Stay Tuned

Here we are on the verge of 2011. Time flies doesn't it? These days are also a very dramatic display of really good story telling, Fortunately, unfortunately, fortunately, unfortunately. Yes, this is a great movie we're in and It feels like we're about to reach a climax. And If these are in fact the last days, well, we came in with a bang so let's go out with a bang.

It is a time of biblical proportions. As evidenced by the extreme weather and the miracles that took place in the US congress last week. In the lame duck session of the 111th congress we saw the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, the passage of the 9/11 responders health care bill, the signing of the SALT treaty, the community radio act, mandating the FCC to issue thousands of licences for lower power FM Jesus Christ! what a Christmas. Even the economic indicators were good when it came to folks spending money.

Right now, I'm looking back on 2010, I suppose you are too. Sometimes we glance over our shoulders, but at times like these we gaze into the past take inventory and know that we are an accumulation of all that has happened. I'm trying to fathom the depths of just the last 360 days, I am flabbergasted at the events in my personal life never mind the rest of the world. The deaths of my dearest dog, and of my mother. Turning 50 years old, The return of my daughter from her world tour, birth of our grandson Sterling. Wow.

Through a global lens we witnessed,The earthquake in Haiti, Floods in Pakistan, escalating violence in Afghanistan, The Thai revolution, the Icelandic Volcano that closed airports all over Northern Europe for two weeks, the BP oil spill (that still sends chills up my spine), the chilean miners rise to fame and great fortune, the ugliness of US mid term elections, riots in Europe over Austerity measures. All stunning extremely emotional events.

The Insane Political behavior almost drove me completely crazy this year. I was most recently outraged when Obama made a deal with the devil and let the Bush Tax cuts extend for two years, but then, we got the SALT treaty, etc and billionaires like Zuckerberg, Bloomberg And 14 Other Pledged To Donate Majority Of Their Fortunes To Charity. Wow, great plot twist.

When I sit in the audience of life I am much more surprised, deeply moved and entertained. Like when I'm listening to Haley Barber wax nostalgic about segregation, I can't help but think of Borat, yes. Or Watching Bernie Sanders ( http://sanders.senate.gov/) filibuster on the Senate Floor against the extension of the Bush Tax Cuts, I remember Jimmy Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Last week, we left the country and I had the great fortune to find myself immersed in the jungles of Costa Rica. In my movie, I was swinging like Tarzan from vines through the jungle, eating fresh picked pineapple, coconut, drinking coffee flavored with locally grown vanilla. We enjoyed the company of The Costa Rican people who are warm, happy and generous and it became more apparent with each Capuchin monkey that visited our dwelling, or sloth hanging upside down above our heads or toucan flying effortlessly through the palm tress that their connection with the natural world is the reason. They share the earth with its marvelous creatures and they are rewarded with happiness. Their motto is Pura Vida which means Pure life. And though they are not literally "rich" they are stable financially, they are secure in themselves. And Though we may see ourselves as intelligent, successful Americans many are infected with wild ambition, doubt, greed, apathy, consumption and waste, which may not imply a happy ending to our story. Who knows?

So much in Destiny's hands now. We may not be able to significantly change anything to stem the outcome, but the story can still be inspiring, sacred, joyous and positive with every step we take. It is the best of times, It is the worst of times. It is extreme and The sheer magnitude is breathtaking. I'm on the edge of my seat and I Can't wait to see what happens next!.
I want to wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous, sustainable new year.

The Most Wonderful, Awful Time Of the Year

It's the most wonderful time of the year, It is very beautiful with the all the gift giving and electrifying light displays, but it's also a mixed up, highly emotional, economically challenging and dramatic time and yes it's filled with wonder. We wonder what the heck is going on. Like those Crazy Bush Tax cuts on the verge of being extended, If that doesn't make you wanna holler. I don't know what will.

But let us rejoice for the moment because we've got to do that as well.This is the sixth night of Hannukah, there are two more to go. So Happy Hannukah, It falls on the 25th day of Hebrew month of Kislev, On that day the Macabbean army reclaimed the Temple in Judea from the Syrians and in their rededication, they had to light the eternal lamp, but only had enough oil (olive, I presume) to last one night. The miracle was that the oil lasted 8 days.

For me Hannukah is about being with the family, the delicious anti nutritious food, the singing of songs, lighting candles. The first night I lit the candles by myself and sang the prayer. I closed my eyes and instantly I could see my deceased mother and fathers faces flickering in the candle light and I bawled. It was truly a religious experience. This year I couldn't find the menorah at first, so we had to improvise with a banana which made me laugh hysterically. On the fourth night, after searching high and low we ended up with two menorahs and celebrated with four native americans, 5 Central Americans, 3 agnostics, 2 pagans and one Jew, that was me.

Yesterday, I was completely possessed by the spirit of my mother. I put on a bathrobe that looked remarkably like one of hers, and spent four hours in the kitchen making stuffed cabbage, chopped chicken livers and potato latkes. I got out the old fashioned stand up grater and grated the potatoes and onions by hand, being very careful not to grate my knuckles like I did as kid, helping my mother in the kitchen. And I cried, yeah, those damn onions are a bitch.

It's that time of year for me, Happiness and sorrow colliding into a spontaneous outburst of tears. Like tomorrow, which is Pearl Harbor day, a day that will live in terrible infamy, but the infamy for me is that fact that my daughter was born that day and will be 23. Her terrific beauty and enormous humor is a gift to the whole world and was witnessed by a good chunk of it this past year as she traveled through 12 countries, in her banana suit (w accompanied by her Gorilla friend. The sensation of watching my child mature into a natural comediane and wander happily into the world is a tear jerker for me. I'm so proud.

I am blessed, lucky to feel so much. To me it is the richness of life, the breathtaking emotional roller coaster of being alive and loving so deeply.

On that note, Wednesday, December 8th, the world will remember the assassination of John Lennon 30 years ago. I am still grieving his murder and wept freely watching the film "Imagine" Playing over and over this week as a tribute to his life. How apropos in a time of such darkness and continuous war to recall his magnificent light and know we are more need than ever for a voice as powerful and meaningful as his to unite the world with songs of Justice and Peace.

Symbols, metaphors, deeper meanings, the realm of December's Sagittarius, I'm surrounded by the, Sagittarians that is. Thursday is my wife's birthday. She is Ruled by Jupiter, the king of the Gods. She, as well as most Sag's. is huge in her presence, expansive, truth seeking, philosophical, generous, and has an insatiable wanderlust. And it is my great fortune to be in such close company for to celebrate the birth of my wife and daughter we are off to the wild blue yonder to the jungles of Costa Rica. Costa Rica, (a welcome relief from the good ole freezing cold USA, enjoyed first place last year on the Happy Planet index, measuring it's well being in part by it's devotion to ecological sustainability, the indigenous population's well being, and of course, joy. The United States was 114th in the index, just two below The Republic of Congo.

I feel it Highly auspicious and symbolic of our quest for peace and equality in this world to seek out adventure in one of the happiest places on earth. Costa Ricans have enjoyed stability and very little hostility since 1948, have no standing army, and have recently elected, a woman for president, Laura Chinchilla, who hails from the party of previous President, Oscar Arias who won the Nobel Peace Prize, (unlike our President) for his work in the 1980's to END Central America's wars. Inspiring isn't it. It is with this respect, curiosity and intention that we leave this country at the darkest time, the winter solstice, where our President who promised us the light of change and hope is about to cave in to Darkness ruled by fear and make the rich richer, the poor poorer and the wars warer. Bah Humbug!

Warm Up Exercises

Its cold. It's really, really cold. This isn't something I am used to so early in the season. It's not even officially winter, but It's been snowing and hailing and the roads have been icy since last week. And oh, that toilet seat! Brrrrr. It took me ten minutes to scrape the ice off my windshield this morning. I almost slipped on a frozen deck in Brooke trails on Saturday night. The tip of my nose has been red for days and lots of friends and family are dealing with colds, mild flu, and coughs.

