Tonight with a pint of Ben & Jerry's I contemplate Rosh Hashanah and all the Jews who were there at services today.
Since I converted in 2001, my Judaica reading has slowed somewhat (I think I'd read a hundred books during my year of study with the Rabbis - no, probably 25 - 30 though, which is pretty good for a mother of 3.) I had entirely forgotten about the rituals that accompany this first day of the Jewish New Year. Apples and honey, swinging chickens to imbue them with our sins and then ritually "sacrificing" them (by a kosher butcher, of course), then giving them to the poor.
When I read this article the other day, I thought I would write something sweet about my hens and our adventures with racoons this summer.
But tonight, when I went back to the site, I laughed for so long about the little side link for a "virtual chicken" that I got tickled about the whole absurdity of chickens and the internet! I suppose it was made more hysterical by the thought of my going to Tom and saying, "Honey, I have this ritual we have to do for a good new year. Help me catch a chicken."
My husband is so patient.
So what does he bring home tonight? Fiddler on the Roof. While I'm typing this he's going through the DVD (a new small obsession of his) and the musicals are meandering through our small living room.
[pause to dash out in the rain to roll up car windows and collect G's artwork and a box of fragiles on the porch - cold wet on my back]
We have had a heck of a time with predators this summer. I'm contemplating collecting the fowl - only 5 left, four hens and a rooster - and giving them away. I feel guilty about not being able to protect them from wiley coyote, er Rocky racoon. And the last two we lost had to be put down because hideous beak wounds that wouldn't heal.
So I'm very familiar with holding chickens, and sometimes swinging them. It's an odd sensation to carry one by the feet, head hanging down, but it does subdue them (blood all runs to their small heads).
I took three for a program to two schools last year, during an egg incubation project. I held the rooster and my kids held a hen each as I talked about their habits and such. The 4th grade was thrilled, but the preschoolers varied between amazed and that rather nonplussed "Ok so it's a chicken" reaction. They did all pet my pets, which was sweet. I think I counted 5 classes = about 60 kids - maybe 100 for the day.
To say I got close to my chickens is both literal and figurative.
I can't imagine sacrificing one for my sins though. For one thing, I don't think a hen is big enough. Maybe a deer or something. Some years, in my youth, might have taken a rhino or something.
But I do enjoy reading the responses from other readers to articles like the one on Beliefnet. One person was indignant that the poor would get the "sin-filled" chicken. Who says sins are transferable by ingestion? Are poor people inherently more sinful so they wouldn't notice? Can you cook the sin out of a chicken??
I dunno, but I bet the Rabbis discussed this at length somewhere in the Talmud.
Anyway, I love these quirky Jewish traditions. And I noticed today that among the thousands at our High Holy Day service, they must all have these memories of growing up going to Rosh Hashana.
I'm so damn glowing about it all, I must be easy to spot as a convert. Not everyone talks during services, having conversations, like the Orthodox do - Reform Jews are much more uptight about making overt noise. But there was an easy, bored familiarity in the crowd. They knew we were looking at over 2 hours of prayers and songs and readings, and yet the time just flew by for me.
I love reading Hebrew (bad as I am at it) and singing and kissing the Torah when they bring it around. The teenagers sitting in front of me, however, were much more interested in each other and the subtle body language that they use to avoid talking directly about things like sex and desire.
I got irritated with them, momentarily, and then remembered I did the same thing in church many moons ago (highschool). Then I found Jesus and paid more attention to him than boys for a while.
Now I'm on to chickens and Jews, marriage and children, knitting and spinning and SQL databases. And maybe blogs
So check out the story, and if you need a chicken, call me.
Email to SZ:
No, you wouldn't go out and smoke, but then you aren't "average" either. People can and should think for themselves, but they shouldn't be led to slaughter. If everyone was a smart as you, you wouldn't have risen to the rank you've gained in society. Should everyone else have to be sucker punched because they weren't gifted with your brains?
