Until today, I had no real idea. Born into a home in which my mother was ostensibly a Methodist, but who never attended church, and a father who was ostensibly a Catholic, but who never attended church, I was dutifully marched off to attend Bethany Covenant Church, a neighborhood Evangelical church (the Evangelical Covenant Church was founded in 1885 by Swedish immigrants) on the south side of Chicago, more so because the very religious mother of my best friend sent her own two sons there, than for any particular religious reason. I attended from about age 7 to 17 before deciding that organized religion was not my cup of tea.
Comparative religions was not a topic of Sunday sermons. What was a regular topic was progress reports from China or India or Africa of the great work our missionaries were performing - followed by the special collection plate (passed around by stern elders after the regular collection plate) to support those brave souls seeking to save the unfortunate godless masses of the world. A kind of post-slavery white man's burden, as I later analyzed it in disgust.
So the only Jewish person I ever heard discussed was Jesus. And it was always in the context of how, while it was the Romans who hung Jesus on a cross, it was the Jews who were the actual villains, as they had the chance to spare Jesus, but chose not to, as he posed a threat to rabbis' wealth and power. Years later, I realized how slanted and simplistic a view that was.
In my 20s, I knew a couple who was ostensibly Jewish, but neither attended temple nor observed any Jewish holiday.
It was not until today, 12/11/09, at sundown when Hanukkah 2009 begins, that I stumbled across an article entitled "The Hanukkah Story" in the New York Times by David Brooks. I found it to be both fascinating and educational. But first, let me direct you to the more traditional, sanitized explanation of what Hanukkah stands for, published in chabad.org:
"Chanukah -- the eight-day festival of light that begins on the eve of Kislev 25 -- celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adulteration, of spirituality over materiality.
More than twenty-one centuries ago, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who sought to forcefully Hellenize the people of Israel. Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of G-d.
When they sought to light the Temple's menorah, they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks; miraculously, the one-day supply burned for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity.
To commemorate and publicize these miracles, the sages instituted the festival of Chanukah. At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah lighting: a single flame on the first night, two on the second evening, and so on till the eighth night of Chanukah, when all eight lights are kindled.
On Chanukah we also recite Hallel and the Al HaNissim prayer to offer praise and thanksgiving to G-d for "delivering the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few... the wicked into the hands of the righteous."
Chanukah customs include eating foods fried in oil -- latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (doughnuts); playing with the dreidel (a spinning top on which are inscribed the Hebrew letters nun, gimmel, hei and shin, an acronym for Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, "a great miracle happened there"); and the giving of Chanukah gelt, gifts of money, to children."
This is a very simple tale of good versus evil. Traditionally, organized religions promote this type of story. But as with most events, both religious and secular, the truth is often more complex and not so black-and-white.
Let's read Mr. Brooks' piece in the New York Times, The Hanukkah Story:
"Tonight Jewish kids will light the menorah, spin their dreidels and get their presents, but Hanukkah is the most adult of holidays. It commemorates an event in which the good guys did horrible things, the bad guys did good things and in which everybody is flummoxed by insoluble conflicts that remain with us today. It’s a holiday that accurately reflects how politics is, how history is, how life is.
It begins with the spread of Greek culture. Alexander’s Empire, and the smaller empires that succeeded it, brought modernizing ideas and institutions to the Middle East. At its best, Hellenistic culture emphasized the power of reason and the importance of individual conscience. It brought theaters, gymnasiums and debating societies to the cities. It raised living standards, especially in places like Jerusalem.
Many Jewish reformers embraced these improvements. The Greeks had one central idea: their aspirations to create an advanced universal culture. And the Jews had their own central idea: the idea of one true God. The reformers wanted to merge these two ideas.
Urbane Jews assimilated parts of Greek culture into their own, taking Greek names like Jason, exercising in the gymnasium and prospering within Greek institutions. Not all Jews assimilated. Some resisted quietly. Others fled to the hills. But Jerusalem did well. The Seleucid dynasty, which had political control over the area, was not merely tolerant; it used imperial money to help promote the diverse religions within its sphere.
In 167 B.C., however, the Seleucid king, Antiochus IV, issued a series of decrees defiling the temple, confiscating wealth and banning Jewish practice, under penalty of death. It’s unclear why he did this. Some historians believe that extremist Jewish reformers were in control and were hoping to wipe out what they saw as the primitive remnants of their faith. Others believe Antiochus thought the Jews were disloyal fifth columnists in his struggle against the Egyptians and, hence, was hoping to assimilate them into his nation.
Regardless, those who refused to eat pork were killed in an early case of pure religious martyrdom.
As Jeffrey Goldberg, who is writing a book on this period, points out, the Jews were slow to revolt. The cultural pressure on Jewish practice had been mounting; it was only when it hit an insane political level that Jewish traditionalists took up arms. When they did, the first person they killed was a fellow Jew.
In the town of Modin, a Jew who was attempting to perform a sacrifice on a new Greek altar was slaughtered by Mattathias, the old head of a priestly family. Mattathias’s five sons, led by Judah Maccabee, then led an insurgent revolt against the regime.
The Jewish civil war raised questions: Who is a Jew? Who gets to define the right level of observance? It also created a spiritual crisis. This was not a battle between tribes. It was a battle between theologies and threw up all sorts of issues about why bad things happen to faithful believers and what happens in the afterlife — issues that would reverberate in the region for centuries, to epic effect.
The Maccabees are best understood as moderate fanatics. They were not in total revolt against Greek culture. They used Greek constitutional language to explain themselves. They created a festival to commemorate their triumph (which is part of Greek, not Jewish, culture). Before long, they were electing their priests.
On the other hand, they were fighting heroically for their traditions and the survival of their faith. If they found uncircumcised Jews, they performed forced circumcisions. They had no interest in religious liberty within the Jewish community and believed religion was a collective regimen, not an individual choice.
They were not the last bunch of angry, bearded religious guys to win an insurgency campaign against a great power in the Middle East, but they may have been among the first. They retook Jerusalem in 164 B.C. and rededicated the temple. Their regime quickly became corrupt, brutal and reactionary. The concept of reform had been discredited by the Hellenizing extremists. Practice stagnated. Scholarship withered. The Maccabees became religious oppressors themselves, fatefully inviting the Romans into Jerusalem.
Generations of Sunday school teachers have turned Hanukkah into the story of unified Jewish bravery against an anti-Semitic Hellenic empire. Settlers in the West Bank tell it as a story of how the Jewish hard-core defeated the corrupt, assimilated Jewish masses. Rabbis later added the lamp miracle to give God at least a bit part in the proceedings.
But there is no erasing the complex ironies of the events, the way progress, heroism and brutality weave through all sides. The Maccabees heroically preserved the Jewish faith. But there is no honest way to tell their story as a self-congratulatory morality tale. The lesson of Hanukkah is that even the struggles that saved a people are dappled with tragic irony, complexity and unattractive choices."
Happy Hanukkah December 11-19, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Health Care Reform Plan Submitted For Your Approval
Selected key features of this plan:
- Requires employers to provide adequate health insurance for their employees, who would share in underwriting its costs. This approach follows precedents of long-standing under which personal security--and thus national economic progress--has been enhanced by requiring employers to provide minimum wages and disability and retirement benefits and to observe occupational health and safety standards.
- Includes certain deductibles and coinsurance features, which would help keep costs down by encouraging the use of more efficient health care procedures.
- Workers and unions would have a direct economic stake in the program (which) would serve as an additional built-in incentive for avoiding unnecessary costs and yet maintaining high quality.
- The national standards prescribed, moreover, would necessarily limit the range within which benefits could vary. This provision would serve to sharpen competition and cost-consciousness among insurance companies seeking to provide coverage at the lowest overall cost.
- Any time the Federal Government, in effect, prescribes and guarantees certain things it must take the necessary follow-through steps to assure that the interests of consumers and taxpayers are fully protected.
- Accordingly, legislative proposals have been submitted to the Congress within recent weeks for regulating private health insurance companies, in order to assure that they can and will do the job, and that insurance will be offered at reasonable rates. In addition, States would be required to provide group-rate coverage for people such as the self-employed and special groups who do not qualify for other plans.
- Another vital step in my proposed program is the Family Health Insurance Plan which would meet the needs of poor families not covered by the National Health Insurance Standards Act because they are headed by unemployed or self-employed persons whose income is below certain levels.
- Medicaid would remain for the aged poor, the blind, the disabled and some children.
- Beyond filling gaps in insurance coverage, we must also turn our attention to how the money thus provided will be spent---on what kind of services and in what kind of institutions.
- It brings together into a single organization the physician, the hospital, the laboratory and the clinic, so that patients can get the right care at the right moment.
- Utilizes a method of payment that encourages the prevention of illness and promotes the efficient use of doctors and hospitals. Unlike traditional fee-for-service billing, (it) provides comprehensive care for a fixed annual sum that is determined in advance.
- Under this financial arrangement, the doctors' and hospitals' incomes are determined not by how much the patient is sick, but by how much he is well.
- Ought to be everywhere available so that families will have a choice between these methods.
- One of the greatest hazards to life and health is poverty. Death and illness rates among the poor are many times those for the rest of the Nation. The steady elimination of poverty would in itself improve the health of millions of Americans.
- Includes the following measures to extend health care to more Americans--especially older Americans-and to control costs:
Additional Persons Covered:
--Persons eligible for Part A of Medicare (hospital care) would be automatically enrolled in Part B (physician's care).
--Medicare (both Parts A and B) would be extended to many disabled persons not now covered. Congress (should) eliminate (Medicare part B's) monthly premium payment and finance Medicare coverage of physician services through the social security payroll tax. This can be done within the Medicare tax rate. If enacted, this change would save (billion$) annually for older Americans and would be equivalent to a 5 percent increase in social security cash benefits.
- The overall health program encompasses actions on three levels: 1) improving protection against health care costs; 2) improving the health care system itself; and 3) working creatively on research and prevention efforts, to eradicate health menaces and to hold down the incidence of illnesses.
- A truly effective national health strategy requires that a significant share of Federal research funds be concentrated on major health threats, particularly when research advances indicate the possibility of breakthrough progress.
- Working together, this Administration and the Congress already have taken some significant strides in our mutual determination to provide the best, and the most widely available, health care system the world has ever known. The time now has come to take the final steps to reorganize, to revitalize and to redirect American health care--to build on its historic accomplishments, to close its gaps and to provide it with the incentives and sustenance to move toward a more perfect mission of human compassion.
- If the Administration and the Congress continue to act together--and act on the major proposals this year, as I strongly again urge--then the 1970s will be remembered as an era in which the United States took the historic step of making the health of the entire population not only a great goal but a practical objective.
That's correct. The 1970s. In fact, the above excerpts are from a speech by President Richard Nixon to Congress on March 2, 1972. To read the entire speech, click here.
Congress never acted upon these proposals.
President Nixon. A closet progressive? Unlikely. A Democrat in Republican clothing? No. My political cynicism tells me that this was part of his 1972 campaign for re-election, as well as an attempt to co-opt support for Senator Ted Kennedy's even more far-reaching health care reform plans. My political idealism tells me that the President must have had the best wishes of the American people in his heart, at least some of the time.
Had Congress enacted just a few of President Nixon's health care reform initiatives, then we could have avoided at least some of the heated national debate (angst?) through which we are suffering today.
While reasoned debate is healthy for a Republic, when what should have been dialogues allowing for the free flow of opinions and information concerning two or more sides of an issue, such as health care reform, become angry one-dimensional shouting monologues (see many of the town hall meetings held this summer), then disparate venues for discourse must be explored and used.
- Requires employers to provide adequate health insurance for their employees, who would share in underwriting its costs. This approach follows precedents of long-standing under which personal security--and thus national economic progress--has been enhanced by requiring employers to provide minimum wages and disability and retirement benefits and to observe occupational health and safety standards.
- Includes certain deductibles and coinsurance features, which would help keep costs down by encouraging the use of more efficient health care procedures.
- Workers and unions would have a direct economic stake in the program (which) would serve as an additional built-in incentive for avoiding unnecessary costs and yet maintaining high quality.
- The national standards prescribed, moreover, would necessarily limit the range within which benefits could vary. This provision would serve to sharpen competition and cost-consciousness among insurance companies seeking to provide coverage at the lowest overall cost.
- Any time the Federal Government, in effect, prescribes and guarantees certain things it must take the necessary follow-through steps to assure that the interests of consumers and taxpayers are fully protected.
- Accordingly, legislative proposals have been submitted to the Congress within recent weeks for regulating private health insurance companies, in order to assure that they can and will do the job, and that insurance will be offered at reasonable rates. In addition, States would be required to provide group-rate coverage for people such as the self-employed and special groups who do not qualify for other plans.
- Another vital step in my proposed program is the Family Health Insurance Plan which would meet the needs of poor families not covered by the National Health Insurance Standards Act because they are headed by unemployed or self-employed persons whose income is below certain levels.
- Medicaid would remain for the aged poor, the blind, the disabled and some children.
- Beyond filling gaps in insurance coverage, we must also turn our attention to how the money thus provided will be spent---on what kind of services and in what kind of institutions.
- It brings together into a single organization the physician, the hospital, the laboratory and the clinic, so that patients can get the right care at the right moment.
- Utilizes a method of payment that encourages the prevention of illness and promotes the efficient use of doctors and hospitals. Unlike traditional fee-for-service billing, (it) provides comprehensive care for a fixed annual sum that is determined in advance.
- Under this financial arrangement, the doctors' and hospitals' incomes are determined not by how much the patient is sick, but by how much he is well.
- Ought to be everywhere available so that families will have a choice between these methods.
- One of the greatest hazards to life and health is poverty. Death and illness rates among the poor are many times those for the rest of the Nation. The steady elimination of poverty would in itself improve the health of millions of Americans.
- Includes the following measures to extend health care to more Americans--especially older Americans-and to control costs:
Additional Persons Covered:
--Persons eligible for Part A of Medicare (hospital care) would be automatically enrolled in Part B (physician's care).
--Medicare (both Parts A and B) would be extended to many disabled persons not now covered. Congress (should) eliminate (Medicare part B's) monthly premium payment and finance Medicare coverage of physician services through the social security payroll tax. This can be done within the Medicare tax rate. If enacted, this change would save (billion$) annually for older Americans and would be equivalent to a 5 percent increase in social security cash benefits.
- The overall health program encompasses actions on three levels: 1) improving protection against health care costs; 2) improving the health care system itself; and 3) working creatively on research and prevention efforts, to eradicate health menaces and to hold down the incidence of illnesses.
- A truly effective national health strategy requires that a significant share of Federal research funds be concentrated on major health threats, particularly when research advances indicate the possibility of breakthrough progress.
- Working together, this Administration and the Congress already have taken some significant strides in our mutual determination to provide the best, and the most widely available, health care system the world has ever known. The time now has come to take the final steps to reorganize, to revitalize and to redirect American health care--to build on its historic accomplishments, to close its gaps and to provide it with the incentives and sustenance to move toward a more perfect mission of human compassion.
- If the Administration and the Congress continue to act together--and act on the major proposals this year, as I strongly again urge--then the 1970s will be remembered as an era in which the United States took the historic step of making the health of the entire population not only a great goal but a practical objective.
That's correct. The 1970s. In fact, the above excerpts are from a speech by President Richard Nixon to Congress on March 2, 1972. To read the entire speech, click here.
Congress never acted upon these proposals.
President Nixon. A closet progressive? Unlikely. A Democrat in Republican clothing? No. My political cynicism tells me that this was part of his 1972 campaign for re-election, as well as an attempt to co-opt support for Senator Ted Kennedy's even more far-reaching health care reform plans. My political idealism tells me that the President must have had the best wishes of the American people in his heart, at least some of the time.
Had Congress enacted just a few of President Nixon's health care reform initiatives, then we could have avoided at least some of the heated national debate (angst?) through which we are suffering today.
While reasoned debate is healthy for a Republic, when what should have been dialogues allowing for the free flow of opinions and information concerning two or more sides of an issue, such as health care reform, become angry one-dimensional shouting monologues (see many of the town hall meetings held this summer), then disparate venues for discourse must be explored and used.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Good Economic News From Chile
Today's Santiago Times provided a sign of hope that the worldwide recession may finally be abating. An article entitled, CHILE ANNOUNCES 4.3 PERCENT BUDGET INCREASE FOR 2010, opens with, "While other nations are struggling to cut costs and sacrificing social programs to combat the worldwide economic crisis, Chile´s 2010 budget will grow by 4.3 percent next year and includes a 5.8 percent increase in social assistance programs, Finance Minister Andrés Velasco announced Wednesday."
The next sentence does give one pause: "The 2010 budget - proposed by Velasco this week - follows news that unemployment appears to have stabilized at 10.8 percent for the second consecutive month." Of course, the official U.S. unemployment statistic is now 9.8%, and I heard on CNN today that if you include those unemployed folks who have either exhausted their unemployment benefits, or who have taken part-time work in place of the full-time jobs they used to have, the figure rises to 17.2%.
But back to Chile. The remainder of the article is as follows:
"Velasco said Chile will meet budget its responsibilities and be one of the nations to most quickly recover from the world economic crisis because, “We were well prepared.”
Under Velasco´s guidance, President Michelle Bachelet’s government implemented a strict savings plan when the economy was soaring due to high copper prices a few years back. That decision was highly criticized by opposition parties at the time (and some within the governing Concertacion coalition), but proved to be a very wise decision. The surplus that accumulated allowed Chile to continue with social programs, increase stimulus spending and provide assistance to the most vulnerable through the tough 2009 fiscal year and on into 2010.
