HERCULANEUM

There's been such a divisiveness in our country. Such a darkness that has settled on people's spirits. It's almost like it's sucking the life out of the world.

Almost like media, giant corporations and many politicians are conspiring against the average American citizen. Lining their players up in order to control the masses.

Like they're dementors.

Circling and waiting for us to get tired...

And then, when the timing is right, they'll swoop in and devour the goodness, our souls right out of us...

I know this all sounds very dramatic, and maybe it's just because it's the end of February. But, I can't help feeling a wickedness in our social and political climate right now.

And I believe that besides ignorance, which breeds fear, that the main cause of this shadow, once it's whittled down, boils down to people looking outside themselves for something to make them happy. That on an individual level, it's about wanting more. And that more will never be enough.

Whether it's a CEO sick with greed, hoping to fill a void that he or she has always had... And by being financially successful, that this will make up for that emptiness that resides somewhere in them.

Or whether it's a politician, hoping that the recognition of holding an office will be some kind of an award of esteem. That power will fulfill them.

Or whether it's a parent. Working too late and too much in order keep up with the neighbors or others' expectations? Thinking that their children need more things, need to be involved in more activities, need this and that when really, the kid just wants their parent's attention and presence. (I'm talking of extremes here, not someone working their tail off to put food on the table.)

They're diluted to think that "more" will eventually be enough. That it's just right around that next corner. It will always be right around the next corner... All the while walking on Greed Street, USA.

Whether it's money or power, it boils down to greed. And greed is a symptom of lacking in something else, some stealth vacuity inside themselves.

And I firmly believe that if you're not happy without it, you're not going to be happy with it. Whatever that IT may be.

I grew up thinking something different. And hoping for something different. So, I believe in something different.

I believe that we're all interconnected. All fingers on the same hand, limbs on the same body. All waves in the same ocean. All sentient beings a part of one being. That there really is no "us" and "them". That it's all US. And I don't believe this is exclusive to humans, but to ALL life.

That we are a part of everything else. And everything else is a part of us. And it has always been this way. And it always will be... in some form or another.

Therefore, if we're in this giant mess together, and I ain't NEVER gonna get my stank ass away from you crazy bishes and your stank asses, then I also believe that the better off someone else is, in turn, this will help me as well. That to insure someone else's happiness, is to insure my own. And thus, we'll all be better off.

And it certainly doesn't hurt and never fails that every time I'm able to help someone, whether it's as simple as listening (which isn't always so "simple"), or something requiring more effort, I never feel so alive as when I do.

So, in regards to the healthcare reform debate, I've written quite a bit.

I've written about Jesus Christ and His Tennis Shoes. And I've been quite vocal about the Criminal Sabotage taking place in the States right now.

And when I think of our interconnectedness. And the healthcare debate and the corporate greed that's poisoning the American spirit. When I think of the freedom and welfare of all people, I can't help thinking of a brave woman, standing out in all kinds of weather.

She stands decidedly, unwavering in her mission.

It doesn't matter what kind of storm is brewing, she stands.

Looking out to sea for those that are trying to find their way...

I was always so proud of what she represents.

And as an adult, she affects me no less deeply than she did when I was a child.

Her message resonates with me to my very core...

And I hope I never, NEVER forget that.

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame,

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

~ Emma Lazarus, New York City, 1883

Those words dampen my eyes with humility and pride every time.

Today is a virtual march on Washington. People are signing more petitions, MoveOn is sending faxes and people are calling their members of Congress. If you're so inclined, please feel free to take part. And here are six easy ways to do so:

Virtual March for Real Health Care Reform (When you sign up, they'll prepare faxes in your name and send them to your senators. They'll also send you a reminder to call Congress.)

We'd rather have a good bill than a bipartisan one.

Tell your Senator to sign the Bennet letter for the public option

Americans want a good bill -- not just bipartisanship

Contact your Senators

Contact your Representative