Peace.
I had a travel post prepared, but in the wake of yesterday’s tragedy, a casual personal post just seemed so hollow. We listened to updates on the shooting as we sat just miles away, waiting for a plane at Milwaukee’s Mitchell Field.Airport. Our thoughts are with those killed, hurt, and threatened by this senseless event.
We are on the road now, and so far the journey has been, um, well, rather eventful. I’ll share after I have a chance to sleep. And recover. And rehydrate. Not necessarily in that order, of course. But in the meantime —
I bought Chuck a polo shirt at a church rummage sale. Now the mystery: what’s the skyline? It’s not Seattle – no Space Needle. It’s not Milwaukee. I don’t think it’s Chicago, but I could be wrong.
No ID yet; readers, can you help? Please tell me which city this shirt illustrates, and include details. No five paragraph essays – just enough details to prove your answer, okay? Okay.
The decision was simple: after a rather lengthy meeting of the Public Works committee, yet another emotion-packed set of speeches dividing the neighborhood into tree-huggers and tree-lovers-not, Chuck and I decided on our default plan for supper. We drove to our favorite Chinese restaurant and ordered take-out.
We relaxed a little, nibbled on crab rangoon and sipped our wine while we waited for our order. We shared our story with Charlie, the perpetually friendly restaurant owner and bartender: Trees, no trees, small trees, big trees, red trees, blue trees, any kind of tree. Charlie told us that in Chinese culture, trees do not belong close to a house. Trees and even shrubs interfere with the natural flow of Qi, or life force energy. Charlie said that when he looks at houses, he won’t buy one with a big tree or even with shrubs and bushes clustered around the house. That gave us another whole new perspective on the issue: a big tree close to the house was not just a set of roots destroying the pipes, but an interfering factor in the life force as well.
Then our food was ready, so I swallowed the rest of my wine and we headed home.
The cookie fortunes? I’m glad you asked! Here they are:
Wise men make more opportunities than they find.
Many receive advice; only the wise profit by it.
I think I’ll ponder the meaning of these – later. The last City Council meeting is tonight.
Why walk when you can run? Life proceeds at full speed ahead when you’re two.
Run! Be happy!
Sometimes life is a race, and everyone wins.
Run! Run! Run!
And then there are bubbles, just waiting to be chased and popped.
Bubble-chasing should be an Olympic sport. Audrey would win a gold medal.
She was a woman of firsts.
Because of you, Sally, many young women will reach for the stars. Thank you.
Imagine a busload of people who like Car Talk, get the jokes on Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, and know the difference between Michael Feldman and Michael Perry.* This is a bus trip of people who are polite to each other, make friends readily, and enjoy intelligent conversation about issues that matter to you, er, them. Amigo and I took just such a trip last summer and the previous summer. Sponsored by Wisconsin Public Radio, the trip goes to tiny Bayfield, WI, where the group takes in a show at the Big Top Chautauqua.
The most recent City Council meeting seemed like it was ripe for conflict. People attended to speak for the trees, speak for the right to raise urban chickens, and support an up and coming project that will turn a former country club and golf course into a large community garden. Despite the differing opinions, all in attendance had something in common.
Last, but never least, I attended two meetings at the local Organizing for America office. One was simply a monthly update of the citywide group, and the second a training in canvassing techniques for the upcoming campaign kick-off weekend.
What do these three have in common? I’ll give you a moment to think. Take a look at the OFA office windows while you’re contemplating.
Come on in and pose with the cardboard cut-outs!
Remember the question? I asked you to consider what these three examples might share in common. It’s the people.
In each example, you’ll see a group of like-minded people. The Public Radio bus trip was thoroughly enjoyable because of the camaraderie. In the second example, all three issues had to do with sustainability and the city environment. In the third, all of the meeting attendees were motivated to help re-elect the President of the United States to a second term.
Seeking out like-minded people is one way to stay calm and focused during difficult times. We share experiences, we share attitudes, and we share priorities. These groups will meet again, I’m sure. Trees, chickens, Public Radio, and elections are topics that inspire passion. Finding focus for a passion can lead to making a difference in the world.
