What if?

I generally try not to engage in hypotheticals. We can't change the past, and we shouldn't even think that would be a good thing. Just think of what happened when Captain Kirk saved Edith Keeler! Seriously. Everyone knows that you don't tug on Superman's cape, and you don't fuck with the space-time continuum.

However, I'm currently reading Ted Kennedy's autobiography, True Compass. The other night, I finished the chapter entitled "1963," and yesterday, I finished the one entitled "Bobby." Although Ted Kennedy didn't dwell on details (I wouldn't expect him to...plenty has been written about both brothers' assassinations, as well as Martin Luther King, Jr.'s.), it was enough to bring tears to my eyes. I was too young to remember any of these tragic deaths, and I only remember a vague hint of unrest happening in my young world. My Dad was in the National Guard, and I believe he got called out a couple of times to deal with civil unrest in our city.

I can only read about it, and I can't help but wonder how things might have been different if John Kennedy had lived. Ted writes that the President was becoming increasingly convinced that the war in Vietnam was not winnable, and had expressed his desire to begin to extricate ourselves from our involvement there. After he became President, LBJ increased troops, despite advisors telling him it was a futile effort. Bobby had also come to the conclusion that we needed to get out of Vietnam, and was gaining ground in his presidential campaign by running on an anti-war platform.

Both brothers were committed to civil rights efforts, and felt that our humanitarian efforts in our own country and around the world were the best way to serve mankind. They truly saw the promise of our country, and the good that it could do for all. It's ironic that those born into such privileged circumstances would be so committed to helping those who were less fortunate.

Ted lived to carry on the fight. I know that not everyone likes him, and I didn't always like him myself. However, I feel that in his latter years, he redeemed himself. He seemed to get a grip on his addictions and seemed to settle down with his wife Vicki, working towards passing legislation that would help the least among us. Ted got to spend his whole life in service to his country; so did John and Bobby, but their lives were cut cruelly short. How can you not wonder how things might be different, what might have changed in our atmosphere and direction, if these two bright, compassionate, and remarkable young men had been able to continue in their efforts to serve our country?

It seems like things are out of control in America right now. The rhetoric is bountiful, the passions are running high, and civility and honesty seem to be at an all-time low. However, I think it's important to keep in mind that things have been much worse in the past. Just forty or so years ago, there were riots in the streets, violent protests, kids being shot on college campuses, and three of our very best got bullets to the head, ending their promising lives just as they were getting started.

I feel as passionately as anyone about politics; you all know that. I am not afraid to offer my opinion, and I have been known to piss people off because of it. But I never, ever want us to return to the atmosphere of the '60s, when those who dared to protest or dared to put forth ideas that strayed from the status quo were killed for their beliefs. Not just silenced, not put in jail...killed. We can disagree in this country and that is part of what is good about it, and about us. Crossing the line from disagreement to violence is an unacceptable option.

I get in some lively discussions with some friends on Facebook. One advocates very aggressive tactics, basically doing whatever is needed to win; the other says that such tactics solve nothing, and that stooping to such levels does us no good. I'm somewhere in between. Violence is no answer, and I will never condone that. Lies and deception is also not acceptable. I want to see aggressiveness, though, in responding to the lies and deception that are perpetrated by the GOP. I'm tired of being conciliatory when I hear people like Christine O'Donnell talk about how evolution is a myth, or Jan Brewer talk about fallacious beheadings in the Arizona desert. We can't just say, "Oh, you're entitled to your opinion!" In cases like that, I think it's important to say, "No, that's wrong, and here is why."

I know that some will not be swayed by facts and logic. Those people are beyond reach, and I refuse to argue with them. But there are some who still cling to a little reason and a little respect for the facts, and I still think it's worthwhile to try to reach them.

I also think it's important to ask those who espouse anger and violence (including Sharron Angle, who has spoken of "Second Amendment solutions" to those who oppose her) if they really want our country to return to the dark days of the '60s, in which people were killed in cold blood because some nutcases took the rhetoric just a little too much to heart. Sarah Palin seems to get off on the culture and the language of the gun, exhorting her toadies to "Don't retreat...reload!"