Coca-cola used to put cocaine in it's soft drinks - why make them stop? Sure, cars are dangerous, but they aren't inherently unhealthy, are they? So you think we should allow unregulated cigarette advertisements? Even though that means more minors will smoke (most susceptible group) and that nicotine is more addictive than heroine? Should all drugs be legalized? (I used to be a Libertarian dear - know one when I hear him;) Having children has changed my tune a bit...)
What about Mexico City - pollution so bad that thousands die every year, especially children and elderly citizens. Is this ok for corporations to do in the pursuit of almighty profit? Even happens closer to home in Asheville - doctors have formed a coalition to combat the pollution that kills many in W.NC.
I view government's role as one of protector - from foreign aggression and corporate greed. True, it needs to be kept in check. I used to depend on Republicans to do that, but lately they've become the fox in the hen house.
Unfortunately, people are irresponsible, but as individuals they don't manage to do nearly as much damage, as say, the makers of the Ford Pinto or Savannah River Plant (reeking radioactive materials for Georgia Power (not sure if right utility).
So yes, the answer is both - people need to be more responsible and so do corporations. Problem is, corporations don't go to jail. And corporate officers rarely do.
I don't have anything against profit per se, just abuse of power and profits. Healthcare isn't like all other industries. It's critical to our existence. We don't allow privatized water utilities for a reason - water is necessary for life. Why do we allow a private healthcare system that won't take care of all citizens equally?
Ok - I'll stop too. Let me know about Sunday!
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 1:58 PM
To: Jones, Vicki
One last thing....and I promise to shut up...haha...the problem with todays society is that no one is willing to accept responsibility for their own actions. Thats why we are the most litigious society in the world... To believe that people can't think for themselves is a cop-out and an acceptance of the very system that you strive to change......People make decisions every day of their life, big and small. At the end of the day, people will do what they want to do and corporations only foster that. In otherwords, just becuase I see an advertiusement for a cigarette I'm not going to go out and smoke one....its not what I want, no matter how much a corporation tries to say otherwise. But for the person that does make that decision, there was a need that they wanted satisfied that they felt could be solved by that cigarette, so at the end of the day they made a decision..........Is it right for a company to knowingly market a prodicut that is defective or dangerous in some fashion...on the surface- No. But then you have to define those characteristics, and when you do, perhaps automobiles should be considered dangerous, since they kill so many people.. maybe corporations shouldn't be allowed to advertise since people are mindless automotons (that ain't spelled right..)......Again, at the end of the day it all comes down to a system of checks and balances........oh well....I'm done for the day....whew!!
SZ
New York Times Article : Industry Fights to Put Imprint on Drug Bill
(You might need to "join" NYT online to get to this article)
Also see:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/24/politics/24MEDI.html?th
(You might need to "join" NYT online to get to this article)
Love to talk some more - I agree that, like any other tool, capitalism can be used for good or evil. Unfortunately, there seems to be much more evil in it during Republican administrations. How do you put a value on clean air, for instance? And who pays to keep it clean?
Also, like any tool, capitalism has it's limits. It isn't a panacea or god/savior as many believe.
And I think the key to a capitalist society is open access to information. Same is true for a healthy democracy. So what does Bush do? Hide as much public information as possible, while gathering all they can on private citizens.
;)
v
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 1:46 PM
To: Jones, Vicki
Don't kid yourself, the Medicare reform stuff going through Congress rught was not crafted by the Pharma'a, far from it.....why would the pharmas want to give the government effective pricing control, when right now they are essentially a price taker. When the Medicare reform goes through. the government will control roughly 50-60% of the healthcare dollars being spent....so whos' trying to control whom??? The problem is big government......plus last time I checked 17% margins isn't fat by any stretch....they're attractive in today's market, but as I pointed out.
they're not the only ones making attractive profits, but they are the only ones, people fault for doing it......could they lower prices, sure they could, but the risk you run there is that they have a string of failures on drugs they expected to do well that ended up flopping....then everyone is in a pickle...the economy would suffer the markets would suffer........so it pays to keep theswe guys healthy....you may not like it....but its what keeps our lifestyles intact. Its very simplistic to think that Pharma are the only ones lobbying for or against reforms......thats the nature of a capitalistic society....they are just one of many large lobbying groups.....And because of that we need to put a president in place that doesn't unduly favor the welfare of corporations to the detriment of others or the environement just for the sake of preserving the almighty dollar.
