Benefits of Living Blue in a Red State

I am an introvert; I have always felt in the minority.  Some studies show that, in the general population, introverts make up about 10 percent -- which leaves extraverts the overwhelming majority.  What's the difference?

According to Kroeger and Thuesen in their book Type Talk, these are the preferences of both:

Introvert                                            Extravert
     territoriality                                       sociability
     concentration                                     interaction
     internal                                              external
     depth                                                  breadth
     intensive                                            extensive
     limited relationships                          multiple relationships
     energy conservation                           energy expenditure
     internal reactions                                external events
     reflective                                             gregarious
     think, then speak                                 speak, then think

Additionally, I grew up in an evangelical Christian family at a time when that was definitely not cool.  Public school was a nightmare in the sense that we as children were encouraged to be in the world, but not of the world.  As girls, we were required to wear dresses only (no shorts, long pants, or jeans), no make-up and no jewelry.  We could not go to movies, attend dances or play cards.  Sundays were for reflection and naps; no play.  At that time as a child, I felt weird, faceless, out of sync with my peers.  (On a Sunday afternoon, my fifth-grade playmate kept sending me upstairs to my napping mother to ask for a quarter so I could go to the movie matinee with her.  No, no and NO was the answer.)

Currently, I'm a Democrat living in a red state.  In my town, there is no Democratic organization, no get-togethers with others who have common values, no sharing of ideas or principals.  There is no common activism involved in generating enthusiasm for our cause.  In our voting district, a small percentage of all voters vote Democratic.  We are the silent minority.

I am an introvert with an evangelical Christian background but who no longer tracks in that path; I am a Democrat living in a place where Republicans overwhelmingly outnumber us.  I am definitely in the minority.  So what could possibly be beneficial about living here?

1.  On Sundays, I ride my bike around town while most everyone else is sitting in church.  There are no distractions, few disruptions, just my quiet time to contemplate and enjoy.
2.  My political stance allows me to stay somewhat invisible.  No sense in voting for someone for school board (something I tried last spring) who has opposite political views.
3. Society at large tends to ignore me which allows freedom from intermingling with larger groups of people with whom I may not have a lot in common.

In the end, it may feel a little too comfortable now.  Swimming upstream while everyone else is heading downstream is not a strange feeling.  It has in fact been a big part of my life.  If I genuinely lived in a progressive community (which I have dreamed of many times), I might really feel lost.  I'd have to actually look for barriers to overcome!
 


 

A Story of Obamacare 
     Jim and Jane live in Mississippi.  They are quite content because they have a daughter, Jill, in whom they have much pride.  Family activities have always included Jill even though she is now in her early twenties and has been unable to become self-sufficient.  As a result, she cannot afford to carry her own health insurance.
     One day, Jim hears that the new Obamacare health care insurance system will introduce a program whereby  parents may carry their children's health insurance on their own plan, up until the child turns 26 years of age.  Despite the fact that Jim and Jane have voted Republican most of their adult lives, they decide this Obamacare health program is worth checking out.  Indeed, they find that their daughter can be covered on their own policy for several more years, until Jill turns 26.  "It is a godsend -- literally," they exclaim.  "Whatever happens, we know that Jill will be covered by our insurance policy."
     Within the following year, the worst happens.  Jill is involved in a single-car accident, suffers a severe concussion, and expires soon after reaching a hospital.  Her parents are absolutely devastated.  They question themselves.  "What will we do without our child?  How can we continue as a family without her?  Did we do enough for her while she was in our care?"  All stages of grief become a part of their daily lives:  denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression.  Finally, as a part of their acceptance process, they realize that including Jill under their own health care policy was a symbol of how much they cared for their daughter while she lived.  They were reassured that they did all that was humanly possible to extend their umbrella of caring to include Jill.
     Obamacare was a reason that Jim and Jane felt they did their best for their daughter.  Upon hearing of this story and the role that Obamacare played in reassuring the parents, an evangelical Christian friend became livid.  To hear that Obamacare could make such an important positive impact went against everything he had heard on the Fox channel.  How could this be?  Anger was palpable in his reaction.
     I hear these stories and I wonder why Republicans (many of whom are evangelical Christians) have so much difficulty with Obamacare.  In growing up in an evangelical Christian family myself, I do not have an answer.  I remember verses from the Bible that admonish us to "Do unto others..." and "Ye do it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye do it unto me".  We sang choruses "Jesus loves the little children; all the children of the world.  Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight..."  If all this is true and espoused by evangelical Christians, it would seem that Obamacare provides something needed by all of us, all Americans:  quality healthcare.  If they truly believe what they espouse, evangelical Christians (many of whom vote Republican) would be doing all in their power to see that people besides themselves would receive all the benefits of a good health care policy.  Jim and Jane were certainly doing that for their daughter under Obamacare and, hence, experienced healing reassurance.
     Supporting a Republican party that does nothing in Congress but vote to repeal Obamacare 60+ times (vowing to continue such a stance even after a second Supreme Court decision supporting Obamacare!) seems to go against values that the church preaches (see above).  Where's the problem here, evangelical Christians who vote Republican?  Is it the message or the messenger?  Something just doesn't fit!

