It has been said that "a coincidence is a small miracle in which God chooses to remain anonymous.” I am certainly convinced of that notion.
Given the recent events in my family (the loss of a beloved nephew and some minor health scares), my wife and her four sisters decided that they needed some time to sort out all the feelings and reconnect with each other. One of the sisters suggested a short cruise along the coasts of southern California and northern Mexico. This was a four day cruise which would allow the five of them some down time for introspection and relaxation.
It seemed the time was right for that reunion. But during the planning it became evident that the time just was not right for their older sister, Peggy, to join them. It was unfortunate because all of them were looking forward to being together. But, alas, it was not to be. Peggy had family responsibilities that would not allow her to be freed for the four day cruise. The remaining four sisters left on the cruise without their older sister.
One of the cruise stops was Ensenada, Mexico. Because of the recent gang related events in Mexico I warned my wife to be careful. She assured me that she would not stray from the path and that she had her sisters there to protect her and they could help protect each other. They would be safe.
On these cruises excursions are set up to allow passengers to tour the port cities. When they disembarked in Ensenada they immediately went to the line for their chosen excursion.
While in line for the shopping tour, another lady came up to them and mentioned that her husband was unable to accompany her to shore (for whatever reason). She asked my wife and her sisters (sans sister Peggy) if it would be ok if she tagged along with them. My wife's family group said "absolutely" and introductions were made. "This is J----, C----, B----, and N---."
The new lady said "Nice to meet you, my name is Peggy." At the very mention of the name "Peggy", my wife and her sisters let out a scream, which I am sure frightened this newcomer. Finally, noticing the look on her face, some explanation was given for the outburst. With the addition of "Peggy" to the sisters tour the mission was complete. There was a unity in time and space as all the sisters were present in a spiritual sense, in thought and mind. Though physically left behind, Peggy had arrived in spirit and surrogate. All was right with the cosmos. And the rest of the day was spent in shopping bliss.
What an amazing little oddity that is. There is a force in the universe that likes to have things in their place. There is some great equalizer out there. I am sure that my wife's parents were looking down and had something to do with this plan. A little, simple coincidence, a little, simple miracle where God wanted to remain anonymous.
D.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday
I have to thank my friend Cosmo (http://regularlatte.blogspot.com/) who blogs on his "views from a coffeeshop". He reminded me that Shrove Tuesday (here in the states I call it Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday) had just passed. That would make today Ash Wednesday. I used to go and get the ashes on my forehead. I did not today. I was at work before sunrise. I have not been to church in a few years. That may be the subject of another blog, perhaps a whole web page. No. I will not burden you with that part of my spiritual journey.
I miss New Orleans. There has been discussion, these past few years since Katrina, of my family taking a trip to New Orleans. I would love to show them my old stomping grounds. Although sadly, my old high school did not make it through Katrina. It made it through but sustained so much water damage that I heard it had to be torn down. Oh well. All that I can say is "we can rebuild it. we have the technology". Make it better.
Still, New Orleans is rich in culture, history, folklore and style. I would love to share it with my family. We are due. We must go. Someday.
I have yet to decide what to give up for Lent. I used to be pretty good at Lent. I would pick something to do without and I would too. Lately, I just try to be good. We shall see. I will try. That is really all I can do. Happy Ash Wednesday to you all. God Bless.
D.
UPDATE: February 28, 2009.
I enjoyed the Mardi Gras parades (there were a lot - a hundred?), I enjoyed the parties. I enjoyed the Mardi Gras season. I did not enjoy seeing all drunks wandering the streets, the scandalous French Quarter behavior and all the trash afterwards. New Orleans was a religious area. It seemed hypocritical to me to have such debauchery just to squeeze it in prior to the religious season of Lent. Why not strive for a balance all year round? It seemed rather odd to me. I try to be good. But I do enjoy a little fun every once in a while too.
