No, Mormons aren't dumb

Awesome article!
Thanks, Krista for posting it on facebook.

Alex de Tocqueville

"The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money."

update

Through community donations, his former employer included, and help from the media, Ryan Stockdale is in San Francisco getting his much-needed surgery.

I am touched by the way the SW Idaho community banded together, and raised such an incredible amount of money in such a short period of time.

WAY TO GO, IDAHO!

Feminism

Sarah Palin and Susan B. Anthony

"The Proposal" and Cinema's portrayal of women

I came upon these two articles in the last two days, and it has me thinking about feminism. Apparently, a lot of people are thinking about it, and I think many are unsettled by it.

My theory is that Palin's entry into the spotlight has been a catalyst for the discussion. By one definition, she is a feminist: she works outside the home, in Politics, of all places. But she broke the stereotype of the ruthless, man-eating harpie when she was picked by McCain.

Dave has said that I only like Palin because she's a woman, and I said that I liked her because she was the more conservative and exciting member of the McCain/Palin team. But there is some truth in Dave's assessment.

I considered myself to be a feminist as a teenager. There were few things I hated more than being told that my role was to grow up and become a mommy and homemaker (the second term still chills my spine to some degree, I must admit--to give up my talents and interests in pursuit of a clean home, *shudder*).

But then I had a change of heart, and went ahead and did it--married and quickly started having children. And because I love my husband and kids, I strongly feel that the best place for everyone is Dave at work, and me at home with the kids. That because even though I'm no holly-homemaker, I'll still raise my kids better than anyone else, because they're my kids.

Even so, I still yearn for the public life on occasion. When I see my former colleagues, I can't help but notice their comments, "Oh, you're pregnant AGAIN?!" and I know that some feel a little scorn for my decision. And I do miss being in the loop. I miss being on the name of teacher lists, or being on anyone's gig list.

I really haven't given up my musical pursuits, albeit I'm going about it slowly. And I think this is why I am fascinated with Sarah Palin. She's a mother who is also pursuing the public life. She faces scorn, a lot more serious than I do when I step out of the house. Anyway, it just makes me think.

funny quote

"There is the view that poetry should improve your life. I think people confuse it with the Salvation Army."

John Ashbury

Ryan Stockdale Info

http://www.ryanstockdale.org/fundraising_efforts/fundraising_efforts.htm


Today's news informed me of this site, wherein donations can be made through paypal and Syringa Bank.

the Stockdale Family

Some time ago, I saw the Stockdale family on the news. They were recipients of a new house, courtesy a television program that donates and builds houses to those who need them. And this family does. Their four children, in a genetic anomaly, each inherited a rare blood disease.

Unfortunately, their problems are not over. The husband and father has now been struggling with cluster, or "suicide" headaches. I feel bad, really bad. I get headaches now and again, and though they aren't serious, they get in the way of productivity and clear thinking. I had to leave Disneyland early and miss the fireworks because of a headache, so believe me, I'm no fan!

While I feel saddened by their trials, I am disturbed by the numerous comments flying around Facebook, and every news story covering their situation. The stories have focused on the former employer's lack of generosity, and the mean, terrible insurance companies which have denied Ryan an expensive, experimental treatment. This article explains things more clearly.

The general outcry is that the employer and/or the insurance company should pay. That this is a good example of why we need a public health care option. And here's what I want to say:

"Do you think you are being charitable by demanding that someone ELSE cover the cost? IF you are so concerned, I invite you to dig into your own pockets, and give some money to this needy family, and then ask yourself how generous you are!"

The fact is, current public health care options Medicare and Medicaid do not cover the treatment needed by this family. The proposal in the works will likely hinder more families like the Stockdales from receiving the help they need. And for the inconvenience, we will all be digging into our pockets to pay for a program that will costs trillions of dollars.

In the meantime, I am looking for a way to help. I'll let you know more about it when I figure out how I can best do that.

I STILL love Sarah, and never liked Michael

I've been holding this in, but the news won't relent, and I can't escape his face everywhere I look, and I'm about to say something very rude in front of a Michael Jackson fan. Since this isn't the most read blog on the planet, I feel safe in confessing that I would be happy if I never heard another thing about him for the rest of my life!

I didn't like hearing about him when he was alive, and certainly don't think he deserves to be honored so abundantly now that he's dead. And it's ridiculous that his death under investigation. Someone, don't remember who, said that the real shock would have been if Michael had lived until he was 80.

Though I'm sad that Sarah resigned from the Alaska Governor ship, I am glad that sometimes news about her has overshadowed the latest updates regarding Jackson's memorial which is not being held at Neverland (shocking!). But most of the comments about Palin are simply inaccurate.

Many are saying how shocking and unbelievable this is, calling her speech rambling and bizarre. Is it so very hard to believe that a mother would put her family first over a career that was costing her thousands of dollars to defend, and invites the ridicule of her young children?

Many are saying it's political suicide. I suppose if your definition of success is becoming the President of the United States, well, maybe this will lead to her "failure." Ironically, if she becomes President, she will still be called a failure by her detractors.

Some are taking her at her word, and are taking a "wait and see" approach, which is what I am doing. If she never sets foot in the public arena, I wouldn't blame her. And I would still believe that she did a lot of good while she was there.

just the facts

http://emac.blogs.foxbusiness.com/2009/06/23/health-care-myths/

Before we fall for an "unsustainable" (if you read the link, pay special attention to the very last paragraph.) health care program, people should know fact from fiction.


Also, the "fine print."

I haven't been following world events as much a I should be, but this article is sad.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124537040666029677.html

Health Care alternatives

Obama keeps saying there is no alternative to his Health Care plan. But many states have already been working on alternatives.

I still love Sarah

Thanks to David Letterman, Palin is getting a lot of attention. In spite of the relentless heaps of garbage hurled at her, she is coming out on top.

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/mrulle/2009/06/15/the-great-palin-divide/

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/jjmnolte/2009/06/12/pop-culture-vs-america-this-round-goes-to-sarah-palin/

And here is another article that has nothing to do with Sarah. But on the media's attempts to link James W. von Brunn with conservatives, even though he hates most prominent Republicans, and the fact that Republicans are very earnest in their desire to protect Isreal.

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/15/the-left-cries-racist-in-a-crowded-country/?feat=home_headlines



update: Letterman's apology accepted.

update 2:On a Fox news poll, asking if Letterman's apology was enough, I said yes, but that we needed to look more closely at the media culture's double-standard when it comes to tolerance and respect for women (it's too bad we're not discussing rights for men, yet. Probably not going to happen in my lifetime). And then this article appeared. Andrea read my note! haha

Let's give it up for men!

Just as an article in May pointed out the attacks being made on Mothers and Motherhood, this one addresses the need to honor our Fathers, as well as our Mothers.

First of all, I am grateful for a doctrine that teaches that men and women are equal partners before God, and that their different roles are important for success in families, communities, and the world.

Secondly, I am grateful for a good father. He was strict in the way he raised us, but liberal in talking and listening to us. He has always been my biggest fan, and whenever I've needed good, solid advice, he has given it. So has my mom. They make a great team.

Lastly, I am extremely grateful for the man who married me. He is the best person I have ever known. He works hard every day so that I can go to the hospital whenever I have health problems, and so that our family can eat good food, and do fun things together. And when he comes home, he plays with the kids, and is emotionally available to listen to me. He honors his commitments, he loves his family, he's completely dependable. He is way smart, not dumb like sitcoms portray, and he's really talented. You should hear him play the piano. And he's super good-looking!