The Pendulum Swings Part II
Obamacare and PLOM-ing
     I tune in late this morning to hear that Obamacare has been upheld again by the Supreme Court .  This is the second time.  Will it be the last challenge to Obamacare at the Supreme Court?  Many think so since the first decision resulted in a 5-4 win and the second, a 6-3 win.  But there is no way to share joy in my town tonight.

     Living in a small town within a red state means that, as a progressive, I celebrate these major victories alone.  In fact, to some extent, I have felt under siege.  It has resulted in another one of those PLOM times (Poor Little Ole Me).  Most of my transactions today have been colored by that fact and I'm feeling stifled, under-appreciated, and dare I say, on the right side for a change.  My celebration, however, is a silent cheer, a muffled yell, a beating on my chest -- behind closed doors.

     I awake at 6 a.m. energized and determined to observe the final stages of pouring a new concrete sidewalk at the Catholic Church across the alley.  A 3-man team has been digging up dirt and old concrete, building wood forms, all to prepare for the concrete to be delivered today.  I observe, ask names of each tool they use, and take notes on each step.  At my own pace, it's likely this can be done; my project is much simpler.  However, I'm told by a worker I couldn't do it because it's too hard, I shouldn't do it, and he advised me not to do it.

     Around noon, I visit a meeting in which the community group is developing ways and means to (1) get reps from different groups in town to work together, (2) improve attractiveness of downtown, and (3) develop our economy as a result.  Comments from several people lead me to believe that (1) my organization is already being represented inferring there is no need for me to attend here, (2) care needs to be taken that those who might disrupt the group should not be able to attend, present company excepted of course, and (3) "Does everybody know Edith?" used as my welcome to the group.

     Later, I keep an appointment to have some work done.  Although there's never been a problem in the past discussing political/religious viewpoints (since neither of us has brought it up), there seems to be some conversational pushback concerning one conservative program in which this person believes and brings up in our discussion (Why now? I ask myself).  Eventually, the conversation gets shifted to a more non-threatening topic.

     The hives that began this morning have blossomed considerably.  I purchase pills and cream from our pharmacy.  Tomorrow I see a P.A. at the local clinic.

     My answers to the situations above are:  Investigate further in trying my hand at a relatively new skill despite others' misgivings (I've done some patching), stop attending the meeting at which there already seems to be a rep, and steer clear sooner from a political discussion with someone whose views have been made clear.

     PLOM-ing is no fun.  There is a need to become more proactive.  Take control of my own life recognizing that I am not a victim.  For now, celebrating the success of Obamacare is done through writing, a more viable outlet in this time, in this place.  I commit to writing more often.

The Pendulum Swings Part I
A Letter
     It's been almost a year since my last entry on this blog.  What has happened in the interim?  I received about 435 votes in the election, the same amount that every other Democrat received in their 2014 state races.  In other words, it wasn't what any of us did nor did not do; it was pretty much a party-line vote.  My Republican competitor was closer to about 1200 votes.

     Spring, 2015, I was elected as President of the Board for our Musselshell Valley Historical Museum and Vice-chair of our UUA Fellowship in Billing, 50 miles distant.  I ran for, and lost, election to our local school board.  So I win a few, lose a few.  Winning, on the other hand, is not always something to celebrate.  Conducting two Museum fundraisers within two months, standing on my feet for seven hours at one of them, is extremely tiring.  Planning for and creating future Museum exhibits is challenging and time-consuming.  And driving 50 miles to a Fellowship Board meeting must be squeezed into a long list of other errands in order to conserve on gas.  Even losing an election can be a good learning experience when unexpected comments from individuals in town show they've been listening and they're admiring of my throwing my hat into the ring (no Democrat has done it in a long while -- for good reason evidently).

     Nowadays?  This is the first week sunlight begins to shorten.  I will hardly notice until something happens, my early mornings won't be as bright as they are now; I won't be able to sit out on my deck and write quite as early.  The cycle begins anew.

     My getting is older is just the same.  I do O.K.  Walking, riding my bike are several ways I exercise.  It just takes me longer to do almost everything -- and that's good.  The secret for me is to pace myself (except when I'm serving at a Pancake Breakfast for seven hours!).  Pacing is good but it's also helpful to persist in all of my exercising.  Listening to my body is the other requirement for maintaining good health.

     For example, there are several choices I can make when taking my almost-daily bike ride.  I can go north on my street and south down the next street, about one mile from one end of town to the other.  This can happen for four streets until the pavement runs out (several newer streets are unpaved).  Going north is sloping up while south is the opposite.  Or I can cross Highway 89 our main street, go east several blocks before turning north.  Several more blocks take me across Highway 12, where I circle the town park with its play area, tennis courts and pool  I peddle by the pasture where the new elementary school will be constructed (this will be the last school year in the original 1911 sandstone building located 1/2 block from my house).

