People are armed and angry. It's not a good combination. Some of those who seem to be setting the policies that are screwing so many are some of the same who believe everyone should be armed. It never made sense to me and believe me, I have pondered the serious consequences of it. Maybe that is because I work in corrections and denial is a little more difficult for me. I'm seeing people in jail who look like those I used to have in my classes when I taught at the local university. It's concerns me.
Dylan Ratigan, one of my heros, has written an article on Huff Post, "A Destructive Crossroads". The man always makes a lot of sense and he does again here.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dylan-ratigan/a-destructive-crossroads_b_806276.html
What's really crazy is that it is some of those who are doing the cheerleading for those doing most of the screwing of us who are telling people to get armed and they are targeting those who are actually trying to help.
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Dylan says that "..you may find yourself as the vast majority of Americans do, as a passive observer with little sense beyond your ability to vote -- without having an avenue to express your beliefs and ideas when it comes to the national conversation."
The only voice we do have is on our blogs. It does make me feel better when I can express my feeling to someone other than my dog. She just doesn't care.
Carol, You're right. But we've been armed and angry since the 'Old West'.
I must say that I definitely agree with how important it is to have an avenue to express beliefs and ideas (including frustration). Your blog has been a wonderful outlet for that - as well as TM and all the others. It's also nice to be able to leave comments on so many news articles, something we could never do before. I don't know how I would have made it through the last election without a place to vent and learn.
"It does make me feel better when I can express my feeling to someone other than my dog. She just doesn't care."
She's smart not to care about all the problems in the world. Like they say, ignorance is bliss. I think that's what they mean, when they say live in the presence - be completely aware of what's happening right now, in your immediate reach.
I honestly believe that getting 'lost' in the worlds problems is hopeless - that we're meant to take care of things within our reach.
presence = present
Chloe, we can't change the fact that people are carrying concealed weapons, even if it isn't legal, many will still do it. We can't change the fact that there are many mentally ill people out there and the current economically stressful environment will result in many more. All we have is our ability to express our feelings but those who have a large audience and have the ability to influence should be more careful with their rhetoric. Maybe that will come from this because many will blame them.
You are getting the cold rain now Chloe and it's heading my way. We are fortunate that we won't get the ice and snow. Ivy, on the other hand will be getting more. I'm sure she has her TP, bread and milk stock ready.
Jan and John should be returning today. Hope they don't have any trouble getting home. It looks OK where she lives but she has to cross thru this stuff to get there.
Maggie just took cover.
Dylan says "..Understand that whether we like it or not, the personal indulgence of this exploitation by some in order to accumulate wealth and power is done so at a mortal danger to all Americans.."
Many innocents were targeted like the little 9 year old girl who was killed.
All we have is our voices and our votes, that don't come often enough.
Dylan says " While your voice may feel hollow by itself, the possibility of becoming part of a national chorus of awakened can serve as a deeper foundation for the compassion and wisdom to accept our own shortfalls and those of our leadership as we continue the national trip toward a more fair and free America."
I really like Dylan. While he probably benefits from much of what goes on in Washington, he stands up for the little guy.
I actually get a little benefit from some of the new policies. I am lucky enough to have a good job, a roof over my head and one to loan out, even if they are both pretty humble abodes, but I can't rest easy knowing there are so many out there who aren't as fortunate.
Carol, I don't really think that this tragedy
changes anything...I go back to the killings of both John & Robert Kennedy...has anything changed?....not really...
Whether it is ultimately determined that the killer is/was motivated by 'political beliefs'
or not, the fact is that deranged persons commit sick crimes....(though whether this person is deranged or unstable or whatever, in no way diminishes his responsibility for his actions)...
As to the rhetoric of public figures/politicians/& for that matter those
who post on the internet...who gets to decide whose rhetoric is offensive?...which should be
'censored'?, who should not be given a public
forum?....I don't have the answers, & honestly
don't think that this tragic event will change
anything...