President Bush has too many interests at stake to be truely objective in his policies. Perhaps Dean may be the better candidate.....And as far as our healthcare system, the numbers support the fact that we don't neccessarily have the best general healthcare, but we do have the best acute care system in the world....period...thats the difference between social medicine and and a for-profit system. Socially driven care makes certain that all people have adequate levels of general care, but it frowns on having to accomodate the expensive procedures. A perfect example are the new Drug-Eluting stents which are used to prop open arteries/vessels after they have collapsed/clogged....Europe is resisting these becuase they are more expensive, but the states are embracing them wholeheartily......Europe says they can get by with the old stents, becuase they only have a set budget to work with, they spend it here it has to come from somewhere else.. Drug-eluting stents help prevent restenosis. which is a key failure for current stents.......The point, is that there are positives and drawbacks to every system in the world, and no one system is perfect...We have the lifestyle and culture that we do because it is driven by capitalists. Fortunately or unfortunately, a market driven system is essentially steered by greed and envy....No one has purely selfless intentions. Why does anyone want lower drug prices or lower prices on cars...etc.? So that they can put more money in their pockets and improve their own lifestyles. By understanding the true motivations, compromises should be easier to attain. Its only when everyone has hidden agendas that things bog down, fester and grow. The key to a successful capitalistic society is making sure that everything remains in check, and that the scales are balanced. Its only when things get out of balance that a market-driven society can really go awry.........Personally I think we have to find a mid-point between socialized medicine and a purely for-profit system. And the debate continues....maybe we should have our own talk show...haha...smiling..
Love ya,
SZ
2nd Email to a friend (his note is attached at the end)
Yeah, I'd say pharmas are an easy target because they make so much money, even in times of staggering losses (like the last couple of years) in most industries. Is it really ok for them to make record profits in an industry where buying their products is literally a matter of life or death (in many cases)? That directly contradicts what I learned about a free market system, where consumers are free to "vote" with their wallets.
Now the pharmas are eating off the gravy train of Medicare reform - and have worked overtime for years to craft policy now moving through the House and the Senate. (btw, politics is a long-time passion - you didn't know? :)
Sure, it's expensive to get products to market. It is for lots of industries. Maybe their ratios are higher, but so are their margins. And wouldn't it be nice if they didn't use all that cash to lobby congress in the extreme and try to change the entire patent system to suit their profits?
I agree that we should be concentrating on prevention, but that would mean jerking the advertising privileges of pharmas to stem the tide toward, "Just give me a pill." It's like cigarette ads, the more cancer sticks are pushed, the more people smoke. It *is* a public policy issue and societal crisis when everyone wants instant gratification. But are people entirely to blame? Can the masses help that they are so easily led like sheep? Isn't that human nature? I believe strongly in individual responsibility, but I also believe the government is responsible for crafting laws and policies that improve our quality of life, not string us out to dry.
When's the last time you've seen a president push for national healthy habits? It's always "education", and then they don't provide the money to truly support our schools. They just hand down more federal regulations to crush local systems.
I also think we have a responsibility to reform healthcare, since we really have a pretty shabby system considering how much we invest in health care dollars. For instance, we have the highest maternal mortality rate in the industrialized world. We don't have the "best" system, just the most expensive.
Just my 2 cents:)
Love to see you guys! Can't believe it's been so long! What are you two doing Sunday? Want to come for dinner? Also, soccer game is on Saturday at 1:00. We could meet for lunch (after Rosh Hashanah service at 10:00) and then drive over, if youse guys are free. Gotta see C walk!!
v
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 10:24 AM
To: Jones, Vicki
Vicki,
Just curious- why the sudden interest in politics??