I would urge anyone who thinks that is funny, or who carries a gun to a political rally, or who believes that violence is any sort of a solution to read up on the events of the '60s. It was not a pleasant time in our history, with much civil unrest and people being hurt and killed. It bothers me greatly that people are so ignorant of history that they would want to repeat it. Read about the grief that gripped our country during those dark days. Look at the picture of the tiny little John, Jr. saluting his father's coffin, or the picture of the Kent State student wailing over the dead body of her friend who was killed by National Guard troops. Investigate what happened when Bobby Kennedy gave a speech in Indianapolis when Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed; numerous other cities around the country were gripped by riots, but Indianapolis stayed calm because of Bobby's compassionate and masterful words.

I know that there are quite a few who want our President dead. Death threats against Obama are up over 400% from what President Bush faced. The hate mongering of people like Beck, Limbaugh, et al fuels the fire and provides perceived legitimacy to those who wish to do the President and his family harm.

It is one thing to be passionate about politics. I certainly am, and people like John and Bobby Kennedy were (not that I'm comparing myself to them...not by a longshot!). That is a good thing. Passion to the point of violence is quite another thing, and after over four decades, you'd think we'd have progressed beyond that. We haven't, and that makes me very sad.

I asked "What if?" in the title of this entry, wondering what if the young Kennedys had survived and continued to make policy and serve our country. My "What if?" has a darker side: what if we've learned nothing from that horrible time? What if someone decides that our current President deserves the same fate? How would our country and how would the world react? People like Beck and Palin and others who foment violence care nothing about such questions, and they care nothing about this country. They only care about their ratings and their place in the public eye.

Look at the second image and ask yourself if that is really what we want again. I would hope that the answer is no, and if so, it is up to all of us to condemn the suggestion of such violence and remind people of what a horrible result such a thing would engender. It breaks my heart just to read about what happened forty years ago; I can only imagine what it must have been like to live through it, both for the families and for the country and for the world.

Is that really what we want again? If not, what are you going to do about it?

Is redemption possible?

On Monday afternoon, I read several articles about Senator Ted Kennedy in the September 7 issue of Time, the one with him on the cover. A fascinating read.

Some love him, some hate him, and I suspect that many, like me, have had serious concerns about issues in his past. Reading these articles, and reading about how many positive things he did in his many years of Senate service, made me wonder if perhaps there is more to be considered. Things are rarely black and white, and the same holds true here.

To begin with, the mere circumstances of his early life had to be almost overwhelming. Three older brothers who were shining lights in the family, cut down in the prime of their lives by incredible violence and unspeakable hatred, leaving the younger brother, Ted, to hold the reins of the family and be its patriarch at an absurdly young age. That's a lot of pressure, and he obviously didn't handle it well. He made many mistakes in his life, including his involvement in the death of a young woman at Chappaquiddick, his heavy drinking, and his womanizing.

But from everything I've read, he turned his life around when he married his wife Victoria in the early 90's. Whatever mistakes he'd made in the past, he seemed determined to atone for them by being a mentor to new members of the Senate (like some young kid from Illinois) and the patriarch of the Kennedy family. He was obviously well-loved by his family, his wife, and by his colleagues in Washington. Even those who often opposed him politically spoke fondly of their personal relationships with him.

Whether you loved him or hated him, or fell somewhere in-between, there is no denying that he had a very profound impact on our nation and its policies. The Civil Rights Act; the Ryan White Act helping those with HIV and insufficient health care coverage; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the No Child Left Behind Act; sanctions against the apartheid regime in South Africa; the Americans with Disabilities Act; and a constant and unflagging support of the disenfranchised and forgotten.

If you have issues with any of those legacies, that's your choice. I suggest that you remember that he was also a beloved husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. He was many things to many people, including some on an intensely personal level. I have to wonder about those who have suggested that he was dispatched immediately to hell. I'm not sure when it was anyone's place to decide the ultimate destination of the departed, or to be judge and jury. I know that's above my pay grade.

Senator Kennedy was a flawed person with many personal issues, as are many of us.

He was also a devoted family man who spent many years serving his country and trying to help people. Did he achieve redemption? That is not for me--or for anyone--to decide. Those who would have him spend eternity in the fiery torment of hell, or who would dance an Irish jig on his grave, would do well to remember that.

