The New Democracy

Today in Suceava, Romania the election of officials from the Liberal Democratic Party is underway. Thousands gathered in the town square for a mass celebration. As with politicians everywhere- the candidates were kissing babies, hugging children and assuring voters that change is evident. Music blared from the stage and the young cheered with excitement. This is not an everyday occurence in a country where the feeling of Securitate still hangs like vapor in the air.

It is not easy to bring change. But the time is ripe, and Gheorghe Flutur seems to have all the right moves in gaining confidence of the people.

Only 25 years ago, this event would have had a different outcome. Instead of cheering and anticipation, eating ice cream, and waving orange banners- there would have been soldiers firing into the crowd, children lying dead on the streets, and the idea of democracy trampled under the feet of totalitarian government. I stand in awe as I wander through the people- looking at their faces.

Amazingly, Romania has come a long way. The young are no longer afraid to speak out. Sure food is more expensive now that the country has joined the EU. Electricity is almost unpayable, and there is still no social help for the aged. But hope lies in future generations, in future elections, and in the progression of freedom.

Even the women are involved and this is no simple task in a patriarchal society where their rights are small and their opinions overlooked. However, time marches on and their influence will also grow, as the country begins to recognize their value as voters.

I don’t know about you, but these children have a lot to look forward to. In the days ahead, instead of their parents going off to Italy for work and leaving them behind to grow up alone- like many here have been- a chance for life, unity in families and a quality in existance is beginning. Here is democracy in action.

Maybe we Americans didn’t invent the word “Democracy” but we sure believe in its power.

Have No Fear Myanmar-Underdog is Here!

Americans may have to shoot their way into Burma to get food and aide to the people in need. At this point since the cyclone hit, food shipments have been held, naval ships waiting with aide are not allowed in to Burma and even relief workers aren’t given visas. Dead bodies line the countryside and people are desperately needing food, shelter, and water. There is also risk of epidemic disease. It’s not a joke, but a determination at any cost- to help in this crisis. They are even now considering dropping food shipments in by plane without permission. Since when do you need permission to save an entire people? See Link report:

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1739053,00.html

Wow- those Americans are a determined bunch huh? You ever see the cartoon “Underdog?” Evidently the country is still primitive, secretive and unwilling to provide for its own citizens. Foreign journalists are not allowed to show the world these acts of deliberate genocide of the Burmese people. More than 100,00 have presumably died already, and by not allowing help- the government is purposely letting those affected by this tragedy die.

And to make matters worse- This is from the Herald Sun: BURMESE officials have been accused of selling aid supplies intended for cyclone victims by volunteers who are running their own mini-aid missions to the area.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23693360-663,00.html

So even if people try to give- there is almost no way for the help to get there. Seems like they could use a little un-official intervention, don’t ya think? People may complain about us Americans- but when the rubber meets the road…who’s gonna come to the rescue, huh?

If you don’t know anything about Burma then you have a treat! A very wonderful person in my opinion has placed this movie Beyond Rangoon on the web. It is one of my all time favorites. It will give you some idea of the people and its oppressive government system…”…suffering is one promise life always keeps…” Well worth watching!

http://beyond-rangoon.blogspot.com/2007/11/based-on-true-story.html

Also- Here is an over view of the historical Underdog cartoon and its characters-quite amusing!

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/8850/udog.htm

I leave you with these inspiring words from Underdog himself:

When in this world the headlines read
Of those whose hearts are filled with greed
Who rob and steal from those who need
To right this wrong with blinding speed
Goes Underdog! Underdog! Underdog! Underdog!

Speed of lightning, roar of thunder
Fighting all who rob or plunder
Underdog. Underdog!

Sounds like Americans? Oh yeah… You go dog, Go!

You Need More Stuff! Experiment in Economy

Uncle Sam is sending an urgent message today…. He is imploring, demanding, asking gently in this time of recession that Americans come to the aid of their country. Just like in World War I-when people came together to fight a common enemy- this time the enemy is the powerful force of the falling dollar.

I propose a countrywide experiment. If Americans can go one day, or one week or one month and buy as much American home grown things as possible….it’s entirely probable that we will see the rise of the dollar and our economy. You can’t grumble and complain about what you won’t lift a finger to help.

