The "blink of an eye" is a common metaphor for something that happens suddenly. However, the metaphor is limited. Our eyes blink in about 4/10ths of a second -- really fast -- and blinking is governed by the autonomic nervous system; it's part of the everyday, like breathing. It happens to all of us. So, eye blinking doesn't fit all kinds of sudden situations; it's not descriptive of the sort of suddenness involved in awakening to your life, opening your mind and realizing where you are and what's happening all around you.
Yesterday, a dear friend of the family was killed in a car accident. Kevin was only a few years older than my husband. He had six children under the age of 10 and a stay-at-home wife who was in D's class at school. He followed in my father-in-law's footsteps when D wasn't inclined to; he worked his way to partner in Bob's orthodontic practice. His children were in the SUV when it collided with a delivery truck; apparently Kevin had crossed the median. What was he doing -- changing the radio station? talking on the cell phone? even checking his blackberry? Probably something we all do from time to time. The children, while injured, are alive; I don't want to imagine what his wife is going through or how we will help her. I'm sure the crash happened in the blink of an eye, but what happened next -- rushing the children and the other driver to area hospitals, notifying his wife and others, the phone call D received and his grief and shock -- all these things are sudden, but lingering; shocking, but requiring time to absorb and process. They are the things you believe never will happen to you, things that change your life forever. So much more than the blink of an eye.
When I'm holding Abigail, and she is looking up at me with her gorgeous blue eyes as if she is memorizing my face, I feel the abruptness, and permanence, of her arrival in my life. Out of nowhere, here she is. Though I spent all those months growing her inside me, experiencing so much physical and emoional trauma, I can't help but feel surprised. One moment she was not here, and now she is. A new person has entered our lives, by our own doing, and she will be one of the central preoccupations of our lives from now on, as we watch her learn to sit up, crawl, walk, write, drive, do calculus, express vulnerability, become her individual self. It's all so sudden. I fear that it will be over in the blink of an eye.
22 February 2008
19 February 2008
At Least Empty Space Can Be Filled
Hey, John McCain -- I'd rather be eloquent and empty than inarticulate and wrong.
For What It's Worth
My back really hurts. My abdominal muscles are like warm Jell-O. My right leg is still dragging. And I'm angry a lot of the time.
16 February 2008
We Are Still Not the Same
My stepdaughter, S, recently went to the theater with her daddy to see the movie version of Hairspray. If you don’t know it, the main character is a white Baltimore teenager called Tracy who loves to dance. The story takes place during segregation, and Tracy takes part in a civil rights march supporting, as sort of a microcosm of larger issues, the right of black kids to dance with whites on the local kids’ dance show. Racial relations is a central theme of the movie, including Alison Janney’s repressed, Catholic daughter learning that
The blacker the berry
The sweeter the juice
I could say it ain't so
But darlin', what's the use?
The darker the chocolate
The richer the taste
And that's where it's at...
...now run and tell that!!
At any rate, S loves the movie, and she and her dad had a really good conversation about segregation, civil rights, and discrimination -- although I think that she actually learned the most because she loved Tracy so much, and saw such a moving and relatable depiction of these issues in Tracy’s life on the screen.
Recently the Washington Post had a Kids’ Post about the presidential election. I watched my husband explain the basic ideas to S -- likening political parties to “teams,” and explaining that first, each team had to pick a captain, and then the teams would play against each other and whichever team won would see its captain become President. As she always does when ideological -- or sports-related -- distinctions come up in our house, S wanted to clarify which “captain” I supported, and which her father did. I said I liked Mr. Obama, but I also kind of liked Mrs. Clinton (whose husband used to be President himself). We explained that Hillary was the very first woman who might really be elected President. S said, “Well, I might vote for her just because she’s a girl.” You and millions of midlife women, baby doll. What didn’t occur to her, interestingly, was to notice or be curious about the fact that Barack Obama is black. [What this means about the relative status of race-relations in this generation versus that of the women’s rights movement, I haven’t figured out yet. I’ll need to ask her more questions.]