Velasco proposes a balanced budget for 2010 with a 4.3 percent spending increase compared to 2009. Spending focuses on education, social needs and increasing economic activity. The finance minister is projecting a 5 percent growth in GDP.
The budget allocates over US$7 billion to infrastructure spending to build sports and cultural facilities, roads and housing throughout the country. The Health Ministry alone will spend US$5.9 billion, an 8 percent increase over 2009, to build 31 new hospitals, among other projects. That will bring the number of hospitals built under Bachelet´s government to 90, a promise made during her campaign.
Education funding will increase for the third year in a row and represents the largest block of spending in the 2010 budget. The nearly US$8 billion will in part be used to double, from 30,000 to 60,000, the number of laptops awarded to the country’s best performing 7th graders. There are also increases in grants for students to study English, computer sciences or technical fields and those wanting to complete post graduate studies abroad. Velasco stressed that education spending is key to Chile’s future growth, stating, “A good education is a priority for today, not tomorrow.”
The key is Velasco's quote, “We were well prepared.”
A successful business plan should include a budget line item for Bad Debt. This covers customers to whom the business extended credit and who could not pay off their debt, accounts receivable that the company has to settle for less than 100% of the total due, et cetera. The Chilean government should be praised for its economic foresight. Citizens of Chile are now going to reap the rewards of this thinking.
Could the U.S. federal government do the same? The answer is not as simple as it seems. We have voluntarily taken upon our shoulders international responsibilities that a country such as Chile is neither equipped, nor inclined, to accept. Let's hope that the citizens of the U.S. will likewise reap the rewards of that thinking.
The next sentence does give one pause: "The 2010 budget - proposed by Velasco this week - follows news that unemployment appears to have stabilized at 10.8 percent for the second consecutive month." Of course, the official U.S. unemployment statistic is now 9.8%, and I heard on CNN today that if you include those unemployed folks who have either exhausted their unemployment benefits, or who have taken part-time work in place of the full-time jobs they used to have, the figure rises to 17.2%.
But back to Chile. The remainder of the article is as follows:
"Velasco said Chile will meet budget its responsibilities and be one of the nations to most quickly recover from the world economic crisis because, “We were well prepared.”
Under Velasco´s guidance, President Michelle Bachelet’s government implemented a strict savings plan when the economy was soaring due to high copper prices a few years back. That decision was highly criticized by opposition parties at the time (and some within the governing Concertacion coalition), but proved to be a very wise decision. The surplus that accumulated allowed Chile to continue with social programs, increase stimulus spending and provide assistance to the most vulnerable through the tough 2009 fiscal year and on into 2010.
Velasco proposes a balanced budget for 2010 with a 4.3 percent spending increase compared to 2009. Spending focuses on education, social needs and increasing economic activity. The finance minister is projecting a 5 percent growth in GDP.
The budget allocates over US$7 billion to infrastructure spending to build sports and cultural facilities, roads and housing throughout the country. The Health Ministry alone will spend US$5.9 billion, an 8 percent increase over 2009, to build 31 new hospitals, among other projects. That will bring the number of hospitals built under Bachelet´s government to 90, a promise made during her campaign.
Education funding will increase for the third year in a row and represents the largest block of spending in the 2010 budget. The nearly US$8 billion will in part be used to double, from 30,000 to 60,000, the number of laptops awarded to the country’s best performing 7th graders. There are also increases in grants for students to study English, computer sciences or technical fields and those wanting to complete post graduate studies abroad. Velasco stressed that education spending is key to Chile’s future growth, stating, “A good education is a priority for today, not tomorrow.”
The key is Velasco's quote, “We were well prepared.”
A successful business plan should include a budget line item for Bad Debt. This covers customers to whom the business extended credit and who could not pay off their debt, accounts receivable that the company has to settle for less than 100% of the total due, et cetera. The Chilean government should be praised for its economic foresight. Citizens of Chile are now going to reap the rewards of this thinking.
Could the U.S. federal government do the same? The answer is not as simple as it seems. We have voluntarily taken upon our shoulders international responsibilities that a country such as Chile is neither equipped, nor inclined, to accept. Let's hope that the citizens of the U.S. will likewise reap the rewards of that thinking.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Obama Likes Tyrants and Dislikes America?
Michael Ledeen wrote an article, Is Obama Naive?, that appeared on the National Review's web site on 09/24/2009, in which he claims that President Obama likes tyrants and dislikes America:
Is Obama Naive?
"I don't think so. I think that he rather likes tyrants and dislikes America. I think he'd like to be more powerful, I think he is trying to get control over as much of our lives as he can, so that he can put an end to the annoying tumult of our public life. As when he said (about health care) to the Congress, "Okay, you've talked enough, now it's time to do the right thing (my thing)." And he's trying to end American power in the outside world. He's saying "I'm going to stop us, before we kill again."
There is nothing unusual about elitist hatred of freedom. Back in the 18th century, when book publishing really got going, British authors were infuriated that they had to submit to the judgment of a marketplace. They didn't want to be judged by people who were obviously inferior to them, and there was a great rage among the intelligentsia, including some very famous men. And in modern times, we can all name famous intellectuals who fawned all over Mussolini, Stalin, Fidel, and even Hitler.
American politics are very fractious, and always have been. Leaders are constantly frustrated, and some of them come to yearn for an end to our freedom. They think they know best, they just want to tell us what to do and have us shut up and do it. I think Obama is one of them. He's not naïve. It's different. He doesn't like the way things work here, he thinks he can do much better, and he's possessed of the belief that America has done a lot of terrible things in the world, and should be prevented from doing such things ever again. The two convictions mesh perfectly. It's The Best and the Brightest run amok.
Democratic leaders' envy of tyrants' power can be understood. But it can't be forgiven."
Let's examine this article and see how it fails to support its own assertions.
Ledeen says, "I think that (Obama) rather likes tyrants and dislikes America. I think he'd like to be more powerful, I think he is trying to get control over as much of our lives as he can, so that he can put an end to the annoying tumult of our public life."
How does he back up these bold statements? By allegedly quoting one sentence from a speech by President Obama concerning health care: "Okay, you've talked enough, now it's time to do the right thing (my thing)." Weak. Also, possibly not even an accurate quote. I tried searching the internet using that quote, minus the "my thing," and the only results were references back to Ledeen's article, not to any quote by President Obama. Ledeen even had to editorialize in that sentence by assuming that Obama only wanted Congress to act on the health care matter to support his "thing." How is this proof that Obama likes tyrants and dislikes America? Your guess is as good as mine.
Ledeen then goes on to say, "And he's trying to end American power in the outside world. He's saying "I'm going to stop us, before we kill again." Where is Ledeen's evidence? Nowhere to be found in this article.
"There is nothing unusual about elitist hatred of freedom. Back in the 18th century, when book publishing really got going, British authors were infuriated that they had to submit to the judgment of a marketplace. They didn't want to be judged by people who were obviously inferior to them, and there was a great rage among the intelligentsia, including some very famous men." Ledeen could have named some. After all, there were many British authors in the 18th century. Surely he could have provided some quotes. Wonder why he didn't?
Same criticism applies to Ledeen's next statement: "And in modern times, we can all name famous intellectuals who fawned all over Mussolini, Stalin, Fidel, and even Hitler." Is that right? I challenge any reader, off the top of your head, to name these "famous intellectuals." Good luck. Obviously, Ledeen didn't choose to name any. Picture him being interviewed by Bill O'Reilly. "So, Mr. Ledeen, as I cannot come up with those "famous intellectuals," please name them for me." I can hear Ledeen's stammering now. One thing for which I admire O'Reilly, besides his penchant for increasing our vocabulary at the end of each show, is that he doesn't let politicians and newsmakers wiggle off his interviewing hook. He reels them in. Bill would have a ball with Ledeen.
"American politics are very fractious, and always have been. Leaders are constantly frustrated, and some of them come to yearn for an end to our freedom. They think they know best, they just want to tell us what to do and have us shut up and do it. I think Obama is one of them." I agree with the first sentence. The next three just constitute more unsubstantiated hyperbole. Evidence please.
"He doesn't like the way things work here, he thinks he can do much better, and he's possessed of the belief that America has done a lot of terrible things in the world, and should be prevented from doing such things ever again. The two convictions mesh perfectly. It's The Best and the Brightest run amok." I imagine that most politicians, regardless of party, don't like the way things work, and think they can do much better. But then Ledeen continues with yet another unsupported statement, "... (Obama's) possessed of the belief that America has done a lot of terrible things in the world, and should be prevented from doing such things ever again." Yawn.
Drum roll, please. Ledeen concludes, not surprisingly, with, "Democratic leaders' envy of tyrants' power can be understood. But it can't be forgiven." He made clear his opinion that President Obama falls into that category. So who are the others? Names and quotes to substantiate that claim, Mr. Ledeen. Oh...I see...that would have required research and an intellectual discipline that you do not seemingly possess. Your comments, therefore, can be understood. But they can't be forgiven.
But wait. I must commend you on one success. Your article's title is, "Is Obama Naive?" You first sentence stated, "I don't think so." Yet near the end of your article, you wrote, "He's not naïve." This is a 313 word essay. Yet in that short time, you at least succeeded in changing the mind of one person, yourself, on the issue of whether Obama is naive or not. Congratulations.
Is Obama Naive?
"I don't think so. I think that he rather likes tyrants and dislikes America. I think he'd like to be more powerful, I think he is trying to get control over as much of our lives as he can, so that he can put an end to the annoying tumult of our public life. As when he said (about health care) to the Congress, "Okay, you've talked enough, now it's time to do the right thing (my thing)." And he's trying to end American power in the outside world. He's saying "I'm going to stop us, before we kill again."
There is nothing unusual about elitist hatred of freedom. Back in the 18th century, when book publishing really got going, British authors were infuriated that they had to submit to the judgment of a marketplace. They didn't want to be judged by people who were obviously inferior to them, and there was a great rage among the intelligentsia, including some very famous men. And in modern times, we can all name famous intellectuals who fawned all over Mussolini, Stalin, Fidel, and even Hitler.
American politics are very fractious, and always have been. Leaders are constantly frustrated, and some of them come to yearn for an end to our freedom. They think they know best, they just want to tell us what to do and have us shut up and do it. I think Obama is one of them. He's not naïve. It's different. He doesn't like the way things work here, he thinks he can do much better, and he's possessed of the belief that America has done a lot of terrible things in the world, and should be prevented from doing such things ever again. The two convictions mesh perfectly. It's The Best and the Brightest run amok.
Democratic leaders' envy of tyrants' power can be understood. But it can't be forgiven."
Let's examine this article and see how it fails to support its own assertions.
Ledeen says, "I think that (Obama) rather likes tyrants and dislikes America. I think he'd like to be more powerful, I think he is trying to get control over as much of our lives as he can, so that he can put an end to the annoying tumult of our public life."
How does he back up these bold statements? By allegedly quoting one sentence from a speech by President Obama concerning health care: "Okay, you've talked enough, now it's time to do the right thing (my thing)." Weak. Also, possibly not even an accurate quote. I tried searching the internet using that quote, minus the "my thing," and the only results were references back to Ledeen's article, not to any quote by President Obama. Ledeen even had to editorialize in that sentence by assuming that Obama only wanted Congress to act on the health care matter to support his "thing." How is this proof that Obama likes tyrants and dislikes America? Your guess is as good as mine.
Ledeen then goes on to say, "And he's trying to end American power in the outside world. He's saying "I'm going to stop us, before we kill again." Where is Ledeen's evidence? Nowhere to be found in this article.
"There is nothing unusual about elitist hatred of freedom. Back in the 18th century, when book publishing really got going, British authors were infuriated that they had to submit to the judgment of a marketplace. They didn't want to be judged by people who were obviously inferior to them, and there was a great rage among the intelligentsia, including some very famous men." Ledeen could have named some. After all, there were many British authors in the 18th century. Surely he could have provided some quotes. Wonder why he didn't?
Same criticism applies to Ledeen's next statement: "And in modern times, we can all name famous intellectuals who fawned all over Mussolini, Stalin, Fidel, and even Hitler." Is that right? I challenge any reader, off the top of your head, to name these "famous intellectuals." Good luck. Obviously, Ledeen didn't choose to name any. Picture him being interviewed by Bill O'Reilly. "So, Mr. Ledeen, as I cannot come up with those "famous intellectuals," please name them for me." I can hear Ledeen's stammering now. One thing for which I admire O'Reilly, besides his penchant for increasing our vocabulary at the end of each show, is that he doesn't let politicians and newsmakers wiggle off his interviewing hook. He reels them in. Bill would have a ball with Ledeen.
"American politics are very fractious, and always have been. Leaders are constantly frustrated, and some of them come to yearn for an end to our freedom. They think they know best, they just want to tell us what to do and have us shut up and do it. I think Obama is one of them." I agree with the first sentence. The next three just constitute more unsubstantiated hyperbole. Evidence please.
"He doesn't like the way things work here, he thinks he can do much better, and he's possessed of the belief that America has done a lot of terrible things in the world, and should be prevented from doing such things ever again. The two convictions mesh perfectly. It's The Best and the Brightest run amok." I imagine that most politicians, regardless of party, don't like the way things work, and think they can do much better. But then Ledeen continues with yet another unsupported statement, "... (Obama's) possessed of the belief that America has done a lot of terrible things in the world, and should be prevented from doing such things ever again." Yawn.
Drum roll, please. Ledeen concludes, not surprisingly, with, "Democratic leaders' envy of tyrants' power can be understood. But it can't be forgiven." He made clear his opinion that President Obama falls into that category. So who are the others? Names and quotes to substantiate that claim, Mr. Ledeen. Oh...I see...that would have required research and an intellectual discipline that you do not seemingly possess. Your comments, therefore, can be understood. But they can't be forgiven.
But wait. I must commend you on one success. Your article's title is, "Is Obama Naive?" You first sentence stated, "I don't think so." Yet near the end of your article, you wrote, "He's not naïve." This is a 313 word essay. Yet in that short time, you at least succeeded in changing the mind of one person, yourself, on the issue of whether Obama is naive or not. Congratulations.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Recession Hits U.S. Workers 54 and Under Hardest
Dennis Cauchon of USA TODAY reported that the current recession has affected U.S. workers who are less than 54 years old, particularly males, harder than any other segment of the population. Why? The article states:
"The incomes of the young and middle-aged — especially men — have fallen off a cliff since 2000, leaving many age groups poorer than they were even in the 1970s, a USA TODAY analysis of new Census data found.
People 54 or younger are losing ground financially at an unprecedented rate in this recession, widening a gap between young and old that had been expanding for years.
While the young have lost ground, older people have grown more prosperous over the years and the decades. Older women have done best of all.
The dividing line between those getting richer or poorer: the year 1955. If you were born before that, you're part of a generation enjoying a four-decade run of historic income growth. Every generation after that is now sinking economically.
Household income for people in their peak earning years — between ages 45 and 54 — plunged $7,700 to $64,349 from 2000 through 2008, after adjusting for inflation. People in their 20s and 30s suffered similar drops. Older people enjoyed all the gains.
The line between the haves and have-nots runs through the middle of the Baby Boom, the population explosion 1946-64.
"The second half of the Baby Boom may be in the worst shape of all," says demographer Cheryl Russell of New Strategist Publications, a research firm. "They're loaded with expenses for housing, cars and kids, but they will never generate the income that their parents enjoyed."
What caused the income gap:
- Waiting line for good jobs. Older people are working longer, crowding out young people from the best-paying jobs while boosting the incomes of older workers and seniors.
- Global competition. Low-income workers in other nations have pushed down wages in the USA. Newly hired workers — generally younger people — experience the wage decline first, says economist Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a liberal-leaning think tank.
- Golden age of retirement. Social Security and private pensions have elevated the incomes of retired people to record levels and reduced poverty among the elderly.
One bright sign: Women have boosted income by holding half the USA's jobs, working longer hours and narrowing the gender pay gap from 2000, when women made 25% less than men, to 2008, when they made 23% less. Older, college-educated career women have had the biggest gains.
Terry Neese, founder of a human resources firm in Oklahoma City, says income shifts partly reflect changing gender roles and values.
As women bring in more income, men can work less or stay home with children, she says. Neese says her own daughter, who now runs the family firm, worked less and went to more kids' soccer games. "My daughter says, 'I'm not going to work like you worked,' " says Neese, 60."
An important part of the American Dream has always been that the next generation will be better off financially than the current one. That has always been the case. Will the current recession be only a temporary setback in the continuation of that trend?
It has been argued that since the U.S. recovered from the Great Depression, then it can certainly recover from this crisis. However, the U.S. had both WWII and the rebuilding that followed to help pull it out of the depression. Also, there was no low wage world wide competition with which to deal in 1945.
Will the U.S. (and world) economy return to, and ultimately exceed, the pre-recession levels? Or will we live with lowered expectations for the foreseeable future?
The 'under age 54s' that I know personally are damned hard workers. They and their families deserve the bright futures that preceding generations have virtually taken for granted. I know that they will work extra hard to succeed in spite of the extra obstacles in their pathes, yet it still angers me when bad things happen to good people.
"The incomes of the young and middle-aged — especially men — have fallen off a cliff since 2000, leaving many age groups poorer than they were even in the 1970s, a USA TODAY analysis of new Census data found.
People 54 or younger are losing ground financially at an unprecedented rate in this recession, widening a gap between young and old that had been expanding for years.
While the young have lost ground, older people have grown more prosperous over the years and the decades. Older women have done best of all.
The dividing line between those getting richer or poorer: the year 1955. If you were born before that, you're part of a generation enjoying a four-decade run of historic income growth. Every generation after that is now sinking economically.
