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.