I’ll admit that, after seeing Hairspray, rather than pursuing the race-relations angle with her, we’ve encouraged S on a bit of a movie-musical kick. Lately we’ve seen Grease a few times and it’s been playing in the car. I myself had never seen it before S did (I don’t know, maybe I spent 1978 under a rock), and I was horrified when I realized that at the end Olivia Newton-John whores herself up to win Danny. [My husband points out that Danny changes, too, and I suppose he’s right, but it’s not as though Danny cleans himself up and starts dressing like Rydell sports hero Tom/Lorenzo Lamas.] Still, she loves the music, and I’m hoping that S sees the message a little differently at this early age. So far, so good -- Sandy is almost irrelevant to S, whorish or angelic. She hasn't mentioned Sandy at all. For some reason, S likes Frenchy the best. She was genuinely worried when Frenchy's hair turned pink. I’m not sure what that means, but I do take note that S is generally a lot more uptight about having the right hair, making sure other people like her and not getting fat than she is about the fact that one of her close friends is Indian, Mulan is Chinese and Ray Lewis (#52) is black.
Now, S attends public elementary school in Montgomery County, MD. Our county is about 67% white, 17% black, 14% Asian or Latino, 2% biracial . . . . Let’s just say that from a multicultural perspective, S is having a very different experience than I did growing up. So, the other day Grease was on in the car when I was driving the kids home from school. S was asking a bunch of questions about the movie. For example, she wanted to know whether high school nowadays included choosing “teams” like the Pink Ladies. No, I thought, now it’s sort of everyone for herself. That is, unless you're a Crip. Do they still have Crips? I lost my train of thought. But then, as the closing credits rolled, she said,
“Anne, was this back when there were black people and white people?”
I did a double-take in the rear-view, but then I realized she was asking whether the movie took place during a segregated era, like Tracy Turnblatt’s Baltimore. “Yes,” I said, “Exactly.” She said, “Well that explains why everyone is the same.” I wish, baby.
The blacker the berry
The sweeter the juice
I could say it ain't so
But darlin', what's the use?
The darker the chocolate
The richer the taste
And that's where it's at...
...now run and tell that!!
At any rate, S loves the movie, and she and her dad had a really good conversation about segregation, civil rights, and discrimination -- although I think that she actually learned the most because she loved Tracy so much, and saw such a moving and relatable depiction of these issues in Tracy’s life on the screen.
Recently the Washington Post had a Kids’ Post about the presidential election. I watched my husband explain the basic ideas to S -- likening political parties to “teams,” and explaining that first, each team had to pick a captain, and then the teams would play against each other and whichever team won would see its captain become President. As she always does when ideological -- or sports-related -- distinctions come up in our house, S wanted to clarify which “captain” I supported, and which her father did. I said I liked Mr. Obama, but I also kind of liked Mrs. Clinton (whose husband used to be President himself). We explained that Hillary was the very first woman who might really be elected President. S said, “Well, I might vote for her just because she’s a girl.” You and millions of midlife women, baby doll. What didn’t occur to her, interestingly, was to notice or be curious about the fact that Barack Obama is black. [What this means about the relative status of race-relations in this generation versus that of the women’s rights movement, I haven’t figured out yet. I’ll need to ask her more questions.]
I’ll admit that, after seeing Hairspray, rather than pursuing the race-relations angle with her, we’ve encouraged S on a bit of a movie-musical kick. Lately we’ve seen Grease a few times and it’s been playing in the car. I myself had never seen it before S did (I don’t know, maybe I spent 1978 under a rock), and I was horrified when I realized that at the end Olivia Newton-John whores herself up to win Danny. [My husband points out that Danny changes, too, and I suppose he’s right, but it’s not as though Danny cleans himself up and starts dressing like Rydell sports hero Tom/Lorenzo Lamas.] Still, she loves the music, and I’m hoping that S sees the message a little differently at this early age. So far, so good -- Sandy is almost irrelevant to S, whorish or angelic. She hasn't mentioned Sandy at all. For some reason, S likes Frenchy the best. She was genuinely worried when Frenchy's hair turned pink. I’m not sure what that means, but I do take note that S is generally a lot more uptight about having the right hair, making sure other people like her and not getting fat than she is about the fact that one of her close friends is Indian, Mulan is Chinese and Ray Lewis (#52) is black.