Household income for people in their peak earning years — between ages 45 and 54 — plunged $7,700 to $64,349 from 2000 through 2008, after adjusting for inflation. People in their 20s and 30s suffered similar drops. Older people enjoyed all the gains.
The line between the haves and have-nots runs through the middle of the Baby Boom, the population explosion 1946-64.
"The second half of the Baby Boom may be in the worst shape of all," says demographer Cheryl Russell of New Strategist Publications, a research firm. "They're loaded with expenses for housing, cars and kids, but they will never generate the income that their parents enjoyed."
What caused the income gap:
- Waiting line for good jobs. Older people are working longer, crowding out young people from the best-paying jobs while boosting the incomes of older workers and seniors.
- Global competition. Low-income workers in other nations have pushed down wages in the USA. Newly hired workers — generally younger people — experience the wage decline first, says economist Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a liberal-leaning think tank.
- Golden age of retirement. Social Security and private pensions have elevated the incomes of retired people to record levels and reduced poverty among the elderly.
One bright sign: Women have boosted income by holding half the USA's jobs, working longer hours and narrowing the gender pay gap from 2000, when women made 25% less than men, to 2008, when they made 23% less. Older, college-educated career women have had the biggest gains.
Terry Neese, founder of a human resources firm in Oklahoma City, says income shifts partly reflect changing gender roles and values.
As women bring in more income, men can work less or stay home with children, she says. Neese says her own daughter, who now runs the family firm, worked less and went to more kids' soccer games. "My daughter says, 'I'm not going to work like you worked,' " says Neese, 60."
An important part of the American Dream has always been that the next generation will be better off financially than the current one. That has always been the case. Will the current recession be only a temporary setback in the continuation of that trend?
It has been argued that since the U.S. recovered from the Great Depression, then it can certainly recover from this crisis. However, the U.S. had both WWII and the rebuilding that followed to help pull it out of the depression. Also, there was no low wage world wide competition with which to deal in 1945.
Will the U.S. (and world) economy return to, and ultimately exceed, the pre-recession levels? Or will we live with lowered expectations for the foreseeable future?
The 'under age 54s' that I know personally are damned hard workers. They and their families deserve the bright futures that preceding generations have virtually taken for granted. I know that they will work extra hard to succeed in spite of the extra obstacles in their pathes, yet it still angers me when bad things happen to good people.
Friday, September 11, 2009
9/11 - A Time to Remember and Reflect
Let's spend our time this week remembering and reflecting, rather than bitterly analyzing and debating. See you next Friday.
Friday, September 4, 2009
End of Life Counseling: Death With Dignity
As we approach our life's end, counseling can ease that final step. Ever since certain politicians began frothing at the mouth about 'death panels', and how they will be pulling the plug on grandma, I had seen no information about the established procedure of end-of-life counseling. Until now.
The July 8, 2009 New York Times published an article entitled, Sisters Face Death With Dignity and Reverence. I quote the article verbatim:
"Gravely ill with heart disease, tethered to an oxygen tank, her feet swollen and her appetite gone, Sister Dorothy Quinn, 87, readied herself to die in the nursing wing of the Sisters of St. Joseph convent where she has been a member since she was a teenager.
She was surrounded by friends and colleagues of nearly seven decades. Some had been with her in college, others fellow teachers in Alabama at the time of the Selma march, more from her years as a home health aide and spiritual counselor to elderly shut-ins.
As she lay dying, Sister Dorothy declined most of her 23 medications not essential for her heart condition, prescribed by specialists but winnowed by a geriatrician who knows that elderly people are often overmedicated. She decided against a mammogram to learn the nature of a lump in her one remaining breast, understanding that she would not survive treatment.
There were goodbyes and decisions about giving away her quilting supplies and the jigsaw puzzle collection that inspired the patterns of her one-of-a-kind pieces. She consoled her biological sister, who pleaded with her to do whatever it took to stay alive.
Even as her prognosis gradually improved from hours to weeks and even months, Sister Dorothy’s goal was not immortality; it was getting back to quilting, as she has. She spread her latest on her bed: Autumnal sunflowers. “I’m not afraid of death,” she said. “Even when I was dying, I wasn’t afraid of it. You just get a feeling within yourself at a certain point. You know when to let it be.”
A convent is a world apart, unduplicable. But the Sisters of St. Joseph, a congregation in this Rochester suburb, animate many factors that studies say contribute to successful aging and a gentle death — none of which require this special setting. These include a large social network, intellectual stimulation, continued engagement in life and spiritual beliefs, as well as health care guided by the less-is-more principles of palliative and hospice care — trends that are moving from the fringes to the mainstream.
For the elderly and infirm Roman Catholic sisters here, all of this takes place in a Mother House designed like a secular retirement community for a congregation that is literally dying off, like so many religious orders. On average, one sister dies each month, right here, not in the hospital, because few choose aggressive medical intervention at the end of life, although they are welcome to it if they want.
“We approach our living and our dying in the same way, with discernment,” said Sister Mary Lou Mitchell, the congregation president. “Maybe this is one of the messages we can send to society, by modeling it.”
Primary care for most of the ailing sisters is provided by Dr. Robert C. McCann, a geriatrician at the University of Rochester, who says that through a combination of philosophy and happenstance, “they have better deaths than any I’ve ever seen.”
Dr. McCann’s long relationship with the sisters gives him the time and opportunity, impossible in the hurly-burly of an intensive-care unit, to clarify goals of care long before a crisis: Whether feeding tubes or ventilators make sense. If pain control is more important than alertness. That studies show that CPR is rarely effective and often dangerous in the elderly.
“It is much easier to guide people to better choices here than in a hospital,” he said, “and you don’t get a lot of pushback when you suggest that more treatment is not better treatment.”
But that is not to say the sisters are denied aggressive treatment. Sister Mary Jane Mitchell, 65, chose radical surgery and radiation for a grave form of brain cancer. She now lives on the Alzheimer’s unit, unable to speak and squeezing shut her lips when aides try to feed her.
Then there is Sister Marie Albert Alderman, 84 and blind in one eye from a stroke. She sees a kidney specialist, who, she says, “is trying to keep me off the machine by staying on top of things.” By that she means dialysis, which she would not refuse. “If they want to try it, fine,” she said. “But I don’t want it to go on and on and on.”
But Sister Mary Jane and Sister Marie Albert are exceptions here. Few sisters opt for major surgery, high-tech diagnostic tests or life-sustaining machinery. And nobody can remember the last time anyone died in a hospital, which was one of the goals in selling the old Mother House, with its tumbledown infirmary — a “Bells of St. Mary” kind of place — and using the money to finance a new facility appropriate for end-of-life care.
“There is a time to die and a way to do that with reverence,” said Sister Mary Lou, 56, a former nurse. “Hospitals should not be meccas for dying. Dying belongs at home, in the community. We built this place with that in mind.”
In the old Mother House, the infirmary was a place apart. Here, everyone mixes. Of the 150 residents, nearly half live in the west wing, designated for independent living, in apartments with raised toilets, grab bars and the like. These are the sisters who have given up paying jobs and shared apartments in the community because of encroaching infirmity.
Forty sisters live in assisted-living studios, and another 40 in the nursing home and Alzheimer’s unit, all in the east wing, with the chapel, dining rooms and library at the central intersection. Closed-circuit television allows those confined to their rooms to watch daily religious services.
Remaining money from the sale of the Mother House went into a shared retirement fund covering the women’s lodging and medical care, along with Social Security payments of the retired and salaries of those still working — one is a surgeon, another a chief executive, and several are college professors. Dr. McCann bills Medicare for home visits, although most of the care he delivers is not covered by the government and goes without reimbursement.
Dr. McCann said that the sisters’ religious faith insulated them from existential suffering — the “Why me?” refrain commonly heard among those without a belief in an afterlife. Absent that anxiety and fear, Dr. McCann said, there is less pain, less depression, and thus the sisters require only one-third the amount of narcotics he uses to manage end-of-life symptoms among hospitalized patients.
On recent rounds, Dr. McCann saw Sister Beverly Jones, 86, a former music teacher losing her eyesight to macular degeneration. Upbeat, Sister Beverly told the doctor about the latest book she was reading using a magnifying device — “Beethoven’s Hair” by Russell Martin, about the composer’s DNA.
He also saw Sister Jamesine Riley, 75, once the president of the congregation, who barely survived a car accident that left her with a brain injury, dozens of broken bones and pneumonia. “You’re not giving up, are you?” Dr. McCann asked her.
“No, I’m discouraged, but I’m not giving up,” Sister Jamesine replied in a strong voice.
He told her he worried that she now found herself with so little control. She nodded in stoic assent.
Some days, Dr. McCann said, he arrives with his “head spinning,” from hospitals and intensive-care units where death can be tortured, impersonal and wastefully expensive, only to find himself in a “different world where it’s really possible to focus on what’s important for people” and, he adds, “what’s exportable, what we can learn from an ideal environment like this.”
Laura L. Carstensen, the director of the Center on Longevity at Stanford University, says the convent setting calms the tendency for public policy discussion about end-of-life treatment “to devolve into a debate about euthanasia or rationing health care based on age.”
“Every time I speak to a group about the need to improve the dying process, somebody raises their hand and says, ‘You’re talking about killing old people,’ ” Dr. Carstensen said. “But nobody would accuse Roman Catholic sisters of that. They could be a beacon in talking about this without it turning into that American black-and-white way of thinking: Either we have to throw everything we’ve got at keeping people alive or leave them on the sidewalk to die.”
Often the Roman Catholic position on end-of-life issues is misconstrued as “do anything and everything necessary” but nothing in Catholic theology demands extraordinary intervention, experts say, nor do the sisters here, or their resident chaplain, Msgr. William H. Shannon, 91, advocate euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide.
“Killing somebody who is very, very old, with a pill or something, that isn’t right,” Sister Dorothy said. “But everybody has their own slant on life and death. It’s legitimate to say no to extraordinary means. And dying people, you can tell when they don’t want to eat or drink. That’s a natural thing.”
Barbara Cocilova, the nurse practitioner here, sees differences in the health of these sisters compared with elderly patients in other settings. None have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (perhaps because they do not smoke) and only three have diabetes (often caused by obesity). Among those with Alzheimer’s, Ms. Cocilova said, diagnostic tests tend to produce better-than-expected results among those who are further along in the disease process, a possible result of mental stimulation.
Dr. McCann and others say that the sisters benefit from advanced education, and new ventures in retirement that keep them active. Sister Jamesine was a lawyer who founded a legal clinic for Rochester’s working poor. Sister Mary Jane Mitchell was the first female chaplain in a federal penitentiary.
Sister Bernadine Frieda, 91, spry and sharp, spends her days visiting the infirm with Sister Marie Kellner, 77, both of them onetime science teachers. Sister Marie, who left the classroom because of multiple sclerosis, reminds an astounded sister with Alzheimer’s that she was once a high school principal (“I was?!”) and sings “Peace Is Like a River” to the dying.
“We don’t let anyone go alone on the last journey,” Sister Marie said.
Seven priests moved here in old age, paying their own way, as does Father Shannon, who presides over funerals that are more about the celebratory “alleluia” than the glum “De Profundis.” But he has been with the sisters since he entered the priesthood, first as a professor at Nazareth College, founded by the order, and now as their chaplain. He shares with them the security of knowing he will not die among strangers who have nothing in common but age and infirmity.
“This is what our culture, our society, is starved for, to be rich in relationships,” Sister Mary Lou said. “This is what everyone should have.”
This article did an excellent job of providing real world information on a very sensitive subject. Much needed light was shed. Often, people don't want to face the reality of their demise. Yet we should not be in denial, no matter how painful that realization is.
When my time comes, I hope that I, as well as my wife, will have the support and advice of such counselors. Change is not easy. This ultimate transition is no exception.
The July 8, 2009 New York Times published an article entitled, Sisters Face Death With Dignity and Reverence. I quote the article verbatim:
"Gravely ill with heart disease, tethered to an oxygen tank, her feet swollen and her appetite gone, Sister Dorothy Quinn, 87, readied herself to die in the nursing wing of the Sisters of St. Joseph convent where she has been a member since she was a teenager.
She was surrounded by friends and colleagues of nearly seven decades. Some had been with her in college, others fellow teachers in Alabama at the time of the Selma march, more from her years as a home health aide and spiritual counselor to elderly shut-ins.
As she lay dying, Sister Dorothy declined most of her 23 medications not essential for her heart condition, prescribed by specialists but winnowed by a geriatrician who knows that elderly people are often overmedicated. She decided against a mammogram to learn the nature of a lump in her one remaining breast, understanding that she would not survive treatment.
There were goodbyes and decisions about giving away her quilting supplies and the jigsaw puzzle collection that inspired the patterns of her one-of-a-kind pieces. She consoled her biological sister, who pleaded with her to do whatever it took to stay alive.
Even as her prognosis gradually improved from hours to weeks and even months, Sister Dorothy’s goal was not immortality; it was getting back to quilting, as she has. She spread her latest on her bed: Autumnal sunflowers. “I’m not afraid of death,” she said. “Even when I was dying, I wasn’t afraid of it. You just get a feeling within yourself at a certain point. You know when to let it be.”
A convent is a world apart, unduplicable. But the Sisters of St. Joseph, a congregation in this Rochester suburb, animate many factors that studies say contribute to successful aging and a gentle death — none of which require this special setting. These include a large social network, intellectual stimulation, continued engagement in life and spiritual beliefs, as well as health care guided by the less-is-more principles of palliative and hospice care — trends that are moving from the fringes to the mainstream.
For the elderly and infirm Roman Catholic sisters here, all of this takes place in a Mother House designed like a secular retirement community for a congregation that is literally dying off, like so many religious orders. On average, one sister dies each month, right here, not in the hospital, because few choose aggressive medical intervention at the end of life, although they are welcome to it if they want.
“We approach our living and our dying in the same way, with discernment,” said Sister Mary Lou Mitchell, the congregation president. “Maybe this is one of the messages we can send to society, by modeling it.”
Primary care for most of the ailing sisters is provided by Dr. Robert C. McCann, a geriatrician at the University of Rochester, who says that through a combination of philosophy and happenstance, “they have better deaths than any I’ve ever seen.”
Dr. McCann’s long relationship with the sisters gives him the time and opportunity, impossible in the hurly-burly of an intensive-care unit, to clarify goals of care long before a crisis: Whether feeding tubes or ventilators make sense. If pain control is more important than alertness. That studies show that CPR is rarely effective and often dangerous in the elderly.
“It is much easier to guide people to better choices here than in a hospital,” he said, “and you don’t get a lot of pushback when you suggest that more treatment is not better treatment.”
But that is not to say the sisters are denied aggressive treatment. Sister Mary Jane Mitchell, 65, chose radical surgery and radiation for a grave form of brain cancer. She now lives on the Alzheimer’s unit, unable to speak and squeezing shut her lips when aides try to feed her.
Then there is Sister Marie Albert Alderman, 84 and blind in one eye from a stroke. She sees a kidney specialist, who, she says, “is trying to keep me off the machine by staying on top of things.” By that she means dialysis, which she would not refuse. “If they want to try it, fine,” she said. “But I don’t want it to go on and on and on.”
But Sister Mary Jane and Sister Marie Albert are exceptions here. Few sisters opt for major surgery, high-tech diagnostic tests or life-sustaining machinery. And nobody can remember the last time anyone died in a hospital, which was one of the goals in selling the old Mother House, with its tumbledown infirmary — a “Bells of St. Mary” kind of place — and using the money to finance a new facility appropriate for end-of-life care.
“There is a time to die and a way to do that with reverence,” said Sister Mary Lou, 56, a former nurse. “Hospitals should not be meccas for dying. Dying belongs at home, in the community. We built this place with that in mind.”
In the old Mother House, the infirmary was a place apart. Here, everyone mixes. Of the 150 residents, nearly half live in the west wing, designated for independent living, in apartments with raised toilets, grab bars and the like. These are the sisters who have given up paying jobs and shared apartments in the community because of encroaching infirmity.
Forty sisters live in assisted-living studios, and another 40 in the nursing home and Alzheimer’s unit, all in the east wing, with the chapel, dining rooms and library at the central intersection. Closed-circuit television allows those confined to their rooms to watch daily religious services.
Remaining money from the sale of the Mother House went into a shared retirement fund covering the women’s lodging and medical care, along with Social Security payments of the retired and salaries of those still working — one is a surgeon, another a chief executive, and several are college professors. Dr. McCann bills Medicare for home visits, although most of the care he delivers is not covered by the government and goes without reimbursement.
Dr. McCann said that the sisters’ religious faith insulated them from existential suffering — the “Why me?” refrain commonly heard among those without a belief in an afterlife. Absent that anxiety and fear, Dr. McCann said, there is less pain, less depression, and thus the sisters require only one-third the amount of narcotics he uses to manage end-of-life symptoms among hospitalized patients.
On recent rounds, Dr. McCann saw Sister Beverly Jones, 86, a former music teacher losing her eyesight to macular degeneration. Upbeat, Sister Beverly told the doctor about the latest book she was reading using a magnifying device — “Beethoven’s Hair” by Russell Martin, about the composer’s DNA.
He also saw Sister Jamesine Riley, 75, once the president of the congregation, who barely survived a car accident that left her with a brain injury, dozens of broken bones and pneumonia. “You’re not giving up, are you?” Dr. McCann asked her.
“No, I’m discouraged, but I’m not giving up,” Sister Jamesine replied in a strong voice.
He told her he worried that she now found herself with so little control. She nodded in stoic assent.
