Divided We Fall (Keep Mucking On)

Two major parties vie for a position of power in America this election year. You'd be hard pressed to find a bigger polarization of politics in recent years, although my mother remembers President Truman's surprise win over Dewey in'48. But that seems a world ago, just after the dust of WW II was beginning to settle.

I'd be telling tales if I didn't agree that both sides have produced some compelling speeches, while systematically deconstructing the platforms of each other. If rhetoric alone wins races, it will be razor close.

Perhaps more unsettling is the division in the Democratic Party. The vote to include references to the Deity  in whose name the country was founded, and the recognition of Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel, an enormous collective dissent could be heard at last night's meeting when those present were given a chance to vote by voice.  In a country where votes are counted by elaborate machinery and voting is scrupulously regulated, it seemed a shotgun approach to an intricately complicated issue. It's not really complicated for me, but I do understand it may be for my fellow atheist Americans, or our fellow Arab Americans with relatives in Palestine.

The system of government we set up over 236 years ago held the freedom of religion as its centerpiece, the very reason for its existence. Doubtless, the founders never imagined an America where the freedom to oppose religion could hold its own as a political force. Closely aligned with the Judeo-Christian view is an "Israel in the side-pocket" policy stemming from the many admonitions in the scriptures such as the Psalmist words  "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" and the Genesis promise of Jehovah to Abraham, "I will bless those that bless you". Without a belief in the Almighty, none of it makes any sense at all. I get that.

But apparently, the Democrats don't. I'd be curious to hear the same vote put to a Republican gathering. And if that sounds far-off to you, just a few short years ago no one would have believed such a vote would even be thinkable.

We have changed, and we don't know who we are yet. Thanks to the Democratic Party for pointing this out. It explains a whole lot.

Sneak Preview

The following is an excerpt from my latest project:

Unearthing Tilly; A Horror Story of Unethical Proportions

Eric ran a shaking hand through his already tousled hair. Think, Eric, think! What would Grayson do?

It might be time to call his parents. It was the last thing he wanted to do, but he was running out of options. Dad could get them tickets to somewhere, and maybe help him think rationally through this nightmare.

Any phone call he made now would probably be tracked. He needed to find a phone.

The alley they’d ducked into was just off the main street of the college, and a Sysco Food truck was busily unloading into the Naan Bakery backdoor. Rialta slumped down on the cement in the shade as Eric mentally counted his options on one hand.  

“Stay here. If anyone comes – anyone – I want you to get up and come into the store. Don’t speak to anyone, got it? Our lives may depend upon it.”

He watched the dazed nod of her head, and keeping his eyes on her as he backed away,  he disappeared into the dark doorway, saluting the deliveryman who was on his way out with the empty dolly.

“You look like you could use a smoke.”  The man said as he glanced at Rialta.

She hesitated. That was exactly what she needed. A fellow kindred spirit!

“I sure could!” she answered against her better judgment.

She gathered what limp strength she had and stood up, walking toward the man as he reached in his pocket for a cigarette. He handed it to her, and then after patting down his side pants pocket unsuccessfully for a lighter, put up a finger and dove into the back of the truck.

The arms which reached around her were swift and strong. The tape suddenly placed over  her mouth was constricting and wet feeling. Her feet gave way as her arms were wrenched back uncomfortably behind her, and something tight bit into both wrists. She was dragged up and over the back of the delivery truck so that the friction of the movement burned the backs of her calves. Before the truck door closed, she saw Eric’s stricken look flash in the light of the doorway and then everything went black.

September Stirrings

Image from http://www.uvm.edu

It's officially fall when I buy the first can of pureed pumpkin, and start to look at the harvest section in Big Lots. Mind you, I haven't done anything but prepare my mind. It takes a while for me to get ready for fall because I hate letting go of summer.

As I write this, in the background, "Frosty the Snowman" is playing on DVD. My daughter has no qualms about embracing fall and winter. Well, Christmas, mostly. Her Christmas "birthday" tree is awaiting it's planting in permanent ground.

But as for me, 'the hotter the better', 'the more sun, the more fun'. But, at some point, I give in.

Today, the last holiday that most people spend outdoors exclusively, I will be relishing every minute.

Let the leaves start to think about falling. Everything in good time.

Necessary Read For Political Scholars

Review for The Founder’s Key by Larry Arnn

This is a conservative and decidedly non-progressive look at the written works of the founders of the United States extraordinary ‘experiment’. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College explores the meaning and original intent of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence and their interlocking nature in his unique style which is engagingly didactic. The remainder of the book contains Federalist Papers 10, 39, 48, 49, 51and the publication “Property” by James Madison. The principles embodied in these works and the people’s response to them are, according to Arnn, “The Founder’s Key”.

A bit dry in places for the average reader, but an absolutely essential read for the serious political scholar.

I was given a complimentary copy  from Thomas Nelson Publishers in return for my honest opinion of the book.

Currently experiencing...

That moment when you hate to pull down the dried out hollyhock stalks. You know, however, if you do, you can harvest seeds for next year. But it does seem so far off!

Inside the look and feel of death is a promise.

Recap of the Summer's Good News!

Four family members got jobs (more than one each) and there were no new foreclosures in our neighborhood, as far as I can tell.
We had multiple visitors travelling from as far away as Europe who added to the economy as well as enriching of our lives.
We sent a daughter off to college, and books are paid for!
My husband's hours at work are remaining steady, at least no more drastic hourly cuts, and he even received a small bonus.
There is new construction a mile from our home, and no teacher lay-offs yet.

Just never hurts to spread good news!

In Which I Am Humbled

I had to sightread music for a job interview today. Not perfectly, but adequately I stumbled through, and now have so much more sympathy for my dear students who sightread EVERY WEEK for me in their lessons.

It's good to be in the hot seat every once in a while. Produces a healthy amount of humility!