Now, S attends public elementary school in Montgomery County, MD. Our county is about 67% white, 17% black, 14% Asian or Latino, 2% biracial . . . . Let’s just say that from a multicultural perspective, S is having a very different experience than I did growing up. So, the other day Grease was on in the car when I was driving the kids home from school. S was asking a bunch of questions about the movie. For example, she wanted to know whether high school nowadays included choosing “teams” like the Pink Ladies. No, I thought, now it’s sort of everyone for herself. That is, unless you're a Crip. Do they still have Crips? I lost my train of thought. But then, as the closing credits rolled, she said,
“Anne, was this back when there were black people and white people?”
I did a double-take in the rear-view, but then I realized she was asking whether the movie took place during a segregated era, like Tracy Turnblatt’s Baltimore. “Yes,” I said, “Exactly.” She said, “Well that explains why everyone is the same.” I wish, baby.
10 February 2008
Update
My back seems to be healing. I am using the walker again, but I don't think this new back pain is an emergency situation. I think it's going to be okay; I still hope that I can move the MRI up.
09 February 2008
A Fine Mess
I made a big mistake. I was feeling so good yesterday that, when I did my physical therapy exercises, I overdid it a bit. I even did a Sun Salutation to top it off (a bad one, but still). I was surprised at how sore my back felt afterward, so I moved around a bit gingerly. Then I bent down and lifted Abby out of her bouncy seat on the floor. Flash! A sharp pain in my low back. A really sharp pain. I made it to the sofa and plopped down in it, with Abby next to me on the cushion. I had to call Dave and tell him to come home early because I didn't think I'd be able to get up again. Then we went through 18 hours or so of excruciating pain, Dave physically helping me to walk, to dress, to sit on the toilet. Pillow talk about, "is this 'here we go again'?" Frustration, anger, fear. I thought in the middle of the night that I might be headed back to Hopkins again today. Today, thank God, it has slowly been getting better. The sharp pain has mostly subsided, and I can put some weight on my right leg again without gasping in pain. Now I just ache, and occasionally the wrong kind of movement causes a shocking twinge. I've emailed Dr. Maragakis to see if he thinks I should try to move my MRI up. Somehow it doesn't feel like an accident that two days after he suggested that there might be a lumbar disk problem, my lumbar back has failed me and I'm back to the walker and fears in the dark. I think I'd like to have that MRI as soon as I can.
08 February 2008
That's My Girl
When I was breastfeeding, I used to escape to my home office to feed Abby when we had company. Back then, though, she could barely see a few inches in front of her face, and since then, she hadn't been back in my office until this morning. Today I planned to have her sit in there in her bouncy seat for a while so I could get a few things done. The minute we walked in the door, Abby in my arms, she looked up, eyes wide, obviously enraptured by the rows and rows of books filling one wall. So many sizes, shapes and colors! Her mouth opened and she leaned forward as if she wanted to suck on them. I felt again in my heart that she is my daughter. That's how I feel about books-- and she doesn't even know what words are, yet!
p.s. On the other hand, she cried when I put on George Michael today. And she is currently snoring loudly. So she might be her daddy's girl, too.
p.s. On the other hand, she cried when I put on George Michael today. And she is currently snoring loudly. So she might be her daddy's girl, too.