Also, Pharma company's get a bad rap, cause they're an easy scape goat....I would venture to say that most americans do not know what is involved in bringing a drug to market........over 75% of drugs in Phase I trials (testing phase- size of patient base increases with each phase, so statiscally results become more relevant and representative of a mass market drug as they proceed through the final phase) do not make it to Phase II (the formula won't work or is flawed), and of those that do make it to Phase II only a small percentage of those make it to Phase III and of those that make it to Phase III only a small percetage receive FDA approval and make it to market. In short, the drug companies have to throw a whole lot of darts at the board before one sticks...and that costs money!!!...Plus once a drug finally makes it market it takes awhile before that drug becomes profitable for the company. In the meantime, the major pharma's are having to contend with generic manufacturers who legally steal the product, market it without having invested the huge upfront costs to develop it.... So for the few drugs that actually make it to market the pharma company's unfortunately have to price them to recoup their huge R&D budgets and to make a profit in a reasonable time frame...as is expected by their shareholders....... If you look at the average net profit margin of the biggest and most powerful pharma company, Pfizer, they have averaged 17.18% since 1992. Compare that to the ever affable Coca-Cola who averaged a net profit margin of 16.82% over the same time frame....would you have the same contempt for Coca-Cola?? They arguably are as profitable as the money grubbing pharma company's, so why haven't people been berating the venerable Coca-Cola?? Because healthcare is a more sensitive issue, and one that both politicians and the media can easily exploit.....The ultimate problem lies in our overall healthcare system.....its treated as a for-profit entity, which inherently will produce some level of malcontent.
Plus americans look for an easy solution to everything, but don't want to pay for it....Just give me a pill to make it all better NOW...not two minutes from now, but now...that mentality pervades all aspects of our lives....So guess what- your going to have to pay up for that convenience....Americans would be better served if they payed more attention to longer term solutions....eating properly, exercising properly, living less stress filled lives. The problem is that our culture has an in-bred sense of immediacy tainted by an element of laziness...
Just thought I'd throw a little perspective into the mix...... We need to get togather soon, haven't seen you guys in awhile...
Love ya,
SZ
[I sent this out the other day to my Women's circle, aka Mom Friends. The emal I forwarded them is from a yahoo group I belong to, "FlyLady". (Read her site about why the odd name).
It's been a fun list for getting organized and they do send motivational (rah-rah) emails - lots of emails. I had joined last year, briefly, and quit immediately.
Basically I was flooded with emails and didn't know to delete them. They seemed rather too wild-eyed and reminded me of my dear departed Grandma Doris (May her memory be for a blesssing) who once had shock therapy, but was a perfect housekeeper. I mean her place was spotless. So I grew up with the strange dichotomy of cleanliness versus sanity.
At last I've realized it's ok to be clean and I might even keep more sanity. In fact I'm learning that routines free me up for more fun stuff (like spinning). And keeping to a strict regimin of cleaning regularly helps me be present to Life.
So the note I've put up here on the the blog is about the "Baby Blues" carried to extremes. I'm not sure if I will keep it up though, since it might be unethical to post it. I'm still mulling that over.
Cool group if you want to join, even for "Payroll SHEs" which is a weird weird oxymoron. Go to FlyLady's site.
Email to Mom Friends:
My cynic isn't too sure about the style of this message, but my Universal Mother-self knows it's good for all of us to get these kinds of reminders. It's good to ask for help when we need it *and* accept it when offered:)
Blessings on all the Mothers and babies,
v
-----Original Message-----
From: FLYLADY [mailto:FlyLady@FlyLady.net]
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 11:55 AM
To: FlyLadyMentors@yahoogroups.com
Dear Friends,
The death of a child is heart wrenching for any reason. In our community we have been mourning the death of a baby that was drowned by his mother. I will be honest this has been very hard for me and the whole community. We all had some connection to this new family.
When we are hurting it is important that we learn that it is OK to reach out to friends and family for help. I picked up the phone and called my dear friend Cheryl McClary and asked her to write something for you all and for me. Something to help explain about depression.