I am distracted by the cold, thinking about what I can do to get warm. Of course, right off the bat, there's all the delicious Thanksgiving coffee we have to choose from, fair trade, roasted and brewed locally, Yes mamma!. There's the traditional cup of hot tea, something with cinnamon, ginger or chai with it's exotic flavors of cardamon, cloves and pepper. Then, there's the more medicinal cocktail of hot water, cayenne and lemon which will happily devour nasty bacterium and viruses in your throat on contact. Try a little brandy with that too. Another really great warmer upper is making a boiling pot of water and throwing in some fresh cedar, eucalyptus, or pine needles, steam, put a towel over your head and inhale. Aaaaah.

Of course there's the logical layering of clothing. A set of thermal underwear, jeans, wool sweaters and socks, boots, felt hats, and furry gloves sometimes even while your sitting in your living room. And then there's the hearth. I find myself spending a lot more time in the kitchen when I'm cold. I want soup, don't you? There's a ton of canned and boxed soup on sale right now, get some for your self and throw in a couple extra for a food bank donation. and then there's the home made, left overs from Thanksgiving, mmm, turkey noodle soup, or a hefty beef or buffalo stew, or something vegetarian Hot, sour, spicy. Get out your cookbooks and crockpots! It's time for baking brownies, cookies, and breads and oh don't forget the pies. It's time for butter and biscuits, scones and chestnuts.

Go out for some Thai or Japanese food from some of the great local haunts like, Happy Garden in Clearlake, Oco time in Ukiah, or Viraporn or Off the Hook in Fort Bragg get yourself a hot curry or a lump of wasabi, a big bowl of Soba and some hot sake, Yum.

There's the fabulous option of climbing into bed when the sun goes down with a Heating pad, a pillow case full of warmed sea salt, or a brick warmed in the oven at 350 for an hour and then put under your quilt. It will radiate warmth long into the night. Cozy up with with a good book.(Check out some of KZYX"S Tony Miksaks' Words on Books recommendations) I recommend the collections of Paulo Cuehlo, The Witch of Portabello, The Alchemist, the Fifth Mountain and more Cuehlo is profoundly dramatic, and far reaching in his imagination and spirituality.

You can simmer yourself in the local cauldrons of indulgence of, Wilbur, Orr Hot Springs, Bamboo Gardens, Sweetwater Spa, the hot tubs and sauna not only warm you up, but clean out your lymph system (a crucial component of the immune system)

Use your muscles, that's an instant rise in temperature. Stretch, jump up and down, Doing yoga or dancing to gypsy music will bring you to a salty sweat. "An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day" according to Henry David Thoreau. It really warms my bones especially when followed by a very hot shower and then turning the cold water on for 5 seconds sending all the blood back to my core where it will do it's best to keep me toasty inside.

Getting into bed with a lover is a super good idea. I find holding my wife very close and rubbing our feet together is very effective. Then if you like turn up the heat, friction is fun and sets the kundalini fires. Hot cha!

Then there's the heart warming. There are a lot of people in this world who are suffering beyond our comprehension. Whether it is from war, poverty, natural disasters like the constantly unfolding one in Haiti. Acts of charity, in this holiday season, are immensely comforting. I'm a huge supporter of Heifer international. They are the ones who, with our modest donations, provide livestock for families all over the world to help them become self sufficient in an ever collapsing international economies.

Take some time to write a letter to someone in prison, someone fighting abroad, or send a box of books, or toys to an orphanage in Afghanistan you will experience and immeasurable warmth. Or simply write a letter to an elder in your family. It's very rare to get a real letter these days, Remember, lots of older folks still haven't mastered the internet, (my mom never could do Facebook) and getting a letter with your name written on the envelope is truly Heart warming gift.

And Finally, there's the warmth of a friend. We are so fortunate to live in deeply familiar communities where we have the pleasure of running into friends and neighbors on our daily journey. Stop a moment give them a hug, rub their back and take off the chill.

Armchair Quarterback

We all know The reason the Democrats controlled all three branches of government for the last 18 months was because the people of this nation had a mandate. In November 2008, We said, "No more republicans in charge, end the war, and deal with climate change. It was crystal clear and it was our moment of triumph after eight years of torture, literal and figurative.

Alas, the last 18 months have been occasionally uplifting, but for the most part, deeply disturbing and while I am the the first to say, "Hey this administration came into a nightmare economic scenario, two wars and an embarrassing international posture", the decisions made on high have left me in a state of confusion and deep disappointment.

There are three major elements that I allude to number one is the housing crisis, 2: the escalation of war and 3: the failure to address global warming. These major ongoing catastrophes are the the nails in the casket of change, because it is the earth, the animals, the people, the families scarred and ruined that I care about. There are tens of thousands of dead casualities of war and millions of people who are, unemployed, scared, suicidal, homeless and hopeless.

They are not the "middle class" that we hear about ad infinitum, they are simply Americans who bought in and believed in the system. The impact of these events on Americans and the rest of the world may turn out to be ultimate reason we descend into utter chaos and permanent war.

Today is the first day of the Lame Duck Congress. Do we accept this declaration of stagnation. Do we allow our government to grind to a complete halt while the democrats are still in power, or do we demand they "man up" and make things happen. We've got seven weeks until the new republican congress takes power. that's 49 days. How dare they surrender? They just had ten days off since the election. Let's make them work. Call them at 202-225-3121 and make your voice heard. I did. I demanded they pass The dream act which provides a path to citizenship for immigrant students,t hen repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell, Extend unemployment benefits for laid off workers, and do not extend the Bush tax cuts. If they address one bill a week, they can pass at least five laws to protect the people, like the food safety act.

I do not accept the excuse of lame duck, because it's just, lame. I will not accept it because to do so would be to accept defeat and there is too much at stake and there is no time to waste.

In this last Sunday's edition in the New York Times Week in Review section, there is an invitation to Balance the National budget. There is an interactive graphic grid and options for Spending cuts and Tax increases and you take your number two pencil and go to work. It's truly exciting fun and easy to Cancel or delay weapons programs and save $20 billion dollars, or cut 250,000 gov't contractors and save $15 billion. You can opt to raise taxes on banks weighted by size and riskiness of holdings collecting $105 billion dollars or tax carbon emission and raise $70 billion. Strangely, they didn't include legalizing Marijuana and Hemp which would also raise considerable tax revenue. You can go to New York times Week in Review and experience the thrill of doing what needs to be done. Balancing the Federal budget before breakfast. I can do it, why can't they?

You remember the phrase arm-chair quarterback. It's comes from the act of sitting in your living room and shouting at the quarterback on TV to play the game the way you would. I have this feeling frequently especially when it comes to running the government. So I guess I am an arm-chair President. Yeah, Put me in coach. Here's the plan. Withdraw all troops from Iraq and Afghanstan, that'll save a bundle for sure. Let's tax all big oil companies. Let's call it a global warming tax and transfer all the revenue into alternative energy. Okay, then there's the banks, let's invite them to pay at least %35 in taxes and really plump the economy. Put an immediate moratorium on all foreclosures and reduce mortgage interest rates to 4 1/4 and watch everyone pay their mortgages on time and use that money to lend to families trying to find homes after they were immorally and illegally removed from their homes. And I concur with 500 economists who agree that legalizing marijuana and hemp would generate billions in tax revenues.

I know a lot of us have this feeling and it really does feel so easy to second guess the Prez especially after the disastrous mid-term election. Those of us who are managing to somehow navigate this treacherous social and economic tight rope are acutely aware of the next bold moves the government is about to impose on our already stressed out existence.

Mr President I do want to tell you how to do your job, I want you to lead according to our original mandate, not republicans. Do not compromise on not extending Tax cuts for the rich Do not compromise anymore. Americans would really appreciate that. Because we're on the 9th yard line, it's 3rd down, are you gonna punt? Because with all do respect sir, we really need a touchdown.