Ice cream hill is the point as which I turn west.  (It used to look like the top of an ice cream cone but since city trucks have begun to remove much of the soil, it's lost its shape.)  I cross 89 once more heading four blocks to the last paved street on that side of town.  I turn south.  This is the street we look forward to (when Lori rides with me) because we get to coast almost all the way to the last street.  It takes only three more blocks east before starting back north for several blocks and turning into my alley.

Whichever path I choose depends on how I feel.  If my knee is giving me pain (tripped up a high curb last week), a shorter route makes more sense.  If, however, I've spent time during the morning on my exercise routines (stretching, physical therapy, and shoulder strengthening), I'm ready to circumvent the town.  (Is there an exercise for almost every malady?!  Like lying on my back on the floor, napping sometimes, to straighten/ease my back.)

What a life!  Rarely boring, well-paced much of the time, with persistence-in-all-things as a favorite motto (after two years, still have to build a porch rail and cement some sidewalk!).  Along the way I remind myself to be thankful for my challenges here, like having too much to do and even having those PLOM-ing times that inevitably appear (see next entry).  Those challenges force me to use my own creativity and skills.  Yes, life is slower (may take a while to get my sea legs after sitting too long) but it matches where I am -- and that ain't bad!

Last evening, August 25, I participated for the first time ever in a Candidates' Forum.  It was sponsored by the Dean Creek Volunteer Fire Department at their recently-built firehouse, about 20 miles southwest of Roundup.  Seating capacity seemed to be about 70 people (this time overwhelmingly Republican) and most of the seats were filled.  Statewide as well as local candidates were invited to speak.  I felt prepared, thus relatively comfortable.  There was time to speak to only two issues but I could have done with many more since I had studied them in depth. 

My Opening Statement below speaks to one aspect of the Affordable Care Act.  The other issue was ALEC, American Legislative Exchange Council, which I will address in my next post.

OPENING STATEMENT

"Thanks to Sally McRae, Christiane Sikora, and the Dean Creek Volunteer Fire Dept. for their efforts in making this Candidate Forum possible.

I say to you that I'm running as the Democratic candidate for the Montana House of Representatives.  What does that mean?  If I'm elected as your Representative of House District #40, how can you judge whether or or not I'm doing my job?  This is how I see it.

The first part of my job is to listen.  There are issues that impact you, there may be concerns you have.  What are they?  How do you feel about them?  How do they affect you?

The second part of my job is to do the research, the footwork.  That means finding out as much as I can about the issue, all sides of it.  What are the facts?  What's really happening as opposed to what someone else has said about it?  Are there aspects to the issue that are unclear?

And, last but not least, the third part of my job is to communicate.  It's not only important for me to get back to you with results but to also exchange information with others in the legislature.

Listen, research, and communicate is the method used in the following example.  Recently, I asked a friend to name an important issue for her.  She responded "Obamacare" and told me of an email she'd received recently that listed all the taxes we would have to pay as a result of the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.  "You're kidding," I said.  "No," she replied.  "All the taxes are increasing!  I'll email you a copy."

On that list of taxes were the following:  "Top income tax bracket went from 35% to 39.6%; top income payroll tax went from 37.4% to 52.2%; Capital gains tax went from 15% to 28%; Dividend tax went from 15% to 39.6%; and Estate tax went from 0% to 55%.

To research, I went to the web and found an article at ConsumerReports.org.  The title is called, "Does Obamacare raise taxes on ordinary Americans?"  The answer is "...taxes have not been raised for ordinary, non-wealthy Americans to pay for the Affordable Care Act."

Out of the taxes in the ACA (Obamacare), only two apply to individuals.
1.  High earners -- Those with earned incomes above $200,000 pay an extra 0.9% Medicare tax on all earnings over that threshold.
2.  Wealthy investors -- This tax is applies to households with modified adjusted gross income of more than $200,000.  It is estimated that the majority of these revenues will come from the richest 0.1% of taxpayers.
3.  The rest of the taxes are directed at businesses, mostly those who stand to earn money from selling insurance, drugs, and devices to millions of Americans who are newly insured.  Tanning parlors are paying a 10% excise tax on their services.

I communicated this information to my friend who asked for a copy so she could email it back to the original sender, clarifying a misunderstanding of taxes within the ACA.  This communication is particularly important since the tax list sent to my friend made it sound as if all individual Americans would owe these taxes.

Clouding the facts of an issue does not help anyone, Republican or Democrat.  My efforts to listen, research, and communicate, however, can make a difference.  It is this method I will use with constituents and it will be the method I use when casting my votes in the legislature."

At the break, several people told me I had their votes.  A Roundup male suggested if I didn't win this time, I should try again.  He offered his help if and when I decide to try again (assuming that my competitor will be successful this last time, after which he will be retiring).  All in all, my feelings include a sense of pride and doing the best I could do in that situation; there were many candidates and limited time.  My fears did not materialize; I worked through them -- this time.

