The "Isms" of American Politics

It is great to see people of all ages and stripes so enthusiastic about discussing the upcoming United States Presidential election. I think there are a couple of "elephants in the room" or Donkeys, whichever you prefer, that people don't discuss. Sarah Palin's nomination for Vice President thrust the issue of Sexism into the fore that Hillary Clinton's candidacy did not. Republicans seem to be exploiting sexism when it suits them as all good politicians should.

The elephants in the room that We are Not Talking about are Racism and Ageism. If Harvard educated Barack Obama's name was Bill Owens with white parents, this election wouldn't even be close. (BTW, I'm skeptical of the polls since they only include land lines which alot of folks don't have in this cellular age.) The shame is people don't own up to their prejudices or the impact they have on their choices. It seems the people hurt most by the Bush Administration of the last 8 years are the most supportive. It's almost masochistic. I'm tired of the refrain about oooohh, Democrats raising taxes, Guess What? Americans have one of the lowest tax rates per capita in the developed world, we are grossly undertaxed, just go visit Canada or Finland to get a taste of high taxes. Not to mention with our current Financial Market mess, we've already mortgaged our children and their childrens' futures and will be digging out of this hole for a long time.

The other elephant in the room is Ageism, which I own up to freely and openly. John McCain is too old and often exhibits signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with his impulsive decision making and volatile temper. He would be the oldest first term president with a 15 to 20% chance of dying within the next 4 years based on his age and medical history. I visualize him golfing on one of his many properties. He just doesn't have the stamina or intellect to be My Commander In Chief and The Most Powerful Leader in the World. McCain proved this when he chose a totally unqualified individual, instead of considering what is best for our country. Another example is his attitude towards the President of Spain, one of our Allies. No, he is not smarter than a fifth grader, far from it.

Whatever the outcome of the election, I hope the results are decisive and unifying to our country. That's one thing we really need now in these tough times, a feeling of unity.
Thank you and I wish you the best in your democratic process this and every election season!

LA Train Collision Redux

The Los Angeles Train collision that occurred last Friday, 9/12/08, did hit close to home, closer than I expected. A young lady, a senior at the high school near my home, was killed on her way to work at her parent's restaurant. She was a friend and classmate of my friend's children. My heart aches for her family. I lost my brother as a young adult and it leaves a gaping hole in your heart, life, and family with the attendent scarring. A life full of promise and hope cut short with no warning is so tragic and sad, it is overwhelming to me to think of how much she and all children lost too soon and their families, have been denied.

I was brought to tears to read of the heroism and caring shown by passengers and neighbors in the aftermath of the train crash. Fellow passengers and the people living in the houses next to the crash site were the first responders, evacuating and treating the injured, comforting the dying, and providing food and water to the emergency personnel. Los Angeles has a reputation as being a big, uncaring city. Please don't believe it. I have seen people come together time and time again, after the 1995 Northridge quake, the Glendale Metrolink collision three years ago, and the Wildfires last fall. Our home doesn't end at our front door, my neighbors have picked up my son's prescriptions when we all were sick and walked my dog when we've been stuck in traffic. We look out for each other and my Nursing Shingle is always out to help with a dislocated elbow, broken ankle, or elderly neighbor who needs someone to listen.

Thank you for "listening" and I wish and hope you have a home that includes your neighborhood and community.

Wordless Wednesday brought to you by WRUF

Perfect Moment Mondays

I have a Perfect Moment that I would like to share this Monday. This "Perfect Moment" occurred during our weekly work team meeting. I am a Pediatric nurse care manager and I am on a team of ten nurses taking care of patients who range in age from premature babies to young adults. We care for patients with a variety of diagnoses; Asthma, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Heart Defect, and Diabetes among others. We provide education, support, and resources to families all over the United States and it is done all via telephone and internet. It is a unique and challenging job and one that I love. Well, onto my transcendent moment...

A nurse colleague has a patient, a young adult who has recovered from a rare and potentially life threatening form of Cancer. This teen was preparing to go to college this fall near his home in the Midwestern U.S. After receiving the patient and family's permission, my colleague contacted Make A Wish, a wish granting charity for children in the USA. He was encouraged by Make a Wish to "Dream Big". He considered a exotic trip as a possibility and listed it, but he also listed his true wish, the chance to attend college in a state where he could snowboard. My teammate was crying (as we all started to do) when she told us that Make A Wish had made arrangements for this young man to get a four year scholarship to a college in Colorado. It brings tears of joy to my eyes right now for this young man and his family whom I've never met, and also pride in the nurse I work with and the good work we do everyday for our patients and families. It truly is a privilege.

Thank you for clicking over, I appreciate it and I wish for you a Perfect Moment or two.

Show and Tell Sunday: Turkey Vultures hanging out

I hope you enjoy these pictures of my friendly neighborhood Turkey Vultures enjoying some downtime after a morning of scavenging carrion. The birds are big, they stand about 2.5 to 3 feet in height with a 5-6 foot wingspan. Vultures spread their wings out while perched to cool off. They are beautiful in an ugly, ungainly way while in a tree, but so graceful while in flight. (Please double click on photo if you would like to enlarge, it shows their faces, amazing!) Thank you for stopping by and I wish you and yours a great rest of your day and week.

Please send a prayer for Victims of Train Collision

I am sad and stunned today. I hope that you can please send a prayer to my fellow Los Angelenos who have been killed or injured in a horrible commuter train and freight train collision yesterday. I ride the commuter train (different line) occasionally and enjoy taking it with the boys into downtown LA. It is a "community on wheels", a wonderful thing in this horizontal and dissociated car crazy city. My heart breaks for the families who wait in vain for their husband, wife, child, lover, sister, brother, or friend to walk through the door.

Sorry for the depressing post, even though the accident is 15 miles away, it hits close to home. Whenever I think, "That could have been me, us", I am reminded of the fragility of life and how well we deceive ourselves it is anything but.

"Oh, what a world! What a world!" Wicked Witch of West, The Wizard of Oz

"People do not like to think..."

"People do not like to think. If one thinks, one must reach conclusions. Conclusions are not always pleasant."
Helen Keller

I am weary of people who base their decisions on shallow, superficial issues. I believe we are all smarter than the politicians and bureaucrats think we are. I am sick of the lies and avoidance of real dialogue among politicians. I am proud to be a citizen of this country and to cast my vote. I feel it is my responsibilty, we all have so much at stake, especially now.

If you haven't registered to vote, please do so, the deadline is nearing. If you "Don't vote, don't complain" is my motto. See you at the Polls!