Cheryl is a precious person that has a degree in public health and teaches about Women's Health Issues at the University of North Carolina in Asheville. I knew she would have the words to reach out and touch us. Have you reached out to someone today?
I Love You All!
FlyLady
BLUER THAN TRUE BLUES
FROM THE AUTHOR OF
THE COMMITMENT CHRONICLES
CHERYL McCLARY, PH.D, J.D
Dear friends,
My heart is breaking because another innocent life has been lost and another family broken because of Postpartum Depression (PPD). I hope this story helps all of us to better understand how serious this condition is.
I give mommy a kick to remind her that I am still here. Normally I hear her singing to me. And every night Daddy reads to me, but something is different about today. I have not heard anything today except a beeper going off. This is a new sound for me. It is starting to feel a little tight in here, so maybe it is time for me to see this world I have been told so much about while I was in Heaven. I was instructed not to be afraid because I would have a Guardian angel that would protect me, and if anything drastic happened to me, MY ANGEL will bring me back to the God that is sending me as a gift from Him to my mother.
I am still a little bit concerned though. While in heaven, I was not shown a picture of my new family and I wonder what they look like.
My biggest concern is will I make them happy. Will they be able to love and care for me so that I will feel comfortable in my new surroundings? I will not be able to tell my mother that I love her and appreciate her efforts in taking good care of me while I was developing into what is called an infant, for a long time, if ever.
Uh-oh, someone let the water out. No more swimming for me. I think it is about time for me to see my new world.
I like this bright light, it reminds me of home, but I am frightened by all these new sounds. I am getting a little concerned about the weather here, also. I am cold, and I am going to cry to let someone know about this. I was instructed that I would have to cry in order to let my parents know that I needed something, so I am doing my best to communicate by letting out my best, highest pitched scream that I can produce. Something warm and fuzzy is wrapped around me, and I hear my mother's voice. She sounds so close to my ears that I turn my face and try to focus my eyes on her. Oh, how beautiful, my mother is beautiful. I try to smile at her to let her know that I love her, but all I can manage to do is to stop crying and snuggle closer to her. I like this; I am enjoying this bonding time with my mother!
After being fed this wonderfully sweet tasting liquid, I am ready to go to sleep, but I open my eyes when I feel myself being lifted and I
hear my daddy's voice. He is singing to me. I snuggle close to his
beating heart and give him a loud burp. I am HAPPY.
I look over daddy's shoulder and I see my Guardian Angel. He is smiling because this is a good match.
I heard someone telling mama that we would be going home today. I am feeling cranky because my tummy feels funny, so I have not been a happy camper today. I try crying louder to let with my parents know that my tummy has gone past the stage of feeling funny to actually hurting. And furthermore I do not like this contraption I heard was called a car seat. I hear mama cooing to me, so I try to settle down and go to sleep.
I have been home a week now. It is about 3:45 a.m., and I want mama. This is about the fourth time I have called out to her by crying. The first time she came with a smile, but this last time she was not smiling. So, I hope this time she will be happy to see me and that she will cuddle me close so that I can feel her heart beat, then maybe I will be feel comfortable and go back to sleep.
Mama is not smiling, nor does she pick me up to cuddle me. In fact she looks tired and unhappy. I am getting very concerned and I begin to cry even louder. I can tell mama does not like this, but I do not know any other way to speak with her other than to cry.
"Please, please go back to sleep, I am exhausted." I hear her say. I do not like her tone of voice and I cry even harder. She picks me up and I can feel that she is tense. When I get close enough to her face she is frowning at me. I pucker up and wonder will I be sent back home tonight.
Before I came here, I overheard an Angel saying that heaven received back an infant today. I wanted to know what they were talking about, so I flew a little closer. The Angel continued on to say that a mother returned the infant because about two to three days after giving birth, she began to feel depressed, anxious, and upset. She could not shake off feelings of gloom and doom so she took it out on her baby.