But I do miss New Orleans. I wonder if the city of my youth will hold the same magic whenever I return? I recall the city with limited fondness. When I turned 18 I could not wait to get out of there. I jumped at the first chance I had to move to California. I think it paid off.
D.
I miss New Orleans. There has been discussion, these past few years since Katrina, of my family taking a trip to New Orleans. I would love to show them my old stomping grounds. Although sadly, my old high school did not make it through Katrina. It made it through but sustained so much water damage that I heard it had to be torn down. Oh well. All that I can say is "we can rebuild it. we have the technology". Make it better.
Still, New Orleans is rich in culture, history, folklore and style. I would love to share it with my family. We are due. We must go. Someday.
I have yet to decide what to give up for Lent. I used to be pretty good at Lent. I would pick something to do without and I would too. Lately, I just try to be good. We shall see. I will try. That is really all I can do. Happy Ash Wednesday to you all. God Bless.
D.
UPDATE: February 28, 2009.
I enjoyed the Mardi Gras parades (there were a lot - a hundred?), I enjoyed the parties. I enjoyed the Mardi Gras season. I did not enjoy seeing all drunks wandering the streets, the scandalous French Quarter behavior and all the trash afterwards. New Orleans was a religious area. It seemed hypocritical to me to have such debauchery just to squeeze it in prior to the religious season of Lent. Why not strive for a balance all year round? It seemed rather odd to me. I try to be good. But I do enjoy a little fun every once in a while too.
But I do miss New Orleans. I wonder if the city of my youth will hold the same magic whenever I return? I recall the city with limited fondness. When I turned 18 I could not wait to get out of there. I jumped at the first chance I had to move to California. I think it paid off.
D.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tracy Grammer Show
Folk music concerts are oftentimes in obscure venues or even in plain old folks back yards. One particular evening this past weekend, the venue was at Boulevard Music in Culver City. Such is the nature of folk music, not as popular as it used to be but thankfully there are still talented practictioners. I was lucky enough to experience an intimate evening of Carter and Grammer folk music.
I love modern folk music. One of my favorite folk artists is the duo, Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer. Dave Carter was a great songwriter who wrote some amazingly poetic songs. Dave Carter died tragically in 2002. Thankfully, Tracy Grammer is still playing Dave Carter's music and also sharing some songs of her own.
On February 10th, 2009, I did a casual check of Tracy Grammer's website. I was just checking for tour dates. I do that every once in a while to make sure that I don't miss out on some great folk music. I was glad I did. I was informed that she would be doing a show at Boulevard Music in Culver City on February 20th – my day off. I immediately made plans to attend.
That day I was surfing the net and looking for music videos on Youtube. I found some amazing Dave Carter songs that people uploaded. I was inspired to check on Tracy's site for concert information. I found the Feb. 20th date. I thought about but at first decided against it - it was a three hour drive each way. Then I read a comment to one of the videos. A gentlemen had written that he had tickets to see a concert in 2002 and heard two weeks before the concert that Dave Carter had died. He went out and took down a poster announcement of the concert and had it framed. I decided then that life can throw all kinds of situations at you and you should choose the moments that are important to you. I decided that I would make the effort to go and see Tracy, even though it meant a three hour drive each way.
My cousin lives in Culver City. My daughter goes to college in the area. So I asked my daughter if she would like to go. She enthusiastically said yes. I mentioned it to my cousin and his wife that we would be in Culver City for the concert and his wife responded that it was near their house and they would like to attend also. I bought four tickets.
We arrived at the venue and immediately saw Tracy on the stage doing a sound check. I love these small venues. It was nice to talk to Tracy before the show. And then it was time for the show.
Tracy started the show with an Emmy Lou Harris song and then jumped right into four songs from the Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer collection - "Crocodile Man", "Ordinary Town", "Hard to Make It", and "Shadows of Evangeline". And there you have it. Within the first twenty minutes I was glad that I made the trip. Tracy has a beautiful strong voice and she carries the songs well. She tells Dave's stories wonderfully well. Being a poet myself I appreciate the complexities of Dave Carter's songs.