Some days, Dr. McCann said, he arrives with his “head spinning,” from hospitals and intensive-care units where death can be tortured, impersonal and wastefully expensive, only to find himself in a “different world where it’s really possible to focus on what’s important for people” and, he adds, “what’s exportable, what we can learn from an ideal environment like this.”
Laura L. Carstensen, the director of the Center on Longevity at Stanford University, says the convent setting calms the tendency for public policy discussion about end-of-life treatment “to devolve into a debate about euthanasia or rationing health care based on age.”
“Every time I speak to a group about the need to improve the dying process, somebody raises their hand and says, ‘You’re talking about killing old people,’ ” Dr. Carstensen said. “But nobody would accuse Roman Catholic sisters of that. They could be a beacon in talking about this without it turning into that American black-and-white way of thinking: Either we have to throw everything we’ve got at keeping people alive or leave them on the sidewalk to die.”
Often the Roman Catholic position on end-of-life issues is misconstrued as “do anything and everything necessary” but nothing in Catholic theology demands extraordinary intervention, experts say, nor do the sisters here, or their resident chaplain, Msgr. William H. Shannon, 91, advocate euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide.
“Killing somebody who is very, very old, with a pill or something, that isn’t right,” Sister Dorothy said. “But everybody has their own slant on life and death. It’s legitimate to say no to extraordinary means. And dying people, you can tell when they don’t want to eat or drink. That’s a natural thing.”
Barbara Cocilova, the nurse practitioner here, sees differences in the health of these sisters compared with elderly patients in other settings. None have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (perhaps because they do not smoke) and only three have diabetes (often caused by obesity). Among those with Alzheimer’s, Ms. Cocilova said, diagnostic tests tend to produce better-than-expected results among those who are further along in the disease process, a possible result of mental stimulation.
Dr. McCann and others say that the sisters benefit from advanced education, and new ventures in retirement that keep them active. Sister Jamesine was a lawyer who founded a legal clinic for Rochester’s working poor. Sister Mary Jane Mitchell was the first female chaplain in a federal penitentiary.
Sister Bernadine Frieda, 91, spry and sharp, spends her days visiting the infirm with Sister Marie Kellner, 77, both of them onetime science teachers. Sister Marie, who left the classroom because of multiple sclerosis, reminds an astounded sister with Alzheimer’s that she was once a high school principal (“I was?!”) and sings “Peace Is Like a River” to the dying.
“We don’t let anyone go alone on the last journey,” Sister Marie said.
Seven priests moved here in old age, paying their own way, as does Father Shannon, who presides over funerals that are more about the celebratory “alleluia” than the glum “De Profundis.” But he has been with the sisters since he entered the priesthood, first as a professor at Nazareth College, founded by the order, and now as their chaplain. He shares with them the security of knowing he will not die among strangers who have nothing in common but age and infirmity.
“This is what our culture, our society, is starved for, to be rich in relationships,” Sister Mary Lou said. “This is what everyone should have.”
This article did an excellent job of providing real world information on a very sensitive subject. Much needed light was shed. Often, people don't want to face the reality of their demise. Yet we should not be in denial, no matter how painful that realization is.
When my time comes, I hope that I, as well as my wife, will have the support and advice of such counselors. Change is not easy. This ultimate transition is no exception.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Exploring Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain is one of seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The term 'emirate' compares roughly to the old term 'shiekhdom'. It is the last of the seven that I will have written about. To read about the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah, please see my posts dated February 13, 2009 (Bye Bye, Dubai?), March 6, 2009 (Exploring Abu Dhabi), April 3, 2009 (Exploring Ajman), May 8, 2009 (Exploring Fujairah), June 12,2009 (Exploring Ras Al Khaimah), and July 17, 2009 (Exploring Sharjah). It has been a fascinating and enriching journey for me.
Umm Al Quwain's population is 41,000, which makes it the least populated of the seven UAE emirates.
gowealthy.com summarized the history of Umm Al Quwain:
"The history of Umm Al Quwain dates back to remote antiquity. The name Umm Al Quwain is derived from Umm Al Quwatain, which means "Mother of two powers", a reference to the powerful seafaring tradition of this emirate.
The earliest settlements in Umm Al Quwain had strong Hellenistic traits; some of these are more than 7,000 years old. Traces of these ancient communities are still discernible in Al Dour, near the town of Umm Al Quwain.
Arrowheads and other polished flint tools have been unearthed in various sites across the UAE, including Umm Al Quwain. And pieces of Ubaid pottery have been unearthed along the shores of the emirate; all evidence obtained so far indicate that contact with Mesopotamia existed as early as the 5th millennium BC as an indigenous ceramic industry did not emerge until the 3rd century BC.
During the Bronze Age (3000 – 1300 BC), semi-nomadic tribes inhabited the region; they shifted in groups from place to place foraging for timber from the indigenous acacia for smelting copper. The metal was sent to all the prominent ports on the Gulf, Umm Al Nar being one of them. Ties with Mesopotamia were jealously maintained and consequently the trade in copper ushered in prosperity in the region.
Also during the Bronze Age, agriculture flourished, with dates being the prominent crop. Wheat, millet and other grains were also cultivated wherever there was enough water for irrigation. It is now widely believed that the climate during the period was more temperate than now. Buildings, mostly fortress towers came up in the UAE, especially in Umm Al Quwain, during the Umm Al Nar period (2500 – 2000 BC). The most common buildings associated with this era are the circular burial tombs. In Alexander the Great’s day, Hellenistic culture thrived in the Al Dour settlement in Umm Al Quwain.
Al Dour was located roughly where the town of Umm Al Quwain is now. It was an important trading port from about 200 BC to 200 AD. The site is interesting not only due to its fort and cemeteries but also because of the discovery, of a temple which has been attributed to the sun god.
The modern history of Umm Al Quwain began some 200 years ago when the Al Ali tribe moved their capital from Al Sinniyah Island to its present location in the mid 18th century, when the sweet water supply dried up.
In 1775 Sheikh Majid Al Mu’alla, founder of the ruling Al Mu’alla lineage of the Al Ali clan, established an independent sheikhdom in Umm al-Quwain. The emirate became a British protectorate on Jan 8, 1820 when the then ruler Sheikh Abdullah I signed the General Maritime Treaty with the United Kingdom. Owing to its strategic position on the way to India, Umm Al Quwain, like Ajman, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah was made a salute state. And on Dec 2 1971, Sheikh Ahmad II joined the United Arab Emirates. The current ruler of Umm Al Quwain is Sheikh Rashid III bin Ahmad Al Mu’alla; he has reigned since 1981, when he succeeded his father Sheikh Ahmad II.
In the 21st century, Umm Al Quwain has made major economic and technological inroads and ranks as one of fastest developing emirates in the country."
How has the current economic crisis affected Umm Al Quwain? This question came to me as I had just read that the unemployment rate for Las Vegas is up to 13.1%. Do we have an unfortunate area of common interest with the citizens of this emirate? Unfortunately, yes.
recruitgulf.com has a page devoted to Umm Al Quwain. I clicked on each of the 30 job categories and found the following lead sentence on each of them:
"There are currently no job vacancies matching your particular criteria in Umm al-Quwain."
Let's hope that the job situation in Umm Al Quwain and Las Vegas reverses the current trend so we can both share prosperity again soon. Of course I want to expand that hope to all countries as well.
Check out the recreation. You might enjoy the emirate's Dreamland Aqua Park. If you can wait until 2015, the Umm Al Quwain Marina will be a site to see. With an expected completion date of 2011, White Bay sounds like a residential area not to miss, with "...an arrangement of 8 thousand leasehold residential units as waterfront villas, park-view villas, terraced condominiums, mid-rise apartments and townhouses...".
Can you see yourself enjoying these attractions, and chatting with local folks? I can. Such a vision makes the alleged differences between the citizens of the United States and the citizens of the United Arab Emirates seem trivial.
Forget what fearmongering politicians might want us to believe. Think for yourself. The benefits might surprise you.
Umm Al Quwain's population is 41,000, which makes it the least populated of the seven UAE emirates.
gowealthy.com summarized the history of Umm Al Quwain:
"The history of Umm Al Quwain dates back to remote antiquity. The name Umm Al Quwain is derived from Umm Al Quwatain, which means "Mother of two powers", a reference to the powerful seafaring tradition of this emirate.
The earliest settlements in Umm Al Quwain had strong Hellenistic traits; some of these are more than 7,000 years old. Traces of these ancient communities are still discernible in Al Dour, near the town of Umm Al Quwain.
Arrowheads and other polished flint tools have been unearthed in various sites across the UAE, including Umm Al Quwain. And pieces of Ubaid pottery have been unearthed along the shores of the emirate; all evidence obtained so far indicate that contact with Mesopotamia existed as early as the 5th millennium BC as an indigenous ceramic industry did not emerge until the 3rd century BC.
During the Bronze Age (3000 – 1300 BC), semi-nomadic tribes inhabited the region; they shifted in groups from place to place foraging for timber from the indigenous acacia for smelting copper. The metal was sent to all the prominent ports on the Gulf, Umm Al Nar being one of them. Ties with Mesopotamia were jealously maintained and consequently the trade in copper ushered in prosperity in the region.
Also during the Bronze Age, agriculture flourished, with dates being the prominent crop. Wheat, millet and other grains were also cultivated wherever there was enough water for irrigation. It is now widely believed that the climate during the period was more temperate than now. Buildings, mostly fortress towers came up in the UAE, especially in Umm Al Quwain, during the Umm Al Nar period (2500 – 2000 BC). The most common buildings associated with this era are the circular burial tombs. In Alexander the Great’s day, Hellenistic culture thrived in the Al Dour settlement in Umm Al Quwain.
Al Dour was located roughly where the town of Umm Al Quwain is now. It was an important trading port from about 200 BC to 200 AD. The site is interesting not only due to its fort and cemeteries but also because of the discovery, of a temple which has been attributed to the sun god.
The modern history of Umm Al Quwain began some 200 years ago when the Al Ali tribe moved their capital from Al Sinniyah Island to its present location in the mid 18th century, when the sweet water supply dried up.
In 1775 Sheikh Majid Al Mu’alla, founder of the ruling Al Mu’alla lineage of the Al Ali clan, established an independent sheikhdom in Umm al-Quwain. The emirate became a British protectorate on Jan 8, 1820 when the then ruler Sheikh Abdullah I signed the General Maritime Treaty with the United Kingdom. Owing to its strategic position on the way to India, Umm Al Quwain, like Ajman, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah was made a salute state. And on Dec 2 1971, Sheikh Ahmad II joined the United Arab Emirates. The current ruler of Umm Al Quwain is Sheikh Rashid III bin Ahmad Al Mu’alla; he has reigned since 1981, when he succeeded his father Sheikh Ahmad II.
In the 21st century, Umm Al Quwain has made major economic and technological inroads and ranks as one of fastest developing emirates in the country."
How has the current economic crisis affected Umm Al Quwain? This question came to me as I had just read that the unemployment rate for Las Vegas is up to 13.1%. Do we have an unfortunate area of common interest with the citizens of this emirate? Unfortunately, yes.
recruitgulf.com has a page devoted to Umm Al Quwain. I clicked on each of the 30 job categories and found the following lead sentence on each of them:
"There are currently no job vacancies matching your particular criteria in Umm al-Quwain."
Let's hope that the job situation in Umm Al Quwain and Las Vegas reverses the current trend so we can both share prosperity again soon. Of course I want to expand that hope to all countries as well.
Check out the recreation. You might enjoy the emirate's Dreamland Aqua Park. If you can wait until 2015, the Umm Al Quwain Marina will be a site to see. With an expected completion date of 2011, White Bay sounds like a residential area not to miss, with "...an arrangement of 8 thousand leasehold residential units as waterfront villas, park-view villas, terraced condominiums, mid-rise apartments and townhouses...".
Can you see yourself enjoying these attractions, and chatting with local folks? I can. Such a vision makes the alleged differences between the citizens of the United States and the citizens of the United Arab Emirates seem trivial.
Forget what fearmongering politicians might want us to believe. Think for yourself. The benefits might surprise you.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Ten Wheel Drive: The Best Band Not At Woodstock
August 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the ground-breaking festival of peace and music known as Woodstock. I was 19 years old and desperately wanted to attend, but couldn't afford it. I had recently completed my freshman year at the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle, and worked part time as a stock boy at a Montgomery Ward store at 95th and Western. It paid for my books, clothes, dating expenses, and auto insurance. Thank God I had a scholarship that covered tuition.
During the summer of 1969, I had a couple of summer classes, and worked full time stocking shelves; assembling everything from tricycles to above ground swimming pools to storage sheds to riding mowers; and moving 50 pound bags of fertilizer, all for $1.40 per hour. But I digress...
Since you've probably seen and heard numerous clips from varied Woodstock performances this month, I want to introduce you to the Best Band Not At Woodstock. But first, additional background to this story.
Two years after Woodstock, in the record department at Wards, I found, in the remaindered (marked down) section, some albums by a band called Ten Wheel Drive with Genya Ravan (TWD). What caught my eye was the jazz-rock notations on the albums' covers. I was already a huge fan of jazz-rock. Blood, Sweat, and Tears had whetted my appetite with "Spinning Wheel". (NOTE: When clicking on the songs, you will be taken to "last.fm". To listen to the original versions of the songs, click on their titles in the upper right hand portion of the web page.)
Then I played the TWD albums. Nothing prepared me for the force of this band's music. As a Chicagoan, and fan of the great jazz-rock group Chicago Transit Authority, known as simply Chicago after their first album, it pains me to say that they were bypassed in that genre by this east coast jazz-rock band.
A TWD sampler: How Long Before I'm Gone; I Am A Want Ad; House In Central Park; Eye of the Needle; Tightrope; Pulse; Stay With Me; Last of the Line; Ain't Gonna Happen.
TWD leads the jazz-rock pack thanks to remaining true to a strong jazz sound carrying the melodies; Genya Raven's powerful vocals; the brilliant arrangement of the songs; the tight horn section that won't be denied; and last, but certainly not least, the creative genius of Aram Schefrin.
I guarantee that you will either love or loathe Genya's vocal stylings (needless to say, I love her voice), but TWD is the real deal. Look for their songs on last.fm, youtube, or on ITunes. Their creative heart and soul, Aram Schefrin, recorded a series of revealing podcasts about TWD, that are still accessable on Itunes for free. The podcasts include a wide selection by Aram of TWD's songs.
In the aforementioned TWD podcasts, Aram mentions Woodstock, and how TWD was not invited. Such an omission on the part of Woodstock's organizers was a musical loss. Their appearance at Woodstock would have garnered them the publicity necessary to propel them to much greater commercial success, as well as perhaps keeping the band together for much more artistic success as well. At least we have three TWD albums with Genya (not including a so-called "Greatest Hits").
I close my eyes and imagine a duet at Woodstock with Janis Joplin and Genya Ravan, backed by Big Brother and the Holding Company and Ten Wheel Drive. Could the stage have supported such talent? It would have been electric.
During the summer of 1969, I had a couple of summer classes, and worked full time stocking shelves; assembling everything from tricycles to above ground swimming pools to storage sheds to riding mowers; and moving 50 pound bags of fertilizer, all for $1.40 per hour. But I digress...
Since you've probably seen and heard numerous clips from varied Woodstock performances this month, I want to introduce you to the Best Band Not At Woodstock. But first, additional background to this story.
Two years after Woodstock, in the record department at Wards, I found, in the remaindered (marked down) section, some albums by a band called Ten Wheel Drive with Genya Ravan (TWD). What caught my eye was the jazz-rock notations on the albums' covers. I was already a huge fan of jazz-rock. Blood, Sweat, and Tears had whetted my appetite with "Spinning Wheel". (NOTE: When clicking on the songs, you will be taken to "last.fm". To listen to the original versions of the songs, click on their titles in the upper right hand portion of the web page.)
Then I played the TWD albums. Nothing prepared me for the force of this band's music. As a Chicagoan, and fan of the great jazz-rock group Chicago Transit Authority, known as simply Chicago after their first album, it pains me to say that they were bypassed in that genre by this east coast jazz-rock band.
A TWD sampler: How Long Before I'm Gone; I Am A Want Ad; House In Central Park; Eye of the Needle; Tightrope; Pulse; Stay With Me; Last of the Line; Ain't Gonna Happen.
TWD leads the jazz-rock pack thanks to remaining true to a strong jazz sound carrying the melodies; Genya Raven's powerful vocals; the brilliant arrangement of the songs; the tight horn section that won't be denied; and last, but certainly not least, the creative genius of Aram Schefrin.
I guarantee that you will either love or loathe Genya's vocal stylings (needless to say, I love her voice), but TWD is the real deal. Look for their songs on last.fm, youtube, or on ITunes. Their creative heart and soul, Aram Schefrin, recorded a series of revealing podcasts about TWD, that are still accessable on Itunes for free. The podcasts include a wide selection by Aram of TWD's songs.
In the aforementioned TWD podcasts, Aram mentions Woodstock, and how TWD was not invited. Such an omission on the part of Woodstock's organizers was a musical loss. Their appearance at Woodstock would have garnered them the publicity necessary to propel them to much greater commercial success, as well as perhaps keeping the band together for much more artistic success as well. At least we have three TWD albums with Genya (not including a so-called "Greatest Hits").
I close my eyes and imagine a duet at Woodstock with Janis Joplin and Genya Ravan, backed by Big Brother and the Holding Company and Ten Wheel Drive. Could the stage have supported such talent? It would have been electric.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Health Care Crisis - Life Expectancy by Country Tells Tale
Is the health care system in the United States the envy of the rest of the world? Check out the top 50 countries by life expectancy before you answer:
#1 = Macau (84.36); #2 = Andorra (82.51); #3 = Japan (82.12); #4 = Singapore (81.98); #5 = San Marino (81.97);
#6 = Hong Kong (81.86); #7 = Australia (81.63); #8 = Canada (81.23); #9 = France (80.98); #10 = Sweden (80.86).