The returned baby was cradled in the arms of God. It was so happy and had a glow about it. God was telling it "though earth did not how to keep you, all heaven is rejoicing today because another infant has received its wings. Because you have earned your wings, instead of needing comfort, you will now be giving comfort to those that you left behind to grieve."
The angel continued on to say that it is normal for a new mother to feel "blue" after having a baby, but this baby's mother was feeling bluer that than true blues. In fact, about 70 to 80 percent of all new mothers have baby blues after childbirth. But this mother had such strong feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair that she had trouble coping with her daily tasks.
Another angel asked for more information, so that she could make earthlings more aware of the situation, and maybe through social awareness we all can prevent some of these "returned infants".
The angel continued on by first singing this phrase, "EVERY DAY THEY PASS ME BY, I CAN SEE IT IN THEIR EYES, EMPTY PEOPLE FILLED WITH CARE, HEADING WHO KNOWS WHERE. ON THEY GO IN PRIVATE PAIN, LIVING FEAR TO FEAR. LAUGHTER HIDES THE SILENT CRIES ONLY JESUS HEARS.
PEOPLE NEED THE LORD, AT THE END OF BROKEN DREAMS HE'S THE OPEN DOOR."
There was silence in heaven after this thought provoking revelation, but the angel continued to give out valuable information. She said, "According to the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC), there are three forms or levels of the `blues'". The first is known as baby blues, the next is postpartum depression (PPD), and the most serious of all is postpartum psychosis.
* The baby blues happen in many women in the days right after
childbirth. A new mother can have sudden mood swings, such as feeling very happy and then feeling very sad. She may cry for no reason and can feel impatient, irritable, restless, anxious, lonely, and sad.
The baby blues may last only a few hours or as long as one to two weeks after delivery. The baby blues do not always require treatment from a health care provider. Often, joining a support group of new moms or talking with other moms helps.
* Postpartum depression (PPD) can happen a few days or even
months after childbirth. PPD can happen after the birth of any child, not just the first child. A woman can have feelings similar to the baby blues - sadness, despair, anxiety, irritability - but she feels them much more strongly than she would with the baby blues. PPD often keeps a woman from doing the things she needs to do every day. When a woman's ability to function is affected, this is a sure sign that she needs to see her health care provider right away. If a woman does not get treatment for PPD, symptoms can get worse and last for as long as a year. PPD is a serious condition. It can be treated with medication and counseling and lots of support from loved ones. But, first of all the loved ones must also be able to recognize the signs of PPD!
What are the signs of postpartum depression?
The signs of postpartum depression include:
* Feeling restless or irritable.
* Feeling sad, depressed or crying a lot.
* Having no energy.
* Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (the heart
being fast and feeling like it is skipping beats), numbness, or hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing).
* Not being able to sleep or being very tired, or both.
* Not being able to eat and weight loss.
* Overeating and weight gain.
* Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions.
* Being overly worried about the baby.
* Not having any interest in the baby.
* Feeling worthless and guilty.
* Being afraid of hurting the baby or yourself.
* No interest or pleasure in activities, including sex.
* Postpartum psychosis is a very serious mental illness that
can affect new mothers. This illness can happen quickly, often within the first three months after childbirth. Women can lose touch with reality, often having auditory hallucinations (hearing things that aren't actually happening, like a person talking) and delusions (seeing things differently from what they are). Visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there) are less common. Other symptoms include insomnia (not being able to sleep), feeling agitated (unsettled), angry, and strange feelings and behaviors. Women who have postpartum psychosis need treatment immediately and almost always need medication. Women are put into the hospital because they are at risk for hurting themselves or someone else, often the baby.
As the angel finishes the lecture, she holds out her arms to embrace another baby that has earned its wings. But she has to smile when she looks at the following scene. And she knows that I will not be returned.
I felt mama lift me up so that I could feel her heart beat, she began to coo to me and try to comfort me. I finally knew that mama loved me unconditionally and that I would be allowed to stay in this world for a while. As daddy peeked in on us, everyone was sleeping peacefully. My Guardian Angel was hovering behind the rocking chair smiling down at the beautiful scene his eyes were beholding.