Letters to the Editor:

(Written by Jim Garvey, published by the Billings Gazette, July 17, 2014)
Title:  "Obama only has support in the Senate"

    "Recently The Billings Gazette apologized for endorsing President Obama and we all make mistakes, even newspapers.  This shows a mature approach to accepting responsibility; unfortunately President Obama is not a responsible leader.
     I will not go into the litany of events to which this president has shown a complete lack of responsibility and leadership with regard to domestic and foreign policy.
     To start impeachment proceedings against this president would be a waste of time and money.  Since the majority in the Senate is Democratic and the president is the leader of the Democratic Party, therein lies the problem with this country -- 'party politics.'
     If left up to 'the people,' he would receive an overwhelming vote of 'no confidence' along with the majority of those in Congress."  [Editor's note:  The Gazette did not apologize for or pull its endorsement of Barack Obama in 2008.]
 
(Written by Edith Sloan, published by the Billings Gazette, August 3, 2014)
Title:  "Without supporting examples, claims are meaningless"

     "Response to Jim Garvey letter of July 17:  The very first statement Garvey makes is false.  The Billings Gazette neither apologized for nor pulled its endorsement of President Barack Obama in 2008.
     Garvey makes only general statements like "...is not a responsible leader" and "...has shown a complete lack of responsibility and leadership..."  These types of statements mean nothing unless clarified by use of examples.
     Garvey makes charges but provides no evidence.  Thus the charges have no standing, no substance.
     [The biggest problems of the Republican Tea Party are illustrated in Garvey's letter.]  Today, much of what the Republican Tea Party spouts is inaccurate or false, includes general statements with no specifics, and makes charges without evidence.  False, unclear statements purposely lacking in facts seek to confuse but do nothing to add to the national debate -- they are only waste."
 
 

 
 
 

ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO

Montana Primary Elections are over; there are five more months now before the General Elections.  So where am I on this trip -- as a Democratic candidate for a mostly-Republican State House?

Lessons are learned.  It's not always easy to take part in a process without really taking part in that process.  My initial idea is that I can set the parameters of what I will or will not do as a candidate.  After all, I had been asked to follow this path; I had not chosen it.  I had agreed for my name to be placed on the ballot.  But as the process unfolds, it becomes clear that choices must be made at each turn.

Take presentations/discussions among and between other candidates.  Am I above it all?  Or do I have something important to say about issues that concern people of District 40?  Yes, I do have something important to say about issues and no, I am not above it all.  I resolve to get more involved but plan to take it one step, one day, at a time.

I will do what I realistically can do.  For example, in attending one meeting of the League of Women Voters (nonpartisan), I am encouraged to register people to vote.  This seems more important knowing that the Montana ballot this year will contain an issue to rescind the right to register and vote on the same day (how does this impact populations like veterans who may return from duty and find themselves relocating?).  It is also true that the more people who vote, the better represented are the views of the majority who live in that state.  Look at what happens in those elections where only a small percentage of potential voters actually vote -- the minority rules.  That should be the best reason to get people out to vote.

Last Friday is my first morning (10:00-noon) sitting in the entryway of our local IGA.  This is where representatives of local organizations usually sit when conducting fund-raisers.  With prior permission, I carry in my small library stand and several folding chairs, tape my sign that says, "Register to vote", stack my registration forms on the stand, and I'm ready for business.

"Are you registered to vote?" I query each customer who comes through the door.  The overwhelming response is "Yes" usually with enthusiasm attached.  A small minority (two maybe) say "No" and keep going.  Then there are four people in those two hours who admit they are not registered and stop to fill out the form.  One couple (youngish to middle-age) confesses this is the first time they've ever registered to vote.  I immediately feel vindicated in spending my time and effort on this project.

I deliver my completed forms to the Courthouse at noon.  A misunderstanding develops concerning whether or not voter registrations can be completed outside the Courthouse.  However, the forms are accepted and I follow up with questions to the Elections Administrator on Monday morning.  It seems that the only time voter registration forms must be completed at the Court House is 30 days prior to an election day.  More Musselshell County voter registration forms are showered on me since it is clear my registration efforts will continue each Friday morning for two hours at IGA between now and early October.

This effort is much more preferable to delivering flyers to residents.  I am there on a regular basis to help the voting process.  I get to greet those I know and maybe meet those I don't know.  An extra folded chair (that I control -- maybe) is available for those who are interested to sit, ask questions, discuss issues.  And, who knows, the number of votes I receive in the General Election could increase from my Primary Election total of 145 (the Republican winner receives 749 and the Republican loser 441).  There's a long way to go.  Is it do-able?  Of course!

Mothers are Primary Breadwinners  -- besides everything else they do! 

Are you a mother of children under 18 and also earning a paycheck?  Feeling tired, overworked, stressed?  You are not alone.  In almost half of all households with children (40%), mothers have become the primary breadwinners.  A May, 2014, study from Pew Research Center reports that mothers-of-families-with-children-at-home not only care for them as mothers always have but many more now bring in most of the "bacon".  In 1960, only 11 percent of households had a mother who was the major breadwinner.

Who are these breadwinners?  First and foremost, they are women.  What do we know about women who bring home paychecks?

For starters, we know that, for every dollar her male counterpart earns, a woman earns 77 cents.  Black women earn only 64 cents and Hispanic women, 54 cents on the dollar.