#11 = Switzerland (80.85); #12 = Guernsey (80.77); #13 = Israel (80.73); #14 = Iceland (80.67); #15 = Anguilla (80.65);
#16 = Cayman Islands (80.44); #17 = Bermuda (80.43); #18 = New Zealand (80.36); #19 = Italy (80.20);
#20 = Gibraltar (80.19).
#21 = Monaco (80.09); #22 = Liechtenstein (80.06); #23 = Spain (80.05); #24 = Norway (79.95); #25 = Jersey (79.75);
#26 = Greece (79.66); #27 = Austria (79.50); #28 = Faroe Islands (79.44); #29 = Malta (79.44); #30 = Netherlands (79.40).
#31= Luxembourg (79.33); #32 = Germany (79.26); #33 = Belgium (79.22); #34 = Saint Pierre and Miquelon (79.07);
#35 = Virgin Islands (79.05); #36 = United Kingdom (79.01); #37 = Finland (78.97); #38 = Jordan (78.87);
#39 = Isle of Man (78.82); #40 = Korea, South (78.72).
#41 = European Union (78.67); #42 = Puerto Rico (78.53); #43 = Bosnia and Herzegovina (78.50);
#44 = Saint Helena (78.44); #45 = Cyprus (78.33); #46 = Denmark (78.30); #47 = Ireland (78.24); #48 = Portugal (78.21);
#49 = Wallis and Futuna (78.20); #50 = United States (78.11).
From where did these disturbing 2009 statistics originate? Was it some left-wing web site trying to distort the facts to fit an agenda?
Only if you put the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States into that category. click here to read more
The United States can do better. We need substantial health care reform now.
#1 = Macau (84.36); #2 = Andorra (82.51); #3 = Japan (82.12); #4 = Singapore (81.98); #5 = San Marino (81.97);
#6 = Hong Kong (81.86); #7 = Australia (81.63); #8 = Canada (81.23); #9 = France (80.98); #10 = Sweden (80.86).
#11 = Switzerland (80.85); #12 = Guernsey (80.77); #13 = Israel (80.73); #14 = Iceland (80.67); #15 = Anguilla (80.65);
#16 = Cayman Islands (80.44); #17 = Bermuda (80.43); #18 = New Zealand (80.36); #19 = Italy (80.20);
#20 = Gibraltar (80.19).
#21 = Monaco (80.09); #22 = Liechtenstein (80.06); #23 = Spain (80.05); #24 = Norway (79.95); #25 = Jersey (79.75);
#26 = Greece (79.66); #27 = Austria (79.50); #28 = Faroe Islands (79.44); #29 = Malta (79.44); #30 = Netherlands (79.40).
#31= Luxembourg (79.33); #32 = Germany (79.26); #33 = Belgium (79.22); #34 = Saint Pierre and Miquelon (79.07);
#35 = Virgin Islands (79.05); #36 = United Kingdom (79.01); #37 = Finland (78.97); #38 = Jordan (78.87);
#39 = Isle of Man (78.82); #40 = Korea, South (78.72).
#41 = European Union (78.67); #42 = Puerto Rico (78.53); #43 = Bosnia and Herzegovina (78.50);
#44 = Saint Helena (78.44); #45 = Cyprus (78.33); #46 = Denmark (78.30); #47 = Ireland (78.24); #48 = Portugal (78.21);
#49 = Wallis and Futuna (78.20); #50 = United States (78.11).
From where did these disturbing 2009 statistics originate? Was it some left-wing web site trying to distort the facts to fit an agenda?
Only if you put the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States into that category. click here to read more
The United States can do better. We need substantial health care reform now.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Did Sherpa Brothers Set New Everest Record?
According to the April 11, 2009 online edition of the Seattle Times:
"Three Sherpa brothers hoping to set a new record by spending 24 hours at the top of the world set out Sunday for the summit of Mount Everest.
The trio - Pemba Dorje, 31; Nima Gyalzen, 23; and Phurba Tenzing, 20 - boarded a plane in Katmandu, Nepal's capital, and flew to a small airport on the foothills of Everest. They were expected to trek to the base camp with their team, climbing gear and supplies in the next few days.
The brothers plan to reach the 29,035-foot (8,850-meter) summit in May and spend 24 hours at the top, known as "the death zone" because of the extreme weather. Most climbers linger there for only a few minutes, just long enough to take a photograph.
Several friends and supporters of the brothers gathered at the airport to wish them success.
"It is going to be difficult, but we are confident because all of us have reached the Everest summit many times and we are all experienced climbers on the mountain," Dorje told reporters at the airport.
At the summit, they will face extreme cold weather, low air pressure, brain-starving low levels of oxygen, high winds and blizzard conditions.
The last record was set by Babu Chhiri, who spent 21 hours at the summit in 1999. A veteran mountaineer, he died in 2001 during an expedition
The brothers said they planned to pray, take notes of the changing temperatures and the effect they have on human bodies.
Dorje holds the record for the fastest climb of the world's highest mountain, sprinting from a base camp to the summit in just eight hours 10 minutes.
Sherpa tribesmen were mostly yak herders and traders living in the Himalayas until Nepal opened its borders to tourism in 1950. Their stamina and knowledge of the mountains makes them expert guides and porters.
They typically have no family name and are called after the days of the week they are born."
Did they succeed?
Yes and no.
The May 27, 2009 online edition of the NepalMountainNews unfortunately reported:
"Three Sherpa brothers who were eying to set a new world record by staying atop Mt. Everest for 24 hours have abandoned the effort and have returned from Camp 2, their expedition organizer said Tuesday.
Speed climber Pemba Dorje Sherpa, who set the record for the fastest climb of the 8,848-meter peak on May 21, 2004 when he clocked 8 hours and 10 minutes, returned from Camp 2, located at 6,600 meters, on Monday owing to bad weather, said Dambar Parajuli, Chief Executive Officer of Prestige Adventure that organized the expedition.
“They have abandoned the expedition,” Parajuli told myrepublica.com.
Pemba, 31, was vying to stay atop the peak for a full day without supplementary oxygen. He was accompanied by his younger brothers Nima Gyalzen, 23, and Phurba Tenzing, 20, who were also trying to stay the same duration atop the peak, but with supplementary oxygen.
All of them have returned to the Base Camp.
The record for most time atop the peak is currently held by Babu Chiri Sherpa, who spent 20 hours on top in 1999. Babu Chiri died in 2001 in an accident along the slopes of Mt. Everest.
The only new record set this climbing season was by Appa Sherpa, 49, who climbed the peak for the 19th time, breaking his own world record of 18 ascents."
So, "No", they did not succeed in their specific goal.
But, "Yes", they succeeded in many other ways.
- They inspired me, and I hope, you as well.
- They brought publicity to the Sherpas, long overlooked as mere "hired help" in the lore of Mount Everest climbs. The Sherpa's employers used to get all the glory.
- These three young men embarrassed me. The next time I wake up for work and moan about wishing I could sleep longer, I'll think about how my concern paled in comparison to the dangerous concerns these men face on every climb.
- In researching this attempt, I came across another outstanding group of Sherpa climbers. What sets this group apart is that they are all females. I quote from Dawa Yangzi, member of 2000 Nepali Sherpa Women's Climbing Team: "When we were young, my friends and I were in awe of Pasang Lhamu. I remember talking about how it would be great to get a chance to go to Everest. Some friends said women couldn't do it. I insisted that women could." I encourage you to read this account in full. click here to read more
Our world has its problems. Take the time to dream, and put those dreams into action. The Sherpas did. I honor them.
"Three Sherpa brothers hoping to set a new record by spending 24 hours at the top of the world set out Sunday for the summit of Mount Everest.
The trio - Pemba Dorje, 31; Nima Gyalzen, 23; and Phurba Tenzing, 20 - boarded a plane in Katmandu, Nepal's capital, and flew to a small airport on the foothills of Everest. They were expected to trek to the base camp with their team, climbing gear and supplies in the next few days.
The brothers plan to reach the 29,035-foot (8,850-meter) summit in May and spend 24 hours at the top, known as "the death zone" because of the extreme weather. Most climbers linger there for only a few minutes, just long enough to take a photograph.
Several friends and supporters of the brothers gathered at the airport to wish them success.
"It is going to be difficult, but we are confident because all of us have reached the Everest summit many times and we are all experienced climbers on the mountain," Dorje told reporters at the airport.
At the summit, they will face extreme cold weather, low air pressure, brain-starving low levels of oxygen, high winds and blizzard conditions.
The last record was set by Babu Chhiri, who spent 21 hours at the summit in 1999. A veteran mountaineer, he died in 2001 during an expedition
The brothers said they planned to pray, take notes of the changing temperatures and the effect they have on human bodies.
Dorje holds the record for the fastest climb of the world's highest mountain, sprinting from a base camp to the summit in just eight hours 10 minutes.
Sherpa tribesmen were mostly yak herders and traders living in the Himalayas until Nepal opened its borders to tourism in 1950. Their stamina and knowledge of the mountains makes them expert guides and porters.
They typically have no family name and are called after the days of the week they are born."
Did they succeed?
Yes and no.
The May 27, 2009 online edition of the NepalMountainNews unfortunately reported:
"Three Sherpa brothers who were eying to set a new world record by staying atop Mt. Everest for 24 hours have abandoned the effort and have returned from Camp 2, their expedition organizer said Tuesday.
Speed climber Pemba Dorje Sherpa, who set the record for the fastest climb of the 8,848-meter peak on May 21, 2004 when he clocked 8 hours and 10 minutes, returned from Camp 2, located at 6,600 meters, on Monday owing to bad weather, said Dambar Parajuli, Chief Executive Officer of Prestige Adventure that organized the expedition.
“They have abandoned the expedition,” Parajuli told myrepublica.com.
Pemba, 31, was vying to stay atop the peak for a full day without supplementary oxygen. He was accompanied by his younger brothers Nima Gyalzen, 23, and Phurba Tenzing, 20, who were also trying to stay the same duration atop the peak, but with supplementary oxygen.
All of them have returned to the Base Camp.
The record for most time atop the peak is currently held by Babu Chiri Sherpa, who spent 20 hours on top in 1999. Babu Chiri died in 2001 in an accident along the slopes of Mt. Everest.
The only new record set this climbing season was by Appa Sherpa, 49, who climbed the peak for the 19th time, breaking his own world record of 18 ascents."
So, "No", they did not succeed in their specific goal.
But, "Yes", they succeeded in many other ways.
- They inspired me, and I hope, you as well.
- They brought publicity to the Sherpas, long overlooked as mere "hired help" in the lore of Mount Everest climbs. The Sherpa's employers used to get all the glory.
- These three young men embarrassed me. The next time I wake up for work and moan about wishing I could sleep longer, I'll think about how my concern paled in comparison to the dangerous concerns these men face on every climb.
- In researching this attempt, I came across another outstanding group of Sherpa climbers. What sets this group apart is that they are all females. I quote from Dawa Yangzi, member of 2000 Nepali Sherpa Women's Climbing Team: "When we were young, my friends and I were in awe of Pasang Lhamu. I remember talking about how it would be great to get a chance to go to Everest. Some friends said women couldn't do it. I insisted that women could." I encourage you to read this account in full. click here to read more
Our world has its problems. Take the time to dream, and put those dreams into action. The Sherpas did. I honor them.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Exploring Sharjah
Sharjah is one of seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The term 'emirate' compares roughly to the old term 'shiekhdom'. It is the sixth of the seven that I have written about. To read about the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah, please see my posts dated February 13, 2009, Bye Bye, Dubai?, March 6, 2009, Exploring Abu Dhabi, April 3, 2009, Exploring Ajman, May 8, 2009, Exploring Fujairah, and June 12,2009 Exploring Ras Al Khaimah.
The Department of Seaports & Customs of the Government of Sharjah web site provides the following overview of Sharjah's commercial offerings:
"The Emirate of Sharjah has been associated with maritime trading in the Gulf for centuries. Today, that proud tradition is maintained through its three modern sea ports – Port Khalid and Hamriyah on the west coast on the Arabian Gulf and Khor Fakkan on the east coast on the Gulf of Oman.
The Emirate’s unique position enables it to benefit from these three maritime access points which are owned and managed by the Sharjah Government’s Department of Seaports & Customs.
The management team reports directly to His Highness the Ruler who takes an active interest in the ports’ development resulting in their modern construction, having been upgraded and improved constantly in line with increasing trade.
We handle all types of vessels with cargoes ranging from break-bulk to timber, logs, refrigerated, vehicles, Ro Ro, heavy lifts and containers for which the terminals are equipped with the latest ship-shore gantries and modern yard equipment. Two cold stores of 10,000 tons capacity are located at Port Khalid, where passenger ships call periodically and a regular passenger service operates to Iranian ports.
Our employees are especially trained and customer focused and port users receive personal and dedicated attention throughout our 24 hour operation."
The current world economic downturn made me imagine that such an energenic series of port facilities, with their associated support services, stores, maintenance, homes, et cetera would provide numerous well-paying jobs, leading to positive and prosperous career futures for Sharjah's citizens.
A Sharjah travel web site adds some history and cultural details:
"The Sharjah city is located on the west coast of United Arab Emirates. However, the Sharjah Emirate has been connected with both sides, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
The city of Sharjah is renowned for its commitment to art, culture and the city has preserved the local heritage. In 1998, the city was rewarded as the ‘Cultural Capital of the Arab World’ by the UNESCO.
The history of Sharjah dates back to 5000 years when it was one of the wealthiest towns in the gulf region. At that time, the population of the city was very low and the income sources were associated with the economic activities such as trade, farming, hunting, fishing and peal (editor's note: probably 'pearl') farming.
In the 16th century, the town became little unstable as the Portuguese conquered area of the east coast in order to control the spice trade. The fort at Khor Fakkan, Kalba and Dibba were built during their command. After that Dutch tried to dominate the area for the same reason.
The 17th century was the turning point of city as British arrived in the region and started trading with Qawasim, the forefathers of present Sharjah ruling family. The area of Gulf and Red sea was preferred by Europeans for linking principal routes of communication between the Mediterranean and India.
In the early of 18th century, ruling Qawasim turned out to be a stronger marine power in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaima. In 1804, Sultan bin Saqr bin Rashid Al Qasimi became the Sheikh of Sharjah. This forefather of present ruler governed Sharjah for over 50 years.
At the end of 18th century, the relationships between Qawasim and British deteriorated as they blamed each other for attacks and misbehavior.
In 1809, the initial land based attacks by British were stopped. In the year 1820, the first of other peace treaties was signed assuring maritime peace, security and protection of British against any attacks for 150 years. Then the coast was known as Oman Peaceful Coast and Sheikhdoms of Oman as reconciled countries. Until the formation of United Arab Emirates in 1971, these names were attached to the relevant regions."
Would you expect a nation in the Middle East to promote vehicles that run on natural gas rather than on gasoline? Probably not. However, on July 1, 2009, the following article, entitled 'Street cleaning vehicles in Sharjah now run on natural gas', appeared on the Gulfnews web site:
Sharjah: Street sweeping vehicles in Sharjah are now using compressed natural gas in order to promote a healthier environment in the emirate.
"At present, we are supplying the gas to 300 of our vehicles and 20 vehicles that belong to other companies," said Tareq Rashid Deemas, Head of the Directorate of Gas at the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa).
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is the cleanest burning fuel, requires less vehicle maintenance and supports a longer engine life.
"Through this initiative we hope that it will encourage other companies to take on the responsibility of using environmentally friendly fuel, which will in turn make Sharjah a greener emirate."
CNG is the most suitable alternative to petrol as it does not release carbon dioxide, which in turn prevents further global warming.
He pointed out that Sewa is also planning to convert 85 per cent of its fleet to natural gas vehicles. CNG vehicles produce the fewest emissions of any fuel.
"We have set up the first natural gas station in the region with the intention of eliminating car emissions in the emirate, but this can only be done with the cooperation of all companies, whether private or publicly owned," said Deemas.
Sewa launched the first CNG station in the Halwan area, near the Sharjah Co-operative Society, in 2005 and initially only vehicles of Sewa were fitted with the converters to run on gas.
Converting a petrol engine to gas takes about a day and a half, and one canister lasts for about 140 kilometres."
Frankly, I was impressed. Aren't you?
I fear that many Americans see countries like the UAE as socially very conservative and not much fun for its inhabitants. Wrong! In researching Sharjah, I learned about various festivals and entertainment that put that stereotype to rest. Here is but a sampling:
- Sharjah Water Festival: The Sharjah water festival offers several activities that include sand sculpture competitions, water skiing, fireworks display and many more activities.
- Sharjah Arts Biennial: Since 1993, the Department of Culture and Information of Sharjah organizes international Art Biennial event in the city. This event is organized to encourage contacts between artists and art institutions of Arab countries. This event gives great opportunity to Arab artists to share their ideas, art with the artists coming from all around the world. The event is held in the months of April and June.
- The international book fair: The city of Sharjah hosts annual international book fair which is a popular event among the tourists. It takes place in beautifully landscaped Expo centre of Sharjah. The Emir of Sharjah personally takes interest in annual book fair event. Hundreds of publishers from all over the world come here to join this event.
- Sharjah Spring Festival: Every year, thousands of tourists visit Sharjah Spring Festival takes place in the month of January. The event is participated by over 1700 outlets selling variety of things. The promotions in the spring festival include special discounts, offers, fun and entertainment events and activities aimed at highlighting the tourism scene of Sharjah.