And by the way, the child killed was the granddaughter of Dallas Green, former manager
of the NY Mets & Yankees...& her dad is a scout for the Dodgers...who went there to
meet Congresswoman Giffords....
"All we have is our ability to express our feelings but those who have a large audience and have the ability to influence should be more careful with their rhetoric."
I agree Carol.
And I think this will probably ruin Sarah Palin and her chances of running for President - that I'm glad about. She's not too bright and that makes her dangerous.
This doesn't mean that I agree with all those that automatically blame her for this particular shooting though. If you look at the shooter's site, he doesn't seem to be political at all. I'm sure we'll be hearing more about motivation soon, although these nuts minds are so screwed up, it never makes any sense.
Chloe, I've had a strong feeling for a while now that we are moving toward some violent times. There are a lot of angry people out there. When these angry, unstable people listen to the likes of Rush and Glen Beck and politicians who mimmick them, things can get dangerous for everyone.
There are less people who can ever hope to realize the American Dream. The haves seem to be making sure the have nots won't get any. Even a college education, if one can afford that, doesn't always help. There are many college educated people who can't find a job these days.
Jobless, hopeless and angry are a bad combination even for stable people. That's what we see in place like Iraq and Afghanastan and look what's it like there. It's sad that we're over there trying to fix them and we're turning into them.
"It's sad that we're over there trying to fix them and we're turning into them."
Truer words were never spoken, Carol.
It's just that finger pointing has become a way of life here. I think that one cause of that is a lack of true leadership.
I can't help but think that the wars we're fighting are making violence a central part of our culture. That's one reason I so much wanted to have a female president (leader) - one that hadn't sold out. I think things would have gone differently.
... our government is as corrupt as many of the governments we criticize. We just do a better job of hiding it.
This country of ours has a long history of violence. None of this stuff is new.
Ok, guess I didn't see enough:
"Law enforcement officials are poring over the Loughner's MySpace page, which has since been taken down, and a YouTube video he posted. Both contain anti-government rhetoric." http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-news-socialmediashootingaz,0,7744178.story?track=rss
And he seemed to have targeted the Ms. Gifford. She probably just represented the government.
Sad, horrible, coincidence that he killed the little girl who was born on 9/11.
It won't do any good for the political parties to point the finger at one another. That will just incite more anger. They all better start trying to work together for the good of the people.
Ivy's looks to be getting some ice. That's the worse thing you can get. I remember an ice storm we had here back in the early 90s. Three cold days without power.
I have a fireplace at the house that doesn't work well. If I sat on the hearth, I could keep one butt cheek warm. Running in and out for firewood did work up a little body heat.
As horrible as this thing is, this might just be what it takes to bring the two sides together.
Don Lemon was trying to interview Neil Boortz, asking him if the political rhetoric needed to be toned down. Boortz started talking nuts and went after blaming the left and Obama. I guess nothing has changed.
We are home. So good to be in our own house. Our luggage did not make it home.
Just watching the parents of the little girl killed in Tucson. The dad was saying he was waiting this morning for her to come say "daddy get up" It always hurts me even more when it is a child who is killed.
I have lots of reading to do. will write more later. Its been a tiring day. Up at 5:30 this morn to pack. got on bus at 9 am and been in airports and airplanes, etc all day.
Our flights were all delayed today because of weather in different cities, but we were lucky to make our connection in Houston. Although our luggage didn't make it, we did.
Chloe,
Just read that little Em is going to school 3 days a week. I look forward to how you both are doing with that. I think she will grow to love it.
Carol, all the research points away from vaccines as related to autism.
I read 4 books on the trip. I read a fascinating book on the way home today. It really makes the trip more pleasant and go faster to have a good book. The book I read was "Never let me go" by Kazuo Ishiguro. After about 10 pages I could not put it down. It has been made into a movie with Carey Mulligan.
Jan, welcome home. We missed you. You read 4 books? Hmmmm, did you do anything else? How about the food? Tell us about the food.