Referendum Shmeferendum

I'm sitting at my office on the Albion Headlands gazing at the great blue Pacific ocean. The Albion river runs east as I look over my right shoulder. The sun is shining, after a weekend of nurturing rain. I am eating delicious Indian samosas and parmesan stuffed mushrooms from the Albion Store and a cup chai of tea, From the Mendocino Tea company with whom I share the office space. Blessed doesn't' really describe my position in life. It is truly a treasure and I am fully aware of my privilege to be here. I am a free woman in paradise.

I daily exercise and fight for my rights and for those less fortunate than I, because With privilege comes responsibility to make the world a better place. At least that's my moral imperative.

I was, as you know, optimistic about the elections, thinking that the progressives were laying in wait to jump out of the election day cake and yell "Surprise! We are here, we are sane, we are patient and we are voting". But alas, I was wrong. Really wrong. I wanted to wake up Wednesday and say "Good morning, Marijuana and hemp legalized in California" But no. I know it wasn't a perfect proposition, but I truly believed it was a step forward.I thought it was for the good of all and the idea that we would pay taxes, no one would go to jail for reasonable cultivation and transportation and the cops couldn't touch seed, nor stalk was exciting to me.

The only county the majority voted for prop 19 was San Francisco, Here in Mendocino county only 47% wow. San Francisco is more progressive than we are. What's happening just doesn't makes sense to me. And all the election hoopla! The unprecedented spending of $four billion dollars on mean and nasty campaign ads. Glad that's over. They called it a referendum on the Obama Presidency, but I can pretty much guarantee that much of America's electorate wouldn't be able to define referendum. Here, let me. referendum is "a vote" Yes indeed that surely was a referendum.

I wanted to see a positive change from this election. sensical, logical, progressive solutions. Nothing much changed in terms of going forward, but a whole hell of a lot happened in reverse.

Am I alone in this? Well I may not be alone, but I am certainly in the minority. Yes, and as far as minorities are concerned this was a devastating election. Minorities who are the majority didn't turn out in large numbers to vote. And the new bosses are not concerned with the general welfare of this nation. So sad, so sad, The Democrats lost because they had no respect for the people who brought President Obama to the White House. They and He remained a staunch ally of the Banks, Corporations and the people felt disposable. If President Obama had just listened to me, when I told him to bail out the homeowners and not the banks, we could have stabilized the entire economy. If he had been more vocal and active on withdrawing troops and making those accountable who went to war under false circumstances. I say there would have been a groundswell of support and reelection, but most people I know, felt abandoned and apparently have answered in kind.

Oh well, republicans are already gloating, mouths watering at the opportunity to dismantle the health care reform, terrorize immigrant workers, take away a women's right to choose, destroy Same sex, marriage. Yes, it's all on the chopping block. A giant step backwards. The country has turned a disturbing shade of red with the republican sweep of the election I have an eerie chill running down my spine. I hear the sinister laugh of Eric Cantor and Mitch McConnell in my ear. Mwa ha ha. It's the The culmination of, racism, colonialism, despotism, nepotism and capitalism, ism, ism, ism. It's a corporate capitalistic coup.

We hear that the major issue in this election is jobs and the economy and the failure of the Obama admin to do something about it. Like he could pull jobs out of a hat. Yet the republican agenda, like that of Rand Paul, elected in Kentucky, supports the tea party's major initiative to cut the federal workforce and it's wages by %10 and freeze hiring. That sounds counter productive to me as opposed to Obama's job stimulus bill and tax cuts for new small businesses, which I myself will take advantage of.

You know what would really stimulate the economy? Ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and making 2/3 of American Corps who don't pay taxes, like Exxon and Citibank, do so. Think of the net savings from both and then reinvesting in Alternative energy, conservation and education. Then we'd legalize marijuana and hemp and voila! A fat and happy economy for all! To me, that would be logical, sensical and responsible. Gosh, maybe by 2012 we'll get the progressive agenda together just in time for a happy ending.

Certified Sane

When we arrived in Washington DC last Friday, we immediately went to the Congressional and Senate buildings. We visited a number of offices of those elected officials who we have been spouting angry, racist, homophobic and irrational rhetoric from, Jim Demint to John Boehner, to ask them to please, mind their manners and show some respect to each other and to our President. Now, none of them were at the office, They only work four days a week and they had lit out of town because of the election this Tuesday. Their aides were polite, a bit frightened by our Northern Californina Lesbian Grandmother Presence, but we are civil,intelligent, loving people and we left them with our message, a smile and our integrity in tact.

It was a perfect precursor for participation for the Rally to Restore Sanity and or Keep Fear Alive that took place on the National Mall on October 30th. I must say, without a single doubt it was the most uplifting, restorative,powerful political rally I have ever been to for so many reasons. The company, the weather, the demographics, the signs, the comedy, the vocabulary, the heart and especially the inclusive nature of the event. For Mr. Stewart and Colbert invited everyone to the table and the program of performers from The Roots of Philadelphia, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, The Myth Busters, Kid Rock, Mavis Staples, the Ojays, Kareem Abdul Jabar, the Jet Blue flight attendant, Tony Bennett, a seven year old girl, Ozzy Osborne and Cat Steven proves my point.

To be among 300,000 people who were polite, friendly, willing to all jump at the same time to measure our impact or create the "stadium" wave to measure the distance from the stage to the back of the crowd was not only educational, but exhilarating as well. To be with so many different people who may not agree on every issue but do agree that it is time for intelligent, political discourse without hysterics, to keep a sense of humor and clean up after one's self was significant in these times when all the media is foaming at the mouth and the political rhetoric from all sides is mean, ugly and cruel was truly healing.

We met folks from Sacramento, Dallas, Seattle, LA, Minnesota, Kentucky, Florida. The older man who wanted to stand on our soap box so he could find his wife. There were the The African American women with signs that said, "Fired up and ready to vote". The white seven year old boy sitting next to us with his mother. The Iranian family who asked us to take their picture, the Asian lady who used our soapbox to stand on because she couldn't see. The Elderly couple who sat in their little camp chairs tapping their feet to the Ojays, And then we saw the signs like; "I get my comedy on Fox TV, I get my news on Comedy Central", "Babies will take our jobs in twenty years". "I masturbate and I vote", "Does this sign make my ass look big?" "No one is Hitler, but Hitler" "If my sign is blocking your view please tell me" "This sign is spelled correctly" "God hates people who write what God hates on signs". Funny, I tell you.

This rally was actually effective. When was the last time the Star Spangled Banner made you cry? Hearing actual soldiers sing it did it for me. When have you been at a really where people were quiet when someone singing or speaking on stage? Truly listening. When have you been at a rally when there was no trash left on the ground. Amazing!!

We were touched, we were deeply moved and we laughed till we cried. People all who had come to show the world that Americans are good, logical,educated and very funny people and In the end Mr. Stewart held this truth to be self evident by narrating a Jumbotron video of drivers merging into the Lincoln Tunnel. He imagined the diverses passengers inside, taking turns to drive through the 34 ft wide tunnel under a mighty river, you go then I'll go, you go then I'll go. It's a basic principle of humanity to take turns and then theirs a jerk who speeds up on the shoulder and cuts everybody off, but he's the exception. the metaphor was visual and visceral. He said we can, do and will work together to get through. He said these are hard times, not end times and sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is only New Jersey. Sanity plus wit is so comforting.

The fact that the Stewart Colbert Rally was twice the size of Glenn Becks' Rally gives me hope for tomorrow's election. We personally witnessed an American consciousness we've never seen in such huge numbers before and we are proud. This is the most important mid-term election of my life. The polls say that the the extreme right is going to take the country by storm tomorrow, but I think the pollsters featured on mainstream TV, on NPR and the New York Times, some who boycotted the rally, are stalled in the 20th century and their demographics can only be reached on land lines. Well, from what I saw this weekend in DC on the Mall, we have a new and exciting party in American Politics one you would never expect to upset an election because their so moderate, funny and sane. Ladies and Gentlemen, Make way for the surprise party. And oh yeah. Go Giants.