Tracy closed out the first set with two very spiritual war songs. I am not a fan of protest folk. I do understand the need and I may agree with the sentiments expressed but I want more from music than that. I want to be lifted to a higher spiritual level. On that I think Tracy agrees with me because I felt lifted by "Travis John" and by her rendition of "Laughlin Boy", which has been a favorite of mine since I first heard it on "Flower of Avalon".
After a brief intermission Tracy came back out for the second half of her show. She started this with a cover of Tom Russell's "Blue Wing". This song I had heard and the story kind of fits with my post Sunday, February 15, 2009 Anonymous or Outside of a Small Circle of Friends. Somewhere, sometimes things go wrong and life doesn't always turn out the way you want.
I was happy to see Tracy cover two of Paul Simon's songs. I also enjoyed the fact that she has heard of David Francey. I do enjoy his music. But I was extremely happy when she sang "The Mountain". And to know that Dave got to hear Joan Baez cover his song and play it for the Dalai Lama... just adds to the spiritual loftiness of the song itself.
Tracy Grammer puts on a great show. She can tell a funny story and she can reach for your heart. Tracy is a great singer but she is also a great songwriter. Her tribute to Dave Carter, "The Verdant Mile" was beautifully written and sung. Tracy, thank you for your music and for keeping the music of Dave Carter alive for us.
D.
I love modern folk music. One of my favorite folk artists is the duo, Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer. Dave Carter was a great songwriter who wrote some amazingly poetic songs. Dave Carter died tragically in 2002. Thankfully, Tracy Grammer is still playing Dave Carter's music and also sharing some songs of her own.
On February 10th, 2009, I did a casual check of Tracy Grammer's website. I was just checking for tour dates. I do that every once in a while to make sure that I don't miss out on some great folk music. I was glad I did. I was informed that she would be doing a show at Boulevard Music in Culver City on February 20th – my day off. I immediately made plans to attend.
That day I was surfing the net and looking for music videos on Youtube. I found some amazing Dave Carter songs that people uploaded. I was inspired to check on Tracy's site for concert information. I found the Feb. 20th date. I thought about but at first decided against it - it was a three hour drive each way. Then I read a comment to one of the videos. A gentlemen had written that he had tickets to see a concert in 2002 and heard two weeks before the concert that Dave Carter had died. He went out and took down a poster announcement of the concert and had it framed. I decided then that life can throw all kinds of situations at you and you should choose the moments that are important to you. I decided that I would make the effort to go and see Tracy, even though it meant a three hour drive each way.
My cousin lives in Culver City. My daughter goes to college in the area. So I asked my daughter if she would like to go. She enthusiastically said yes. I mentioned it to my cousin and his wife that we would be in Culver City for the concert and his wife responded that it was near their house and they would like to attend also. I bought four tickets.
We arrived at the venue and immediately saw Tracy on the stage doing a sound check. I love these small venues. It was nice to talk to Tracy before the show. And then it was time for the show.
Tracy started the show with an Emmy Lou Harris song and then jumped right into four songs from the Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer collection - "Crocodile Man", "Ordinary Town", "Hard to Make It", and "Shadows of Evangeline". And there you have it. Within the first twenty minutes I was glad that I made the trip. Tracy has a beautiful strong voice and she carries the songs well. She tells Dave's stories wonderfully well. Being a poet myself I appreciate the complexities of Dave Carter's songs.
Tracy closed out the first set with two very spiritual war songs. I am not a fan of protest folk. I do understand the need and I may agree with the sentiments expressed but I want more from music than that. I want to be lifted to a higher spiritual level. On that I think Tracy agrees with me because I felt lifted by "Travis John" and by her rendition of "Laughlin Boy", which has been a favorite of mine since I first heard it on "Flower of Avalon".