A day shared with others

First of all, the Silver Squirrel Award has multiple winners! The reference I mentioned was "paranoia will destroy ya." Dannelle sent me a video of a band called the Assembly doing a song with that title. Now, that's not what I was referencing, but that is obviously a correct answer, so Dannelle gets her second Silver Squirrel! Dannelle also made me that awesome tag. How cool--and appropriate--is that?! Thanks, Dannelle! Dawn of Carpe Diem weighed in next with the song "Paranoia" by the Kinks. That's not the name of the song, but Dawn gets a Silver Squirrel for knowing that it was the Kinks. Never let it be said that I am unwilling to compromise! Finally, we have Cousin Shane saying that the song is "Destroyer" by the Kinks, off of the "Give the People What They Want" album. Shane gets a Silver Squirrel for knowing the completely correct answer. Some say that the lyrics go "Paranoia, the destroyer," but I've always heard it as "Paranoia will destroy ya." If Ray Davies is reading this, feel free to weigh in, Ray! [grin]

Many of you have seen, via either Ken's blog or Facebook, that today is my birthday. Alaina, Joy, and Miss Ginger also posted entries on their blogs wishing me a happy one. (I hope I didn't forget anyone!) I want to thank everyone who sent their good wishes--it really touched me. I also got several cards from family and friends, one mentioning Cindy Brady (So funny...thank you, my friend!), and one from Shane that made me laugh so hard...it says "If you're not going to snort, why even laugh?" He knows me so well...I have, on rare occasion, been known to snort when I laugh. I won't lie and say that I snorted when I read it, but I did laugh really hard!

I thank you all very, very much. {{hugs}}

Ken and I don't do birthday gifts--we'd rather spend the money on things fun for both of us, so I said that the Alice Cooper concert could be my birthday gift--but we popped over to Granite City Brewery this afternoon for some appetizers and cool amber beverages. Thanks, Honey! (He also got me a little carton of Sangria, and a big chocolate bar. Is it any wonder I’m crazy about the guy?)

I've enjoyed my day and the kind thoughts of others, but I have to mention two things that will always stick with me. This morning, we watched Senator Kennedy's funeral Mass, and it was very moving to see the tributes given by family and friends. Ted, Jr.'s remarks were especially touching, as were President Obama's. If you don't like the guy's politics, I don't really care, but at least respect the man for serving his country for decades. He helped many people in his lifetime, and in learning more about the man rather than the legislator, it seems that he was a friend to many and the rock of his family. He made plenty of mistakes in his life, but I believe he faced them and did his best to atone for them in his latter years. Rest in peace, Senator, and thank you.

I will also never forget that it was on my birthday that Katrina hit New Orleans. I remember sitting out on the deck on that hot summer day (unlike today's cool weather), talking with my Mom, who had called to wish me happy birthday. We even talked about the hurricane, and at that time, it looked like New Orleans was weathering it well and everything was going to be okay. It wasn't until the following day that the levees were breached, and the true nightmare began. Here we are four years later, and things still aren't back to normal in New Orleans for many people, and probably never will be again.

I'm grateful for the thoughtfulness and kindness shown me today; I hope everyone will take a moment to remember Senator Kennedy and his family, and all those in New Orleans who are still struggling to find their way.

Hodgepodge Lodge

I really like the word "hodgepodge," and that's what today's entry will be.

Even if you totally disagreed with his politics, I hope everyone today is joining me in sending Senator Ted Kennedy's family our condolences. I grew to respect the man for his convictions and for his many years of service to this country. It makes me very sad that he won't be around to see a health care reform bill, no matter what form it eventually takes, passed. I haven't had the news on at all today because I know it's a lot of sadness about the Senator's death.

~~~~~

Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle "Politics is Hard!" Bachmann recently appeared on a radio show, and asked listeners to "pray, fast, believe, trust the Lord, but also act." She went on to praise Sarah Palin for talking about (nonexistent) death panels, saying "These are true!" She stated "We all need to consider that in God's timing that he may have allowed us, as members of Congress, to be in the position that we're in just for this specific issue right now." So now God has endorsed her position in Congress, eh? Michelle? That voice you're hearing in your head isn't God. It's your own delusions of grandeur, your belief that you have been sanctified by God, and it's whatever little lunatic is living in your head that causes you to say such nonsensical things. You might want to try to ignore it before it tells you do something really weird. Like read a book or something.