Props to Prop 19

Midterm Elections are a week away and there's some very strange, even frightening candidates spending hundreds of millions of dollars to buy themselves a seat at the table. There's a lot of misinformation and fear mongering floating around regarding candidates and propositions. I guess that's the nature of politics.

So,in this commentary I would like to share some positive progressive thoughts with you. I'm talking about Proposition 19. The Marijuana legalization initiative. Know what I like about proposition 19?. I like that it makes it legal for people over 21 to cultivate, possess and transport marijuana. That's gonna be a huge relief to a major part of the population. Imagine it. It's a deep breath for a lot of people I know.

I like section 11303 regarding seizure, "no state or local law enforcement agency or official shall attempt to, threaten to, or in fact seize or destroy any cannabis plant, cannabis seeds or cannabis that is lawfully cultivated, processed, transported, possessed, possessed for sale, sold or used in compliance with this Act or any local government ordinance, law or regulation adopted pursuant to this Act". I like the end of destructive behavior on the part of law enforcement when it comes to legal and medical grows. Yeah, I like that. I like it better than measure G, which I liked very much, but was repealed by measure B. I like that Prop19 is state law and it treats adults like adults. And, the measure provides that the state could also authorize the production of hemp. How exciting is that??

Passing Prop 19 does not change 215 or 420. All medical laws stay in tact.

Some say they worry about the penalties and illegality of of sharing, selling, and smoking with regard to minors,but that's always been prohibited.

I've also heard rumors saying that there will be a fifty dollar an ounce tax and that is not true. In fact the measure says that "Many of the provisions in this measure permit, but do not require the state and local governments to take certain actions related to regulation and taxation". A tax can only be imposed by a vote from the people. I do agree that there should be tax especially when it comes to Recreational use.

Medicine is not taxed in this country and I think that should apply to this medicine as well. As far as I understand it any Marijuana dispensaries will be taxed exactly like other businesses that operate in the state. It becomes an even playing field and marijuana begins to appear as Normal. As far as Marijuana as medicine that's already established, yes it's almost normal at this point. Although we still have Federal Agents wreaking havoc from time to time, this election may effect change there as well.

So here we have this plant that millions have consumed with many beneficial side effects especially when dealing with life threatening illnesses from Cancer to AIDS and it has helped them heal and repair and endure the treatments they are subject to. Then there are the recreational users who smoke pot because it makes them feel good. Let's not underestimate that benefit. When a society feels good, feels pleasure it is more likely to be peaceful, productive, cooperative. Happiness is a good thing. (Check out the NHP, national happiness index) If someone chooses a painkiller that serves them and helps them cope with life I say blessed be. Life can be very painful, challenging, scary and we can have a culture of tolerance for personal use of medicine.

I like the idea of regulation, environmental protection, organic standards, cottage industry protection and these are all things we can influence with our local board of supervisors who are there to represent out interests, well being and protection. We can work this out. Humboldt county's board of Supes have already endorsed 19 and are beginning consideration on how to implement regulations.

Don't take my word for these things. Facts are fuzzy these days and there's really no regulation when it comes to telling the truth about something. You really have to find out for yourself which I'm encouraging you to do. What matters is that we do our best to put politicians and propositions into place that look out for the good of all,not just the profit margin, but the more empathetic route of Making the world a better place or doing no harm. In my opinion Prop 19 does no harm. In fact in reduces harm for a lot of people and I'm a big fan of harm reduction.

Hey Progress isn't easy, it's risky, it's tricky . According to the headlines of the Newspaper West Coast Leaf, published by Chris Conrad and Micki Norris. "All eyes on on California" waiting to see how courageous we are to lead the country in legalization of marijuana and hemp. For me waking up the day after election and finding Marijuana and hemp legalized in this state will be a moment that will shine bright in our history.

Hey, There's a lot that can go wrong this election. We are looking at Corporate Coups, far right extremists who hate gay people, are outright racists, deny global warming, call for second amendment remedies to our current administration' s agenda and sanction the idea that even if a women is raped or a victim of incest she cannot have an abortion. I don't know about the rest of the country, but I know here in California if any of those candidates take office and begin to make policies we'll be really happy we legalized marijuana cause we're gonna need to smoke a lot of pot.

Positive Vibrations yeah Positive

These are todays headlines:

Ecuador makes A Revolutionary Promise to Leave Oil Underground,

Happiness is a Right

Indian Tribe in Victory Over Mining Giant.

Town Goes to depths to Save Beaver family.

Think I'm making these up, nope, these are just some the headlines of the Positive News a seasonal newspaper published out of Ithaca New York. How does it make you feel to hear those headlines? Good? excited? Happy? Glad you heard them?

Do you ever notice that sometimes you turn on the radio and there's a song playing or a public affairs show starting that mean a whole lot to you? It's the law of attraction at work. It's a power that when recognized and activated can bring such pleasure and peace to one's life. It's alignment with the infinite resources that are always available to us if we ask nicely.

I've been callin' all angels lately, asking for help, guidance, support to steady my trembling heart. My prayers are being answered in so many ways. As a a political analyst, commentator and social reflector I practically merge with every piece of information good and bad that crosses my desk, screen, and path as I strive to translate current events into something palatable, logical, entertaining, even humorous so us folks can find some happiness and relief along the way. As a conduit for information I can get triggered by tragic events and even become mired in the muck. (I know that's where the lotus grows) I admit I have slipped into oblivion the last few months. With the confounded political climate, With the death of my mother and my dog, )enormous blows to my emotional balance) I've been treading water even drowning and going under pretty often. Feeling like I'm losing hold of my purpose, but, my will is strong and determined and my weekly commitment to this radio broadcast(blog) is one of my lifelines. It's the power of being able to reach out to you and connect when I lose my way. Many of you have reached out to me in kind. Thank you.

While my intention is to transform I have needed help to replenish the positive vibration in order to survive. This weekend was a culmination of those intentions. Not only was I handed the Positive Newspaper, I had the great pleasure to perform my one woman show Oh My Goddess at the Glaser Center in Santa Rosa as a benefit for the Ceres Community Project. The auspicious opportunity reflected back to me in so many creative ways that I find myself in a new consciousness today, one that many of you engaged in the laws of attraction when it comes to spiritual work, social justice and sustainability have already and daily thrive in. It's joyful. The Glaser Center( No physical relation, but a terrific spiritual one) is a Universal Unitarian non denominational Congregation that supports individuals search for truth and meaning in life. It's tenets are tolerance, social justice, unity and love. It's messages and literature fills the halls and walls. The stage itself, is inside the sanctuary where people gather every Sunday and walk through the doors, under a sign that says, "Enter in Peace". It's a suggested donation. The audience was hungry for my comedy and devoured it. In turn they filled my belly with laughter and wild applause.

We partnered with the Ceres community Project for this production. If you are not familiar with Ceres. It is a non-profit organization serving Sonoma county, started 3 and half years ago and it's mission is to restore heart centered vibrant communities, caring for one another and providing access to beautiful delicious healthy food. One manifestation of that is a community kitchen that provides a space for people to gather to cook and deliver organic, nutritional meals for people dealing with life threatening illnesses and this place has become a magnet for teenagers ,yes, teenagers who volunteer every week to cook for those who cannot cook for themselves. It's contagious energy as Ceres attracts more and more Youthful volunteers. They say the feeling of making a positive difference in someone's life is key to the feeling of hope that many of us search for. Ceres is an authentic model of a better world. It's that simple. It's good work and that breeds more of the same. So, As the days become shorter and the we enter the dark time of year I will obey the laws of attraction, be here reminding you of the light. And I know you'll do the same for me.