Besides these events, I counted 21 different sports that have events for the public in Sharjah - everything from cricket, bowling, and hockey, to snorkeling, powerboat racing, and wind surfing. I got winded just reading about the variety of entertainment available in Sharjah.
The best thing about the preceding information is that it will hopefully put to rest many negative stereotypes about countries like the United Arab Emirates.
The many that are good eclipses the few that are bad. Let's ALL keep that in mind.
The Department of Seaports & Customs of the Government of Sharjah web site provides the following overview of Sharjah's commercial offerings:
"The Emirate of Sharjah has been associated with maritime trading in the Gulf for centuries. Today, that proud tradition is maintained through its three modern sea ports – Port Khalid and Hamriyah on the west coast on the Arabian Gulf and Khor Fakkan on the east coast on the Gulf of Oman.
The Emirate’s unique position enables it to benefit from these three maritime access points which are owned and managed by the Sharjah Government’s Department of Seaports & Customs.
The management team reports directly to His Highness the Ruler who takes an active interest in the ports’ development resulting in their modern construction, having been upgraded and improved constantly in line with increasing trade.
We handle all types of vessels with cargoes ranging from break-bulk to timber, logs, refrigerated, vehicles, Ro Ro, heavy lifts and containers for which the terminals are equipped with the latest ship-shore gantries and modern yard equipment. Two cold stores of 10,000 tons capacity are located at Port Khalid, where passenger ships call periodically and a regular passenger service operates to Iranian ports.
Our employees are especially trained and customer focused and port users receive personal and dedicated attention throughout our 24 hour operation."
The current world economic downturn made me imagine that such an energenic series of port facilities, with their associated support services, stores, maintenance, homes, et cetera would provide numerous well-paying jobs, leading to positive and prosperous career futures for Sharjah's citizens.
A Sharjah travel web site adds some history and cultural details:
"The Sharjah city is located on the west coast of United Arab Emirates. However, the Sharjah Emirate has been connected with both sides, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
The city of Sharjah is renowned for its commitment to art, culture and the city has preserved the local heritage. In 1998, the city was rewarded as the ‘Cultural Capital of the Arab World’ by the UNESCO.
The history of Sharjah dates back to 5000 years when it was one of the wealthiest towns in the gulf region. At that time, the population of the city was very low and the income sources were associated with the economic activities such as trade, farming, hunting, fishing and peal (editor's note: probably 'pearl') farming.
In the 16th century, the town became little unstable as the Portuguese conquered area of the east coast in order to control the spice trade. The fort at Khor Fakkan, Kalba and Dibba were built during their command. After that Dutch tried to dominate the area for the same reason.
The 17th century was the turning point of city as British arrived in the region and started trading with Qawasim, the forefathers of present Sharjah ruling family. The area of Gulf and Red sea was preferred by Europeans for linking principal routes of communication between the Mediterranean and India.
In the early of 18th century, ruling Qawasim turned out to be a stronger marine power in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaima. In 1804, Sultan bin Saqr bin Rashid Al Qasimi became the Sheikh of Sharjah. This forefather of present ruler governed Sharjah for over 50 years.
At the end of 18th century, the relationships between Qawasim and British deteriorated as they blamed each other for attacks and misbehavior.
In 1809, the initial land based attacks by British were stopped. In the year 1820, the first of other peace treaties was signed assuring maritime peace, security and protection of British against any attacks for 150 years. Then the coast was known as Oman Peaceful Coast and Sheikhdoms of Oman as reconciled countries. Until the formation of United Arab Emirates in 1971, these names were attached to the relevant regions."
Would you expect a nation in the Middle East to promote vehicles that run on natural gas rather than on gasoline? Probably not. However, on July 1, 2009, the following article, entitled 'Street cleaning vehicles in Sharjah now run on natural gas', appeared on the Gulfnews web site:
Sharjah: Street sweeping vehicles in Sharjah are now using compressed natural gas in order to promote a healthier environment in the emirate.
"At present, we are supplying the gas to 300 of our vehicles and 20 vehicles that belong to other companies," said Tareq Rashid Deemas, Head of the Directorate of Gas at the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa).
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is the cleanest burning fuel, requires less vehicle maintenance and supports a longer engine life.
"Through this initiative we hope that it will encourage other companies to take on the responsibility of using environmentally friendly fuel, which will in turn make Sharjah a greener emirate."
CNG is the most suitable alternative to petrol as it does not release carbon dioxide, which in turn prevents further global warming.
He pointed out that Sewa is also planning to convert 85 per cent of its fleet to natural gas vehicles. CNG vehicles produce the fewest emissions of any fuel.
"We have set up the first natural gas station in the region with the intention of eliminating car emissions in the emirate, but this can only be done with the cooperation of all companies, whether private or publicly owned," said Deemas.
Sewa launched the first CNG station in the Halwan area, near the Sharjah Co-operative Society, in 2005 and initially only vehicles of Sewa were fitted with the converters to run on gas.
Converting a petrol engine to gas takes about a day and a half, and one canister lasts for about 140 kilometres."
Frankly, I was impressed. Aren't you?
I fear that many Americans see countries like the UAE as socially very conservative and not much fun for its inhabitants. Wrong! In researching Sharjah, I learned about various festivals and entertainment that put that stereotype to rest. Here is but a sampling:
- Sharjah Water Festival: The Sharjah water festival offers several activities that include sand sculpture competitions, water skiing, fireworks display and many more activities.
- Sharjah Arts Biennial: Since 1993, the Department of Culture and Information of Sharjah organizes international Art Biennial event in the city. This event is organized to encourage contacts between artists and art institutions of Arab countries. This event gives great opportunity to Arab artists to share their ideas, art with the artists coming from all around the world. The event is held in the months of April and June.
- The international book fair: The city of Sharjah hosts annual international book fair which is a popular event among the tourists. It takes place in beautifully landscaped Expo centre of Sharjah. The Emir of Sharjah personally takes interest in annual book fair event. Hundreds of publishers from all over the world come here to join this event.
- Sharjah Spring Festival: Every year, thousands of tourists visit Sharjah Spring Festival takes place in the month of January. The event is participated by over 1700 outlets selling variety of things. The promotions in the spring festival include special discounts, offers, fun and entertainment events and activities aimed at highlighting the tourism scene of Sharjah.
Besides these events, I counted 21 different sports that have events for the public in Sharjah - everything from cricket, bowling, and hockey, to snorkeling, powerboat racing, and wind surfing. I got winded just reading about the variety of entertainment available in Sharjah.
The best thing about the preceding information is that it will hopefully put to rest many negative stereotypes about countries like the United Arab Emirates.
The many that are good eclipses the few that are bad. Let's ALL keep that in mind.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Governor Palin Quits. Say It Ain't So!
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin today announced that (1) She will not run for a second term as Governor of Alaska, and (2) She would resign on July 26, 2009, far short of the four year term's end in 2010.
Her announcement (speech part 1 of 2) (speech part 2 of 2) was poorly timed. The Friday before a holiday ranks amongst the lowest ratings for news. Had she sincerely wanted maximum exposure, today was not the day.
Her speech was poorly written. She began by providing a history lesson on Alaska: "We were purchased as a territory because a member of President Abe Lincoln's cabinet, William Seward, providentially saw in this great land, vast riches, beauty, strategic placement on the globe, and opportunity." Oops. Wrong President. I guess since she's only a proud Alaskan and the state's Governor, she would not know that while Seward was appointed Secretary of State by President Lincoln, it wasn't until after Lincoln's assassination, during President Andrew Johnson's administration in 1867, that Secretary Seward negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia.
She proceeded to state the accomplishments of her administration. It was an impressive list. The ones that I really cheered for were, "And we made common sense conservative choices to eliminate personal luxuries like the jet, the chef, the junkets... the entourage. And the Lt. Governor and I said "no" to our pay raises." I must say that I didn't realize that such choices were "conservative." If so, I guess I'm more conservative that I realized!
As I watched, I expected to hear her follow up with an announcement of an exploratory committee for the 2012 Presidential campaign. Or perhaps an announcement of her candidacy for Alaska's Senate seat in 2010. So when she said she was not running for reelection as Governor, it did not come as much of a surprise.
Then she became a quitter. Resigned her office. But not before making this interesting statement, "Life is too short to compromise time and resources... it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: "Sit down and shut up", but that's the worthless, easy path; that's a quitter's way out."
So she quit rather than take the hard road - stay in her job and fight back against those who demanded that she "Sit down and shut up". Didn't show much backbone and Alaskan pluck by quitting, did she?
Well, I guess she couldn't take the heat, so she got out of the kitchen. Alaska will be better off without a Governor like that.
Her plans? "I WILL support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the RIGHT reasons, and I don't care what party they're in or no party at all. Inside Alaska - or Outside Alaska."
It's good that she recognized her considerable limitations. But she'll support others who have the guts to serve in ways she obviously could not.
Palin stated, "With this announcement that I am not seeking re-election... I've determined it's best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell; and I am willing to do so, so that this administration - with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future - can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success."
"And we will be in the capable hands of our Lieutenant Governor, Sean Parnell."
Interesting. During the 2008 Presidential race, she refused to temporarily turn over the responsibilities of the Governor's office to Sean Parnell. Now she will be turning over the entire Governor's office to him. What changed her mind about Parnell's ability to run the state?
Palin stated, "Let me go back to a comfortable analogy for me - sports... basketball. I use it because you're naïve if you don't see the national full-court press picking away right now:..."
If anything, the "full court press" occurred during the 2008 Presidential campaign, not now. Where has she been?
"And I know when it's time to pass the ball - for victory." Huh?
So why did I title this week's blog, "Governor Palin Quits. Say It Ain't So!"?
It seems that Palin has made a disastrous career decision that will negatively impact her chances in 2012. Had she either been re-elected Governor, or been elected Senator, her candidacy in 2012 would have been strong, and would have caused the Republican Party base to further shrink. Had she won the 2012 Republican nomination, the ensuing Palin versus Obama campaign, debates, and interviews would have been an amazing contrast of skill sets and abilities.
So I entreat, "Sarah, say it ain't so!"
Her announcement (speech part 1 of 2) (speech part 2 of 2) was poorly timed. The Friday before a holiday ranks amongst the lowest ratings for news. Had she sincerely wanted maximum exposure, today was not the day.
Her speech was poorly written. She began by providing a history lesson on Alaska: "We were purchased as a territory because a member of President Abe Lincoln's cabinet, William Seward, providentially saw in this great land, vast riches, beauty, strategic placement on the globe, and opportunity." Oops. Wrong President. I guess since she's only a proud Alaskan and the state's Governor, she would not know that while Seward was appointed Secretary of State by President Lincoln, it wasn't until after Lincoln's assassination, during President Andrew Johnson's administration in 1867, that Secretary Seward negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia.
She proceeded to state the accomplishments of her administration. It was an impressive list. The ones that I really cheered for were, "And we made common sense conservative choices to eliminate personal luxuries like the jet, the chef, the junkets... the entourage. And the Lt. Governor and I said "no" to our pay raises." I must say that I didn't realize that such choices were "conservative." If so, I guess I'm more conservative that I realized!
As I watched, I expected to hear her follow up with an announcement of an exploratory committee for the 2012 Presidential campaign. Or perhaps an announcement of her candidacy for Alaska's Senate seat in 2010. So when she said she was not running for reelection as Governor, it did not come as much of a surprise.
Then she became a quitter. Resigned her office. But not before making this interesting statement, "Life is too short to compromise time and resources... it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: "Sit down and shut up", but that's the worthless, easy path; that's a quitter's way out."
So she quit rather than take the hard road - stay in her job and fight back against those who demanded that she "Sit down and shut up". Didn't show much backbone and Alaskan pluck by quitting, did she?
Well, I guess she couldn't take the heat, so she got out of the kitchen. Alaska will be better off without a Governor like that.
Her plans? "I WILL support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the RIGHT reasons, and I don't care what party they're in or no party at all. Inside Alaska - or Outside Alaska."
It's good that she recognized her considerable limitations. But she'll support others who have the guts to serve in ways she obviously could not.
Palin stated, "With this announcement that I am not seeking re-election... I've determined it's best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell; and I am willing to do so, so that this administration - with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future - can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success."
"And we will be in the capable hands of our Lieutenant Governor, Sean Parnell."
Interesting. During the 2008 Presidential race, she refused to temporarily turn over the responsibilities of the Governor's office to Sean Parnell. Now she will be turning over the entire Governor's office to him. What changed her mind about Parnell's ability to run the state?
Palin stated, "Let me go back to a comfortable analogy for me - sports... basketball. I use it because you're naïve if you don't see the national full-court press picking away right now:..."
If anything, the "full court press" occurred during the 2008 Presidential campaign, not now. Where has she been?
"And I know when it's time to pass the ball - for victory." Huh?
So why did I title this week's blog, "Governor Palin Quits. Say It Ain't So!"?
It seems that Palin has made a disastrous career decision that will negatively impact her chances in 2012. Had she either been re-elected Governor, or been elected Senator, her candidacy in 2012 would have been strong, and would have caused the Republican Party base to further shrink. Had she won the 2012 Republican nomination, the ensuing Palin versus Obama campaign, debates, and interviews would have been an amazing contrast of skill sets and abilities.
So I entreat, "Sarah, say it ain't so!"
Friday, June 26, 2009
Deaths Du Jour
Michael Jackson Dead at 50!
- Who cares?
Farrah Fawcett Dead at 62!
- Who cares?
Ed McMahon Dead at 86!
- Who cares?
Sarah Hogan Dead at 90!
- Who?
From the Obituary page of the June 26 Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper web site is the notice of Sarah Logan's death. Her death is no less important to her family and loved ones than the other deaths listed above. Her notice (minus funeral home address and phone number):
HOGAN, Sarah Sarah Bulloch Hogan, age 90 of Loganville, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2009. Funeral Services will be held 3:30 PM Sunday, June 28, 2009 in the Chapel of Tim Stewart Funeral Home with Rev. David Dills and Rev. Nick Harmon officiating. Burial will follow in Ozora Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Hogan retired from Walton Manufacturing as a seamstress and was a member of Ozora Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Grady Hogan in 1986. She is survived by Children: Linda & Kenneth Guthrie, Loganville; Larry & Alice Hogan: Snellville; Jane Cahill, Loganville; Special Friend: Carl Moon, Loganville; Sisters-in-law: Macy Bulloch, Loganville; Sara Still, Good Hope; Care Givers: Barbara Biggers, Loganville; Dixie Short, Grayson; 7 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
I recognize the interest in the lives and deaths of 'famous' people. They do provide a certain superficial common bond between the rest of us. Their deaths deserve a note on the news, but not the untold hours of airtime and untold pages in newspapers and magazines that they receive. Such over-exposure detracts from their lives and reputations. It also detracts from the integrity and professionalism of our news outlets.
By the time you read this, I'll bet that you will be sick of hearing about Jackson, Fawcett, and McMahon. I already am. That's too bad. Each was talented.
So I suggest that you pause for a moment and think of Sarah Hogan, chosen at random by me. Then, look in your local newspaper and choose any obituary notice. Think about the stranger you're reading about. That person will then no longer be a stranger to you. Maybe you'll ponder the same questions as I have about Sarah. Was she a happy person? What troubles did she deal with in her life? Was she an optimist or a pessimist?
Mark Twain wrote, "There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy."
My experience with people has been the same as old Sam Clemens. For that I am glad.
- Who cares?
Farrah Fawcett Dead at 62!
- Who cares?
Ed McMahon Dead at 86!
- Who cares?
Sarah Hogan Dead at 90!
- Who?
From the Obituary page of the June 26 Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper web site is the notice of Sarah Logan's death. Her death is no less important to her family and loved ones than the other deaths listed above. Her notice (minus funeral home address and phone number):
HOGAN, Sarah Sarah Bulloch Hogan, age 90 of Loganville, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2009. Funeral Services will be held 3:30 PM Sunday, June 28, 2009 in the Chapel of Tim Stewart Funeral Home with Rev. David Dills and Rev. Nick Harmon officiating. Burial will follow in Ozora Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Hogan retired from Walton Manufacturing as a seamstress and was a member of Ozora Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Grady Hogan in 1986. She is survived by Children: Linda & Kenneth Guthrie, Loganville; Larry & Alice Hogan: Snellville; Jane Cahill, Loganville; Special Friend: Carl Moon, Loganville; Sisters-in-law: Macy Bulloch, Loganville; Sara Still, Good Hope; Care Givers: Barbara Biggers, Loganville; Dixie Short, Grayson; 7 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
I recognize the interest in the lives and deaths of 'famous' people. They do provide a certain superficial common bond between the rest of us. Their deaths deserve a note on the news, but not the untold hours of airtime and untold pages in newspapers and magazines that they receive. Such over-exposure detracts from their lives and reputations. It also detracts from the integrity and professionalism of our news outlets.
By the time you read this, I'll bet that you will be sick of hearing about Jackson, Fawcett, and McMahon. I already am. That's too bad. Each was talented.
So I suggest that you pause for a moment and think of Sarah Hogan, chosen at random by me. Then, look in your local newspaper and choose any obituary notice. Think about the stranger you're reading about. That person will then no longer be a stranger to you. Maybe you'll ponder the same questions as I have about Sarah. Was she a happy person? What troubles did she deal with in her life? Was she an optimist or a pessimist?
Mark Twain wrote, "There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy."