Hi Carol,
We did a dolphin excursion. got in a pool with dolphins. We had scheduled an excursion to see Mayan ruins the last day we put into port in Cozumel. I was feeling quezy so we didn't go. The food was great ate lots of fruits and veggies and fish. Ate fewer desserts this trip. I am not going to weigh for a week. I did a lot of walking and some swimming. but sure I gained some weight. I will get back to normal routine and lose it in a week. It was very relaxing. Lots of people from Ark, LA and OK on this trip.
John and I went to some of the shows on board and to the dancing place where had live music. We were in bed by 10 pm every night. Hard to break old habits.
I missed hearing from all of you. John paid $100 and got on his computer an hour every day. I took a vacation from technology. Now I can't get into my work e-mail. It may be too full. will have to go see our tech people at work. No problem with yahoo e-mail.
Jan, I am so glad you made it back, and love hearing about your trip. Sounds like you had a healthy, fun time (I don't think I could have stuck to the vegetables, fruits and fish - I'd probably have spent way too much time at the dessert table.
Emma was up a couple of times with what looks like a cold last night, so if it is, she won't be going to school today. She's only gone twice so far: 2 hours the first day (Wed.) and on Fri for the full 3 hours. Friday, they played outside (because it was warm and sunny) and she loved that. It going to be cold for the next few days. Leaving her is going to be difficult for us both for a while - but I agree that she will grow to love it. It's a small class of four, and her teacher couldn't be any sweeter or more loving with the babies (I should say toddlers, but she's still such a baby to me). She'll be two on Saturday.
These toddlers are capable of learning quite a bit at this age, and they give us a daily report on what they work on. She's started being so much more sociable with other children lately, and that's why we started now.
In a news report today, study reports the 1st study by Wakefield that linked vaccines with autism was fraudulent (doctored). Study Linking Vaccine to Autism Was Fraud, Journal Reports
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS There were only 11 children in that study and 5 had previously documented developmental problems. Since that study there have been outbreaks of measles in England and Europe with much greater risks of illness and death that have resulted from people believing the study and refusing vaccines for their children.
I'm going to check out that book you mentioned: 'Never let me go'. I find reading very enjoyable and relaxing also.
What happened to that little girl killed in Tucson (as well as all the others) is so sad. I can't even imagine what her family is going through.
Chloe, you are so wise to follow little Em's cues as to her becoming more sociable with other children before starting her in the child center. Sounds great that the child center she is attending give you full reports of her time spent there too. A class of 4 for her age is perfect.
I always had my doubts about that vaccine/autism relation Jan. I would never have even considered not giving Em her vaccinations. I don't even think it's legal to send them to school here, unless they've had them, is it?
Just saw the little girl killed in Tucson was born on 9/11/01. How strange. I feel so badly for her family. Losing a child has to be the worst kind of tragedy.
Chloe, our state has a release form for parents to sign who choose not to vaccinate.
Hope little Em is feeling better soon. Once they begin spending more time with other children they do get more frequent little colds and other viruses. No matter how good the child care centers are at hygiene and helping the little ones wash hands it still happens.
We were prepared for that, Jan. I knew that they catch a lot of the illnesses going around (most especially colds) once they're around other children.
Hubby just pointed this out to me. It was written in response to everyone saying that Sarah Palin had cross haired these politicians.
This is Sarah Palins Map Sarah Palins Map
The meaning of the symbol The Difference Between Surveyor Symbols and Crosshairs
good news. luggage is found. it is only 'stuff' why did I feel so stressed by its absence? So many more issues to be stressed about in my life at the moment and yet this is the one that distressed me the most this am.
Just watching all the news about the shooting in AZ. My take on the shooter is he has had a mental breakdown in past couple of years. For men, a 1st episode of a schizophrenic breakdown often occurs in late teens or early adult years. How sad for his family also, if this is true. How awful to live with the fact that your loved one killed these people.
Chloe, my little great 1 year old GD here in Alb had a viral infection in early dec. She is in child center as both parents work. Her mom stayed home with her during her illness. At least when they reach school, they have collected all these little immunities.
