Stuck in a PotHole

Some days one has to wonder what is the purpose of caring.  I mean, why get all worked up over healthcare reform - why worry about Iran's nuclear capabilities - why worry about dragging out the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Why worry?  And to take this one step further - why even care?  Do all those phone calls to elected officials make any difference?  How about all those emails and petitions?  As I watch the House debate the healthcare - I just want to screech my tires!  Talk, talk, talk.  Argue, argue, argue.  I feel like we are just spinning wheels - not getting anywhere.  I want things to get DONE.  I want to see results - here on this highway.  I want the change we were promised -10 months ago.  SCREECH!!!  Ten months??  Its only been 10 months?  Rome wasn't built in a day and all of our problems won't be solved in 10 months - I guess I can 'keep the faith' for a while longer.  I guess I can still make calls, send emails and sign petitions.  I guess I can still care - but sometimes I could use a gentle push.

The Back Roads of Missouri

Through the southwestern hills of Missouri, you will find an picturesque setting - beautiful rolling hills full of colorful trees.  It seems tranquil and  pastoral.  You almost think you could be in the setting of a Disney film.  However, these hills and rolling meadows hide something horrendous - specifically Mountain Grove.  This is home to one of Missouri's puppy mills.  The web site to this particular mill boast about their family-raised giant schnauzer pups.  They show pictures of little children snuggling with cute, healthy puppies.  They don't show the cages, the lack of fresh water, the lack of good nourishing food and they certainly don't show the mistreatment of these animals. 
Sophie was rescued from this mill.  She is 10 months old.  Her coat that should be thick, shiny and healthy is matted, discolored and thin.  If you make a quick movement with your hand, she cowers.  Her captors did a criminal job of docking her tail.  She was so scared when we got her that she peed and pooped all over herself and us.  She looks up at us with huge, brown questioning eyes.  "Is this how I'm to be treated all my life - is this what a dog's life is like?"
No Sophie.  Not on my watch.  Sophie is staying with us for a few days before flying to Seattle to her forever home.  She has made huge strides in just the few days that we have had her.  She gobbles down her food and then goes to see if Albert has left any crumbs.  She is apprehensive about hands - but she knows that our hands are full of love and she will let us pet her.  Albert knows she needs special care - he has been very gentle with her.
Tomorrow she boards a flight to Seattle and after this one last traumatic event, she will be home with Chris - her hero.

Please don't buy dogs from pet stores, please don't buy dogs from flea markets, please SHUT DOWN THESE MILLS.  As my friend Amy says - be kind to animals - get karma points.

Bumps in the Road

You know how it feels when you are driving down a road - singing to the radio, letting the  fresh air in the windows, your best canine bud beside you riding shotgun?  THEN - you hit a bump in the road and the whole car shakes - and THANK GOD for seat belts - the only things that keeps you from being ejected.  The dog gives you a look like 'what the hell?'.   A bump in the road.

I have hit my share lately.  And surprisingly enough, this doesn't involve politics - well - let me take that back - not the 'usual politics' - but family politics.

I have become my mom's power of attorney.  I'm in charge of her 'next-to-nothing' finances and her health care.  This is a terrible place to be - but being the oldest - I'm driving this car.   Siblings get upset because they want to drive and to tell the truth - I'd love for them to take the wheel.

 Its amazing how things change.  Mom used to be my caretaker, she gave me an allowance, she took me to the doctor - throw this buggy in reverse - now I am her caretaker.  I make the decisions.  I tell her how much money she can spend a week at the Dollar Store.  Its an uncomfortable place for me to be - but worse for my mom.  She thinks she's too much trouble-she's not.  She asks me the same questions a hundred times - I try to answer like its the first time she's asked. Its a bumpy road - but we just have to keep driving down it.  I'm the driver now - not mom.  I never realized how great it was being in the backseat.