“There are 293 million people living in the United States. If each one would shift $20 a month in spending from foreign made products to American made products, that would create 5 million new jobs.”

What is still made in America, really made in America? See if you can identify these::

Classics: Cracker Jacks, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Jack Daniels Whiskey, Benjamin Moore Paints, Silly Putty, Ivory Soap, La-Z-Boy Chairs, Stetson Hats, Slinky Toys, U.S. Playing Cards, Merle Norman Cosmetics, Louisville Slugger Baseball Bats, and Zippo…

Ones you might not be aware of: Yankee Candles, Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Creative Memories Scrapbooks, Longaberger Baskets, Stride Tool Company, Burt’s Bees, Kitchen Aid, Ridley Motorcycles, K’Nex, and Oreck Vaccuums…

Online stuff:

http://www.americansworking.com/ and www.madehereinamerica.com

are good sights for finding products Americans work. I Love Starbucks to death but it might be nice to try some Hawaiian coffee.

http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/

Online catalog of stuff.

What you can do:

Buy more stuff. American made stuff. Things produced in China, France, Thailand, etc. don’t count do they? For a list of French companies you aren’t aware of- see the fine print at the bottom of this website:

http://www.madeinusa.org/ It’s interesting how many foreign items we normally buy……

Eat at local Mom and pop restaurants so you can help them buy more stuff.

Read the labels on products. Investigate a little. Ask yourself “where does it come from?”

Shop local farmers markets for fresh produce.

Buy novelty gifts at small private owned shops-and help them buy more stuff.

What could happen if I don’t? Common understandable excuses:

I don’t have time.- because time is money. However,buying foreign made things invests only in other countries, people lose their jobs, and conglomerates replace private ownership.

I don’t shopping online. Thenm just look for what local stuff you can.

I don’t care. Well, then we will all see the rise of future generations with a more European controlled America as their investors buy up our land and our companies.

We don’t lose anything by trying. We may lose everything if we don’t. So go out today on this grand experiment. Do your part to invest in America and invest in yourself.

This moment in time…….Uncle Sam Needs You!

Presidential Pretense in America

Will the REAL candidate for president, please stand up? In this world of pretenders, America has had quite enough of having to vote for nothing more than the ‘Lesser of two evils”. Where are the war heroes? Where are the people who have lived, cried, worked and sweated with normal Americans to feed their families? All we ever get anymore is “Career Politicians.” Is this what was intended at the very beginning of our History when our forefathers created the job? Huh? At least President Reagan was an actor instead of born and bred blue blood material.

Why can’t we nominate someone more personal to be our next president instead of the current circus we are presented with? Some people speculate that a Clinton/Obama or an Obama/Clinton ticket would be great. But what you end up with is the same: A woman who is possibly corrupt to the core, with a track record of mysterious deaths while pushing her husband into office, or a man with less experience than other ones in history, riding on the coat tails of his color for the black vote.

It is a race related or sex related contest with neither one having the qualities for election that is vital to running our country the next 4 years, or the next four minutes for that matter. How could we possibly think that this is a good option for our people?

What are our values? This is what I see as the basics of what our people need:

Truth, justice, fairness,

Work with adequate pay for our jobs.

Experienced, affordable medical care for ALL social classes.

Affordable university education.

Compensation for our soldiers and their families with a promise of war resolution.

Stability of our economy with less export and more emphasis on small business and American made products.

Remember: The President is Commander and Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States. He or she can declare war, make friends and enemies of foreign nations, pardon people in jail, stabilize or wreck our economy, enact laws which can be helpful or harmful to our families, and establish the atmosphere we will live in for maybe the next decade of our civilization. Who do we really want to give this power to?

Be brave. If nothing changes before November, we’d all be better off at voting time to just put a big black X on NONE OF THE ABOVE.

The Secret World of San Angelo

The top headlines of the news today describe a situation in Texas that may be the biggest child custody case in U.S. history and has many Texans concerned. Their main question is “How can something like this be happening right under our noses?” The spotlight is centered on the Mormon community and is not likely to extinguish any time soon.