National Coming Out Day

Hey, it's National coming out day. So once again it is my pleasure to announce I'm a lesbian. I didn't decide I was gay. I've just found myself falling in love with my favorite people. I didn't have a gender test for whom that might be. For me it's my lady, my woman, my wife. Some say it's a choice, some say it's a lifestyle, some say it's a persuasion, but however you've discovered your sexuality. Welcome. Welcome to all the new Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people who summoned their courage and self esteem and walked out of the closet today. You're here your queer. Say it Loud I'm Gay and I'm proud. Come out come out where every you are. That's what I say, but then I hesitate to rush anybody out. In order for you to come out, you must feel like you are safe, or willing to defend yourself emotionally, and physically. Do you have a safe space. Is your workplace tolerant? Are your co-workers? What about your neighbors? Your teachers, your classmates?

I asked my daughter this morning if there were any gay kids at her high school, she said, no, maybe a couple of bisexuals, but no. and I said if there were, would they be respected, included, protected. No, she said, they'd get hassled for sure. Maybe that's why she thinks there are no gays at school because it's not safe to say so. Hassled, bullied, teased, taunted.

What comes after that? You know, You've read the tragic headlines lately I hear a lot about the Gay agenda, but I'm more concerned with the anti gay agenda? I don't want to say it's the straight agenda and offend all the heterosexual allies among us. So I'll say it's the Homophobic agenda. It's the fear of homosexuality that runs this show. Fear of two men, or two women who love each other who want to marry and raise a family. Is that so Scary? Does that threaten your straight marriage because you are busy fantasizing about ours? (ok cupid) Or you have those feelings inside you, but are told they are perverted, sick and evil and in turn you are evil so you go out and hurt somebody.

So dear sisters and brothers, I won't insist you to come out this day, but I want to encourage you to be gay if you are. Find allies, friends, family, therapists that will support you and help you indulge yourself in the loveliness of being attracted to someone like you. That beautiful boy, that outspoken girl. Someone to Let you know Your love, your desire is healthy. You are lucky. You are honest with yourself. It is an act of self love to accept who you are and there are so many in the world who will greet you with respect, appreciation honor and mutual attraction. Your homosexual feelings are natural. Bears do it, Gay Dragonflies, Gay penguins, gay dolphins, easily one of the most intelligent creatures on earth. Homosexuality is fun. That's why they call it being Gay. Hold on to your heart and identity. Your time is coming.

There is a rising consciousness about tolerance,empathy, and compassion and schools are beginning to teach that life lesson starting in kindergarten. Some see this as the Gay Agenda. Okay. I'm good with that. We are all unique and we need to let the children know how precious they are and that their love in whatever form it comes is worthwhile and good.

I'll tell you Love isn't easy no matter who you choose. There are so many stories of heartbreak and deception it's hard enough to be in a relationship with another human being without people getting up in your business about your choice. We all just want to love and be loved. That seems to be the Gay Agenda: Let people love who they love. Have sex with who they want to have sex with(as long as they are consenting adults), dress how they want to dress. Speak how they Speak. Dance how they dance.

There's is a terrific movie called In and Out, starring Kevin Kline, Released in 1997. It tells the story of a High School Teacher Howard Brackett played by Kline, who is outed by a former student (Matt Dillon) before even he realizes he's Gay. His pending marriage to Emily Montgomery, played with comedic genus by Joan Cusack) is the springboard for Howard to come to terms with his truth.Tom Selleck of Magnum PI, plays the Gay TV reporter sent to cover the story and embolden his subject. It's a great family movie, one that you might want to rent or download this week to share this story of love and acceptance.

As a community we need to do more to let our gay friends and family know they are safe to come out. In fact tonight there is a rally in support for the Queer community tonight at 7PM at Alex Thomas Plaza in Ukiah to stand for equal rights and protection for the very vulnerable, and deserving among us, if you're in the neighborhood, stop by and show them you care. I do and if you need support get in touch with me through my website at www.sherryglaser.net

A Declaration of Dependence

The US war on Drugs has cost our country a trillion dollars and hundreds of thousands of lives, north and south of the border. California Governor Schwarzneggers' decision last Thursday to decriminalize possession of up to an ounce of pot is a deliberate step toward a truce in that war. It lightens the burden on the criminal justice system that gets constipated with these petty battles, drains the economy and wastes law enforcement time that cold be spent dealing with serious crime. Interesting timing. Isn't it? Proposition 19, the regulation and taxation of Cannabis for adults, is on the electoral horizon and Schwarznegger opposes it. This brings up an interesting dilemma.

If one can legally possess cannabis in California, don't we have to legalize and regulate the growing of it? Where are people supposed to get their marijuana? From Mexico? Ah, there's the rub.

The turf war we are witnessing now on the border with Mexico has very much to do with the illegal trafficking of Marijuana. It's time to realize that continued prohibition is a national security threat and it is foolish to think we are not complicit in the violence there. Pot comes this way, weapons go that way. (Check out the grassroots action of Justsaynow.com founder Daniel Pacheco interrupting a speech of US Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske and delivering a petition of 52,000 signatures in favor of legalizing Marijuana). We really have to get smarter about our relationship with Mexico whether it concerns Marijuana or the hot button issue of immigration, especially when it comes to electing someone new to the office of Governor in California.

Billionaire Meg Whitman is adamant about secure borders, deportation and outright rejects the Dream Act which would provide a path for legalization and higher education for the children of undocumented workers who have lived in America for most of their lives. She forbids them to realize their dreams while she is free to live hers by any means necessary. Her pre-Ebay roots, as far as I could trace them, go back to the wealthy enclaves of Boston, maybe she's related to the original tea party gang. The original immigrants.

We discovered last week that Ms. Whitman employed an undocumented worker named Nicky Diaz Santallan for nine years. While Meg ruled her empire, Nicky cleaned up after her and her children. Whitman claimed ignorance about her employees legal status. These politics are increasingly familiar. When someone is outspoken and or obsessed about illegal immigrants they've usually have one in their own backyard. Same deal if some congressman or evangelical is outraged about the Gay agenda, they are soon caught with their pants down in the men's room, Why not confess, tell it like it is and refresh our legislature with laws that reflect our real world? Come out of the closet and get real about our relationships, especially with Mexico.

Less than two hundred years ago, California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico all belonged to Mexico. President John Tyler wanted to annex Texas and Mexico said "no". So, the next President, James Polk, offered to buy New Mexico for five million and California for 40 million dollars. Mexico said, "No gracias". They had just freed themselves from Spanish colonialization and then these gringos wanted their land. So they fought for it and lost. By signing the treaty of Guadlupe de Hidalgo Mexico surrendered the lands and those who remained in the relinquished territories were guaranteed safety and protection of existing property rights. But alas, as was the fate of treaties with indigenous people in North America, this was not honored. And now we have this hysterical border mania.

You know the difference between European immigration to North America and Central American immigration to the US is that the Europeans used relentless force and violence to overthrow and murder the native population while the immigrants from the south risk their lives to come here, work for us, make our lives easier, and have become the backbone of our economy. The truth is; borders are made up. They are lines in the sand, and laws are simply words on a page. Either can be erased and replaced with something that serves us all, the higher good.

Let's make peace with drugs. Let's make peace with Mexico. Let's Open and regulate borders, engage in rational realistic drug policies. Let's let a little sunlight in. Think of the productivity and rich cultural diversity if we join forces with Mexico and evolve into Americo! Then we can all smoke a big fatty and celebrate our mutual dependence on each other. Yeah, a new paradigm that would end the war on drugs. But this time, instead of a a treaty, we'll sign a declaration of dependence.

The Court Jester Testifies

The idealistic and good people of Mendocino County were out in droves this past weekend. Friday was the benefit for KMEC in Ukiah and the fundraiser for the candidate for 5th district Supervisor, Dan Hamburg in Mendocino. Saturday and Sunday we had Caspar Fest and the 8th Annual coast cleanup where over 600 people, picked up over 8,000 pounds, that's four tons of trash spread out over the distance of 44 miles of beach, river and creek. Thanks to all the Volunteers far and wide. I don't know what we would do without you. Not only were these events environmentally sensitive, educational, inspirational and economical, raising money for very worthy causes, they were fun and thoroughly entertaining.