07 February 2008
Moving Fast
Yesterday I returned to Hopkins for follow-up appointments. I saw my sweetheart, Dr. Maragakis, at 8 a.m. and Dr. Witham, the neurosurgeon, at noon. Dr. Maragakis said, "Looking good!" upon first seeing me, which is not true. Don't worry, I still trust him. After his exam and our discussion of my symptoms, including my recent, excruciating low-back pain, he had a few observations. My palsies (doesn't the word "palsies" sound as if it should be old-fashioned underwear?) have improved, as has my leg muscle tone and the strength in my arms. My gait is not as spastic as it was. Of course, my eyes are better, too; Dr. M. suggested that maybe the double vision was the result of intracranial pressure, which apparently can be caused by spinal cord injury (or pregnancy), or, once again, maybe the whole mess was an autoimmune response to pregnancy. The remaining issues of concern are my hand, which is still numb & tingling, but which we at least know to be related to my cervical spine damage, and my right hip flexor. This is the muscle that you use to lift your foot off the floor when sitting, or to move your leg forward as you walk. My right hip flexor is unaccountably and extremely weak. In the end, Dr. Maragakis decided to order a full-spine MRI, to double-check my neck & thoracic spine, as well as take a look at the lumbar. (Somehow, a lumbar MRI was never done during the whole Diagnosis-palooza. How can that be?) A lumbar disk problem would account for both the low-back pain and the hip flexor problem, apparently. I have that kind of back pain I hope you haven't experienced -- when I cough hard (I have a bad cold), it's as if my back collapses. Sometimes I even involuntarily sit because my back just gives out. Plop. Anyway, I'm glad he ordered the MRI. I would like to either be sure nothing is wrong or to know what's there so we can fix it. The MRI has an added advantage, which is that it would show multiple-sclerosis-related lesions, if they are there. MS apparently remains one of the few possible (though remotely so) diagnoses out there. As Dr. M said, "I'm not crazy about calling it MS." That's the kind of cute & dorky thing he says. I'm not crazy about it, either. In all seriousness, he says it's quite unlikely to be MS, but if it is, it could be years before another flare-up happens. Dr. M considered doing another spinal tap, again to look for MS markers, but he's decided to put that off for now (oh, boo-hoo). Although he hasn't said it in so many words, he seems to think that the explanation that this was an autoimmune response to pregnancy is more likely. All I know is, this was my first trip inside Hopkins' walls without a walker, stretcher, or wheelchair, so I'll take that and be glad of it. The MRI is scheduled for 2/22.
I had a lot of time to kill between appointments, so I bought a magazine and some food, but much as if I were at the airport, I really just watched the world go by (and thought about the metal in my neck -- more about that later). At a hospital, obviously there are an inordinate number of people using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, or suffering other kinds of impaired movement. I saw a lot of them, of all ages, but mostly elderly. I also saw a few professional-looking women, in serious pantsuits and heels, fully able and stalking the hallways. And I saw a mother, about my age, dressed in jeans and sneakers like me, pushing a stroller with twins. She was moving quickly to get out of the rain. It was that mother who made me start thinking about walking.
I used to walk really fast. For exercise, when I exercised, I walked at 4 mph on a treadmill or outside. At the office, in the mall or grocery store, I walked so fast, even in heels, that tall men had trouble keeping up with me. Of course, all that speedwalking was born of tension and stress, but it got me where I was going, and it gave me a feeling of purposefulness that I certainly would have lacked otherwise. Kind of like when you intentionally smile in an effort to try to feel happier. I realized as I watched that mom and those businesswomen that I have actually forgotten what it feels like to move that way. It looked so effortless! I'll bet they don't even notice how easy it is to motor along. Maybe they huff and puff a bit when chasing toddlers or the Metro, but it's just a given that they can jog for a minute, even in those 3-inch heels, without a problem. And walking? Especially strolling hand-in-hand with someone, or walking through the bookstore or a park? Completely, unconsciously unremarkable. Or, if examined, a pleasant experience. It's been so long since I felt that way. I wonder if I ever will again. I suppose that if I recover completely, I'll eventually forget what it felt like not to be able to walk. But I actually hope I don't forget, because if I do completely recover, I would like to stay grateful forever.
Abby's life is moving too fast, as well. In response to a question, Papa (my stepfather-in-law) told someone at work recently that Abby was about 6 weeks old. Try 12 weeks tomorrow! She is laughing now, and babbling, and starting to be interested in toys and in how to make her bouncy seat bounce of her own accord. The constant, monotonous fulfillment of another person's every need is very wearing, I'll admit, but the intimacy of our mother-daughter time during this maternity leave is precious to me. I can't believe that soon, her life will be filled with other people and she'll spend much of her awake time doing things I don't even know about. I'm not ready for her to grow so fast.
Oh, incidentally, speaking of growing, Dr. Witham took a look at the x-rays I had done of my neck. It looks as though the remnants of my bones are fusing nicely to Ms. Cadaver's disks, so the surgery was a success. The ghostly images on the x-ray look like cells dividing -- but in reverse. Two wholes merging to become one. And there's this big ladder of titanium in there, which shines like runway lighting in the image. Speaking of runways, I've been told my bionic neck won't set off airport metal detectors, and it won't interfere with MRI's. We'll see. And I must say, if a big chunk of titanium like that can pass through TSA's crack detection web, then how safe are we on America's airlines?
