Personhood is a Civil Issue

A few months ago I was discouraged by the passage of legislation that inserted itself into reproductive choice.  The bill requires a medical procedure (ultrasound) not normally ordered by a doctor prior to an abortion.  The first draft included the even more invasive transvaginal ultrasound.  I write this not in support of abortion; but, in support of women and girls who may find themselves making one of the most difficult decisions they may ever face.  Unlike many, I don’t believe for one moment the vast majority take this action lightly or without considerable thought.

I have been Pro-Choice since my youth; I am no longer a young woman and after having two children of my own and two beautiful grandchildren I know that I would never want to face such a choice.  I also know that I never want to have that right taken from any woman.  I do not accept that a government should take precedent over one’s body.         

In their zeal to protect the unborn, the Virginia Commonwealth’s Legislators attempted to pass ‘Personhood’ legislation this year.  Fortunately, they failed.  In today’s Virginian Pilot Dr. Howard Jones, Jr., Cofounder of the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine at EVMS authored an editorial which clearly lays out why it is a bad idea.  

http://hamptonroads.com/2012/05/dangers-personhood-bills-0

Thank you Dr. Jones for adding context to my concerns.

Moral Indignation on Weiner's rehab ploy

The last straw, Weiner taking leave of absence to enter rehab.  “Congressman Weiner departed this morning to seek professional treatment to focus on becoming a better husband and healthier person,” said his spokeswoman, Risa Heller. “In light of that, he will request a short leave of absence from the House of Representatives so that he can get evaluated and map out a course of treatment to make himself well.”

Where does this charade end?  A brief leave of absence and the opportunity for the news cycle to change will not erase the problem of spectacular lack of character and moral compass.   

When was the last time a female politician found herself in a sex scandal?   It may have happened; but, I can't recall a single example.    Women are either too involved in their work and managing their daily lives or absent the hubris and self-importance at the root of these actions.    It is quite disturbing to consider his lack of judgement.    How does one plan and execute these disgusting actions and feel fully competent to represent constituents?   

I'm ready to recruit and work to elect a 100% female Congress, that should end this sideshow.

 

Time to consider the Bucket List

Tomorrow is my birthday, my sixty-seventh birthday.   That's hard to read and even harder to write.   My husband, John is always excited to celebrate his birthday and doesn't understand my trepidation.   His philosophy is birthdays are to celebrate and not fear, "short of death there is nothing you can do to stop them, so embrace them".   It's a good attitude and I'm hoping to adopt it any day now.  

The passage of time encourages one to consider what lies ahead.   It's time for the Bucket List.  
Last Saturday I took my granddaughter to her riding lesson.   Horseback riding is a very effective therapy  in combating her congenital muscular disease.  She has been taking lessons for several years and I occasionally take her.    In the beginning she was lead by the instructor.    Taylor now rides within the ring on her own and has developed a true affection for the horses she rides.    It is quite wonderful to watch her grow in skill and confidence.

Last Saturday it occurred to me that it's now or never so I set up a schedule and made a list of items I needed to look the part and protect my old bones and body.    Monday I went shopping and found a reasonably priced pair of Ariat paddock boots, socks, half chaps, helmet and the embarrassingly snug riding pants.  I chose black deluding myself that they would be more slimming.

Today was the first lesson, thank goodness we stayed in the indoor arena for the initial training and once I felt comfortable we ventured outside.   It is HOT in Virginia Beach today.    I'm not sure where this goes; but, so far so good.    The last time I was on a horse was the mid-sixties and I was in my early twenties.    I recall being so sore the next day that it hurt to write.     Probably the main reason I never tried again.     My
goal is to ride a trail with my granddaughter.    For now, I need to get on the Pilates Performer and stretch these over-rout muscles. 

The role of the Journalist

Observing the chaos in Egypt is alarming.    Journalist systematically attacked by thugs believed to be orchestrated by the government.     All of this set me to thinking about the role of journalist in our society.    Are they observers objectively reporting what, when and where or are they to include personal conclusions and assumptions.     Much of what I have heard on both MSNBC and CNN clearly expresses a point of view; FOX does not appear to have on cite reporting and seems to be relying on 2nd hand reports.   I'm not excusing the strong arm action of those escalating the violence.      I am suggesting that reporting, today, too often has a point of view and is bleeding into all aspects of the profession.    I think this makes a difficult, dangerous situation much more so.      

The Obvious often Escapes Bureaucrats

The Obvious often Escapes Bureaucrats

I attended a recent seminar, “Lighting the Fire of Urgency” as part of my ongoing in-service training as a CASA.     It was mandatory for all child services Social Workers and strongly recommended for Judges, City Attorneys, Guardian Ad Litems, and CASAs.      The seminar was conducted by a national permanency expert and focused on identifying individuals within the extended family to assume care of children in need.      The basis and premise seem sound and without question offers the opportunity for a positive outcome.  Why is this new idea?

My concern, How do we find ourselves in 2010, assuming the State has a better chance of successfully raising a child?  Believe me; I have seen enough to know that there are circumstances where that action can be the only viable one.   Surely, the State should be the last resort.      Why hasn’t DHS been more focused on finding family members?  I would like to know the answer to that question.

History is Prologue

Jon McNoughton uses his artistic talent to illustrate a major concern shared by so many.    If you take the time to review his website, you will find an excellent encapsulation of our former presidents actions embedded in the portrait.     History is prologue, and provides great insight.     It is easy to blame President Obama and I do believe his policies are flawed; this provides a map for how we reached this stage.


Artist's  site and  actual painting, run your cursor over painting to identify presidents and read
their contribution.

   http://www.mcnaughtonart.com/



Artist's statement on why he created this portrait.

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KGlBHyVeYU&feature=player_embedded

We haven't come far enough, women still face greater scrutiny than men

Really?  I mean really?  

Even the Huffington Post, the bastion of liberal voices has taken up this topic:

Hilary Clinton’s hair duo.

When is the last time you saw a man’s hair cut or lack of said hair cut in the news?    You haven’t, yet women continue to be measured by how they look.     Give her a break; let her do her important work.