How Did I Get On This Road

I think I was in fifth grade.  We took our first family vacation.  We were a poor family so this was a real treat.  We drove an old car down to Tennessee - the car was packed - Mom, Dad, 10-year old me, probably 2 sisters and a baby brother.  My dad's nickname was Smokey.  He was a carpenter when I was little - he worked long days in the sun.  He was tanned to a chestnut brown with gorgeous black, wavy hair. 
Our destination was LookOut Mountain, Tennessee.  We went to Rock City and rode the Incline which was a type of cable car that went up to the top of the mountain.  I was curious about the sign in the cable car - white person in front - negroes in the back.  I wanted to sit in the back - but my parents wouldn't let me.  When we got to the top - more signs - at the public restrooms and the water fountains.  Being the annoying, curious kid - I wanted to know all about this - I had never seen signs like this and hadn't really experienced racism - yet. 
My dad had a long talk with me about 'colored' people and the injustices that they faced.  Early on, my dad taught me that ALL people are equal. 
I don't think I have ever stopped questioning - I've never stopped wondering.  I'm going to keep traveling down this highway - things are bound to get better.

Too Far Left??

I had an incredibly interesting drive today with my brother - my conservative brother.  I was shocked when he brought up my ramblings on this blog - he actually read it - well at least as much as he could stomach.  My brother(s) thinks I am an extremist ( the rest of my family just thinks I'm nuts)(wish he would have said Radical).  No extremist - he compared me to - get this - GLEN BECK! (just the left-sided GB.)  And no - we did not run off the road, I did not push him out of the car, I did not pull his seat belt so tight that he turned crimson - I behaved.  He went on to say that liberals were not ' accepting of others' - conservatives were much more accepting and listened to other viewpoints.  Hhmm, that was sure evidenced in the speech the other nite when Cantor was texting, Shimkus walked out and Wilson yelled "you lie", when Palin continues to harp about death panels. I am trying to shine the headlights on an example when conservatives at any time are more accepting to any one person or any idea.  If anyone has examples of conservatives being more accepting - please comment - I am eager to learn where they excel.  Oh maybe its in their treatment of the gay population - oops - no not that area, maybe its in their past leaders - Bush, Cheney, Rummy - no not there either.  Wait, wait - maybe its in their desire to get healthcare for EVERY single person because its the MORAL thing to do - no - that's the lefties.  Hmmm. . .
I admit, I am biased.  I think most people that drive on the left actually think for themselves.  They don't seem to 'follow the leader'  (and I'm using the term leader loosely) like the right follows Rush, Beck, O'Reilly and Holmes.  Now I really, really have a crush on Obama - but I don't follow him blindly.  Example: if we don't have a public option - the love affair will dwindle.  When I watch Keith - I do so with a grain of salt.  I must say his special comments sometimes make me want to yell 'shut the hell up'.  Rachel - I always agree with.  Bill Maher sometimes he makes me cringe.
So - - am I the left-side version of Glenn Beck??  (Careful folks, I'm behind the wheel.) I honestly don't think so.  My fellow liberals are the most accepting group that I know.  Most of them don't just talk about driving down the highway - they actually travel down the road and try to do justice along the way.

The Love Bug

Wow!  I have to admit - I was a little nervous today.  Actually I was "me of little faith".  I was more scared about what Obama was going to say than I am when I drive down the highway with a semi on each side.  (Remember - I hate driving and I suck at it.)  I thought  POTUS was going to let me down and then I'd have mega angst over dumping him.  Alas - fear not.  He came through, crossed the finish line, he broke the speed record - he was utterly amazing.( My engine is overheating!!)

His speech on health care reform was awesome!  He spoke with clarity, he presented a plan, he cleared up those dastardly lies and yet he left the door open for the Repugs to join him and actually do something good for our country.

Since I rag on the conservative right-wing lunatics most of the time, I 'm going to keep at it. (Why stop now??) How rude were they?  The congressman from S.Carolina that shouted "you lie" - well, I'd like to burn rubber on his backside.  His  name is Joe Wilson, South Carolina, (joewilson.house.gov)
His web page and contact info is "unavailable at this time".  Really???
Please email this douchebag and tell him what you think of his manners during the President's speech.