After a brief intermission Tracy came back out for the second half of her show. She started this with a cover of Tom Russell's "Blue Wing". This song I had heard and the story kind of fits with my post Sunday, February 15, 2009 Anonymous or Outside of a Small Circle of Friends. Somewhere, sometimes things go wrong and life doesn't always turn out the way you want.
I was happy to see Tracy cover two of Paul Simon's songs. I also enjoyed the fact that she has heard of David Francey. I do enjoy his music. But I was extremely happy when she sang "The Mountain". And to know that Dave got to hear Joan Baez cover his song and play it for the Dalai Lama... just adds to the spiritual loftiness of the song itself.
Tracy Grammer puts on a great show. She can tell a funny story and she can reach for your heart. Tracy is a great singer but she is also a great songwriter. Her tribute to Dave Carter, "The Verdant Mile" was beautifully written and sung. Tracy, thank you for your music and for keeping the music of Dave Carter alive for us.
D.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Anne Hathaway
I was watching the Oscar's tonight and I was really excited that Anne Hathaway was on the show. I remember watching her in "the Princess Diaries" with my daughter when she was younger. I think my daughter watched it several times. So I knew who Anne was. And then of course, lately she has become a very accomplished actress.
But, Anne and I shared a moment several years ago. I believe it was Spring of 2005 in Chicago's O'Hare airport. I was in Chicago on a business trip. I was on my way home walking down the terminal to the gate for my flight. I was watching the arrivals as people were walking towards me on the other side of the terminal. I 'm a girl watcher. And there was one particular woman marching up the terminal towards me as I was walking towards her. I glanced at her and I realized how beautiful she was. I am still a very shy person and do not always make eye contact. But when this lady came close I had to do a double take. I recognized her. It was Anne Hathaway. As I did the double take I noticed that Anne had a great smile on her face. I think she was happy to be noticed.
I relayed this story to my wife when I arrived home but she still doesn't believe me. It's ok. Anne and I know.
D.
Note: Anne Hathaway was introduced in the best actress category by another favorite actress of mine. I fell in love with Shirley MacLaine when I first saw her in “The Apartment” with Jack Lemmon. I had a great crush on her at that time. I guess I saw that movie the first time when I was a teen ager. Indeed, my first girlfriend had a remarkable resemblance to Ms. Kubelik.
But, Anne and I shared a moment several years ago. I believe it was Spring of 2005 in Chicago's O'Hare airport. I was in Chicago on a business trip. I was on my way home walking down the terminal to the gate for my flight. I was watching the arrivals as people were walking towards me on the other side of the terminal. I 'm a girl watcher. And there was one particular woman marching up the terminal towards me as I was walking towards her. I glanced at her and I realized how beautiful she was. I am still a very shy person and do not always make eye contact. But when this lady came close I had to do a double take. I recognized her. It was Anne Hathaway. As I did the double take I noticed that Anne had a great smile on her face. I think she was happy to be noticed.
I relayed this story to my wife when I arrived home but she still doesn't believe me. It's ok. Anne and I know.
D.
Note: Anne Hathaway was introduced in the best actress category by another favorite actress of mine. I fell in love with Shirley MacLaine when I first saw her in “The Apartment” with Jack Lemmon. I had a great crush on her at that time. I guess I saw that movie the first time when I was a teen ager. Indeed, my first girlfriend had a remarkable resemblance to Ms. Kubelik.
Monday, February 16, 2009
A Whale of a Story
At a time when the state of California is on the verge of bankruptcy and doesn't have a budget, and the city of Sandy Eggo is also strapped for cash. Some fishermen find a whale carcass floating 2 miles offshore. The whale, a species that lives and dies in the ocean, was dragged to the shore to prevent it from washing up on shore. From there it was loaded by the Parks and Recreation Department onto trucks and carried to a landfill to be buried.
I want to publicize this stupidity. Why couldn't they drag it further out into the ocean so that the current would wash it out to sea? Would this have been so much more expensive. Don't whales normally die in the ocean. Or is the govt. secretly burying all the dead whales in our fast filling land fills? Lots of stupid stuff here.