The struggles and stresses that mount up every day are only subdued by the imagination, joy and laughter that we can find here at home and over the TV, cyber and radio waves. While I deeply value The War and Peace report delivered daily by Amy Goodman, I love MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, whose astonishment and genuine bewilderment at the abominal behavior of politicians in our nation is truly refreshing.

I'm also a big fan of Comedy Centrals' news department, the Daily show with John Stewart and The Colbert Report. This past Friday, Mr. Colbert crossed the ever more permeable wall between fiction and reality with stealth force testifying in Character, before congress, on the rights of immigrants and reflecting on his stint as migrant worker for a day. So funny. It was priceless because he presented himself as seriously, yet more intelligently than any of the members of the august body that he was in front, even offering to submit his colonoscopy results as evidence he needs more fiber in his diet. Talk about a tough audience, the subcommittee didn't crack a smile. This man has huevos rancheros.

His earnest demeanor and hilarious yet relevant material was reminiscent of the 2006 White House Correspondence dinner where he skewered and fillet George Bush, the Republicans, and the media. This time Stephen was invited to testify about his day in the fields, picking beans and boxing corn, by the Chair of House subcommittee on immigration, Zoe Lofgren. Colbert, who is the modern incarnation of the Court Jester, unflinchingly mocked, satirized masterfully demonstrated the need for immigration reform at the same time highlighted, the rampant hypocrisy and inefficiency that infects our governing body.

Nightly, Colbert and Jon Stewart show us the politicians and pundits running this country are imbeciles, homophobes, perverts, adulterers, and criminals concerned only with reelection and their own political power positions.

Mr. Colbert and his colleague/faux nemesis John Stewart (who is actually the executive producer of the Colbert report) have called for a rally on the National Mall October 30th. They anticipate 100,000 based on the duo's uncanny ability to capture the attention of the 18 to 30 year old demographics considered at best allusive by the mass media, a block which if harnessed could bring about real change.

While the theme of Mr. Colbert's Rally is Keep fear alive, Mr. Stewart is inviting us to a rally to restore sanity. Yes, Sanity. John will even provide premade protest signs, for those of us too busy to make our own with rational sentiments like, "I disagree with you, but I'm pretty sure you're not Hitler" Now I don't know about you but a restoration of sanity seems like a good idea because the best summation of what is going on in this country feels like insanity to me. Like this weekends headline, that, Atlanta's megachurch Pastor, Eddie long has been accused of soliciting sexual favors from his handsome flock but, gay people still can't married, hell I'd say that is just one of the current events in the news that would certify insanity.

I know I myself have felt on the verge or crazy. Since Obama took office with all his promises of change, my soul is restless, clinging to the hope that any day now, he's really going to stop sending our kids off to war. You may say I'm a dreamer, yes but I'm feeling a bit dazed confused so attending this rally is my attempt at a mental health plan. Now, people might think we are crazy in an effort to restore sanity, but we've tried everything else and with the midterm elections on the horizon we all need some comic relief, Like Emma Goldman says, "Idealists are foolish enough to throw caution to the winds. They have advanced mankind and have enriched the world." It seems like the perfect reason to reactivate breasts not bombs and makes some sense for a change.

Give Peace a Glance

Peace can get pretty lonely you know. Nobody hardly mentions it's name. Sure there's the occasionally march and festival but generally it's a world of war and corruption. At least that's what we hear about every day. Peace had a really good time this past weekend. There were earthdance festivals all over the world that dedicated themselves to this. The theme: Give Peace a Dance. From Laytonville, to South Africa, to Greece, to Brazil to, Tanzania. This weekend Peace had some good company. The Q'reo Indians, direct descendants of the Inkas, came from all the way from the Andes in Peru to Laytonville for Earthdance this weekend to sit in ceremony, meditating on our heart connection with each other and for the Pachamama, mother earth. That's a peace movement in itself.

The sky was so moved by all of this, that it had to cry about it all Saturday night. The wet weather was actually beneficial, its the first Earthdance that I recall, where everyone wasn't choking on the dust and collecting boogers in their bandanas the the color of shade grown coffee.The sky was overjoyed yesterday. with cumulous nimbus clouds spectaculary splashed across the quintessential blue canvas. It was cool and breezy. We didn't go for the whole weekend, because as time has passed the entertainment has become, for me, more geared towards the youth. The generation that still has energy to burn in the name of peace.

We attended Sunday evening and danced to the Brazilian beats of Sam Ba Da, The Indian Celtic mix of Dehli to Dublin and Michael Franti who closed the festival with his usual flair, inviting children and elders over 60 to join him on stage for his number #1 hit single, I Love You. That joint was jumping' for peace.

Sunday was enough for us, because Saturday we were so happy to take our our granddaughter Sophia and our extended family of 7 other children to the County Fair in Boonville. Thousands of you attended the fair and it was a classic down home , apple crunching' cow pooping,good time. I like it too because it's also one of our most integrated events (besides the when the circus comes to town). Where North meets south and we all get along just fine. don't we ?

There's always so much to do 'round here. It's an electrifying field of energy, concerts in the vineyards, the benefits at the botanical gardens, festivals, transition town meetings, farmers markets, etc. etc. And we manage to enjoy ourselves in these here parts without violence. Yes, I know there are the occasional murders, home invasions, pot raids. But I have to say this is really one of the most peaceful places in the world, I hesitated to say in the world, but after I thought about it for a second, yes, I think it's true. What can we attribute that pleasant statistic to? Perhaps because we have access to the organic, herb, food, nature and music, sweet music especially via these airwaves of KZYX, We are also exposed to the dazzling coastline on a daily basis and inland some of the most beautiful topography on earth. Every time I drive down Highway One on the way to anywhere I can, if I choose,experience, looking at the ocean, a sense of infinite peace and calm. Can you? Then twisting turning over the hill whether it's Highway 253, Orr Springs road, or Highway 20, It's a mystical magical tour through redwoods and oak and hillsides that never fade. This place offers us sanctuary, it's a sensual oasis in the urban desserts that are spreading like epidemics across our earth. Here, in this bio-region of Northern California, we have an invitation to rest our weary eyes on such magnificence that peace finds it's way into our lives naturally. I think it 's peaceful disposition also has something to do with the medicinal Marijuana movement that mellows the masses and makes a lot of merry around here. I imagine a day when this plant has a safe harbor and the farmers who tend the fields can do so with pride and a feeling of security that they are making right livelihood and contributing to the peaceful quality of life.

That's really the goal here on mama earth isn't it. Peace. It is waiting, peace is patient. Peace is always there, just around the next bend. Yes, there are some that make fun of the peacenik hippies, the love children who still believe that peace is cool and something to strive for. Some say we are Naive at best or more often - stupid. I find the folks who are still hankering for peace are the happy people of the world. The ones that dance, laugh, eat spicy, yummy, fatty food, smoke a little pot, watch old movies. Make love and play with children. Peace is really fun. I'm glad we gave it a dance. I think we should shower it with gifts. Yes, lets give peace something everyday. Give it some thought, Give it some Cash. Give it kiss. Give Peace a room for the night. Give peace a call. Give peace a ride. Give peace a present. Give peace a song. And at the very least Give it a chance.

New Yorker for a Day

I am a New Yorker. True, I've lived in California for the last 30 years. But, I am still a New Yorker. It's like being Jewish. It's my roots. I'm a New York Jew. New York Made me what I am. Everyone who Immigrated to NY from anywhere in the world, which most of our great-grandparents did, who grew up there, lived there, worked and died there has this intensity, loyalty, indisputable character, attitude, humor, and definitely without a doubt, an opinion. We're tough, built to last. My 82 year old uncle Ted still lives in Manhattan and will never leave. Maybe it's something in the water. The water that makes the absolute best tasting pizza and bagels in the world. Then there's the architecture from its brownstones to It's gleaming skyscrapers, It's undying devotion to art, music, dance and the theater. There's the international ethnic smorgasbord on every block. Each culture recreated in small enclaves, leaving it's definitive flavor, aromatic distinctions wafting up the avenues and the alleyways. Just walk down the street and you will here 50 different languages. And deeper than that of course are the subways (ha) and the people of New York. Characters, everyone of um. The sidewalks brimming over with them, loud, chaotic, and constant.

