Her Lamp In The Night

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

* Obama backs repeal of decades-old antitrust exemption for health insurance companies

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The Ask And Tell Overture

So, as you might know, I'm a veteran. And I've written before about how I proudly served without giving handjobs, blowjobs or getting it up the butt.

I haven't been bothered that President Obama hadn't addressed the issue until his "State of The Union". I didn't feel "sold out". Yes, I believe that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is discriminatory and breeds contempt. But, I also believe that there has been a reason for his delay. There's been quite a bit for him and his administration to work on. And my hope is that it would be addressed in due-time. That AGAIN, people need to have patience. Change doesn't happen overnight.

So, while I believe that gays should be allowed to openly serve and receive all the benefits of their heterosexual counterparts, I haven't felt much sympathy for people who volunteered for the military FULLY KNOWING that the policy was "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". They signed on, then later didn't like it. Well, I'm sorry, you should've thought about that sooner.

This doesn't mean that I don't applaud their courage in standing up for what they believe in and for what is right. I do. And certainly, if we're paying attention, our awareness is an evolution. We shouldn't think the same way five, or ten years down the road.

Well, anyway, we're at the beginning of it being addressed, and that's a good thing. Overdue, yes. But, it's still being addressed: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Gays Military Policy Under Fire

Top Uniformed Officer: Gay ban should be lifted

And besides, we're too pure to serve. (Hysterical - courtesy of "The Onion".)


If sovereign people who know nothing other than their freedom had ANY IDEA the insidious self-loathing that accompanies being in an oppressed sect of people, the lowest of the low on the totem pole, there wouldn't be a minute left of discrimination. It would have no place to hide.

Liberty WILL win.

*** If you'd like to tell your representative and senators to repeal this discriminatory law, you may do so here.

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Don't Lose Your Voice

Congresswoman Donna Edwards and constitutional law professor Jamie Raskin speak out against the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. FEC and call for a mass movement of people to support a constitutional amendment. Visit FreeSpeechforPeople.org to learn more and get involved.

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