What about the poor archeaologist in the future who has determined where Sandy Eggo lies in the strata that he is digging through? How will he explain the whale bones found among the analog tv's? I feel real sorry for our progeny.
Just some silly stuff happening in the San Diego, CA. area. Thankfully, I didn't smell this whale stench. I just smell the stench of big government.
Follow the story here:
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/15/bn15whale-moved/?zIndex=53517
Be sure and read the comments at the end.
Have a great day.
D.
I want to publicize this stupidity. Why couldn't they drag it further out into the ocean so that the current would wash it out to sea? Would this have been so much more expensive. Don't whales normally die in the ocean. Or is the govt. secretly burying all the dead whales in our fast filling land fills? Lots of stupid stuff here.
What about the poor archeaologist in the future who has determined where Sandy Eggo lies in the strata that he is digging through? How will he explain the whale bones found among the analog tv's? I feel real sorry for our progeny.
Just some silly stuff happening in the San Diego, CA. area. Thankfully, I didn't smell this whale stench. I just smell the stench of big government.
Follow the story here:
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/15/bn15whale-moved/?zIndex=53517
Be sure and read the comments at the end.
Have a great day.
D.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Anonymous or Outside of a Small Circle of Friends
When we were growing up in America in the 1960's and 1970's we were told that we could be whatever we wanted when we became adults. We were told to dream and dream big. It was such a prominent ideal. We heard it from everyone. I fell for it. I dreamed. I dreamed big. I wanted to be a writer, a television producer and director, an actor, a singer, a songwriter, a screenwriter, etc. I wanted to change the world. I wanted to influence how people think. (Indeed, now when I start to tell people how I think and what I believe, my wife tells me to shut up.)
I have lately begun to realize that, for a lot of folks, dreams die after 50. It is the younger crowd that gets all the publicity, all the fame, all the glory. Society wants the potential and "promise" of greatness. Yet I can't seem to let go. I can't give up because of the futility that giving up would render. If I gave up my dreams my life would mean nothing. I would stand for what I am. A mediocre poet that could not rise above that level. So I trudge on. What else can I do? Perhaps that is my destiny, to be a mediocre poet.
We live out our lives in degrees of anonymity. By design or accident, or divine punishment. Our dreams may amount to nothing. At what point do you decide that you may never amount to much? At what point do you give up your dreams and get on with the stuff you have done. To paraphrase the dad's line from the movie "The Rookie", "it is ok to pursue the things you like until you find what you were meant to do." Problem is, what was I meant to do? Be a mediocre poet? Or just a mediocre tech writer?
While pondering these things the past few days I put the music on. I came across one of my favorite songs. Another sad story about a life spent in anonymity. It is not so hard to do. We can't all be famous. We must all try to be the hero of our own lives.
Enjoy this little song. I find it compelling, and truthful. The song is based on letters found in a grandfathers attic. Take from it what you will. Thanks for stopping by.
D.
Kilkelly, Ireland: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaHhNi-f2G4
I have lately begun to realize that, for a lot of folks, dreams die after 50. It is the younger crowd that gets all the publicity, all the fame, all the glory. Society wants the potential and "promise" of greatness. Yet I can't seem to let go. I can't give up because of the futility that giving up would render. If I gave up my dreams my life would mean nothing. I would stand for what I am. A mediocre poet that could not rise above that level. So I trudge on. What else can I do? Perhaps that is my destiny, to be a mediocre poet.
We live out our lives in degrees of anonymity. By design or accident, or divine punishment. Our dreams may amount to nothing. At what point do you decide that you may never amount to much? At what point do you give up your dreams and get on with the stuff you have done. To paraphrase the dad's line from the movie "The Rookie", "it is ok to pursue the things you like until you find what you were meant to do." Problem is, what was I meant to do? Be a mediocre poet? Or just a mediocre tech writer?
