There is an old Cherokee proverb that speaks of two wolves that exist within each of us. These wolves compete in a lifelong struggle for control. At stake is the eternal impact we have on the world around us.As a grandfather explained to his grandson, one wolf represents good - peace, love, compassion, empathy and all that makes us inherently decent. The other, evil - avarice, envy, fear, hatred, lying and all that makes us uniquely virulent.The grandson then asked, "Which wolf … [Read more...]
The Pledge of Allegiance Controversy – An Open Letter to 99.9 Gator Country in Jacksonville, FL
By on May 12, 2010
Early this morning I was driving home, listening to a local morning show here in Jacksonville. It's called "Your Hometown Morning Show" and features 99.9 Gator Country radio personalities Steve Sutton, Eden Kendall and Amadeus. Though, I should note, that Eden is on vacation this week and was not a party to this conversation.During one of their segments Steve and Amadeus were discussing a meeting of parents, teachers and administrators from a local school here in Jacksonville. As it … [Read more...]
The Obama Presidency – Year One and the State of the Union
By on January 28, 2010
I'm disappointed. I'm frustrated. And my patience is wearing thin. Before any Obama fanboys - or fangirls, as the case may be - begin trying to espouse the progress that has been made in year one or hammer away on keyboards, indignantly crafting a laundry list of reasons I suck, hold your breath and count to ten. 1…2…3…feeling better? 4…5…6…7…it's okay…8…9…10.Now, put your Jump To Conclusions Mat back in the cabinet. I'm aware of what has been done to this point … [Read more...]
A Knockout Blow To American Democracy, Courtesy of the United States Supreme Court
By on January 22, 2010
A monumental 5-4 Supreme Court decision on Thursday has blocked the ban on corporate political spending, giving corporations unparalleled and unprecedented influence over the American democratic process. Hooray for Democracy! Oh, wait...not so much.The ruling ultimately lifts corporate entities to the status of "citizen", providing them with the same protections under The Bill of Rights and The Constitution as living, breathing human beings - just like you. Really? Does that mean … [Read more...]
An Open Letter to Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans
By on December 4, 2009
Early today I noticed a tweet from Melissa Harris Lacewell (@harrislacewell), a brilliant professor at Princeton University and one of my favorite Tweeps. The tweet linked to an article at nola.com referencing Mayor Ray Nagin's recent statements claiming those convicted of public corruption are still eligible for government contracts. The very notion caused me to spin off into realms of pissed off I've not experienced in some time. As such, I felt compelled to address Mayor Nagin's … [Read more...]
Sarah Palin: Embarrassingly Unapologetic Ignorance
By on October 28, 2008
Governor Sarah Palin’s first ever policy speech should have been a slam-dunk. The topic of the speech? Funding for programs that address the plight of children with special needs. A subject that – if for no other reason, as the mother of a child with special needs - should be well within the wheelhouse of subjects upon which she can speak in a rational and relatively informed manner. … [Read more...]