We know that two-thirds of all workers who are paid the minimum wage or less in 2013 are women, and 60 percent of full-time minimum-wage workers are women.

We know that 22 percent of minimum-wage workers are women of color compared to less than 16 percent of workers overall.

We know that more than three-quarters of women earning a minimum wage are age 20 or older, and most do not have a spouse to rely on.

So I ask myself:  How many of those mothers who are primary breadwinners, keeping their families afloat financially, earn $7.25 an hour, the current minimum wage?  If she is earning that amount, working full-time and year-round, she is bringing home $14,500 annually.  If she is earning only that amount, she is earning more than $4,000 below the poverty line for a mother with two children!

We have a problem.  This is a problem for all women working outside the home but particularly for women earning minimum wage.

Who are these women?  They prepare food and serve us in restaurants, they take our orders in fast food eateries; they wait on us in retail stores; they stock products in large chain stores; they assist and provide services in personal care; they are our building/grounds cleaning and maintenance people; they are the support for various office and administration, for healthcare and protective services, etc.

How can we help them?

1. Low-wage working women deserve a raise.  Within the last 30 years, the minimum wage has increased only three times.  If it had kept pace with inflation since 1968, it would now be almost $10.80 per hour.  The minimum for tipped employees is $2.13 which hasn't been changed in 20 years; it is one-third that of the federal minimum wage.  Not only that but restaurant servers (largest group of tipped employees) experience poverty at nearly three times the rate of the workforce as a whole.  And who makes up 70 percent of servers?  You guessed it -- women.
2. Increasing the minimum wage would boost wages for millions of working women and help close the wage gap.  If the minimum wage were increased to $10.10 per hour, it would boost her annual earnings by $5,700 to a total $20,200, and pull her family of three out of poverty.  If the minimum were gradually increased to $10.10 per hour by 2016, almost 30 million workers would receive a raise.  Of those almost-30 million workers, over 7 million are parents.  That includes almost 5 million working mothers which is 22 percent of all working mothers with children under 18.  Since the majority of minimum-wage earners are women, increasing the minimum wage could close the wage gap by 5 percent. 
3. Raising the minimum wage would strengthen the economy.  Raising the minimum wage lowers turnover, boosts worker efforts, and encourages employers to invest in their workers.  Most of these workers need the income and spend it quickly, boosting the economy.  For every $1 added to the minimum wage, those households spend an additional $2,800 the following year.  Raising minimum wage does not cause job loss, even during periods of recession.  In fact, the opposite is true:  Raising minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would generate $22 billion in additional economic activity and around 85,000 jobs, estimates Economic Policy Institute.

 We can contact our legislators to help solve this problem.   Urge them to pass The Fair Minimum Wage Act (H.R. 1010/S.460) and the Minimum Wage Fairness Act (S.1737).  Think of those minimum-wage workers you know (particularly women) who may very likely be living now below the poverty level.  By implementing the Fair Minimum Wage Act, 4.6 million non-elderly Americans would see their incomes rise above the poverty line.  And that includes 2.8 million women and girls!

(Sources:  Huff Post, "Working Mothers Now Top Earners in 40 Percent of Households with Children: Pew", Hope Yen, May 15, 2014; National Women's Law Center, "Fair Pay for Women Requires Increasing the Minimum Wage and Tipped Minimum Wage", March 28, 2014; Pew Research Center, "Who Makes Minimum Wage", Drew Desilver, July 19, 2013)

A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT  

4:00am:  Roll out of bed.  Let out the dogs.  Can't sleep any longer.  A late nap the previous day screws up my sleeping pattern.  Try another hour of sleep but doesn't help much.  It's been a long weekend of writing -- mainly creating a new "Old Wild West" blog.  With experimenting, trying and re-trying, I finally get my first image posted.  Also research and write a post for the "Running Blue in a Red State" blog.

5:30am:  Take a shower and get dressed.  Cut up fruit for breakfast. 

6:30am:  Begin physical therapy exercises -- about a 43-minute routine.  My email includes a message from my walking friend.  "Do you want to walk on snow?" she asks.  I look out the window, no snow.  Respond that I'm out the door.  That's when I feel the almost-invisible flakes on my face -- too light to see or stick.

7:30am:  Our 30-minute walk is cold since neither of us has bundled up very well.  We don't walk as far.  I'm having some problems with knee pain; my new exercise routine of walking as fast as I can as far as I can seems to be a little too much too quickly.  I come back inside after walking -- it feels good.  Warmer but I'm also feeling invigorated.

8:30am:  Review and return emails.  Check to see if today is the deadline for sending in my "Candidate Finance Report" required by the state.  Haven't solicited for fund-raising and haven't spent any money on my campaign.  Won't be much of a report.  Looks like I have several more weeks before the deadline -- thank goodness.  Something I can put off for another day.

9:30am:  I take another step today towards a "Weekend Room at the Nunnery".  Come up with the idea in February to move my bedroom downstairs to the finished basement and use the upstairs bedroom for guests.  It will be available on weekends for history buffs mainly.  My house is built in 1920 and, during the late 1930's and 1940's, is the nunnery for St. Benedict's Catholic School next door.  The School is closed in 1950 and is later bought by the community to house the present-day Musselshell Valley Historical Museum.