I digress . . .

So once again, I have hope for this country.  Hope that we will have quality health care for all people, hope that we will have a public option (since that will be the only way for true insurance reform), hope that common sense will prevail and hope that our nation can heal and recognize the leadership that Obama bestows.

BTW - to you nutcases that post nasty comments - have the kahunas to sign your names!

A Friend in the Passenger Seat

I have a friend - her name is Amy.  She's pretty amazing.  She rescues dogs and even has a pet store.  She has two cute kids - Carter Martin (named after Jimmy Carter & MLK) and Mary (Rose).  I probably don't need to mention she drives in the left lane also.
 She sent me this song - she said it reminded her of me. 

Radical.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSIcf2HZisc

Caution: School Zone

Holy Mary Mother of God!  I sure am glad that's over - I had to pull off the highway to listen to the Prez address (some) of our school kids.  Readin', writin' & 'rithmetic thrown out the window today - just so the first African-American President could talk to students (for precisely 18 minutes) about his hopes for our kids.  Yes, our kids.  He had the nerve to want to talk to OUR kids, in public schools (you know the ones we pay taxes for) about staying in school, doing their homework, taking responsiblity, etc.  The audacity!  Now another pothole in this road of lunacy - was the 'method of delivery'.  (When the lunatics read his speech and found nothing controversial - they began to have issues with the m.o.d.)  I know I drive on the left side and I drive one of those damn furen (foreign) cars - but really - Method. of. Delivery.????  Did I miss something?
I'm beginning to wonder if there is a light at the end of this tunnel - my check engine light is on and the fuel gauge is just to the right of empty.  Time for a rest stop - so we can all just GIVE IT A REST!

The Bug - Mary Chapin Carpenter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90SXjQEhXKE

Albert's Drive In Theater

Now Showing: Mr. Obama Goes to School

2nd Feature:  Fired Up, Ready to Go

Mr. Obama Goes to School (Sneak Preview)

This long awaited speech, feared by the conservative crowd, was released today.  You can find it at www.whitehouse.gov/mediaresources.  Sure to be a classic.  No rating yet.  Just in case, schools should take precaution in showing, may not be suitable for children of paranoid parents.  Schools not liable for any damage to students psyche if viewed.
 This reviewer's comments:  4 stars
This speech should be mandatory for all school age children, all teachers and all parents.  It should be shown live in all its glory.  It should be discussed.  And for all you people out there wearing your little tin foil hats - go get a tune up.  NOW.

Feature Presentation

Fired Up, Ready to Go

A blockbuster of spectacular proportions!  Just when I think BO is letting me down - love conquers AGAIN.  Obama speaks at the AFL/CIO Labor Day picnic in Cincinnati.  Awesome performance!  He brought the house down!
I'm talking Oscar.  The hero had that sparkle back in his eye - the determination in his sultry voice and once again - I am putty in his hands.  I believe again.  I have HOPE again.  This leader of our country shows that he is in charge - wearing his cape and tights (oh MY) he leaps to the skies with the chant - "Fired Up , Ready to Go".  Don't miss this film.  This is rated: 4 MEGA stars
Some romance, some comedy ( I get flustered when he flashes that toothy grin), action packed.  Stay tuned.