While pondering these things the past few days I put the music on. I came across one of my favorite songs. Another sad story about a life spent in anonymity. It is not so hard to do. We can't all be famous. We must all try to be the hero of our own lives.
Enjoy this little song. I find it compelling, and truthful. The song is based on letters found in a grandfathers attic. Take from it what you will. Thanks for stopping by.
D.
Kilkelly, Ireland: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaHhNi-f2G4
Thursday, February 12, 2009
One of My Favorite Trips.
South of Jackson, Wy. This is still one of my favorite pictures. Damn power lines. July, 2006.The sloping roof of the cabin seemed to be reflected in the horse's back.
We had a great time in the Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, Wy. and at Yellowstone. Just a wonderful part of the world.
This next picture is just a picture of the Yellowstone River (?). I think. We were in the YNP and I just thought this was the river. I can't remember. D.
Monday, February 9, 2009
16 Concerts
I know I haven't posted for a while. I haven't been in the mood to write. There has been a lot going on and I just haven't felt up to it. Please forgive me. Life and work have been distracting. I will try to get back into it soon. I just haven't felt like writing lately.
I guess, as pondering goes, there have been more important happenings than my simple thoughts. I am still trying to get caught up on the paper work of switching jobs. What a mess. I encourage people to stay in their current positions. I wonder if it is worth the trouble. Don't get me wrong, I love my new job. I love the challenges but there is a lot to learn and I like to get things done. I am still waiting to come "up to speed". I will get there I am sure. I am just impatient.
I think one of the main reasons that I haven't written much is that I look at my own life and wonder why would anyone be interested. What significance do I offer? AS you may remember my nephew died last month at the age of 31. I am learning more about him in death than I ever knew in life. I married into the family and did not live in town for a lot of his growing up. I did not know him very well. Over the last year or two we would get together occasionally to play poker but he was still aloof around me. But I am becoming more aware of the type of individual he was.
For instance, my wife informed me tonight that JJ was a local music scene aficionado. He loved his music. He loved the local bands. My wife told me that the local music scene in the past month has held 16 separate concerts as tributes to JJ. These were his friends. They all felt the need and desire to say good bye in their own special way. What an amazing tribute. I am honored and proud to say that I was his uncle. We all miss him very much.
D.
I guess, as pondering goes, there have been more important happenings than my simple thoughts. I am still trying to get caught up on the paper work of switching jobs. What a mess. I encourage people to stay in their current positions. I wonder if it is worth the trouble. Don't get me wrong, I love my new job. I love the challenges but there is a lot to learn and I like to get things done. I am still waiting to come "up to speed". I will get there I am sure. I am just impatient.
I think one of the main reasons that I haven't written much is that I look at my own life and wonder why would anyone be interested. What significance do I offer? AS you may remember my nephew died last month at the age of 31. I am learning more about him in death than I ever knew in life. I married into the family and did not live in town for a lot of his growing up. I did not know him very well. Over the last year or two we would get together occasionally to play poker but he was still aloof around me. But I am becoming more aware of the type of individual he was.
For instance, my wife informed me tonight that JJ was a local music scene aficionado. He loved his music. He loved the local bands. My wife told me that the local music scene in the past month has held 16 separate concerts as tributes to JJ. These were his friends. They all felt the need and desire to say good bye in their own special way. What an amazing tribute. I am honored and proud to say that I was his uncle. We all miss him very much.
D.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Some Interesting Quotes
In my previous post I quoted from the Declaration of Independence. "...certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." But I find that the next line is the real remarkable one. It just didn't fit in with the previous post. So I will insert it here:
"...Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure those rights , Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just power from the consent of the governed, that whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute new government."
Also, there was something that Gordon Brown, the prime minister of Britain, said the other day at the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland about the British takeover of the Bank of Scotland. Says Brown, “This is not about whether to nationalize banks or not—this is about the resumption of lending, and how that can happen.” Brown said that the word “credit” relates to “belief” or “trust.” And that what we are having is “a crisis of confidence” and of “trust in the banking system..."