My experience with people has been the same as old Sam Clemens. For that I am glad.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Jon Voight Degenerates From Actor To Hater
Jon Voight has descended from an acclaimed actor (Midnight Cowboy) to a person making dangerous, threatening statements against President Obama in a speech made to the Republican Senate-House Fundraising Dinner earlier this month.
Of particular concern to me are these Voightisms:
1. "Let’s give thanks to them for not giving up and staying the course to bring an end to this false prophet Obama."
2. "I’ll tell you why this really scares the hell out of me. Because everything Obama has recommended has turned out to be disasterous."
3. "Obama really thinks that he is a soft-spoken Julius Ceaser. He thinks he’s going to conquer the world with his soft-spoken sweet talk."
4. "We and we alone are the right frame of mind to free this nation from this Obama oppression."
5. "We can blame Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Chris Dodd, George Soros, David Axelrod and their ilk for the downfall of this country."
In the interest of providing all the facts, here is the text of Voight's speech:
VOIGHT: My most pressing concern at this hour is the safety of Israel. I think Obama has no idea that Israel was built on the blood and sweat of the Jewish people. Every blade of grass, every tree, has been a successful effort because the Jewish people understanding they would have a safe homeland forever. He could not possibly understand this or he would know that the Jewish people are tried time and time again to give the Palestinians land and bring a peaceful solution. But every attempt, every attempt, was returned with violence. The Palestinians used Gaza to attack Israel. As far as I’m concerned, their only agenda is to wipe Israel off the Earth. And he reprimands the Israeli people, Obama. Like he’s a professor and they’re the school children. I was embarrassed to watch his press conference with the great war hero, Benjamin Netanyahu, who has helped keep his country safe for many years. Obama sat there with complete arrogance that he is the new American power, that he is able to dictate what he thinks is best for Israel. So how worried are we supposed to be now? Was I hearing things when he said that Iran might have the right to nuclear power? Are we supposed to be sitting and waiting, watching for the possibility of a new Holocaust? Who’s going to take the responsibility to keep Ameri — Israel safe?
I’ll tell you why this really scares the hell out of me. Because everything Obama has recommended has turned out to be disasterous. His so-called stimulus package and his budgets will leave our grandchildren with great burdens and great debts. The government is now owning car companies and banks and we’re losing job after job. Our unemployment rate is an astronomic 9.4. And of course they send out Joe Biden, one of the great double-talkers of our time, to tell us the unemployment rate is getting better. The government wants to run health care and tell people what doctors they can see. How much they can make. What cars to drive. And they’re killing off the entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our economy. It’s no wonder that the Russian newspaper Pravda, the former house organ for the former Soviet Communist regime, has said the American descent into Marxism is happening with breath-taking speed. We can blame Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Chris Dodd, George Soros, David Axelrod and their ilk for the downfall of this country. It saddens me greatly to think we were the great power for good in the world. We as Americans knew America to be strong. And we were the liberators of the entire world. We are becoming a weak nation. Obama really thinks that he is a soft-spoken Julius Ceaser. He thinks he’s going to conquer the world with his soft-spoken sweet talk. And really thinks he’s going to bring all the enemies of the world into a little playground where they’ll swing each other back and forth. We and we alone are the right frame of mind to free this nation from this Obama oppression.
And let’s give thanks to all the great people like Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly, Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin, William Bennett, Glenn Beck, Hugh Hewitt, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, Dennis Miller, Dick Morris, Ann Coulter, John Kasich, Michael Steele, Karl Rove, Newt Gingrich, Thomas Sowell, Victor Davis Hanson, Shelby Steele, Charles Krauthammer, Michelle Malkin, Fred Barnes and so many others. Let’s give thanks to them for not giving up and staying the course to bring an end to this false prophet Obama."
Of the five quotes I listed above, it is the first one, "Let’s give thanks to them for not giving up and staying the course to bring an end to this false prophet Obama.", that worries me the most. It states quite clearly that "...an end to this false prophet Obama." is what Jon Voight desperately wants. And the Republicans in the audience agreed wholeheartedly. If Voight had said, instead, that it should be the goal of the Republican Party to defeat President Obama in the next election, that would have been acceptable. That approach fits in both with our political system of peaceful change and our culture. So why did Voight choose the incendiary language he did? Does he hope that some lunatic takes his words to heart?
I could possibly excuse Voight if he misspoke because he was in the heat of the moment. But this was not the first time he had given this hate-filled speech. Earlier that day he had given an expanded version of the speech to the National Republican Congressional Committee. There is no excuse for Voight.
I heard many times during anti-Vietnam War marches from haters like Voight who would shout, "America - Love It or Leave It!" Isn't it ironic that today, those same haters wouldn't think about taking their own advice? Hypocrites.
My hope is that this speech will only serve to further marginalize the Republican right-wing and show the world what idiots reside there. Where are the Republican leaders who should be condemning the sentiments of this speech? And oh yes, did you notice that Voight failed to even extend the courtesy of referring to "President" Obama? I wonder why not???
Perhaps Voight is upset that he didn't get the role Dustin Hoffman played in "Rainman." Voight would have been a natural.
Of particular concern to me are these Voightisms:
1. "Let’s give thanks to them for not giving up and staying the course to bring an end to this false prophet Obama."
2. "I’ll tell you why this really scares the hell out of me. Because everything Obama has recommended has turned out to be disasterous."
3. "Obama really thinks that he is a soft-spoken Julius Ceaser. He thinks he’s going to conquer the world with his soft-spoken sweet talk."
4. "We and we alone are the right frame of mind to free this nation from this Obama oppression."
5. "We can blame Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Chris Dodd, George Soros, David Axelrod and their ilk for the downfall of this country."
In the interest of providing all the facts, here is the text of Voight's speech:
VOIGHT: My most pressing concern at this hour is the safety of Israel. I think Obama has no idea that Israel was built on the blood and sweat of the Jewish people. Every blade of grass, every tree, has been a successful effort because the Jewish people understanding they would have a safe homeland forever. He could not possibly understand this or he would know that the Jewish people are tried time and time again to give the Palestinians land and bring a peaceful solution. But every attempt, every attempt, was returned with violence. The Palestinians used Gaza to attack Israel. As far as I’m concerned, their only agenda is to wipe Israel off the Earth. And he reprimands the Israeli people, Obama. Like he’s a professor and they’re the school children. I was embarrassed to watch his press conference with the great war hero, Benjamin Netanyahu, who has helped keep his country safe for many years. Obama sat there with complete arrogance that he is the new American power, that he is able to dictate what he thinks is best for Israel. So how worried are we supposed to be now? Was I hearing things when he said that Iran might have the right to nuclear power? Are we supposed to be sitting and waiting, watching for the possibility of a new Holocaust? Who’s going to take the responsibility to keep Ameri — Israel safe?
I’ll tell you why this really scares the hell out of me. Because everything Obama has recommended has turned out to be disasterous. His so-called stimulus package and his budgets will leave our grandchildren with great burdens and great debts. The government is now owning car companies and banks and we’re losing job after job. Our unemployment rate is an astronomic 9.4. And of course they send out Joe Biden, one of the great double-talkers of our time, to tell us the unemployment rate is getting better. The government wants to run health care and tell people what doctors they can see. How much they can make. What cars to drive. And they’re killing off the entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our economy. It’s no wonder that the Russian newspaper Pravda, the former house organ for the former Soviet Communist regime, has said the American descent into Marxism is happening with breath-taking speed. We can blame Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Chris Dodd, George Soros, David Axelrod and their ilk for the downfall of this country. It saddens me greatly to think we were the great power for good in the world. We as Americans knew America to be strong. And we were the liberators of the entire world. We are becoming a weak nation. Obama really thinks that he is a soft-spoken Julius Ceaser. He thinks he’s going to conquer the world with his soft-spoken sweet talk. And really thinks he’s going to bring all the enemies of the world into a little playground where they’ll swing each other back and forth. We and we alone are the right frame of mind to free this nation from this Obama oppression.
And let’s give thanks to all the great people like Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly, Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin, William Bennett, Glenn Beck, Hugh Hewitt, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, Dennis Miller, Dick Morris, Ann Coulter, John Kasich, Michael Steele, Karl Rove, Newt Gingrich, Thomas Sowell, Victor Davis Hanson, Shelby Steele, Charles Krauthammer, Michelle Malkin, Fred Barnes and so many others. Let’s give thanks to them for not giving up and staying the course to bring an end to this false prophet Obama."
Of the five quotes I listed above, it is the first one, "Let’s give thanks to them for not giving up and staying the course to bring an end to this false prophet Obama.", that worries me the most. It states quite clearly that "...an end to this false prophet Obama." is what Jon Voight desperately wants. And the Republicans in the audience agreed wholeheartedly. If Voight had said, instead, that it should be the goal of the Republican Party to defeat President Obama in the next election, that would have been acceptable. That approach fits in both with our political system of peaceful change and our culture. So why did Voight choose the incendiary language he did? Does he hope that some lunatic takes his words to heart?
I could possibly excuse Voight if he misspoke because he was in the heat of the moment. But this was not the first time he had given this hate-filled speech. Earlier that day he had given an expanded version of the speech to the National Republican Congressional Committee. There is no excuse for Voight.
I heard many times during anti-Vietnam War marches from haters like Voight who would shout, "America - Love It or Leave It!" Isn't it ironic that today, those same haters wouldn't think about taking their own advice? Hypocrites.
My hope is that this speech will only serve to further marginalize the Republican right-wing and show the world what idiots reside there. Where are the Republican leaders who should be condemning the sentiments of this speech? And oh yes, did you notice that Voight failed to even extend the courtesy of referring to "President" Obama? I wonder why not???
Perhaps Voight is upset that he didn't get the role Dustin Hoffman played in "Rainman." Voight would have been a natural.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Exploring Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is one of seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The term 'emirate' compares roughly to the old term 'shiekhdom'. It is the fifth of the seven that I have written about. To read about the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah, please see my posts dated February 13, 2009, Bye Bye, Dubai?, March 6, 2009, Exploring Abu Dhabi, April 3, 2009, Exploring Ajman, and May 8, 2009, Exploring Fujairah.
Ras Al Khaimah, Arabic: رأس الخيمة,, literally translated means "The Top of the Tent". The Gulfnews.com web site describes Ras Al Khaimah:
"Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the northern-most emirate in the UAE and has been ruled by His Highness Shaikh Saqr bin Mohmmad Al Qasimi since 1948.
It is the smallest of the seven emirates by some way, covering just 168 square kilometers. That’s just over two per cent of the total mainland of the UAE.
The Emirate has been largely dependent upon traditional occupations, such as fishing, trading and agriculture. Since the establishment of the Federation, much effort has been put into modernising these traditional sectors to meet the demands of the UAE's economy.
In the 1980's, Ras Al Khaimah discovered the small, though useful, offshore Saleh oilfield. Ras Al Khaimah abounds in tuna fish. Another important local industry is cement and building materials.
Ras Al Khaimah’s Saqr Port (Mina Saqr), located next to the town of Ras Al Khaimah, is a deep water port with the latest facilities. It has also developed its new Free Zone on the Al Holaylah Island.
The city of Ras Al Khaimah is divided into two sections by Khor (creek) Ras Al Khaimah. In the western section, known as Old Ras Al Khaimah, are Ras Al Khaimah National Museum and a number of government departments.
The eastern part, known as Al Nakheel, houses the Ruler's office, several government departments and commercial companies. The two sections are connected by a large bridge built across the khor.
RAK was also once the centre of the naval strength of the southern Gulf states. Clashes with the British Navy led to its downfall in 1820 and the subsequent arrival of a British presence upon the local scene.
Ras Al Khaimah officially became a part of the UAE Federation on October 10, 1972, a year after the Federation was formed."
The Awafi Desert is an increasing tourist draw to the area. According to a January 2005 posting on www.ameinfo.com, the inaugural 2005 Awafi Festival included: "...traditional Arabic song and dance shows, colourful display of fire works and a performance by a band troupe..."
I was particularly interested in the traditional Arabic song and dance shows item. Cultural exchanges will ultimately bring various peoples together. Not politics. Not conquest. Sharing each other's dances, songs, and foods establish strong common bonds. They also bring smiles.
While actively involved in the Diversity Committee at a former employer of mine, I found that our annual Diversity picnic was the one event that virtually everyone looked forward to. The chance to share a culinary treat reflective of one's heritage was both irresistible and delicious!
How about a United Nations cultural initiative based on sharing culinary delights in a cooperative, not competitive, way? It's an idea I could really sink my teeth into. What about you?
Ras Al Khaimah, Arabic: رأس الخيمة,, literally translated means "The Top of the Tent". The Gulfnews.com web site describes Ras Al Khaimah:
"Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the northern-most emirate in the UAE and has been ruled by His Highness Shaikh Saqr bin Mohmmad Al Qasimi since 1948.
It is the smallest of the seven emirates by some way, covering just 168 square kilometers. That’s just over two per cent of the total mainland of the UAE.
The Emirate has been largely dependent upon traditional occupations, such as fishing, trading and agriculture. Since the establishment of the Federation, much effort has been put into modernising these traditional sectors to meet the demands of the UAE's economy.
In the 1980's, Ras Al Khaimah discovered the small, though useful, offshore Saleh oilfield. Ras Al Khaimah abounds in tuna fish. Another important local industry is cement and building materials.
Ras Al Khaimah’s Saqr Port (Mina Saqr), located next to the town of Ras Al Khaimah, is a deep water port with the latest facilities. It has also developed its new Free Zone on the Al Holaylah Island.
The city of Ras Al Khaimah is divided into two sections by Khor (creek) Ras Al Khaimah. In the western section, known as Old Ras Al Khaimah, are Ras Al Khaimah National Museum and a number of government departments.
The eastern part, known as Al Nakheel, houses the Ruler's office, several government departments and commercial companies. The two sections are connected by a large bridge built across the khor.
RAK was also once the centre of the naval strength of the southern Gulf states. Clashes with the British Navy led to its downfall in 1820 and the subsequent arrival of a British presence upon the local scene.
Ras Al Khaimah officially became a part of the UAE Federation on October 10, 1972, a year after the Federation was formed."
The Awafi Desert is an increasing tourist draw to the area. According to a January 2005 posting on www.ameinfo.com, the inaugural 2005 Awafi Festival included: "...traditional Arabic song and dance shows, colourful display of fire works and a performance by a band troupe..."
I was particularly interested in the traditional Arabic song and dance shows item. Cultural exchanges will ultimately bring various peoples together. Not politics. Not conquest. Sharing each other's dances, songs, and foods establish strong common bonds. They also bring smiles.
While actively involved in the Diversity Committee at a former employer of mine, I found that our annual Diversity picnic was the one event that virtually everyone looked forward to. The chance to share a culinary treat reflective of one's heritage was both irresistible and delicious!
How about a United Nations cultural initiative based on sharing culinary delights in a cooperative, not competitive, way? It's an idea I could really sink my teeth into. What about you?
Friday, May 29, 2009
04 June 2009: An Important Day for World Peace
President Obama will make a speech at the University of Cairo on June 4. The topic? An attempt to convince the Muslims of the world that the West, primarily the United States, is not at war with Islam.
Former President George W. Bush tried to make that case, but failed to do so. Why did he fail? First, after the September 11 attacks, President Bush said, "...this crusade, this war on terrorism, is going to take awhile." Second, the fact that his Defense Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, headlined his written war briefings to the President with Biblical quotations, such as, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Referring to a "crusade" and then having Bible quotes embellishing official documents kind of wrecks one's credibility concerning the non-religious aspect of the war. I suspect that history will not be kind to President George W. Bush.
The May 9 Boston Herald carried this story about President Obama's upcoming speech in Egypt:
"President Barack Obama will visit Egypt on June 4 to deliver a long-planned speech aimed at convincing Muslims worldwide that the United States isn’t at war with their faith.
Egypt is a strategic but politically risky choice for such a venue. With more than 83 million people, it’s the most populous nation in the Middle East.
However, the Egyptian government, led by 81-year-old President Hosni Mubarak, is widely criticized for its authoritarian rule, corruption and human rights abuses, issues that are likely to provoke criticism of Obama’s choice to speak there, and that will require him to walk a careful line between promoting democratic values and criticizing his host.
President Bush repeatedly said after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that the United States was not at war with Islam, only terrorists, a message since repeated by Obama.
Obama’s speech is expected to be delivered in Cairo, historically an Arabic center of intellectual thought in the Muslim world, but the location hasn’t been finalized, according to White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.
Gibbs called Egypt “a country that in many ways represents the heart of the Arab world” and said the speech won’t be aimed at Muslim leaders so much as it will be at the populace.
It represents “a continuing effort by this president and this White House to demonstrate how we can work together to ensure the safety and security and the future well-being through hope and opportunity of the children of this country and of the Muslim world,” he said.
The State Department’s most recent human rights report said that Mubarak’s regime routinely abuses human and political rights, employing torture, detaining hundreds of people without charges or trial, including political opponents, restricting freedom of speech and the press, and rigging elections.
Gibbs acknowledged that “the issues of democracy and human rights . . . are on the president’s mind,” and said “we’ll have a chance to discuss those in more depth on the trip.”
After Egypt, Obama will travel to Germany for a June 5 visit to Dresden and the Buchenwald concentration camp, which a great uncle of his helped to liberate, then on to France on June 6 for the 65th anniversary of D-Day."
I am simultaneously concerned for President Obama's safety, and optimistic that his trip will, at a minimum, plant the seeds of understanding in the minds of Middle Eastern citizens who happen to be of the Islamic faith.
As always, I look for areas of common interest. If his speech goes as planned at the University of Cairo, I can see President Obama reaching out to the students there with some shared concerns that he had, both as a student in the United States, and as a teacher at the University of Chicago. Perhaps a brief comment that students around the world represent this world's future; or a comment in favor of students studying overseas in order to help gain a global perspective on issues. He would then direct his comments to the wider audience.