By renting this room on weekends, I can share my historical interest in the Old Wild West not just with writing but also in guiding others through the Museum next door and on possibly guiding more local, historical tours.  I'm expecting this idea will meet several goals I had set for myself in January -- making hay while the sun shines while I'm still young(ish)and energetic(ish), making more friends and connections.

The move downstairs is still in transition.  Today I gather odds and ends from both the upper bedroom and bath and reorganize my lower bedroom to make space for it all.  Go to our local hardware for ideas on how to add shelf to a closet.  End up recycling a piece of webbing for the purpose.

12:00 noon:  Break for lunch.  My motor is running down -- good time to catch some shut-eye.

2:00pm:  The dogs are ready for their daily walk; the little ones around our town block and the medium one around several blocks.  Still chilly so we don't dawdle.

2:30pm:  While I begin preparing for our evening meal, I consider several opitons for a major thrust in my campaign.  My focus is on getting out the vote and on discussing issues with women.  I had considered earlier in April creating a bipartisan effort to get out the vote, even for the primary in June.  The primary is for two Republicans -- the incumbent who lives in town and the newcomer who lives close to Billings.  Maybe, I thought, the effort would not only help Tom, the incumbent, but also help myself become more known in the community since I've lived here just two years.  After the primary, it would be each on our own but still working to get out the vote.  Two knowledgeable friends, one Democrat and the other Republican, in Billings discourage my idea.

This morning, however, I receive an email from the Republican friend.  He tells me the incumbent is moderate (which is what I'd expected) and the newcomer is the Tea Party.  He suggests I do what I can to help the incumbent.  Of course he does.  My next step is to contact the Democratic contact for the state and get feedback.  Does it make sense to create a bipartisan effort for getting out the vote when there is less than a month to do it anyway?  And which is better for Democrats:  for a moderate Republican to win the primary or for a Tea Party to win?  If I am in a non-competitive race (as has been described to me by the state Dems), wouldn't it be better for the moderate-Republican incumbent to win rather than the extreme Tea Party?  Wouldn't it be helpful to create a bipartisan effort with the moderate Republican? 

5:00pm:  Eat dinner and feed dogs.  Prepare for a "Friends of the Library" meeting tonight at the Community Library.

6:30pm:  Arrive early for the meeting.  I walk in and see several tables to my left with workers sitting behind them.  When I ask what is happening, I'm reminded that people are voting -- for members of the School Board.  Voting??  Where have I been??  "You're a candidate for office and you don't remember to vote?" asks one of the FOL members.  I rush over and vote (luckily my walking friend had let me know which two of the three names would be most helpful on the Board).  On my return to our meeting, another member tells me that the Tea Party candidate has been in town the evening before holding a meeting.  Where have I been?? I ask myself.  I would like to hear what he has to say and how he explains himself.

It is now morning the next day.  The friend who mows my lawn finishes and knocks at my door.  While I write out my check, he tells me the Republican incumbent visits the Senior Center (basement of Museum) during lunch the previous day.  Where have I been?  A day late and a dollar short!  (Maybe I should just go back to bed...)

Equal Pay?  Is Flexibility an Answer?  

"By the time the average woman is 60 years old, she will have made $450,000 less than a man in the same exact position."  For a black woman, it would be $440,023 less and for a Latina, $459,977 less.  "That's like a fancy-ass house!" exclaims Laci Green in "Why I'm a...Feminist" YouTube video.

Is equal pay for equal work really a problem?  "Well, no," respond Republicans.  "Paychecks vary because of the occupations women hold.  If a woman is a teacher, it won't bring in the same paycheck as an engineer might bring.  So the problem is in the kind of occupations women choose compared to the occupations men choose."  (Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?  Do women get paid less because the job pays less, or do women get paid less because it is traditionally women doing the job?)

Claire Cain Miller, in her April 23,2014, article entitled "Pay Gap is Because of Gender, Not Jobs" finds that the disparity in pay doesn't happen as much between occupations as it happens within the same type of occupation.  In reality, if pay disparity were greatest between types of jobs, women would "erase just 15 percent of the pay gap for all workers and between 30 and 35 percent for college graduates".  One must look within particular occupations to see what's truly happening with pay disparity.

Fact #1 -- The pay gap "widens in the highest paying occupations, like business, law and medicine".  For example, female podiatrists are paid just 66 percent of what male podiatrists earn while female economists earn 82 percent of what their male counterparts earn.

Some occupations, however, have been able to narrow the gap.  Female computer software engineers make 88 percent compared to men while female pharmacists earn 91 percent of what men earn.  And in some occupations like dental hygienists, H. R. specialists, and advertising sales people, the gap has disappeared altogether.

So what is happening within, rather than between, occupations that allows for more equitable pay?