Anyway.
One last observation, apropos of nothing. I am a nervous parent. I don't want to be, and I fervently hope that as Abby Jane gets older, I will ease up. But right now, it's hard for me to feel like I'm letting her down in any way. Am I giving her enough tummy time, or intellectual stimulation (of course not, according to What to Expect -- sigh). Has she suddenly decided she doesn't like formula at all, and is that why she cries even during a feeding sometimes? Is my deep, raspy, sore-throat voice scaring her? What does she think about this klutzy Golden Retriever or the cat peeing everywhere? Is that wheezing she's doing, or laughing? What harm am I doing to her little psyche by being nervous all the time?? You get the picture. There isn't enough time in the day to talk myself back into my senses and to stop being silly. I think I'll just nap instead, while she's sleeping. The cat, meanwhile, is tearing around the house, no doubt feeling giddy freedom while the dog is outside. He's moving really fast.
I had a lot of time to kill between appointments, so I bought a magazine and some food, but much as if I were at the airport, I really just watched the world go by (and thought about the metal in my neck -- more about that later). At a hospital, obviously there are an inordinate number of people using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, or suffering other kinds of impaired movement. I saw a lot of them, of all ages, but mostly elderly. I also saw a few professional-looking women, in serious pantsuits and heels, fully able and stalking the hallways. And I saw a mother, about my age, dressed in jeans and sneakers like me, pushing a stroller with twins. She was moving quickly to get out of the rain. It was that mother who made me start thinking about walking.
I used to walk really fast. For exercise, when I exercised, I walked at 4 mph on a treadmill or outside. At the office, in the mall or grocery store, I walked so fast, even in heels, that tall men had trouble keeping up with me. Of course, all that speedwalking was born of tension and stress, but it got me where I was going, and it gave me a feeling of purposefulness that I certainly would have lacked otherwise. Kind of like when you intentionally smile in an effort to try to feel happier. I realized as I watched that mom and those businesswomen that I have actually forgotten what it feels like to move that way. It looked so effortless! I'll bet they don't even notice how easy it is to motor along. Maybe they huff and puff a bit when chasing toddlers or the Metro, but it's just a given that they can jog for a minute, even in those 3-inch heels, without a problem. And walking? Especially strolling hand-in-hand with someone, or walking through the bookstore or a park? Completely, unconsciously unremarkable. Or, if examined, a pleasant experience. It's been so long since I felt that way. I wonder if I ever will again. I suppose that if I recover completely, I'll eventually forget what it felt like not to be able to walk. But I actually hope I don't forget, because if I do completely recover, I would like to stay grateful forever.
Abby's life is moving too fast, as well. In response to a question, Papa (my stepfather-in-law) told someone at work recently that Abby was about 6 weeks old. Try 12 weeks tomorrow! She is laughing now, and babbling, and starting to be interested in toys and in how to make her bouncy seat bounce of her own accord. The constant, monotonous fulfillment of another person's every need is very wearing, I'll admit, but the intimacy of our mother-daughter time during this maternity leave is precious to me. I can't believe that soon, her life will be filled with other people and she'll spend much of her awake time doing things I don't even know about. I'm not ready for her to grow so fast.
Oh, incidentally, speaking of growing, Dr. Witham took a look at the x-rays I had done of my neck. It looks as though the remnants of my bones are fusing nicely to Ms. Cadaver's disks, so the surgery was a success. The ghostly images on the x-ray look like cells dividing -- but in reverse. Two wholes merging to become one. And there's this big ladder of titanium in there, which shines like runway lighting in the image. Speaking of runways, I've been told my bionic neck won't set off airport metal detectors, and it won't interfere with MRI's. We'll see. And I must say, if a big chunk of titanium like that can pass through TSA's crack detection web, then how safe are we on America's airlines?
Anyway.