I never witnessed violence living in NY. My apartment was robbed once, but I wasn't there, so it made me mad more than scared. I was never afraid to ride the subway, walk the streets at 2 Am, yes, there's crime ( mostly from police corruption) like any big city, but it never interfered with the thrill of it all. Rockefeller Center, The Empire State Building, St. Patricks Cathedral, Carnegie Hall, The Carnegie Deli, Central Park, China Town, Radio City Music Hall, Village, Harlem, The UN, Madison Square Garden, Grand Central Station, Broadway and yes, of course, the former Twin Towers, now known as ground zero. I had dinner at Windows on the world on the 107th floor, with my family when I was 16 years old. I remember the potatoes were odd, shaved and crunchy like hay. I got up from the table to look out over Manhattan. It was magnificent, I looked down and felt dizzy.

Saturday, President Obama said that "every year on September 11th we are all New Yorkers". That's odd because he stood at the Pentagon to tell us that, which tells me that he is a Pentagonian. If he felt so New Yorky he should have been at Battery Park, the twin ghost lasers beaming up behind his podium and him gazing into the harbor at the Statue of Liberty, but he's not really into her these days. No, He is one that stands with the Pentagon, not the people, on this terrible anniversary and that is reflected in his foreign and domestic policies.

Mr. Obama went on to say. "We pause to remember the victims, to grieve with the families and friends of those who died, and to honor the heroes of that day and each day since who have sacrificed to save lives and serve their country. Lovely, poetic words, but what about the reality of those "heroes?" because at this moment there is a bill stalled in the house of representatives. The James Zadroga bill HR 847 that amends the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001. James Zadroga was a NYC police detective who participated in rescue and clean-up at the WTC. He was the first to die at 34 years old of a respiratory disease related to the toxicity at ground zero. (though that was disputed by the city's medical examiner who said his death had nothing to do with WTC fallout)

Just before this August recess Republicans in the house blocked HR847. Yes, that's sad and seems truly unpatriotic, but what's idiotic is that it's nine years later and these American heroes are suffering and dying from the WTC cough and other respiratory illnesses and there has been no legislation to address this. At the point that H.R. 847 was formulated in February of 2009 it was reported that more than 13,000 WTC responders had died or are sick and receiving treatment. It has also been reported that over 40,000 responders are currently being medically monitored. HR 847 provides less than 10 billion dollars for the ongoing care of these brave individuals. And yet the President with all his flowery, patriotic, memorial rhetoric, opposes funding for this legislation. He's certainly managed to fill the Pentagons pockets but those New Yorkers, the ones risked their lives that very day and the weeks following will have to rely on each other, for now, just like they did nine years ago. Mr. President if you want to be a New Yorker for a day you should actually go there and sit on a stoop for the afternoon. Have a cup a coffee and a long talk.

Coming Home

Coming Home

Last Friday I went to the airport to pick up our middle daughter Dana and her Best Friend Larissa coming home from a tour halfway around the world.They left on Winter solstice and came back in time for Fall equinox. That's a long time and distance to have my umbilical cord stretched. Last night the girls slept under our roof and ahh that feeling, knowing our children are sleeping soundly downstairs pacifies the soul like nothing else. I had to have a lot of faith that while on they're journey they would be safe, in right place at the right time in a world that can instantly go very wrong, where violence can explode while thousands of innocent people are doing their daily coming and going or just sleeping in their beds. I know it was an awesome privilege for these two young women to wander blithely round the world, driving up the coast of Australia swimming with Manta rays off the great barrier reef, getting cozy with with Kangaroos and Koalas, Partying all night in the bars of Koh Smet in Thailand while the red shirts rioted in Bangkok, riding camels through the desert descending into the tombs of the pyramids, flying in a hot air balloon over the nile river in Egypt. scuba diving in the red sea. Walking through Cairo and all they could say was,This is old, this is really old, wow that's old. They Made mock confession at the Vatican in rome, rode on water busses through Venice, laughed the night away at the Edinburgh theater Festival in Scotland. learned drinking songs in English Pubs, Watched the World cup in Spain and countless other historical and hysterical hyjinks had by two brave, and beautiful young women whose soul purpose was to discover everything and wearing their trademark gorilla and banana suits, bring joy to the world. These two have gone beyond the confines of google and Facebook and sailed off into the wild blue yonder with faith and good humor and were rewarded with real time friends, family, cultural education and follies that I believe have only just begun. To them the world is a magnificent place. Upon their return I think of the thousands of Iraq war vets who are also coming home, gone not for months, but for years, enduring unimaginable circumstances always on the edge or in the midst of horrifying danger. To them the world is a terrible place. How did their parents endure their wives, husbands, kids? Soldiers came home for awkward interludes only to be redeployed back to the hell on earth that was their destination. It was hard enough to say goodbye to our kids leaving on holiday. How does a mother say goodbye to her son or daughter going off to kill an or be killed? And who are they when they come home? The majority of the soldiers returning from Iraq are the same age as my daughter, 22, so young and vulnerable. What's the damage? Our daughters have a bit of culture shock on returning to the states, Larissa dislocated her finger and Dana her knee overseas, luckily they were in England where they would and could get healthcare for free , but no post traumatic stress, brain injuries or nightmares of missions gone bad and babies gone blewy. Our girls suffered minor inconveniences and injuries unlike our soldiers whose life altering disabilities causing them unbearable pain and costing them thousands and thousands of dollars because the VA budget is so sadly depleted and mismanaged. I am relieved the war for them is "over" and they are coming home and yet many of us are deeply concerned about the lack of services, the intensity of injuries, both mental and physical. We see the statistics rising for veterans going off the deep end, committing suicide and at times bringing somebody we know with them as was the case last year when Jacob Gregory Swanson, 26, a former Army paratrooper who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, killed himself and his girlfriend in Fort Bragg

I've heard the argument that we send our kids off to war so we can maintain our national security, I've heard that freedom isn't free, that we have to root out the terrorists and destroy their networks, I can't help but think that sending our kids off in banana suits is a much better strategy for homeland security than flak jackets and kevlar vests. Backpacks full of music, ukeleles, books, and trail mix in lieu of ammunition, MREs. mortar rounds, flex cuffs, hand grenades. Our kids were diplomats, envoys who truly won the hearts and minds of people because they are funny and curious, filled with pleasantries and tales of the beauty and lifestyle of Mendocino county. They offered friendship and adventure instead of suspicion, racism, and orders to stand down, to surrender. So many of our youth join the military because there are no jobs available, there's plenty of money to send them to fight in wars, but none to send them on an cultural exchange mission, where the US does not dictate and occupy, but rather behaves as guests in someone's home. How much we have to learn from these ancient cultures, and yet our mission is to destroy and conquer. Oh when will we ever learn, when will we ever learn. Our kids are coming home now and unlike Dana and Larissa who's dreams are full of castles and trains and joyous bells ringing our veterans have haunting nightmares of sirens, night raids, IED's and blood, lots of blood. That must be addressed. How can we best help them recover their lives, their connection to community and a future that is peaceful, hopeful, healthy and prosperous. We can Call your local Veteran's administration at volunteer, make a donation. see if we can be of service to our veteran's or the family's they've come home to so we can all get a good night's sleep.