Glad that your luggage is on it's way, Jan.
I got a notice later this morning that 2 children from the Bumble Bee's (that's her class) have been diagnosed with Influenza B. I called Emma's doctor to ask if that was in the first half of the flu shot she got (they split it into 2 shots for the young ones this year) and he said yes she had had Influenza B in her first shot. I still haven't taken her back for the second half, but will next week when I know she's fine.
The nurse told me they still can get a milder case of the flu, which is much less severe and a shorter duration. Her's is more like a cold right now, and she still was playing all morning (although fussier than usual), is very congested, but is napping well right now. She's had very little illness in her short life - we've been lucky. But I do thank goodness she had that flu shot, because the other kids are very sick and lethargic, plus running high temperatures.
Chloe, wow - so glad you got little Em her 1st flu shot. You are so fortunate that she has had few illnesses. When I worked at one time in a pediatric unit with sick kids, the ones with viral illnesses that were the scariest were the little infants (less than 6 months) By the time they were Emma's age, the illnesses were usually not as severe and they recovered quickly.
Got the clothing in bags all sorted, put away and washings begun. I feel like I am ahead of the game now. So glad I don't have to work today.
Glad you're back Jan but glad you also got a nice vacation. I was sure wishing I was there with you guys. I thought about it often, wondering what you guys were doing, thinking about all that good food. That's one of my favorite things about vacation, the food! I'd probably bring some Tony's seasoning with me though. I need my Cajun seasoning.
Carol, wish you were there too. The food is the best part of the trip. I was almost a vegetarian on the trip. I ate very little meat. I cannot do without some dairy though. I find I cannot eat much beef any more. It doesn't digest well. Fish and chicken don't bother me. I like the excursions but will plan better next time. I cannot do more than a 4 hour excursion.
I do wish you had been with us. Maybe you and I could plan a cruise together.
Anyone else here interested? Chloe, lots of people had little ones too.
I think an "all girls" cruise would be lots of fun.
Geez! I really don't want to work with students again. I like what I am doing now at work, but without the students. A sign I am getting old- I will have a group of 8 students last week in Jan and all of Feb. Boy am I dreading it!
BTW, I did get into my work e-mail early this am. I think it was not me - but the admin. I sure had a lot of e-mails, most of them not specific to me and therefore many were deletable.
Jan, I was watching Anderson AC 360 when he was interviewing both sides in that vaccine debate. The guy pointing to some relationship between the vaccine and autism has pretty much lost everything in his fight. They took away his license to practice. What were his motives?? Couldn't see any big motives on his part. I do understand how important those vaccines are. Now I can see big motives for the pharmaceutical industries. Y'all know how much I trust them.
They mentioned the incidence of autism as being 1 in 104 or close to that. That seems awful high. Pretty scary in my book. Has it always been that high? I wonder if they have ever studied those children whose parents refused to vaccinate their kids? Be interesting to know the incidence in those kids. Seems like they could study that.
The only reason I'm even interested in this is because of that kid I knew who had this significant behavior change shortly after recieving some early vaccines, a night and day change. He was later diagnosed with autism. Could have just been a coincidence.
You know when mom chose not to take the toxic chemo, the only chemo available for her rare type of cancer, M D Anderson wasn't interested in studying how she fared. She well outlived any of the people, in the studies I read, who took the chemo they wanted her to take. With such a rare type of cancer I would think they would have wanted to know how she did taking nothing. They didn't. She was disappointed also. They dropped her like a hot rock.
Yes, an all girl cruise sounds like a winner to me but having guys around wouldn't bother me either but I don't think I could find one around here.
I'm watching my recording of Dylan Ratigan, the guy who wrote the article yesterday. The guy I really like.
I do hope this recent tragedy does something to bring our leaders together, stop this childish bickering, start working together for the planet and the people. We don't need to analyze the crazy guys motives as much as look at the symbolism.