One last observation, apropos of nothing. I am a nervous parent. I don't want to be, and I fervently hope that as Abby Jane gets older, I will ease up. But right now, it's hard for me to feel like I'm letting her down in any way. Am I giving her enough tummy time, or intellectual stimulation (of course not, according to What to Expect -- sigh). Has she suddenly decided she doesn't like formula at all, and is that why she cries even during a feeding sometimes? Is my deep, raspy, sore-throat voice scaring her? What does she think about this klutzy Golden Retriever or the cat peeing everywhere? Is that wheezing she's doing, or laughing? What harm am I doing to her little psyche by being nervous all the time?? You get the picture. There isn't enough time in the day to talk myself back into my senses and to stop being silly. I think I'll just nap instead, while she's sleeping. The cat, meanwhile, is tearing around the house, no doubt feeling giddy freedom while the dog is outside. He's moving really fast.
05 February 2008
Yes We Can
I can't figure out how to include this d*mn video on my post, so here's the link:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/m/ff0a2a5a761c09f7/4SRCRw/VEsE/
This is a lovely and inspiring video made by supporters (famous ones) of Barack Obama.
More importantly, some points of policy that Obama is proposing:
Economy
-a tax credit for working families that would completely eliminate income taxes for 10 million people (including some in my family)
-requiring the IRS to automatically use information from banks and employers to greatly simplify tax filings and in many cases, providing already-completed forms for taxpayers to sign and send in
-opposing the Central American Free Trade Act and similar free trade bills that do not include environmental and worker-safety standards, while supporting free trade bills that do
Technology
-double federal funding for various kinds of scientific research and make permanent tax credits for research and development
-create new jobs and job training programs for, and invest in, renewable energy and other environmental-forward manufacturing
-get broadband internet access to all communities in the United States and use federal policies to protect or improve access of all content to the internet
Iraq
-begin removing troops immediately, one or two brigades at a time
-have all combat troops out in 16 months
-no permanent bases
-initiate an aggressive diplomatic effort in the region, among all players, including Syria
-intiate a regional working group to address the Iraqi humanitarian crisis over refugees
Foreign Policy
-sit down with leaders of all countries, including America's enemies (i.e. reverse America's sense of entitlement and arrogance while improving our standing as the world's leader)
-end Bush's policy of preemptive war
-embrace the Millenium Development Goal of cutting global poverty in half by 2015, by doubling government aid
-open more consulates in the toughest parts of the world, rather than shuttering them when the going gets tough
-crack down on nuclear proliferation and work toward a nuclear-weapon-free world, as well as pronounce the word correctly
-increase the number of military ground troops, and improve the training and readiness of reserves and national guard, as well as ending the practice of back-to-back deployments
Some Other Items
-Expand the Family and Medical Leave Act, including to more employers and for more reasons, such as for elder care, to attend children's academic activities, and to address domestic violence
-Increase federal incentives for telecommuting
-Enact the Fair Pay Act (for women to be paid the same as men)
-Expand hate crimes legislation
-Cap & Trade to reduce carbon emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. (Note that I don't support cap & trade as an alternative to a carbon tax, but there aren't any remaining candidates in either party who support a carbon tax.) Also, investment in alternative energy sources and retraining workers in these industries.
-Teacher recruiting scholarships to cover 4-year undergrad or 2-year grad programs in teaching & reform No Child Left Behind
-Tax credit making first $4,000 of college tuition free and paying for 2/3 of the average public college and 100% of average community college tuition
-Creation of a national health plan available to all Americans, but mandated only for kids.
Some of these policies are not that different from Hillary Clinton's, but I personally find Obama much more inspiring and appealing than Hillary -- and he polls better against John McCain than she does. Besides, she and Bill have, I think, permanently damaged my previous esteem of them with their nasty tactics in attacking Obama over the past month or so. Obama is not just about rhetoric, either (although heaven forbid we should have a President who can express himself!). If you are interested in reviewing his record in Illinois and in the Senate, and if you are interested in a new, truly unifying view of America, please check out http://www.barackobama.com/ (especially if you or a friend live in a Super Tuesday state!).
Finally, if you or a friend has any questions whatsoever about how to register or vote, or wants to report any unfair voting practices, please contact the nonpartisan National Campaign for Fair Voting Practices sponsored by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights. Their web site is:
http://www.nationalcampaignforfairelections.org/pages/election_protection
http://my.barackobama.com/page/m/ff0a2a5a761c09f7/4SRCRw/VEsE/
This is a lovely and inspiring video made by supporters (famous ones) of Barack Obama.