It is not certain exactly how many women and children were taken from the compound into state custody, but officials have said that interaction with the children is a curious thing. They have no concept of what a crayon is, no toys, and a hostility toward outsiders- believing that they are the ‘devil’ and told to avoid them AT ALL COSTS.

The main girl of 16 who originally called and filed a complaint of abuse against the group- has vanished into thin air as well as another female caller from the Colorado area. Police are beginning to suspect that maybe she didn’t exist at all, when maybe they should suspect foul play in her disappearance instead.

The main leader is in jail and a female representative of the women in the group spoke to reporters in an apparently coached speech displayed on television. She used exact figures, big words, and spoke like a politician of the ‘land of the free and the home of the brave’ as well as comparing their confinement to the Jews of Nazi Germany extermination camps.

All this media coverage has authorities and residents of Utah examining their own dismissal of what may be happening with child sexual exploitation in the name of this religion.

Here is an excellent comment found on the Times Online, about the topic:

I’m currently living on Baker Street, San Angelo, West Texas and Fort Concho, where the 417 children plus various mothers from the FLDS “Yearn For Zion” sect are being protected, is at the end of this street.

I’m a British author (Sarah Holland,  http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/sarah-holland/ and I can SEE these women and children with my own eyes every time I drive or cycle past the fort. I’m appalled at some of the comments I read above from my countrymen back home in England. The women and children at the Fort are absolutely terrified of what’s happening to them. They’ve been brainwashed on an horrific scale, trained to believe sexual abuse of minors is God’s dearest wish and that if an elderly man wants to have full sexual intercourse with lots of different 12 year old girls in his care this is a cause for joyous celebration.

People here are saying, rightly, that this is like the M. Night Shyamalan film THE VILLAGE, where an entire community do not realize the world outside exist

Sarah Holland, San Angelo, TX 76903, USA

Thank you Sarah for giving us a realistic view.

Olympic Gaming

Hide and seek was the game of choice this past week in San Fransisco. The Olympic Torch kept popping up in unexpected places in an effort to confuse protesters and keep control of the thousands of people who turned up for the event. Then it was off to Argentina, where the tour went smoothly except for some water balloon bombs trying to extinguish the flame. Next stop is Tanzania.  Will it be a tug-of war, capture-the-flag, or ring-around-the-rosie ?  The whole world is holding their breath to see what is next.

No one seems to care that the Olympics are about SPORTS. Not politics, not human rights, not building the egos of one country higher than another.  This is not to say that Beijing has no influence in the matter. This is a very important step for the Chinese.  More than 3,500 children havebeen named “Olympics” in the country so far and they are so concerned about success that they have even installed many sit down toilets for the occasion.

When China was chosen to host this historic event, everyone knew they were communist, so why the surprise? Why the protests?  Its a little too late to say “oops”.

“What do you mean, I’m pregnant?”

“Oh, I have to pay for this house the next 30 years?”

” I have lung cancer because of smoking;… really?”

So we protest. We carry our multi-colored signs.  We stand in the streets and try to extinguish the biggest thing in a young athletes life. Is this right?  Can’t we stop all this childish maneuvering and accept that we are merely spectators?  Probably not.

Well, I for one would love the chance to attend the Beijing Olympics! See for myself what the huh-bub is all about. All I need is a round trip ticket from America, entrance fees to the games, a great place to stay, good food, and a generous Chinese benefactor for me and my husband to accomplish this monumental task. Any takers??????????????????????? Godspeed!

Scrutiny of the Summit

The last day of NATO negotiations ended here in Romania with key figures wearing dark ties and the propaganda machine in full swing.  Even before Dictator Putin arrived on the scene, it was declared on the media that he had won a major victory and that America was very low in the world’s estimates.  This didn’t seem to phase president Bush and he seemed to enjoy himself at the meetings. While visiting the Black Sea, he commented that his ice cream was “the best I’ve ever had.”  This is Texas humor, a Texan’s impression.  But commentators swarmed against him and insisted it would have been better had he complemented their salami-  (a traditional specialty).