Fact #2 -- The key to equalizing pay is "workplace flexibility in terms of hours and location".  For example, some occupations value long hours, face-time at the office, and being on call.  So if one works longer hours, puts in more face-time, or is on call, they are disproportionately rewarded with higher pay.  An example might be the difference between a corporate attorney who works 80 hours a week and another who works 40 hours as in-house counsel to a small business.  The corporate attorney gets paid more than double of what the in-house counsel is paid because of the value placed on those long hours, face-time, and being on call.  (These are aspects of the job that, more likely than not, women with families would be less willing to do.)

On the other hand, "jobs in which employees can easily substitute for one another have the slimmest pay gaps, and those workers are paid in proportion to the hours they work".  An example might be what has happened in the field of obstetrics in some locations.  Rather than the obstetrician remaining on call around the clock for a birth, a doctor already working the 8-hour shift will take the case.

Another example is pharmacies.  Because of changes in labor (more corporate ownership) and changes in technology (computerized data), pharmacists can easily substitute for one another.  Payment is made for hours worked:  those who work 80 hours get double the pay of those who work 40 hours.  As a result, there is less of a pay gap between women and men (91 percent).

In most occupations, if the flexibility exists that allows for work to be done remotely or working at odd hours (presuming this is the flexibility women are looking for), the less likely there would be for gaps in pay between women and men, both of whom are doing the same work.  (Source:  "Pay Gap is because of gender not jobs", Claire Cain Miller, April 23, 2014)

Edith's question:  Marissa Mayer has now been Yahoo's CEO for two years.  Improvements at Yahoo have been noted both in salaries and attrition rates.  However, Mayer has been criticized for not letting staff work from home, taking away that flexibility of work location.  It would be interesting to know what, if any, movement there may be now toward pay disparity.  It is also noted that Yahoo, despite its improvements, has not made Glassdoor's separate list of "50 best places to work".  (Source:  "Yahoo says Marissa Mayer has fixed its biggest problem", John Duling, @jmcduling, March 5, 2014)

*S-T-R-E-T-C-H  TIME to create a life we want:  Five Steps 

"Days just aren't long enough!"  "I just can't get everything done in time!"  "Too many projects and not enough time!"

Hold on.  Maybe there's a solution.  Maybe there's another way to look at the problem.  The comments above illustrate the idea that time is limited.  "There aren't enough hours in the day!"  A day is only so long and that isn't enough.

Another way to view time is to see that it is unlimited.  How do we do that?  How do we figure out how to stretch the time we have?  How do we get to create the life we want?

According to Howard Falco, we can change our perception of time.  How do we interpret ourselves and the world?  Our experience of time and how all things come together for us is rooted in that interpretation.  "Learn to understand and trust the process of life.  The universe birthed us into existence -- and we are the magnificent and perfect result."  If that's true, then the universe will continue to support us on our journey through life.  Less fear, less uncertainty; instead, more confidence, more peace.  We can trust that our journey is as it should be.  No need to hurry, scurry, worry.  Whatever our intentions are when it comes to creativity, we can act on them.  But we can do it in a way that reduces pressure on us and allows for more peace in the process.

Look at each moment as a teaching moment.  How can we "work with life and learn from all challenges along the way?"  This approach to our lives engenders "a powerful state of mind and has direct impact on our experience of time".  Thus, the struggle to achieve becomes easier; we're not feeling like we are going against the current; we're in a mindset that allows us to go with the flow.  It's amazing to see how what we want to have happen occurs naturally, without forcing or pressuring it to occur.

"To really master time, we must be willing to open ourselves up to a new way of looking at it."  Try these 5 steps suggested by Falco:

1.  Immediately stop living in regret.  Give up "woulda, coulda, shoulda".  Accept who we are in this moment.  Focus our creative energy on honoring this newfound acceptance.

2.  Trust there is a reason for every challenge and circumstance.  Things are happening for us, not to us.  "To everything, there is a season," go the famous words.  Having expectations of the universe for what we want and when we want it actually works to add time to our journey.

3.  Be present as much as possible.  By being present, we can experience any messages that come to us through every person, situation and moment.  If we're not paying attention, if we're moving too fast, we can miss valuable information life is presenting to us which would stretch our learning curve -- which in turn stretches time.

4.  Learn to act on initial instincts.  Don't hesitate or think too much.  Acting on instincts allows us the fastest way to get from A to B as it relates to what we want.  Determine to utilize instincts more.  Have faith to go with the flow.

5.  Build the faith to see time is never wasted.  Each moment has purpose.  Things of which we are unaware can be happening under the surface and working in our favor.  "This helps to dissolve fear, resistance and pressure and increases crucial energy of faith.  The more we can come to embrace that for this moment this is exactly where we are supposed to be on the journey, the more powerful we will become."

Mastering the precious commodity of time isn't so much about organizing it.  It's much more "about the attitude we hold about ourselves and how this attitude affects every happening in our lives.  Awakening to see the sacred connection between these two things by slowing down enough to be much more present is ironically the beginning of a new and much faster way of putting time on our side."

