THE SEASON OF PANDERING POLITICIANS

It is so amusing if it wasn't so tragic. Got to love this time of year when the politicians are throwing out all their fantastic ideas for fixing the economy. Duhh, begs the questions:

1) if you knew the answers how come you didn't tell anyone?
2) if it was that easy and obvious what do we need you for?
3) if you have good ideas why didn't you unselfishly put together a group of like-minded soothsayers and promote the changes that will save the world?
4) if it was that easy to change legislation and legislators how come nobody can do it?

But come January it will be back to business as usual and blaming the previous administration. Predictable and depressing...

PICKY PICKY

LSJ opinion this week-apparently I was the only one to oppose the prevailing sentiment. In response to whether we should give the primary over to the two highest vote getters I wrote:

"I am intrigued with the thought of actually picking the best candidates unhampered by party designation. As soon as some appear of course. The current closed system allows no chance for those of alternate and whimsical parties to even wet their toes in the murky pond called "fair and open" elections. It's about Michigan's economy not personal and private agendas. Independents unite and let's get this idea rolling! Partisan politics are dead! Long live freedom of choice!"

However what they printed was:

"I am intrigued with the thought of actually picking the best candidates unhampered by party designation. As soon as some appear, of course. The current system allows no chance for those of alternate and whimsical parties. Independents unite and let's get this idea rolling!"

Now I don't know about you'all, but those changes take away the "tongue in cheek" humor I was using to make a point that it's all about which party has the best machine and smear tactics. They forget the issues they are being asked to address and espouse support for "personal" issues that have nothing to do with the public needs. Humor that makes a point is ok, but don't change the "sense" with the editing.

75 words limitation is confining to say the least!

LEGAL BLOW

For June 13 the State Journal asked our opinion on making those fireworks that are currently illegal (you know the ones that climb into the air and go BOOM) should be made legal in Michigan. My response was:

"Yes. Safety is an issue, but it is with illegal fireworks as well. The careless will still thin out the herd with their foolish actions. Let the State reap the tax revenue from one of those pesky vices people will indulge in anyway, and free up law enforcement to chase "other" criminals. Also as long as we're at it, one of my clan thinks we should legalize fireworks fishing as well."

KRISTEN'S PEOPLE

Yes, I have been tempted to write about my own outrage at everything that is going on socially, economically, politically. But what it comes down finally, is that we are finally motivated-right or wrong. In a lot of cases we are angry at the wrong people or entities, but we feel helpless and are fighting for some sort of control. Enough said. Which brings me to the life-affirming issues and the cycles that we engage in and embrace.

Every year around our house it is not Spring until Kristen's people appear. These are those wooden figures that you see around people's homes that range from chickens, to slinking cats, bent-over ladies showing more than they should, etc. Ours came from Great-Grandpa to Kristen. The dutch boy and girl who Kristen would always place facing each other, though her father would toy with her observation skills by posing them in odd positions. She would always put them back where they belonged-face to face looking lovingly into each other's eyes. She's a romantic.

There's also the rabbit with the hoe whom old Farmer McGregor would have appreciated. A bunny who toils rather than steals. My Dad picked up a bb gun we kept by the patio door one day (to pop ground moles-LOL) and starting taking shots at Kristen's people. He remarked that he thought that was so accommodating that we supplied targets! NOOOOO. Ah well Kristen's people survived the onslaught. I put balloons out for him to shoot. (Note to self: bb guns are not that freakin' accurate).

Every Spring they come out and every Fall they go back into their dark little space in the shed. As inevitable as daylight, as comforting as a Mother's hand. Seasons progress regardless of the human turmoil that persists.

However this year Kristen, who has long since moved away and is busily creating her own family, her own cycles and traditions, found a little gift planted at her house while she and her husband were away. A whole new set of Kristen's people waiting amidst the bushes and flowers in her little garden spot. A hunting cat, red birds and of course, two little wooden people looking lovingly into each other's eyes. May they herald Spring at my beloved daughter's house as they always have at ours.

GRADUATED OPINIONS

The State Journal asked, as usual this time of year, what advice the community panel had for the 2010 graduates. Mine hasn't changed much over the past couple of years.

"Today you feel that you've climbed that mountain, but it's just a foothill to the rest of your life. Laugh more than you cry. Love your family because they are with you-good, bad and ugly and part of you no matter what. Point out when the emperor has no clothes even if you are the only one with the courage to say it. And, finally, if you don't own the business, you don't get to make the rules!"

As a safety professional and human resources director for many years, I have the most issues with the last one -LOL.