More importantly, some points of policy that Obama is proposing:
Economy
-a tax credit for working families that would completely eliminate income taxes for 10 million people (including some in my family)
-requiring the IRS to automatically use information from banks and employers to greatly simplify tax filings and in many cases, providing already-completed forms for taxpayers to sign and send in
-opposing the Central American Free Trade Act and similar free trade bills that do not include environmental and worker-safety standards, while supporting free trade bills that do
Technology
-double federal funding for various kinds of scientific research and make permanent tax credits for research and development
-create new jobs and job training programs for, and invest in, renewable energy and other environmental-forward manufacturing
-get broadband internet access to all communities in the United States and use federal policies to protect or improve access of all content to the internet
Iraq
-begin removing troops immediately, one or two brigades at a time
-have all combat troops out in 16 months
-no permanent bases
-initiate an aggressive diplomatic effort in the region, among all players, including Syria
-intiate a regional working group to address the Iraqi humanitarian crisis over refugees
Foreign Policy
-sit down with leaders of all countries, including America's enemies (i.e. reverse America's sense of entitlement and arrogance while improving our standing as the world's leader)
-end Bush's policy of preemptive war
-embrace the Millenium Development Goal of cutting global poverty in half by 2015, by doubling government aid
-open more consulates in the toughest parts of the world, rather than shuttering them when the going gets tough
-crack down on nuclear proliferation and work toward a nuclear-weapon-free world, as well as pronounce the word correctly
-increase the number of military ground troops, and improve the training and readiness of reserves and national guard, as well as ending the practice of back-to-back deployments
Some Other Items
-Expand the Family and Medical Leave Act, including to more employers and for more reasons, such as for elder care, to attend children's academic activities, and to address domestic violence
-Increase federal incentives for telecommuting
-Enact the Fair Pay Act (for women to be paid the same as men)
-Expand hate crimes legislation
-Cap & Trade to reduce carbon emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. (Note that I don't support cap & trade as an alternative to a carbon tax, but there aren't any remaining candidates in either party who support a carbon tax.) Also, investment in alternative energy sources and retraining workers in these industries.
-Teacher recruiting scholarships to cover 4-year undergrad or 2-year grad programs in teaching & reform No Child Left Behind
-Tax credit making first $4,000 of college tuition free and paying for 2/3 of the average public college and 100% of average community college tuition
-Creation of a national health plan available to all Americans, but mandated only for kids.
Some of these policies are not that different from Hillary Clinton's, but I personally find Obama much more inspiring and appealing than Hillary -- and he polls better against John McCain than she does. Besides, she and Bill have, I think, permanently damaged my previous esteem of them with their nasty tactics in attacking Obama over the past month or so. Obama is not just about rhetoric, either (although heaven forbid we should have a President who can express himself!). If you are interested in reviewing his record in Illinois and in the Senate, and if you are interested in a new, truly unifying view of America, please check out http://www.barackobama.com/ (especially if you or a friend live in a Super Tuesday state!).
Finally, if you or a friend has any questions whatsoever about how to register or vote, or wants to report any unfair voting practices, please contact the nonpartisan National Campaign for Fair Voting Practices sponsored by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights. Their web site is:
http://www.nationalcampaignforfairelections.org/pages/election_protection
04 February 2008
Spare me
James Dobson: "I would not vote for John McCain under any circumstances." Sign me up to vote for John McCain (that is, if Obama isn't our nominee).
Leaders and Best
I had planned to root for the Patriots, but I found myself cheering in the first quarter when the Giants did something great. They just played with such heart and skill, and poor Tom must have just gotten his bell rung so hard he became an average human again. Anyway, it was a great game, and I'm so happy for Eli, and for Strahan -- and Amani Toomer is my boy from my time in Michigan! It was really great time -- unfortunately, Mommy & Daddy made Abby cry because we cheered too loudly. Otherwise, it was fabulous. My favorite ads were the E*Trade ads with the talking baby, and closely after that were the Justin Timberlake ad and the Budweiser ads (all of them). My life has changed a lot -- I am really sorry that the football season is over!
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