Another interesting moment in the circus was the close inspection of dignitaries wives.  What is she wearing, how is she sitting, waving, who is she looking at?  But the best of show was the wife of President Rahmon of Tajikistan who won the Miss Nato award when she swept in to meetings like Audrey Hepburn in  the movie ‘Roman Holiday’.

Not allowing the Ukraine into NATO became a sore spot.  It is unclear why Albania was accepted-(because many say they weren’t ready).  However, after visiting the Ukraine a few times myself and having to pay the police bribes at the border- (every one)- then after the border- (every policeman that approached you),  then in the car- (each policeman that stopped you for having foreign plates)- (and paying the next policeman who stopped you two minutes later), I am not surprised.

It was also comical when Romania rejected America’s offer for anti-rocket protection and then later accepted after soliciting for funds that no one else could afford to give.

So the summit began with dignitaries in burgandy and red ties to show their power.  The next days faded to shades of blue- friendly, peaceful, democratic. At dinner the night of the third day, President Bush was shown wearing a yellow green reptilian colored tie which was plainly a fashion disaster or a cleverly devised plot to disarm the other dignitaries.  His specific choice spoke volumes.

Possible interpretations include:

“I don’t take myself too seriously”.

“You can laugh with me tonight,  and maybe underestimate me, but tomorrow it’s you and me, pal.”

“Come on guys, it’s only NATO, can’t you just have a little fun for a change?”.

“We’re America. We aren’t worried and we don’t really have to prove anything.”

In the long run, I was very proud to have my president in town and to have the journalists praise Laura Bush for being the most friendly woman of the whole group when she greeted them and waved.  In all the news coverage, I can’t remember seeing anyone else smile at all.

A job well done guys.

Lights Out for the World

On March 30, 2008, certain key figures in Canada organized the second major “Earth Hour”. Cities across the globe cut their electricity for 60 minutes. Restaurants functioned by candle light. People sat in the dark and contemplated our planet’s fate. This noble gesture was supposed to bring a message of energy conservation to the rest of us. But who are the rest of us?

The biggest percentage of people on the globe live hand to mouth. Some working long hours for minimal pay. Others live crowded together in third world countries where survival is foremost and their energy expenditure is .001% of what it takes for a politician to drive his Jaguar to the office on any given day. Like many other noble causes- we “rob Peter to pay Paul”. Large rock concerts with glamorous superstars are held to feed the world’s hungry but after everyone involved gets their cut of the money, the enormous power bill is paid, the transportation costs are covered, and all the stars get their publicity- the world goes on starving but nobody sees the end result.

We get our egos stroked by thinking we are really making a an impact for a short time. Maybe it is so. But wouldn’t it be better to really make a difference? Many of us love the environment and want to see it preserved. But what I want more is to see action by those people who tell us what we should be doing to save it- Who has solar power installed in their houses? Who rides their bike to work each day? Who recycles their plastic bottles? Who plants trees to increase the atmospheres oxygen? Who invests in renewable energy research? Who carpools to work? Who helps clean up trash on the side of the road? Who refuses to add more trash to our city parks? These are the people to listen to.

Here in Eastern Europe, sunlight is used for as many hours in the day as possible. After that, everyone goes groping around in the dark. It is very depressing at times but has taught me a valuable lesson. Every single moment of energy is precious. My morning coffee, my work on computer, a favorite movie, a bathroom light in a hot steamy shower. A few microwaves. No five star hotel. No vacations in Maui. No red carpet million dollar reception. So in this country I didn’t turn off my lights this year. I gloried in the simple single light bulb of my primitive kitchen and cooked potatoes over a gas fire. I suppose it is a good thing that major cities and corporations have found a new awareness. Is it lasting? Is it permanent? Is it enough to stem the tide and save us from global warming? (which is in fact global cooling as the snow falls with a vengeance in April).

So whats next? One hour of no cars on the road? Bicycle day? A world recycle-a thon to turn in old cell phone batteries, computer parts, paint thinners, household toxic waste? What can the ordinary person really do to stem the tide of destruction?

