Abort the Supreme Court

I own a t-shirt with that statement in big red letters. It’s a “souvenir” from decades past. I think it’s time to start wearing it again.

It’s not just our legislative branch of government that’s been taken over by corporations; our judicial branch has also been bought. Judges are not immune to corruption, as many stories throughout history have shown. But, somehow I had hoped the Supreme Court was different.

Justices Thomas and Scalia participated in a Koch Industries event in October 2010, and more recently were seen at a dinner sponsored by corporations fighting the healthcare bill just as the court agreed to review the case.

Common Cause has been following this issue for some time. They have a lot of unbiased information about these and other "conflicts of interest" on their website. Educate yourself...then pass it on!

If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention. To take action and ask Justice Thomas to rescue himself, visit credoaction.com. Justice Scalia should do the same. Perhaps we should ALL be writing letters in protest to the Department of Justice and the Clerk of the Supreme Court!

My New Hero

Hope came across the airwaves this evening in the form of an interview with Sr. Minority Whip Jim McGovern (D-MA). Representative McGovern has introduced the People’s Right’s Amendment — HJ RES 88.

Admittedly, amending the Constitution is a long shot, but it is a resolution that I believe, 99% of the population of the United States will understand and support. And because of that, it just might have a chance!

American’s are fed up with the corporatocracy: the corporate takeover of our government (and media). Corporatocracy is just a new word for fascism…or at the very least, oligarchy.

You can read the amendment here and watch Rep. McGovern summarize his amendment below. Please sign the petition…and spread the word…we the PEOPLE are taking back our democracy!

Wow. July 2010 — I was so wise...where did that person go? Apparently lost in translation somewhere between Kalamazoo and Riyadh.

Now the Hermit is restless and ready to emerge from slumber. The injustice taking place across the planet shook me awake. But, the injustice in our own (so-called) democracy is what jolted me out of my bed. I can't stop thinking about how we are repeating the ugliest parts of our history. And not just on Wall St. It's everywhere. Not sure how to start, but I know where:

The Never-ending Lesson

We all embrace life from our own perspective.
— K. Grahm, March 9, 2010

I was reading through my journal in an attempt to find answers to how I could have been so wrong about something when I came across this bit of wisdom from a phone conversation with a friend of mine. The topic of perspective came up earlier today as well, so I was inspired to make this post. More journaling wasn't enough.

A journal is good for keeping track of how we embrace — or reject life's challenges. I'm always amazed by the great insight and advice I have for myself, yet fail to listen to. Seven months ago I was excited by the incomprehensible vastness of the universe and all the possibilities that perspective held. I was letting go, and welcoming all things new. Today, I feel like I've been sucked into a black hole and can't see past the horror enough to escape the downward spiral. But, I know this too shall pass. Sometimes you have to be beaten against the rocks before you learn to go with the flow of the river.

Perspective indeed.

Sometimes I Miss The Gazette

I dropped my home delivery of the Kalamazoo Gazette a couple of months ago. Mostly because my employer cut my hours and I needed to make some budgetary choices. Fortunately, when I need a "fix" of local news, I can read it online.

This story caught my eye. Funny what small towns consider "news." Though this was in the "food" section it still struck me as funny. A story about a giant cake!

Worthless Democrats

November 4, 2008 was a huge relief. January 20, 2009 was a great celebration of that relief. I thought I could relax a little around politics. Not so. And, I'm so sick of it! Here's my latest (I write them all the time) letter:

Dear President Obama:

I understand that the job of governing the country is very different from running for the office. I’m sure it’s had surprises even for you. While I really appreciate you finally coming out strong on health care, we all elected you to be equally as strong on other issues — and in your decision-making. We put our trust — and hope — in you. I feel let down by you, and all those Democrats that rode your coattails into office, every single day! I am so sick of the pandering. Why? We voted for YOU! What do you hope to gain from that? It makes you look ALLl look so weak and indecisive.

With all do respect sir — please — stand up against these obstructionist Republican’s every chance you get! Moving the trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to military courts is one HUGE example. I even read a headline today that said it was “flip-flopping,” and, I have to agree. Stand your ground Mr. President, and command those other Democrats to do the same. It’s what we elected you for.

How is this Possible?

I still cannot grasp it, but it's true. It's March 2, 2010. That means I've walked the Earth for 50 years.

While making a journal entry this morning, I was struck by the idea of making a list of 50 things to do when I'm 50. Chances are I will revise it throughout the year. It's really not all that interesting, and somethings are kind of far-fetched, but this is what I came up with on the spur of the moment. I just wrote them down in the order they came to mind.

50 Things I’d Like to do in My 50th Year

I've removed the list to post and update on my refrigerator. This was prompted by the fact that #1 is NEVER going to happen. I will move on, but I will never "get over Bacon Man." And, I need to replace "clean out the basement" with "see Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me" and find a good replacement for some of the other mundane stuff.

As Hilarywho said, if I do half of it, it will be an accomplishment. And I think Canada is a good place to start!