The shape of the world will be molded, in large part, by how the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are resolved. Peaceful and just conclusions will introduce stability and hope for generations to come.
I wish the President a safe and successful trip, and thank him in advance.
Former President George W. Bush tried to make that case, but failed to do so. Why did he fail? First, after the September 11 attacks, President Bush said, "...this crusade, this war on terrorism, is going to take awhile." Second, the fact that his Defense Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, headlined his written war briefings to the President with Biblical quotations, such as, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Referring to a "crusade" and then having Bible quotes embellishing official documents kind of wrecks one's credibility concerning the non-religious aspect of the war. I suspect that history will not be kind to President George W. Bush.
The May 9 Boston Herald carried this story about President Obama's upcoming speech in Egypt:
"President Barack Obama will visit Egypt on June 4 to deliver a long-planned speech aimed at convincing Muslims worldwide that the United States isn’t at war with their faith.
Egypt is a strategic but politically risky choice for such a venue. With more than 83 million people, it’s the most populous nation in the Middle East.
However, the Egyptian government, led by 81-year-old President Hosni Mubarak, is widely criticized for its authoritarian rule, corruption and human rights abuses, issues that are likely to provoke criticism of Obama’s choice to speak there, and that will require him to walk a careful line between promoting democratic values and criticizing his host.
President Bush repeatedly said after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that the United States was not at war with Islam, only terrorists, a message since repeated by Obama.
Obama’s speech is expected to be delivered in Cairo, historically an Arabic center of intellectual thought in the Muslim world, but the location hasn’t been finalized, according to White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.
Gibbs called Egypt “a country that in many ways represents the heart of the Arab world” and said the speech won’t be aimed at Muslim leaders so much as it will be at the populace.
It represents “a continuing effort by this president and this White House to demonstrate how we can work together to ensure the safety and security and the future well-being through hope and opportunity of the children of this country and of the Muslim world,” he said.
The State Department’s most recent human rights report said that Mubarak’s regime routinely abuses human and political rights, employing torture, detaining hundreds of people without charges or trial, including political opponents, restricting freedom of speech and the press, and rigging elections.
Gibbs acknowledged that “the issues of democracy and human rights . . . are on the president’s mind,” and said “we’ll have a chance to discuss those in more depth on the trip.”
After Egypt, Obama will travel to Germany for a June 5 visit to Dresden and the Buchenwald concentration camp, which a great uncle of his helped to liberate, then on to France on June 6 for the 65th anniversary of D-Day."
I am simultaneously concerned for President Obama's safety, and optimistic that his trip will, at a minimum, plant the seeds of understanding in the minds of Middle Eastern citizens who happen to be of the Islamic faith.
As always, I look for areas of common interest. If his speech goes as planned at the University of Cairo, I can see President Obama reaching out to the students there with some shared concerns that he had, both as a student in the United States, and as a teacher at the University of Chicago. Perhaps a brief comment that students around the world represent this world's future; or a comment in favor of students studying overseas in order to help gain a global perspective on issues. He would then direct his comments to the wider audience.
The shape of the world will be molded, in large part, by how the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are resolved. Peaceful and just conclusions will introduce stability and hope for generations to come.
I wish the President a safe and successful trip, and thank him in advance.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Betrayed by General Motors... Twice!
In 1984 I became the owner of a 1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. It had classic looks, ran well, had decent gas mileage (for a mid-size vehicle), and gave me 125,000 miles until, in 1994, it was stolen from a downtown Chicago parking lot, stripped, and used by numerous homeless people as a combination of sleeping quarters, kitchen, and toilet for three weeks before I got a call from the Chicago Police Department that it had been located.
When I saw it, I was amazed at (1) how god-awful it looked and smelled, (2) how close it was to the parking lot from which it had been stolen (about 6 blocks away), and (3) the fact that it had accumulated about 30 parking tickets. Yes, my license plates and city sticker were still attached. But the fact that the police records showed it as a stolen vehicle, and they had my name, address, and phone number, did not prevent cops from ticketing it over and over and over.
Although I've gone off on a tangent, I must finish the story by saying that I submitted my police report, dated prior to the tickets being written, with the tickets to the appropriate administrative agency requesting that all the tickets be voided. The bureaucrats voided 22 of the 30 tickets only, without explanation. When I called and called and got transferred and transferred, I was told not why they had let the other 8 tickets stand, but that I could appeal those 8 'convictions' only by going, in person, to another police agency, posting $300 cash PER DISPUTED TICKET, and then appear in court to plead my case. Perhaps numerous court dates would be required. Each court date would require me to take an entire day off from work.
Justice unaffordable is justice denied! Was I stuck in a Kafka novel? I finally gave up and paid the $240 for the 8 tickets. After the car was 'repaired' and detailed by my auto insurance company, "old dependable" was never quite the same.
In 1995 we bought a 1996 Saturn SL2. It is a small four door sedan that averages 25 MPG in the city and ~30 MPG on the highway. Reading about the Saturn philosophy concerning "no haggle pricing", treating customers as family, focus on customer satisfaction, and the new factory in the U.S. of A. (!) at Spring Hill, Tennessee - a model of union-management cooperation that was to set the pattern not only for the rest of General Motors, but perhaps all U.S. car companies, made me wildly enthusiastic.
The two Saturn dealers we visited were just as advertised. There was no pressure. No haggling over price. The sales staff showed us the wall in the showroom covered with Polaroid photos of new owners picking up their cars, with all the dealership's employees cheering them on. A mechanic in the shop showed us the bulletin board with handwritten letters from satisfied customers.
We showed the saleswoman our 12 year old Oldsmobile trade-in and was offered $100. She said the dealership would not be able to sell it, and would probably have a scrap dealer haul it away. She then told me that I should donate it to the charity of my choice, as it would not only benefit others, but the tax deduction would be more than $100. Since I had acquired the Olds upon my mother's death, from a stroke caused in large part by a 2 pack-a-day unfiltered Camel cigarette habit since age 16, I felt it was appropriate, and appreciated by Mom, to donate it to the Lung Association, which was very glad to get it.
Yes, the day we picked up the Saturn, all the employees at the dealership gathered around and cheered. Our photo was taken and posted on the wall. When taking the car in for regular maintenance, we found that the other customers waiting were like friends. We gushed about what a wonderful buying experience it was; how fair the mechanics were; and how we were all supporting the future of the U.S. automotive industry. Did I mention that during the summer, Saturn dealers would have outdoor barbeques and give free hot dogs, bratwursts, or hamburgers to customers? After all, what's a family for?
As of this posting date, the Saturn has logged 175,000 miles. It's time to get another car. Naturally, I started looking at my local Saturn dealer, in the summer of 2007. I took a hybrid SUV for a test drive. So far, so good. I told the salesperson that it rode well, but I wasn't ready to purchase a new vehicle just yet. My 1996 was in the shop that day for an oil change, and I only wanted to see how a Saturn hybrid performed. He said the price for the SUV was reasonable, but he was going to talk to the manager. I had no intention of buying an SUV, but that was the only hybrid they had available for a test drive that day. But this salesperson hadn't even asked me if I wanted an SUV!
He came back with a serious look and several sheets of paper. He showed me the SUV's manufacturers listed price. Then he wrote in Saturn's monthly sales promotion discount, and also, he almost whispered this, the dealership's special discount. I thanked him, but said again that I wasn't interested this year - maybe next year. He then confided to me some "insider information" about the Saturn line of hybrids: The battery system was currently being bought from Toyota, who had much greater experience with hybrid battery technology, but next year a new system developed by General Motors would be installed, and it was not well tested, and therefore inferior to, the system used in this year's Saturns. Buy now, he said. If you were in my family, I'd tell you the same thing. I politely but firmly declined. He said he would talk to the manager.
He came back five minutes later with another $1000 off the price. I said "No" again, and asked when my car's oil change would be done. He left to check. Ten minutes later he came back with a very serious man who actually had a furrowed brow and almost a scowl on his face. He was introduced as the owner of the dealership. We shook hands. The owner rehashed the reasons why I should buy the SUV today. I again declined. He leaned forward, and I swear to God he actually said this, "So what do I have to do to put you in that SUV today?" I smiled and said, "Give it to me free of charge." I laughed out loud and told him that I could not believe he would use the most overused, hackneyed car salesperson phrase ever invented! Especially at a Saturn dealership! He was not amused. He shook my hand and told me I was making a mistake, but these special discounts would be available one more week for when I changed my mind.
Saturn had changed. For the worse. The philosophy that had drawn me, and hundreds of thousands of other true believers to Saturn, had withered away. The vehicles in Saturn's lineup had gotten bigger, gaudier, racier, and less fuel efficient also.
All these years I've faithfully taken my Saturn only to Saturn dealers for servicing. Two weeks ago, my Service Engine Soon light went on. Right before I had to take a smog test. Since that light would mean an automatic failure of the test, I went to my Saturn dealer. The diagnosis for getting that light to turn off so I could pass the test? Over $1000 in power steering column repairs plus a 30 mile road test to reset five different computers in the car. I said I would think about it. That diagnosis alone cost me $130. As I drove home, I noticed the light had gone off. I pulled into the nearest smog test station, and my almost 14 year old Saturn passed with flying colors. The Service Engine Soon light still has not gone back on again.
Even the service department at Saturn has been corrupted. Hell hath no fury like a Saturn owner scorned. Future service work will be done anywhere but at a Saturn dealer.
Of course the final betrayal was the not so secret news this year that General Motors will kill off the Saturn Division, probably after the 2011 model year. Dealerships will close. Saturn owners will be cast aside and adrift.
Lest we forget, in April of 2004, General Motors put the final nail in the coffin of the Oldsmobile Division, when the final Oldsmobile rolled out of their Lansing, Michigan assembly line. Loyal Olds owners were betrayed.
Hey GM, why don't you give me a heads up on what division you want to trash and burn next so I can buy a new car from it. That's all I'm good for, isn't it? I'm surprised I don't own a Pontiac too.
To recap, from 1984 to today (25 years), I have owned two cars: an Oldsmobile and a Saturn, totaling 300,000 miles. GM has repaid my loyalty with disloyalty. I enthusiastically supported a U.S. automaker. Now I don't care about buying a vehicle from any U.S. manufacturer. Once bitten - twice shy. Twice bitten - as mad as Hell and not going to take it any more!
I still am interested in a hybrid sedan. You know, maybe that hack Saturn salesperson in 2007 did me a favor. I've never forgotten his "insider information" about how well made and dependable Toyota hybrid technology was. And that was two years ago.
Now, let me finish this blog post, so I can do an internet search for Toyota dealers nearby.
When I saw it, I was amazed at (1) how god-awful it looked and smelled, (2) how close it was to the parking lot from which it had been stolen (about 6 blocks away), and (3) the fact that it had accumulated about 30 parking tickets. Yes, my license plates and city sticker were still attached. But the fact that the police records showed it as a stolen vehicle, and they had my name, address, and phone number, did not prevent cops from ticketing it over and over and over.
Although I've gone off on a tangent, I must finish the story by saying that I submitted my police report, dated prior to the tickets being written, with the tickets to the appropriate administrative agency requesting that all the tickets be voided. The bureaucrats voided 22 of the 30 tickets only, without explanation. When I called and called and got transferred and transferred, I was told not why they had let the other 8 tickets stand, but that I could appeal those 8 'convictions' only by going, in person, to another police agency, posting $300 cash PER DISPUTED TICKET, and then appear in court to plead my case. Perhaps numerous court dates would be required. Each court date would require me to take an entire day off from work.
Justice unaffordable is justice denied! Was I stuck in a Kafka novel? I finally gave up and paid the $240 for the 8 tickets. After the car was 'repaired' and detailed by my auto insurance company, "old dependable" was never quite the same.
In 1995 we bought a 1996 Saturn SL2. It is a small four door sedan that averages 25 MPG in the city and ~30 MPG on the highway. Reading about the Saturn philosophy concerning "no haggle pricing", treating customers as family, focus on customer satisfaction, and the new factory in the U.S. of A. (!) at Spring Hill, Tennessee - a model of union-management cooperation that was to set the pattern not only for the rest of General Motors, but perhaps all U.S. car companies, made me wildly enthusiastic.
The two Saturn dealers we visited were just as advertised. There was no pressure. No haggling over price. The sales staff showed us the wall in the showroom covered with Polaroid photos of new owners picking up their cars, with all the dealership's employees cheering them on. A mechanic in the shop showed us the bulletin board with handwritten letters from satisfied customers.
We showed the saleswoman our 12 year old Oldsmobile trade-in and was offered $100. She said the dealership would not be able to sell it, and would probably have a scrap dealer haul it away. She then told me that I should donate it to the charity of my choice, as it would not only benefit others, but the tax deduction would be more than $100. Since I had acquired the Olds upon my mother's death, from a stroke caused in large part by a 2 pack-a-day unfiltered Camel cigarette habit since age 16, I felt it was appropriate, and appreciated by Mom, to donate it to the Lung Association, which was very glad to get it.
Yes, the day we picked up the Saturn, all the employees at the dealership gathered around and cheered. Our photo was taken and posted on the wall. When taking the car in for regular maintenance, we found that the other customers waiting were like friends. We gushed about what a wonderful buying experience it was; how fair the mechanics were; and how we were all supporting the future of the U.S. automotive industry. Did I mention that during the summer, Saturn dealers would have outdoor barbeques and give free hot dogs, bratwursts, or hamburgers to customers? After all, what's a family for?
As of this posting date, the Saturn has logged 175,000 miles. It's time to get another car. Naturally, I started looking at my local Saturn dealer, in the summer of 2007. I took a hybrid SUV for a test drive. So far, so good. I told the salesperson that it rode well, but I wasn't ready to purchase a new vehicle just yet. My 1996 was in the shop that day for an oil change, and I only wanted to see how a Saturn hybrid performed. He said the price for the SUV was reasonable, but he was going to talk to the manager. I had no intention of buying an SUV, but that was the only hybrid they had available for a test drive that day. But this salesperson hadn't even asked me if I wanted an SUV!
He came back with a serious look and several sheets of paper. He showed me the SUV's manufacturers listed price. Then he wrote in Saturn's monthly sales promotion discount, and also, he almost whispered this, the dealership's special discount. I thanked him, but said again that I wasn't interested this year - maybe next year. He then confided to me some "insider information" about the Saturn line of hybrids: The battery system was currently being bought from Toyota, who had much greater experience with hybrid battery technology, but next year a new system developed by General Motors would be installed, and it was not well tested, and therefore inferior to, the system used in this year's Saturns. Buy now, he said. If you were in my family, I'd tell you the same thing. I politely but firmly declined. He said he would talk to the manager.
He came back five minutes later with another $1000 off the price. I said "No" again, and asked when my car's oil change would be done. He left to check. Ten minutes later he came back with a very serious man who actually had a furrowed brow and almost a scowl on his face. He was introduced as the owner of the dealership. We shook hands. The owner rehashed the reasons why I should buy the SUV today. I again declined. He leaned forward, and I swear to God he actually said this, "So what do I have to do to put you in that SUV today?" I smiled and said, "Give it to me free of charge." I laughed out loud and told him that I could not believe he would use the most overused, hackneyed car salesperson phrase ever invented! Especially at a Saturn dealership! He was not amused. He shook my hand and told me I was making a mistake, but these special discounts would be available one more week for when I changed my mind.
Saturn had changed. For the worse. The philosophy that had drawn me, and hundreds of thousands of other true believers to Saturn, had withered away. The vehicles in Saturn's lineup had gotten bigger, gaudier, racier, and less fuel efficient also.
All these years I've faithfully taken my Saturn only to Saturn dealers for servicing. Two weeks ago, my Service Engine Soon light went on. Right before I had to take a smog test. Since that light would mean an automatic failure of the test, I went to my Saturn dealer. The diagnosis for getting that light to turn off so I could pass the test? Over $1000 in power steering column repairs plus a 30 mile road test to reset five different computers in the car. I said I would think about it. That diagnosis alone cost me $130. As I drove home, I noticed the light had gone off. I pulled into the nearest smog test station, and my almost 14 year old Saturn passed with flying colors. The Service Engine Soon light still has not gone back on again.
Even the service department at Saturn has been corrupted. Hell hath no fury like a Saturn owner scorned. Future service work will be done anywhere but at a Saturn dealer.
Of course the final betrayal was the not so secret news this year that General Motors will kill off the Saturn Division, probably after the 2011 model year. Dealerships will close. Saturn owners will be cast aside and adrift.
Lest we forget, in April of 2004, General Motors put the final nail in the coffin of the Oldsmobile Division, when the final Oldsmobile rolled out of their Lansing, Michigan assembly line. Loyal Olds owners were betrayed.
Hey GM, why don't you give me a heads up on what division you want to trash and burn next so I can buy a new car from it. That's all I'm good for, isn't it? I'm surprised I don't own a Pontiac too.
To recap, from 1984 to today (25 years), I have owned two cars: an Oldsmobile and a Saturn, totaling 300,000 miles. GM has repaid my loyalty with disloyalty. I enthusiastically supported a U.S. automaker. Now I don't care about buying a vehicle from any U.S. manufacturer. Once bitten - twice shy. Twice bitten - as mad as Hell and not going to take it any more!
I still am interested in a hybrid sedan. You know, maybe that hack Saturn salesperson in 2007 did me a favor. I've never forgotten his "insider information" about how well made and dependable Toyota hybrid technology was. And that was two years ago.
Now, let me finish this blog post, so I can do an internet search for Toyota dealers nearby.
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