One Life For Sale

This world today is very unpredictable, and occasionally our personal situations become more than we can bear. This is what happened to Ian Usher, a British man, living in Australia. He is offering his life on the auction block in June. As with most anomalies- high school killings, suicides, bombings, kidnappings, -you wonder what brings people to such desperate measures.

Wouldn’t it be nice to become a life-broker? To match people up with new situations, new friends, and a whole new (hopefully better) outlook? Maybe there could be a trade system- my boring life in Kansas for your upscale New York penthouse? My South African hut in Zimbabwe for your bamboo house on the river in Thailand? Would it be possible just to have a job and country swap,? What if children saved their pennies to buy a new parental situation?

But who would be to blame if the whole thing turns sour? What if Ian has regrets and wants his old life back? What if the Chinese man, Bulgarian woman or American adventurer who invests in this proposal begins to see the situation as less than what he paid for? The house bills are due. The jet ski needs an overhaul. The modern furniture is cold and lifeless. The nine to five rug selling job is restrictive, and his friends secretly notice how Ian was so much more fun than his replacement.

Ian is expecting his life to sell for around 390 thousand dollars. This is the main cost of his house. So his friends must be an added bonus to the deal, and only worth a few bucks. Perhaps residing in Australia is miserable at best? But how do you price a life even the owner does not want?

I calculated my life and worldly possessions for auction value at this very moment. The breakdown is as follows:

15 pairs of Italian shoes-$200

A small book collection of beloved authors- $350

Romanian residence in a communist-style concrete block with a somewhat senile elderly woman- + or - $50

Friends: Mary, a transitional person working here with the Peace Corps- $10 maybe because she is from California and very outspoken.

Paula, a budding fiction writer of vampire lore whom I do not have to part with because she lives in the U.S.

Misc items: reading glasses, jewelry, European clothes, a stuffed animal or two, a pair of fur boots, and an authentic Russian Trilobite fossil- $500

So all estimates say my life is worth about $1200. But for the price of a plane ticket, I could walk away from my life as I know it with only the clothes on my back, (plus my stuffed bear Scicily) and no one would have to pay me money.However; the one thing I have of any value at all- changes the equation.

A phenomenal husband, friend and partner to hopefully watch the next 7,300 sunsets with- PRICELESS.

Good luck Ian and I hope you’re happy where ever this next life takes you!

“Only a life lived for others is a life worhwhile“- Albert Einstein

Independence Day: Kosovo

(Valmir Deljiaj, an eighteen-month-old infant girl, was found dead at the Donje Obrinje massacre site in Kosovo.  She is partially covered by the body of her mother, Mejhare Deljaij, aged twenty-seven, who died from a gunshot wound to the head.)

Currently, 9:56 pm, here in Romania, the news is blaring all over town about Kosovo independence. The U.S. embassy in Belgrade is in flames and there are rumors of Russian missiles being aimed at America, as well as Albanians given 7 days to leave certain countries, American and allied force planes being sent to Greece instead of flying over Romania, and Serbia in a State of War. What can you really believe to be true? In such a short time, the air is slick with chaos. Mistrust. Espionage. Sweaty fingers ready to push that big red button and end life as many of us know it. The big boys don’t want to play nice anymore.

I read the term “illegal independence” on a forum site discussing Kosovo. This is an Oxymoron. Independence is a right for all people. An inner need, a hunger; desire to be recognized, life without fear and dictatorship. Has everyone so easily forgotten the French Revolution? After this time, many countries had the courage to revolt, or rebel. To declare their freedom. Maybe it is a domino effect in the world, but Kosovo independence should not be blamed for other countries choosing to do the same thing. They just never entered the game until someone else had the guts to step up to the plate.

As the embassy in Belgrade is being attacked- lives are in danger. Even people here in Romania are cheering the flames! “Kill the Americans”, they say. I listen with a dazed look on my face. We so easily forget that these are humans like ourselves and genocide of any people, regardless of race and nationality is a terrible thing. Maybe this is just an American sentimentality. Are we the only ones who care anymore? In this great world political chess game, the common people are just pawns. Haven’t the Serbians and Albanians both suffered unimaginable losses.? Isn’t it time for a solution. If not now, when?