"May you live in interesting times." Chinese Proverb
Thank goodness the fires are contained and the recovery phase has begun. The destruction and scope are hard to comprehend. Almost one thousand homes gone, some houses burned within minutes, the fire was that intense. I can't help thinking "that could be our home", (gee, nothing like that pyschological mindgame, transference). Seeing folks lose all their worldly possessions including their pets (incredibly heartbreaking) certainly makes you realize how fragile attachments are to "stuff". Fall in Southern California is wonderful, the cooling of temperatures, changing of leaves, and wearing of sweaters. The skys are gloriously clear due to the powerful Santa Ana winds which move out the smog and clouds. These deadly winds fuel and spread the sparks. I am now beginning to associate my favorite season with flames and vigilance. I am hoping for rain which we desperately need and will help reduce fire risk. However, rain will also stimulate brush growth, providing more fuel for the next fire season. Doesn't Mother Nature have an ironic sense of humor??
As the fires subside, another storm is brewing, the political one pertaining to Proposition 8 in California restricting marriage to a man and woman. The election is over and the passage of Proposition 8 has created a huge cultural firestorm here. Even in my quiet little city, there have been large, vocal, and vehement protests on both sides of this issue. There are continued protests and boycotts and now, of course it is headed to the California Supreme Court. My neighbors who displayed political signs had their houses egged, toilet papered, and air let out of their car tires. (Vandalism is horrible especially when it comes to free speech.) Neither side is backing down and this issue will be slogged out on the streets and courtrooms for a really long time. I admire Spain and Canada for addressing same sex marriage in a much more civilized and unified manner. In spite of the passage of Proposition 8, it is amazing that 48% of voters voted Against it and that this dialogue has been started nationally.
Thank you so much for reading today, best to you and yours for calm weather and politics!
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5 comments:
If it's not one thing - it's always another. Is that some kind of chinese proverb? No - probably not...just a reality.
It is such a shame that people can't be satisfied with their words alone and have to resort to vandelism.
Again - glad you are well and good luck ducking the insinuations.
I'm glad your house and family have come through the fires OK.
I also hope the whole Prop 8 thing gets resolved soon. I just think it doesn't make sense to stop people from wanting to form families. I'm all about the love! If it's about love - I'm all for it!
I hope things have mostly returned to normal and all the fires are out (or soon will be).
A cousin of my Dad's was supposed to get married to his partner in CA this fall. I haven't yet heard if the marriage plans went through or not. I think the midwest is pretty much trying to stay out of the debate. It is unfortunate that it's such a polarizing issue - enough so that it leads to vandalism. Live and let live - that's my philosophy.
BTW, I graduated from a Jesuit high school and attended a Jesuit college for 2 years.
I was terribly disappointed that Prop 8 passed- in California of all places! I wasn't surprised when a similar measure passed here a couple years ago. My "it's just as cool to be gay as straight" mentality is very much in the minority in the midwest.
So glad to hear that they are getting control of the fires.
It is a shame when free speech leads to vandalism.
Good luck with Prop 8. Personally I say do what you want in your own house, but what the heck do I know! :)
Take care
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