the Bible beltway

I'm not a religious person  - - yet I go to church every Sunday.  I pray - but my prayers usually start with 'Dear God' (when I'm good) or 'Good Lord' (during a prayer outburst).  When I see those huge JESUS billboards on the side of the highways - I get kind of creeped out.
This is the way I view things:  Jesus was kind of a community organizer, a rebel rouser, a misfit, an activist.  I'm pretty sure he is the son of God - but being the non-religious person I am - I think of him more of a man - an ordinary one at that.  If he were driving around today - I think he might be in an old, dented and rusted Suburu.  He'd love to be driving a Prius - but cash would be a problem. 
Then there is this whole issue of THE BIBLE.  I can't take it literally.  I just can't.  Its a story book - it may be a study guide to life - but I view it as stories that mere, mortal men wrote. It is impossible to live by it (totally) - and how do you pick and choose which parts are relative to today's time?
Now - GOD.  I really believe there is just one - but he has many names and looks different to all people.  I think we all pray to the same GOD - some of us just don't want to admit it.   He watches us.  I talk to him a lot - he doesn't talk back - well not yet.
A couple of weeks ago, my priest and friend Mike (who is probably on his knees about now praying for my soul), was talking about 'when movements become an institution'.  For some reason I can't get this out of my mind.  I can apply it to a couple of things.  First one, of course, is religion.  IMHO, when religion was a movement - it was pure and good.  Then it spreads like an oil slick and becomes an institution.  Now it's not just pure and good - it has some problems.
Stay with me here, don't go jumping out of the car.  I want to apply this to something/someone else.   OBAMA.  Remember when the movement started - do you remember the promises, the hope, the excitement - the total audacity!  It was almost like heaven (I'm still out on this idea).  Now travel a few miles down the road, the movement becomes an institution.  He's president, he has a staff, he has a job, he has lobbyists, he has problems, he has to acknowledge the other side.  The movement - is it still there?  Or has it morphed into an institution? Does the passion and infallibility still remain?  How can we grip (like a steering wheel) those feelings of a movement and hold on to them for dear life?  Does it have something to do with compromise?  Is compromise always necessary?
This whole movement/institution confuses me - its like driving down a foggy road.  I just can't see far enough down the road to see what lies ahead.

The Journey Begins

The first thing the reader should know (if its not obvious), I'm not a writer.  Neither am I a driver - well a good driver that is.  I hate driving.  It has something to do with this genetic disorder that I have - my cerebellum is shrinking and I have very poor balance and a squeaky voice - but that's neither here nor there.  This blog is about finding peace and sanity in one crazy, mf'ing world.

I used to be oblivious and Republican.  (Aren't all Republicans oblivious?) In early 2004 I had an epiphany - no kidding - in the middle of the night.  My husband went to bed with a Republican wife and woke up with a liberal lunatic - both those women were ME.

Speeding through this story line, we arrive at what's driving me CRAZY.  So many things, so many people - it has all become too much.  So I'm taking a little trip down tHERapy highway by writing - its suppose to soothe the soul.  We'll see.  (I'll let the reader be the judge.)

I am insanely neurotic about politics.  I am a cable-news junkie - Chris, Keith, Rachel, Stephen Colbert, Jon-Jon, and of course, the irreverant Bill Maher.  If by chance Bill-O, Hannity or Beck happened to be in the road - well, all I can say is roadkill.

I don't just take pleasure drives.  I actually work hard on my political causes.  I volunteer, speak out, beg, work at rallies, write and call my senators and congress persons.  I worked HARD for POTUS.  I even worked on his senate campaign.  I put the gas in the tank - I don't drive on fumes.

So what are the bugs on my windshield, you ask?  My two current squashed pieces of crap are healthcare reform and Barack's address to school kids.
These two issues have nearly drove me off the road of reality.

Healthcare Reform.  Personally, I want universal healthcare, but being the middle-of the- road gal (that I'm not) - I will settle for public option.  Now I am afraid that President Obama is not going to come through on this - so I'm turning on the flashers.  EMERGENCY!  Will my love affair with Obama come to an abrupt HALT??  I guess I will know Wednesday - stay tuned.

The caution that schools are taking regarding Obama's speech that will be geared to students - telling them to study hard & stay in school - that really has this menopausal engine overheating.  GET A LUBE JOB PEOPLE!  Can you even fathom the idea that schools are not showing this live?  He is the President.  He is as black as my Firestones, but he lives in the freaking WHITEHOUSE! 
That's all for now - I have to refuel - a Blue Moon with an orange slice should do the trick.
Thanks for reading - follow along - I'll try to stay out of the ditch but I cannot promise not to cross the center line!