Love,
Cheryl McClary
P.S. Just to remind you again, families and friends should be aware of the signs of PPD, and take action immediately once signs become evident.
FlyLady Here: Thank you Cheryl for your words to help us recognize the signs of Depression. Tears are rolling down my face as I think about all the babies and all the mommies that need a helping hand.
Please reach out to someone you know today. You both will feel better for it.
Her book is on Amazon if you would like to read more from her:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0972714405/
You are not behind! I don't want you to try to catch up; I just want you to jump in where we are. O.K.?
Copyright 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 FlyLady and Company, Inc.
All Rights Reserved, No reprint to other email lists or websites without FlyLady's permission. You have permission to forward to a friend.
Check out our website: http://www.FlyLady.net
Email to almost everyone I know:
I have to say that I am more impressed by Dean every day. I admire his classic Vermont bluntness, frugality and his willingness to go out on a limb, even standing up to his own party, to do what is right. He has a proven track record and a deep commitment to the democratic process, which is in dire need of rescuing, imho.
In a crowded field of candidates this man stands out as the polar opposite of Bush - which is just what people want. For beginners he's intelligent. Dean appeals to both regular Democrats (Gore/Clinton democrats) and independents (Nader-ites, etc.).
Kerry is great, but is too much a Washington insider and has been too willing to go along with Bush these last few years. Kucinich is too far left for a serious run, as is Al Sharpton. Gephardt is another insider and has tried too many times (and failed). Lieberman is too conservative for many in the party. Wesley Clark is distinguished, but has zero political experience. I would love to see him as a running mate to Dean. Whomever Dean selects for a running mate should have military experience.
Remember, this country was deeply divided in the 2000 elections. Bush did not win the popular election. And he has alienated thousands of his own base - especially constituents who are stunned to see Republicans bankrupt the federal budget with bad international policies, tax cuts and over-the-top spending on pet projects (aka corporations).
The 2002 elections when Republicans swept the Congress was a wake up call to Democratic politicians to stop letting the opposition run the show.
Btw, for those of us wondering about Dean's wife - here is something from her. Remember, I'm the one who had a pink bumper sticker printed after Clinton's first election that said, "Don't blame me. I voted for Hillary." I'd like to see another strong woman in the White House. Maybe she can get a reasonable health care reform crafted so we can stop sending pharmaceutical reps to early retirements.
Vicki
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Judy Steinberg Dean [mailto:info@deanforamerica.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2003 3:09 AM
To: Jones, Vicki
Judith Steinberg Dean
Dear Vicki,
This email is one of my first public campaign activities for my husband, Howard Dean.
I am a doctor, not a politician, and Howard to his great credit has never expected me to campaign for him. Despite his intense passion for public service, Howard has never made his public aspirations become my personal obligations.
But I would like to ask you now to make a contribution to Howard’s campaign, at this important time in the “September to Remember.” 9,159 Americans have contributed $572,646.06 during the last two days, and if everyone contributes whatever they can during this final week of the quarter, you will have made an important statement about the power of Howard’s grassroots campaign:
http://www.deanforamerica.com/contributenow
My time “on the campaign trail” is limited. As a doctor and a partner in a medical practice, I have a responsibility to my patients; when people are sick they want and need to see a physician who knows them.
Even though I am not able to campaign every day I want you to know how strongly I believe that Howard is the best candidate. And I would like you to know why.
Since 1980, when he was the local Democratic Party Chair, Howard has been galvanized by the opportunity to change public policy through political activism.
It began with a neighborhood effort to get a bike path along Lake Champlain and grew into his position as a state representative, then Lt. Governor and Governor to a profound belief that George Bush is the wrong person to lead our country.
I met Howard in 1979 at Albert Einstein medical school, where we were both students. Although I went to medical school because I really like science, what I like most about medicine is helping people. I enjoy helping people on a one-on-one basis – getting to know them and their families and helping them deal with illness. That is my way, while Howard is much more talented at improving things for people on a larger scale.