That is what must be restored. I find it interesting that the confidence of the people in our governments too must be restored. It is also interesting that people have stopped spending beyond necessities. How can a people understand that in times of economic uncertainty that money must be conserved and protected and how can a government not? I think that the government must cut back also and re-gain the people's trust, not spend and shatter their confidence.
(Thanks to Jay Nordlinger, National Review Online, for his Davos reporting.)
D.
"...Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure those rights , Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just power from the consent of the governed, that whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute new government."
Also, there was something that Gordon Brown, the prime minister of Britain, said the other day at the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland about the British takeover of the Bank of Scotland. Says Brown, “This is not about whether to nationalize banks or not—this is about the resumption of lending, and how that can happen.” Brown said that the word “credit” relates to “belief” or “trust.” And that what we are having is “a crisis of confidence” and of “trust in the banking system..."
That is what must be restored. I find it interesting that the confidence of the people in our governments too must be restored. It is also interesting that people have stopped spending beyond necessities. How can a people understand that in times of economic uncertainty that money must be conserved and protected and how can a government not? I think that the government must cut back also and re-gain the people's trust, not spend and shatter their confidence.
(Thanks to Jay Nordlinger, National Review Online, for his Davos reporting.)
D.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
"Eight Is Enough", Really?
Last week in the news there was an amazing story about a woman who gave birth to 8 live babies. When I was growing up we were always amazed at these multiple births. Triplets not so much, Quadruplets maybe but always amazed at the sextuplets or septuplets. So, when the news hit about the Octuplets being born in southern California I was flabbergasted. This was quite an amazing feat. For a split second. Fertility treatments. Oh yeah, no big deal these days. Still, eight new humans at one time? Amazing still.
Next day the news was starting to filter out about this woman. She already has 6 young kids at home. She is a single mom living with her parents. Blah, blah, blah!. The discussion started about ethics and responsibility. She should not have been allowed to have that many kids. The doctors who did the implants were irresponsible and unethical. They should not have implanted that many. The woman herself was irresponsible and should not have allowed that many embryos to be implanted. She should have aborted a "reasonable amount" of the babies. I heard these arguments. I don't agree with the woman's decisions but I don't feel right to criticize her either. I just don't know enough details.
Reporters interviewed the grandfather outside a small house in So. Cal. He said that the babies would live with the mother and the grandparents and that they had a huge house that no one will ever know about or see. I hope that this is not the case because it all seems strange to me. Hmmm. It all seems kind of shady and mysterious to me. But is it really any of my business unless they are on welfare and using my tax money.
"...We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."
Wow. I was reading the news and that particular paragraph from the "Declaration" popped into my mind. It occurred to me that it was her right to be stupid and irresponsible. I just hope that those attributes are not a family trait.
D.
Next day the news was starting to filter out about this woman. She already has 6 young kids at home. She is a single mom living with her parents. Blah, blah, blah!. The discussion started about ethics and responsibility. She should not have been allowed to have that many kids. The doctors who did the implants were irresponsible and unethical. They should not have implanted that many. The woman herself was irresponsible and should not have allowed that many embryos to be implanted. She should have aborted a "reasonable amount" of the babies. I heard these arguments. I don't agree with the woman's decisions but I don't feel right to criticize her either. I just don't know enough details.
Reporters interviewed the grandfather outside a small house in So. Cal. He said that the babies would live with the mother and the grandparents and that they had a huge house that no one will ever know about or see. I hope that this is not the case because it all seems strange to me. Hmmm. It all seems kind of shady and mysterious to me. But is it really any of my business unless they are on welfare and using my tax money.
"...We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."
Wow. I was reading the news and that particular paragraph from the "Declaration" popped into my mind. It occurred to me that it was her right to be stupid and irresponsible. I just hope that those attributes are not a family trait.
D.
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