I have been thinking a lot about what this country means to me lately. We are going through a terrible time, but innately I believe we will rise like the phoenix strong and beautiful again. It is in fire that metal is tested and made stronger. EWHH yeah I know, but I do feel like that.
In multiple discussions with many people about how they are feeling right now, certain truths seem to emerge. From a foreign friend. He criticizes this country,but he has to admit the energy of this country and the freedom to be who you want to be in America. From died-in-the-wool conservatives. Their frantic dance to criticize everything and try to pin it on one group, or one ideal or one philosophy. The more education we receive, the more we think, the more we explore, the more we debate, the more we realize it is not that simple. There are so many facets to what happens, so many reasons that things progress or regress for that matter. Global warming-civilization's indulgence in fossil fuels or inevitable ebb and flow of Mother Earth's cycles? Evolution or divine -why must they be mutually exclusive? Constant warfare in the name of religion? The lust for power at all costs. Religion-is it meant to suppress individual questions, control the masses or is it true enlightenment vs. fear of the unknown?
For me it all comes down to one or two significant events. My Mother who always espoused the liberal agenda, some might say. But who always dared to say you are allowed to think, apply logic and tell the emperor he has no clothes. Truth. Or a teacher I had in 6th grade, Mr. Molnar. This man had escaped from Hungary from behind the Iron Curtain in the 50's. That's what we called it then. Communism vs. democracy - it was so clear. Risking his life to come to America. When he attained his citizenship the local paper came to take pictures and celebrate this moment. He begged them not to publish the story as he still had family in Hungary who would be threatened by his success. 1961 and he had to protect his family from the tyranny of his home country.
To me that is what this country is about. When a president decides to eavesdrop on its own citizens, does not feel the need to secure a legal subpoena or considers torture in the name of security, I have to protest and say that is not the America that I know and love. I am willing to trade the "illusion" of security for the freedom that I was fortunate to be born to. So be it.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
RANDOM SCENES
First a shout-out to all you MOMS out there. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! My own chick just left after a couple hours of good conversation and laughter. Love this grown-up version of the two of us. I really admire her ability to befriend and be friendly to folks and always up for an adventure. Her father and I are much more reclusive and solitary. She's just fun to be around!
Out this morning several times looking for a butterfly. It's probably too cold, but I have faith. My little Rose of Sharon bush is finally showing signs of life so it seems only fair that Mother should make an appearance at some time today. Miss you!
Oh yeah another random thought. The prevalence of "round-abouts" these days instead of stop signs and stop lights. Supposed to keep the traffic moving. To me they are suburbia's own version of highway "chicken". Each vehicle approaches from one of four sides. That dramatic moment as we all try to avoid making eye contact-peripheral vision on high alert (well you do need a little warning as several tons of steel makes a pass towards you). Loss of points if you make eye contact as you have acknowledged there are others who may or may not have rights in this battle.
A frantic dive past the yield sign and the inevitable cape-swirl (think bullfighter) as we try to skim past the oncoming cars in the circle. Sometimes I fear I will be trapped in the middle never finding a opening to escape the concrete merry-go-round as I shoot for the originally scheduled left turn. Though it would be worse to be the timid one who hesitates before entering the fray drawing mocking laughter and head shakes from the braver participants.
I am thinking of mounting nasty viking horns on the roof of my vehicle and a totally raucous and annoying car horn to intimidate the opposition. Ah well for 5 seconds of my commute I do get my jollies.
Out this morning several times looking for a butterfly. It's probably too cold, but I have faith. My little Rose of Sharon bush is finally showing signs of life so it seems only fair that Mother should make an appearance at some time today. Miss you!
Oh yeah another random thought. The prevalence of "round-abouts" these days instead of stop signs and stop lights. Supposed to keep the traffic moving. To me they are suburbia's own version of highway "chicken". Each vehicle approaches from one of four sides. That dramatic moment as we all try to avoid making eye contact-peripheral vision on high alert (well you do need a little warning as several tons of steel makes a pass towards you). Loss of points if you make eye contact as you have acknowledged there are others who may or may not have rights in this battle.
A frantic dive past the yield sign and the inevitable cape-swirl (think bullfighter) as we try to skim past the oncoming cars in the circle. Sometimes I fear I will be trapped in the middle never finding a opening to escape the concrete merry-go-round as I shoot for the originally scheduled left turn. Though it would be worse to be the timid one who hesitates before entering the fray drawing mocking laughter and head shakes from the braver participants.
I am thinking of mounting nasty viking horns on the roof of my vehicle and a totally raucous and annoying car horn to intimidate the opposition. Ah well for 5 seconds of my commute I do get my jollies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