After medical school, Howard moved to Vermont for his residency. After a fellowship at McGill University I joined him as a partner in his medical practice. We were married in 1981. Our daughter Anne was born in 1984 and our son Paul is 17.
I enjoyed working side-by-side with my husband and missed him when Howard was forced to leave our practice to serve as Governor after the unexpected death of Governor Snelling. Howard is an excellent physician and we made a great team. I think Howard was a better governor because of his experiences as a doctor. He can quickly absorb the necessary information to make difficult decisions.
I truly believe Howard would be a strong president. He has the intellect, the passion, the values and the determination to improve this country. And Howard’s message has impressed party activists and has clearly engaged the media and the grassroots of the Democratic Party. We were all thrilled by the record number of contributors in the last federal election commission filing, and by the number of people who have responded during these last ten days of the September to Remember:
http://www.deanforamerica.com/contributenow
With your help the Dean for America campaign has made tremendous strides. The “experts” are surprised by the exponential growth of the campaign.
Howard is grateful for everyone’s generosity, appreciative of the opportunity to discuss his issues and determined to run a winning campaign. The polls show Howard is now leading in key states and moving up in several others. And, more important to him personally, he is shaping the debate on so many critical issues like reproductive rights, access to health care for all Americans and fiscal restraint.
For Howard a campaign is about ideas, passion, and the desire for change . . . not a “money chase.” But to defeat George W. Bush and the millions that will be raised by his "Pioneers" and "Rangers", we need the financial help of every American who cares about our cause and about changing America for the better.
And so I will ask you on his behalf to once again consider making a contribution to help his campaign for President.
http://www.deanforamerica.com/contributenow
Sincerely,
Judith Steinberg Dean
P.S. Your online contribution is critical at this time. Please check “the bat” on the website to see how you and thousands of others are making a difference: http://www.blogforamerica.com
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Contributions to Dean For America are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes
[Actually, I sent this to the School Board, the District Superintendent and the "Policy" office of the school system. Got lots of responses:) Most all assured me they had not planned a closed door session (which would violate NC Sunshine laws). But the topic of axing our Open School magnets schools did get floated at a "working" meeting. What's that quote? "Think globally, act locally." Not sure that's enough in the age of Dubya, but I love a good cause, so local it is. This week.]
From: Jones, Vicki
To: 'gdunlap@bellsouth.net'
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2003 5:23 PM
Subject: Open School Programs in CMS
Dear Mr. Dunlap,
I have heard that the CMS School Board is holding a closed-door session to discuss the future of the Open Curriculum schools in CMS. I am a middle-class parent of three children in the school system and feel very strongly that the only curriculum in the system that fits the needs of my children is the Open Curriculum.
I have had my children in five schools (including a private preschool) over the last 8 years and have been extremely disappointed with two of the public schools. I moved my children out of those schools, although one was a "school of excellence", Bain Elementary in Mint Hill, where I reside. My experience with a local charter school was similarly disappointing, but their curriculum was sound.
The Open Curriculum offers my children a balance of exploration and structure, of guidance and self-directed work, of group activities and individual study. My children have attended Irwin Avenue Open and, beginning this year, Piedmont Open Middle School. I have been greatly impressed by these programs, and specifically chose them over other "non-traditional" programs, namely: Montessori and the Paideia programs.
I volunteer in the schools where my children attend and therefore have directly observed the Open curriculum in action. This curriculum is distinctive in its integrated approach to learning and openness to students' individual learning styles.
If it were not for the Open programs in CMS, I very likely would have moved my children into the private sector, or into another school system, even if that meant relocating. Like many middle-class families, we are lucky to have choices in our educational decisions (my husband and I both earned post-secondary degrees). Indeed quality of education is the largest determination of where we choose to live. However, other families, especially low income populations, do not have the luxury of moving for a better school program.
Our Open school programs in CMS should be strengthened, not compromised. Please let me know the results of your meeting.
Thank you,
Vicki Jones
Give your ear to all, your hand to a friend, but your mouth only to your wife.
- Yiddish Proverb