is more than about the food. When you consume calories and are not hungry, food is used as a tranquilizer. I know that is true for me. After I eat, I feel all warm and fuzzy – it relaxes me and I often fall asleep after eating (even when I was hungry). I don’t binge (eat a lot of food at once) but I obviously eat more than the calories that I burn resulting in excess weight. A person can be addicted to anything: alcohol, exercise, drugs of any kind, sex, etcetera.

I have many demons. Lots of bad stuff happened to me when I was a kid. I don’t blame my parents for what I am about to divulge, they didn’t know. I don’t blame my siblings because they were victims, too. I am angry with the adult relative “Daisy” who knew but didn’t protect us. I am certain that the abuser threatened Daisy but I wish that she had done something to keep us safe.

The demon of which I write is childhood sexual abuse perpetrated by a relative, Arnold (step-family member but still considered incest). I was in college when Daisy was dying. I was chatting with one sister when I mentioned that a different sister had an odd relationship with Daisy. That is when the truth came spilling out. I was shocked but had the proverbial “ah-ha” moment. It all made horrific sense. All the symptoms were there, I had even studied them in a college course but I couldn’t see it in my own family, let alone myself. Two siblings got pregnant in high school and are highly sexualized (lots of partners). Another sibling withdrew sexually and wouldn’t let anyone touch her until marriage. One sibling won’t admit that she was abused but it could be suppressed memories or she successfully fought him off. I suspect that one or more of my siblings are now addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.

I was very young when I was abused (the bastard died when I was five) and I suppressed the memories. Thankfully, I don’t have clear memories of the abuse. I remember not wanting to be alone with the bastard, especially at night. I would scream when Daisy left the room. I also remember seeing Arnold smile when I cried in pain and the pain was in my genital area. I still have nightmares and occasionally jump when a male touches me. Damn that demon Arnold. I hope that he is rotting in hell (if such a place exists). However, demons gain power when one is reacting in a negative manner. I can only control my reaction. Must not dwell in anger…

Don’t let the demons drag you down.
©2011