Together we can hold to the vision of economic justice, political justice, and a better future for our children and our children’s children. It is so important to remember that good things do not just happen; improvements in our communities and our state and our nation only occur when enough people are willing to work together, work hard, and imagine a better life. There is not one of us who can – or will – fight for goals we cannot imagine. My challenge to you is to reread FDR’s first inaugural address http://www.bartleby.com/124/pr… , and his four freedoms http://www.wwnorton.com/colleg… Then think about what is “freedom from want” and “freedom from fear” – and how much are they worth – to you? The reason that income inequality and concentrated capital matter is that our children’s futures are hostage to a form of hoarding. Hoarded capital does not lead to capitalism in the sense of new enterprise or jobs – and America was founded as a kind of anti-aristocracy, not a recreation of the permanently stratefied society of Old England. As we go forth into 2011, it is my hope that you and I will first imagine better schools, better roads, and [...]
On Death And Clemency, Or, Here’s A Real Christmas Story
There are many gifts to be given and received this holiday season; some that you can wrap and put under a tree, and some so intangible and ethereal that they cannot be held within the boundaries of paper and ribbon.
Instead, they exist within the boundaries of our hearts.
Among those intangible presents, few matter more than the chance to be with those we love-and at the time of our death, it’s the most important thing of all.
We have a chance to bring all of this to a dying woman and her family-but the only way it can happen is if we convince the Florida Department of Corrections not to kill her first.
It’s not a tale of light and joy-but if we get lucky, there could still be a happy ending.
Labor a Bad Word to GOP
This from Talkingpointsmemo.com: Republicans have decided to excise the word “labor” from the name of the House committee handling education and, yes, labor issues. It’s time to say so long to the Education and Labor Committee and hello to the Education and the Workforce Committee, the Wall Street Journal’s Washington Wire reports. http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo… And from the Wall Street Journal: Republicans are planning the name change, and it isn’t the first. For years, the committee was called Education and Labor. But when Newt Gingrich and the Republicans took over the House in 1994, they wanted to show that there was a new sheriff in town–and he was not a pro-labor sheriff. http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/… It’s no wonder Republicans blocked unemployment benefits for jobless workers while demanding tax cuts for millionaires. They simply can’t stomach people who work for a living. Happy Holidays to all of you who don’t sign your own paycheck. It’s going to be a long 2 years.
Christmas Day Open Thread
Last year I put up a Christmas Day Open Thread. So I thought I would do it again and make it a tradition. Christmas is such a central part of our culture. For many it is truly a time of joy and family and tradition. But for many others it is a time of stress. Or it is both. Last year I asked if you don’t observe the holiday, how do you feel about it? Lightiris mentions last year that she has a Festivus Pole. She’s a facebook friend and she and another BMGer had a conversation about his transition from a Chrstmas Tree to a Festivus Pole. This year it has lights. Next year??? Christmas can bring so much stress, from overeating to substance issues. I have a relative who is in recovery and he talks about how hard it is to see other people drinking and having a good time and thinking, maybe if I were drinking I’d be having more fun. Please share your joy and your stress here. Well my husband is telling me that our guest is due soon and there are a few things to get ready. I’ll have [...]