I do see events in life as messages from the Universe/God. That little sweet girl was born on 9/11, the day of another serious tragedy for this country, and another time when we all pulled together for a period. I see that little girl's death as a meaningful symbol.
Maybe she was sent as an angel to give us a message. Her mom and dad both spoke to the media yesterday, which I imagine was so totally painful for them. I feel they wanted her death to have meaning. They wanted us to recognize the loss. I definitely sensed a message there.
Even the recent birds falling from the sky was a sign, maybe even our extreme weather conditions are also. Are we paying attention?
The words from Rep Gifford's astronaut brother in law, Scott Kelly, from space
"As I look out the window, I see a very beautiful planet that seems very inviting and peaceful. Unfortunately, it is not. These days, we are constantly reminded of the unspeakable acts of violence and damage we can inflict upon one another, not just with our actions, but also with our irresponsible words. We’re better than this. We must do better."
Carol, thinking of your mother and the chemo. Those are usually drug trials and they randomly assign subjects to either the drug or a placebo. I think you are right - that kind of study does not care about anyone outside of the study. I am sure there are studies going on that might have been interested in how your mom otherwise.
...how your mom did ...otherwise.
Some of the articles I read about Wakefield, the guy who did that original vaccine/autism study was paid big bucks by some group. Don't remember what the group was.
Carol, the words from Scott Kelly are beautiful. I'm so glad you quoted that - perfectly said.
"I do see events in life as messages from the Universe/God."
I'm always looking for signs too, Carol. Being aware and finding meaning in whats happening makes life itself so much more meaningful.
Jan, I have trouble taking a 2 year old to restaurant without her acting up, so I can't even imagine what it would be like on a ship with her. :)
She's quite a hyper little girl, and she's into everything. Go, go, go - doesn't even like to sit down long enough to eat.
I've had little trouble keeping my weight down these last few months. Like I said before, I'm a lot stronger now than I was a couple of years ago.
And what is the meaning of this Chloe?? Teddy, the homeless announcer guy, pulled off his streets and made a celebrity in Hollywood. Other celebities excited to be photographed with him.
This guy wasn't the victim. He left a long line of victims in his wake. He chose his life and it was all for his selfish enjoyment. When you saw his first youtube, did he look unhappy out there? He was smiling bigger than Texas. He had at least 9 kids that he left for others to raise and support.
What does that say about us?? It's not good symbolism IMHO.
I don't blame you for not wanting to work with students. I never have had the patience to do what you have done over the years.
The little ones are even worse. I don't know how those preschool teachers do it. Them, and women with two or three toddlers. I'd go absolutely nuts. I love Emma so much, and enjoy her so much, that I know I'll make it through it. But I could never do it again. I'd forgotten how hard it is.
Those flu shots are no less than a miracle. She woke up from her nap already feeling much better. I wouldn't be surprised if the runny nose isn't gone by tomorrow - she was way better, and not fussy at all.
Tomorrow will be a better day.
I think Dr Phil's gonna nail him. At least someone has his number.
"What does that say about us??"
It's show business to them, Carol.
I agree with you about the bad symbolism. Our values are becoming warped, and people seem to only want to hear the parts from these stories that fit into what they believe.
I read that story you linked about his wife, his kids and her family even taking some of the kids deserted by him and his druggie girlfriend. She was the true hero, but no one is interested in reporting much about that.
I read somewhere (TM?) that the media is patiently waiting for him to fail again, so they can follow his downfall with the same glee they're following his so called rebirth.
Chloe, this weather we're having it driving my sinuses nuts also. I wake up all congested sounding like I have a bad cold and after some hot coffee and a hot shower I'm better.
And Chloe, I bet his ex-wife could spit fire right about now. I wouldn't blame her. Do you think she'll see any of his money?? Doubt it. Hopefully she can sue him for back child support. That might make it all worth it.
I had a real bad sinus day and night a few days ago, but not now. You know I hate this weather as much as you do, and thank God we get those breaks in between where it's warm.