Fowl Play

I love eggs. We all come from an egg. Women are born with all the eggs that our bodies will release in a lifetime and in those eggs are our children and if they are girls they have their lifetime supply as well. All our eggs in one future generational and ancestral basket. Eggs, the source of life and my favorite breakfast ingredient. There's the morning omelette, the benedict, over easy, scrambled, or in a lunch salad with celery, red onion, pickles, mustard and mayonnaise also reliant on egg for it's silky delight. Any delectable dessert insists on the ultimate fat.. Where would the cake, cookie or challah be without its radiant presence. the simple addition of eggs to a recipe gives us the delightful meringue. the hollandaise, the soufflé. It would take all day to list the recipes that rely on their steady beat, their robust protein. We all remember Sly Stallone as Rocky and his raw egg ritual preparing him to fight and triumph over apollo Creed. According to regenerative nutrition.com raw eggs contain essential nutrients for the brain, nerves, glands and hormones, they are nutritionally balanced,The sulphur amino acids help to keep you young, raw eggs also contain an abundance of other vital substances including protein, essential fatty acids along with niacin, riboflavin, biotin, choline, vitamins A, D and E, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, iron, iodine, copper, zinc and sulphur. I am in awe and deep gratitude for the chickens who daily provide this precious gift.

I thank the Goddess, and our daughter and son in law who raised them, that we have chickens in our own backyard. It's food security to share and eat the eggs of ones so near and dear and not a product of Mr. Auston De Coster's unfortunate Brood. He is one rotten egg and the head honcho of Wright county and Quality egg distributors. the quintessential oxymoron. How sick these dear old biddies must be to have laid 450 million poison eggs. What on earth is this man doing to these harmless Henny penny's. This guy, De Coster has already been cited and fined for oodles of health, safety and human rights violations, and yet there are little if any consequences for this felonious farmer. He joins the ranks of the Agrithugs who are killing off our food sources to increase their already obscene profits, whether we go back to the outbreak of mad cow disease, the spinach plague and now the egg recall and dozens of other incidents where mechanical farming and toxic fertilizer is used with reckless abandon. The Industrial Agricultural Complex from Monsanto to Archer Midland Daniels have taken the sacraments of the earth, the foundation of our existence and pooped all over it. The epidemic of Salmonella is a result of these animals and vegetables being overexposed to feces. Now we all know that chicken manure, composted properly, is one of the very best amendments to our garden, very high in nitrogen and also contains a good amount of potassium and phosphorus. It's not good if the chickens themselves are standing in it up to their ankles. That's just a bunch of crap. Any one who has seen Food Inc. or read the classic expose, Diet For a New America, by John Robbins, is aware of the tragic abuse and inhumane conditions our chickens are subjected to on factory farms. These delicacies of la tierra firma, that which everything tastes like, are nothing more than egg machines to the Industrial Farmer.

Chickens are the most generous birds in the world and in this country we daily consume billions of their legs, breasts, thighs, and livers and unborn children. approximately 23 million chickens are slaughtered daily in this country. Let's give them the respect, stature and safety regulations they deserve. That notwithstanding, if you live on a half acre or so, consider throwing up a coop. 6 chickens will provide 1/2 dozen eggs a day. Or instead of a chicken in every pot as FDR suggested, we could have a chicken coop on every block. Let's bring the chickens home to roost in a good way and start a campaign to change the national bird of America to the Chicken instead of the eagle. Really what's more American than chicken? Yes, let's salute the chicken. Adorn our General's shoulders with their wings, engrave their profiles on our coins and impress their faces on our dollar bills. It would change our very nature of our republic because in fact though very beautiful Eagles are scary looking raptors, Chickens are wholesome, friendly, cooperative, productive, and as far as I am concerned everyone of them, under the right circumstances. lays golden eggs.

Our summer vacation at the Michigan Women's Music Festival

Wow, while we were away in Michigan, on our summer vacation, the oil from the BP spillage magically disappeared. Oil eating microbes arose out of the muck like some crazy munch monsters and yum, yum they ate it up. For real? I'm a little suspicious about the reality of that claim and so are the fisherfolk who make their livelihood off the fruits of the sea having no palate for the taste for chemical dispersant. It feels like a grand scheme by the oily boys who would like us continue swallowing their fossils fuels without missing a gulp, without fear of consequences for our insatiable appetites. It's time to get real. I think a healthy skepticism is beneficial here and an urgency in creating a real infrastructure for alternative energy and conservation. We drove our bio-diesel Sprinter on Interstate 80 half way cross this very lengthy nation, a first time experience for me,and the outstanding landmarks on this horizontal highway where the boarded up small towns connected by miles of power, oil, electric, and water lines extracting what's left of the dwindling resources from this ravaged earth. Besides that, lot's adult bookstores and corn, lots of corn.

The fact is, It was exciting to see bio-diesel and ethanol fuel pumps sprouting up along our nations highways and took advantage of them . We had also committed to replenishing our glass water containers along the way, filling up at truck stops and restaurants which resulted in the purchasing of only one plastic bottle on our entire journey. It's not easy being green but it's possible. and it is certainly incumbent upon our leaders locally and nationally to take a giant step in that direction, they can just follow us. Rolling through Laramine Wyoming we heard news that The Gay marriage ban was overturned by US District Court Judge Vaughn Walker. If you recall, Laramie was where a 21 year old, gay man named Matthew Shepherd was viscously beaten and killed and strung up on one of the thousands of snow fences that cut the hillsides. Just because he was gay. It was a solemn sacred moment of justice, to know that the court understood that the homosexual heart is equal to the heterosexual. that decision provides us with a certain measure of security and whittles away at the hate that is the root of that kind of tragedy. I know a lot of us have been praying for diversity and tolerance, and we took that as a really good sign even if it is stalled in the. 9th circuit court of appeals. It's the small omens and that sustain us through the madness and confusion of this life. We're all just looking for relief. It was a relief to spend time on women's only land in the hardwood forest of Hart Michigan.The Michigan Women's Music festival takes place in a self sufficient village built by women every spring for the last 35 years in preparation for the August arrival of about 9000 of us looking to escape the never ending struggle to function happily in a man's world. The Festival, 5 days long, spanning over 593 acres was started in 1976 by a woman named Lisa Vogel who at 19 had the tenacity and focus to provide a safe space for women that would be filled with every imaginable kind of artistic expression, music, theater, comedy, dance, and workshops like Amazon knife and tomahawk throwing, Stilt walking, creative croning, to the Lesbian Tent revival. We were treated to the music of Laura Love, The Indigo Girls, Toshi Regan, Holly Near, Ferron, Mary Gauthier,The Butchies and the list goes on and on. We have hot showers, three delicious meals a day. If you need first aid, you are sent to the womb, if you are upset you go to the oasis, if you want to see women wrestling in chocolate pudding you go to the twilight zone. Children, roam freely because there are infinite mothers' eyes watching over them. We attended the festival with another lesbian couple and four of our teenage daughter's. Here in the "mainstream" we are constantly nagging them about their minuscule fashion choices exposing more of their booties than they cover. We try to explain to them that it's not their clothing that's the problem, it's the fact is that there were over 95.000 reported rapes in the US last year alone. There, Our girls were safe and free to dress appropriately for their pleasure, wicked crazy style and for the weather and considering the humidity, Half naked was all good. It's a simple matter of real security. One that requires no government departments, no police, no surveillance, no weapons. It has something to do with a man free environment. Now this may offend some of you out there, but the fact is that every women and girl on that land for those five days lived fear free that someone would even think of violating her body, let alone do it. Just contemplate that for a moment. Michigan Festival is a microcosm of a better world that actually exists, the difference being that women run it. Women build it, women make the decisions for the benefit of the collective experience. Imagine being able to walk out of your house naked and all the neighbor next door does is smile and wave and say good morning. Imagine losing all your body judgements, comparison with others because you are no longer competing with them you are co-existing with them all contributing in your own special way choosing your right lively hood in voluntary bliss while all your needs are taking care of. It's the kind of place that you might read about in a Ursula Leguin, Or Sally Gearheart novel, but It's for real. I've seen it with my very own eyes and fortunately so have our daughters.