~~~~~

Hey, did you hear about the town hall meeting in Virginia with Congressman Jim Moran and Howard Dean? Yeah, a circus broke out! Someone yelled "God save America!" Then someone yelled back "Shut up!" Then another one yelled "God save the Constitution!" and someone responded with "Shut up, you pig!"

A 17-year-old girl in attendance said that it was "better than Springer." After the meeting she and her friends said that they felt discouraged by the lack of tolerance and talk of death panels from people at the meeting who were older than them. The 17-year-old said, "I thought our generation was supposed to be the stupid one."

You know what? I think I've changed my mind on all this stuff. No, not health care reform, but the behavior of some of these people at the town hall meetings, and the loony yammering of people like Bachmann, Palin, et al. I think they should go for it. Really let loose and shout all they want, continue to spout off about things that they've heard from their favorite Faux News talking head, keep repeating all the talking points from whatever disembodied voice wafts its way over the airwaves. Keep going, folks! Keep yelling about how you want government out of your lives. It's getting downright entertaining, and it illustrates perfectly your mentality. The shriller your cries, the loonier you look, and for those of us who do want to see reform happen and are interested in being a part of the process by engaging in actual discussions and attempts to learn more about it, it's becoming increasingly easy to be dismissive of you.

Oh, I'll admit...it's kind of embarrassing to see you act that way and know that people around the world are seeing this and thinking that we all are like that. But I think the voice of reason will eventually prevail, and then you can go back to whatever you normally do when you're not red-faced with rage, with veins popping out on your forehead, talking about how Obama's gonna kill your granny and then he's gonna take away your guns. Or maybe he's gonna kill your granny...with your own gun! *gasp* (That's a nice twist...feel free to use that one.)

So keep it up, folks! Just make sure that no one gets hurt in the process, okay?

~~~~~

I picked up my next book club book at the library yesterday, and about had a thrombo. A Bend in the River clocked in at about 280 pages...Angle of Repose is a cool 569. ACK! It's tiny print, too. This one might need a renewal. It does look very interesting, and I like the scholarly tone of the book and of the narrator.

The truth about my son is that despite his good nature, his intelligence, his extensive education, and his bulldozer energy, he is as blunt as a kick in the shins. He is peremptory even with a doorbell button. His thumb never inquires whether one is within, and then waits to see. It pushes, and ten seconds later pushes again, and one second after that goes down on the button and stays there. That's the way he summoned me this noon.

Isn't that great? Don't you immediately have a grasp of the character of the narrator's son? A good guy, a smart guy, but terribly impatient. I really think I'll like this one, but it will be a matter of getting through it. (She wrote, as she continued to write a blog entry, rather than reading.) I think only one other person in the book club has read it (Better crack the whip, Jillian! Haha!), and that was one of the people from out-of-state who joined our online forum. We've exchanged a couple of emails about it already, so it will be interesting to get her thoughts as I plow through it.

~~~~~

I love Kohl's. I got a pair of red Keds yesterday that normally cost $45...for $9! How could I pass those up? I couldn't. I didn't have a red pair, either. The angels wanna wear my red shoes. A Silver Squirrel award to anyone who gets that reference!

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Lunch with my mother-in-law tomorrow! We're going to try a place I haven't tried before, La Esperanza. She loves Mexican food, but her husband doesn't, so I figured she'd like that. She's taking me out, so says it was my choice, but I wanted to pick a place that she would enjoy, too. I'm sure we'll have plenty to "dish" about. She cracks me up...you think I tell it like it is...?!

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I got an invitation today from my excellent brother-in-law, Tom, to go to a Cubs game in a couple of weeks with him and my sisters. My God, man, do you realize what you are doing?! Tom did his time as a Marine in Vietnam, so I suppose he's equipped to spend the day with the three of us. Wish him luck. He's a brave man. Of course, you have to be, to be a Cubs fan. Haha!