I too hope the ex-wife can sue for back child support. Spread the wealth. We know that all that money is probably going to cause a repeat downfall anyway. He's real humble right now, and said he's been clean for a year. But it's hard not to be clean when you have now money.
I'd like to be wrong though.
I can't even stand to watch all the celebrity stuff with Teddy boy but I would like to see the Dr. Phil show where his family gets to confront him. That will be a little closer to reality.
"after some hot coffee and a hot shower I'm better."
The thought of that hot coffee in the morning is what gets me out of bed. Nothing like that first cup of coffee... or for Jan, her tea.
"I would like to see the Dr. Phil show where his family gets to confront him. That will be a little closer to reality."
I didn't even know about that. Good, the whole story will be out there.
Carol, you know these drug addicts have no self control, no control over what they do. It's there way of checking out, of shunning all responsibility. When he's under the same pressure again, he'll most likely do it again. He doesn't care about anyone but himself.
I even see these women in jail who actually take the charges for guys like Ted so they won't have to do too much prison time because they have so many priors. Men like him are smooth operators. I could just slap those women.
... time for me to check out for the night and prepare for tomorrow.
Hope you all have a great evening. Really nice talking to you. My timing was good for once.
"I could just slap those women."
And there's probably 'nothing' you could ever do or say that would change them. People don't want to change. I used to try so hard to convince people that there's a better way, but I can't think of one time that I've ever succeeded. They see things differently than us - have completely different motivations.
It is a career choice Chloe. There are a lot of victims out there, especially in this day and time. Believe me, Teddy ain't one of them.
I love this song - and their other song: 'White Trash Beautiful' too.
What it's like
"There are a lot of victims out there,"
I know you've seen a lot more than me, Carol. I've purposely not been in the middle of it all, because I know I couldn't take it.
Chloe, at work, when I'm with my patients I ask a lot of questions and do a lot of listening. I don't stick with just the medical stuff. That's not as interesting. Been there, done that.
My job is a fascinating study of sociology and I've always loved studying people who are different. One thing about where I work is that they can't rush me like they can in a private practice setting. My nurses do still try but I ignore them. Sometimes they are standing outside my door making faces and tapping their feet. Doesn't faze me.
Which ruins were you suppose to go to Jan? Was it Tulum? That's a really beautiful place. I saw them when I went with my sister and her daughter to Mexico. Those ruins are really spiritual places. We stayed in some rustic cabanas at a camp ground just south of Tulum. Things weren't as commercial back then.
I don't think I could do students these days either. Have to have a lot of patience. Seem to remember I didn't have much of that back then either but I moved a lot faster.
Ivy, hope you weathered your snow and ice storm OK. Coreen, it's headed your way Wednesday.
Solar, are you OK buddy?
Ivy, you can continue to ignore me but I still miss you, and your cultured contributions and wonderfully dry wit. Tell hubs hi. I miss him also.
After listening to the news today it seems we've gone from angry vitriol to angry vitriol over the angry vitriol. Is that progress? I think not.
Maggie says, we all need to pet a dog or a cat. It sooths the savage beast and feels good too. And lowers the blood pressure.
"Petting a dog or cat releases the feel-good chemicals in the brain, seratonin and dopamine. When released, these feel-good chemicals help pet owners to relax and let go of the stress of the day. Stress is a contributing factor of several health problems, including high blood pressure. Also, petting, cuddling and caring for a pet helps pet owners stay focused on the moment instead of worrying about yesterday and tomorrow. Less stress, less worry and anxiety helps to lower blood pressure."
Read more at Suite101: Owning a Pet Provides Health Benefits http://www.suite101.com/content/owning-a-pet-provides-health-benefits-a228987#ixzz1Ah46rroC
And Chloe,
"Children who grow up with pets in the household are less likely to develop adult onset allergies and asthma. Early exposure to allergens like pet dander, pollen and dirt help to create a stronger immune system that will work to prevent respiratory problems when children reach adulthood."
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