COLORFUL SCENE

Reading the local and national columnists is always amusing and disturbing as I peruse the local paper each day. Amazing that grown, should know better adults, can hold that the world is black and white, right or wrong, liberal or conservative. Of course of the last, since when did the L and C words become a slur against one's character. It would seem as we become educated, meet other people, strive to understand other cultures and ideas that we would realize the world is a marvelous set of grays, beiges and pinks. Is the pendulum swinging too far left towards depravity or to the right illustrated by religious intolerance? Isn't it more realistic to accept that the sins have always existed or at least another's view of what is sin; it is just the publicity that forces us to react? What we do in secret is now revealed. Nothing is private, but that doesn't make it new. That explains the defeat of affirmative action-secret ballot. Are we as tolerant as we express or does Richards very public tirade of racial stereotyping say what we really believe? But again should we condemn the whole human race for a vocal minority? Most of us get along, treat our neighbors, strangers with respect. But that is not newsworthy. If it bleeds it leads. But we should not fall into the trap of believing it speaks for us all.

Scenic Shopping

The more I hear about the mania that went on last week to obtain the latest hot item the more disgusted I am. The working poor, students looking for next semester's tuition, entrepreneurs making a buck. Actually I have more respect for the last group. At least their time in line or selling their spot was for an unabashed, unashamed reason-profit. It's the ones who need to be first to own the latest "toy" yet complain about their gas bill or the wages of "overpaid" workers that crimps their lifestyle that really annoy. No wonder the rest of the world thinks Americans are soft and overindulged as we advertise such self-indulgence. Of course that is also our strength. We have an open society, open press (to a point) and the ability to let it all hang out no matter what. They will never understand who we really are. I love that!

Opening Scene

Sunday morning. Great time to pontificate, absolve all guilt, start anew or enjoy another cup of coffee. A November morning with the unexpected pleasure of sun and moderate temps. We shall pay for this golden moment be assured. She sits in a silken glow of light creating patterns across the white surface of the table. Bored she watches one brave little dust mite slowly swirling through the air pushed by an invisible wind. If she just blew a little would it change direction or self-desruct? Often my mood. So sensitive that I might self-destruct if the wind changes? Naw-usually the destroyer myself. But I like to keep the winds swirling-much easier to make my escape-no harm no foul.