Go ahead, readers. Find like-minded people. Talk. Then come back here and tell me: what will you do to make a difference?
Michael Feldman hosts a Saturday morning show on WPR called Whadya Know?. Michael Perry hosts Big Tent Radio on Saturday nights. Good enough?They’re both comics, hosts, and fascinating people.
This was published in spring of 2011. Most of our pet bunnies have been rescues. When an acquaintance called for help with stray domestic rabbits, they called us.
There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.
~ Elie Wiesel ~
The wild and woolly recall election was over a month ago. The scars are fading, but they’re still visible. I have three meetings on this week’s calendar, all in some way political. I keep plugging away, but some days it just seems pointless.
Why do I bother? Does one person’s effort really matter? The big money sources are working to make sure their own puppet legislators are in power. Those on “my” side keep begging for donations, and I can afford only to give them time. Does volunteerism count for anything in the long run? On June 6, my efforts and energy seemed – oh, I give in, it seemed wasted. Totally wasted.
Then I ran into the above quote from Elie Wiesel. Holocaust survivor, journalist, writer, teacher, leader in human rights causes, Elie Wiesel’s quote reminds me to keep active. I may not have the money, but I have words and I will make the time. Tonight, messaging workshop at the OFA office. Tomorrow night, City Council. After that, a couple of days off to rest and reconnect with my family.
And then, after that, despite that occasional powerless feeling, I’ll keep protesting injustice and helping others fight the good fight leading to the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
The Overpass Light Brigade, a creative tactic born in Milwaukee
I’d posted, shared, a short graphic about the Affordable Care Act. It contained examples of people who benefit from the law. I usually post items like this on my blog page in Facebook, rather than my personal page, but this one needed to reach a wider audience – or so I thought.
from DCCC by way of Facebook
An acquaintance from my undergraduate days – dare I call him a friend? – commented “Single Entry Accounting…”
Background: This acquaintance was someone I liked and respected. He was and I’m sure still is a very intelligent and multi-talented man. He fell into the category of people we called book smart, but not people smart. Thirty years ago on our small college campus, he was known as very, very intelligent, but not very wise.
So this slam, and yes it’s a slam, still hurt. It stung more than a little to hear this former friend, now a business owner in the financial field, thought I had posted something misleading. .
I have strong feelings about the Affordable Care Act. Biased? Absolutely, I am. I can go down the posted list and find family members and friends affected in each and every category.
Pre-existing conditions:
Retain coverage through parents’ plans:
Seniors: I’m not there yet, but my day will come. In the meantime, this affects:
Lifetime limits: what if you, your family, or your friends have —
Now that I’ve shared my reasoning and rationale for sharing the graphic in the first place, I’ll address the criticism.
Hey, old “friend,” I know you’re in a different position professionally than I am. I know you’re a successful business leader in the private sector, and you look at taxes from that angle. Since you’re in the financial field, I respect your knowledge of standard accounting practices. When I posted the chart, I made no secret of my bias. I did not claim to share both sides of the issue, including the overall cost of implementing the law. Your comment was an obvious put-down. In fact, you may have hoped that I didn’t know the meaning of the term “single entry accounting” and meant to imply my ignorance.
Old “friend,” I hope you always have the health coverage that your family needs and you never have to worry about being dropped or excluded. If you or your family need care, I hope you have no trouble finding medical specialists and paying their fees. I wish you and yours good health now and as you age. As for the Facebook bit, I don’t plan to unfriend you. The divisiveness in our nation is severe and widespread already, and I’d rather not add more. Indeed, you may have already taken me off your news feed or friends list. If you don’t want to read my updates any more, I’ll understand.
Sincerely, your old college pal, Daisy
In conclusion, a Note to Self: Attend the messaging workshop at the local OFA office. Learn the best ways to make a point. Thicken skin and prepare for more attacks. Don’t stop believing, though. Health care for all is far too important to lose.