*Howard Falco, "How to Master Time:  5 Steps to Living a Timeless and Powerfully-Creative Life"

HOW DID I GET HERE:  Where I Stand

Taking a risk isn't half-bad.  In fact, it's energizing.
I love life -- don't wish for the alternative.
Almost everybody is kind -- if I give them half a chance. 
I feel alive and joyous -- most of the time.
I'm moving up -- to where I don't know.
I'm moving forward, ever forward.
I can't solve all the world's problems -- but I can damn well contribute my 2 cents worth.
When a door opens, I go through it.
I take on too many jobs but I'm convinced that, one of these days, I'll finish them all.  Then die.
Life is hard but worth every minute.
I learn something new each day -- what joy!

Hurrah!  I volunteer yesterday morning at our annual community clean-up.  In the afternoon, I rake around my yard and fill 6 lawn bags of left-over leaves.  I work for others, then at home.  I give full measure of myself -- it's been a good day.  It's spring in Montana!

Within the last several weeks, I settle on two goals for my Democratic campaign -- my low-key, off-the-radar, one-by-one campaign.  My first goal is to get out the vote.  In doing that, I want to first prepare voters, help them understand any referendum that appears on the ballot.  There may be three:  one on voting rights (taking away the right to register and vote the same day) and two on health care.  One will expand Medicaid and the other will forbid the state from expanding Medicaid and from using funds or staff to administer the Affordable Care Act.  The meaning and purpose of both of these must be made abundantly clear.  It's been said that the voting rights referendum will be purposely confusing for voters.

My second goal is to focus on women and the impact that policies have on their economic well-being.  This includes health-care policies, minimum-wage policies, equal pay for equal work, voting rights, all policies have an effect on women.  No matter what others use as talking points, the fact that women are at least half our population means that they must be taken into account when discussing all policies.

Just how I will approach these two goals has yet to be determined.  As I move forward, through research, listening and discussing policies with others, a way will become clear.  Attending the Billings Chapter of League of Women Voters will supply clarity as well.

One thing I do know.  My exercise program of the past two weeks will add strength to reach my goals.  Walking every day, as fast as I comfortably can as far as I comfortably can, already makes a difference.  Both my energy level and stamina are on the increase.  Raking and bagging leaves into 6 lawn bags in one afternoon is a test I pass with flying colors.

What I accomplish in the end isn't as important as my willingness to try.  Using my creativity in as many ways as is possible is really the goal here.  After that, whatever will be, will be.

Beware of "False" Democrats

In my latest research, I uncover the March 27, 2014, issue of the Helena Independent Record that provides information on Medicaid expansion in Montana.  Democratic Gov. Bullock and Lt. Gov. McLean sign a petition to qualify a voter initiative to expand Medicaid.  If they garner enough signatures by June 20, the initiative (I-170) will appear on the November ballot.  This initiative will "ensure 70,000 low-income Montanans no longer live under the threat of financial collapse or catastrophic illness, simply because they do not have adequate health coverage."

The April 3, 2014, issue of the same newspaper describes a second initiative that prohibits Montana "from using funds or staff to administer the Affordable Care Act and forbidding the state from expanding Medicaid..."  This initiative (I-171) also needs to gather enough signatures to appear on the ballot.  "It's a dangerous policy because it would eliminate our CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) and our Medicaid plan, costing thousands of Montanans the health care they depend on."

Meanwhile a lawsuit challenging the fiscal statement of I-170 is filed with the Supreme Court that later rejects the lawsuit.  However, it's the group of three people who file the lawsuit that draws my attention:  one Republican, one Democrat, and one MSU student.  Wait a minute!  A Democrat?!  What is a Democrat doing in such a group?!  Her name is Kathy Hollenback.  The name rings a bell.  I wonder if...

I email Lauren Caldwell, MDLCC Director, for a copy of a list she had sent out early in March.  There it is:  Kathy Hollenback is the last name in a list of 8 Republican Tea Party extremists who are running as "Democrats" in this year's Montana elections.  They all file against true Democrats in primaries.  The problem is first noticed in Gallatin County, where 5 tea Party extremists file.  This same tactic is then seen in both Sanders and Teton Counties.  Its purpose?  To deceive voters and mislead the public.

The following is the list of 8 Republicans running as "Democrats" in Montana:

1.  SD09, Choteau-area -- David Brownell -- primary with Joan Graham (bonafide Democrat).  Brownell runs as Repulican in 2008 for Pandera County Clerk of District Court.  He could not name a Democratic issue he planned to champion (Great Falls Tribune).
2. SD32, Bozeman -- Harry Pennington -- primary with Rep. Franke Wilmer (bonafide Democrat).  Pennington's Facebook page has "racially-charged blather" and calls for Pres. Obama's impeachment (Montana Cowgirl).
3. SD34, Belgrade -- Michael Comstock -- primary with April Bounamici (bonafide Democrat).  Comstock is known as a "one-world conspiracy" theorist and "calls himself a 'Tea Party Extremist'" (Montana Cowgirl).
4. HD13, Thompson Falls/Trout Creek -- Gerald Joseph Cuvillier -- primary with Weylin Achatz (bonafide Democrat).  Cuvillier is "elected in 2011 as Vice-Chair of the Sanders County Republican Central Committee" (Montana Cowgirl).
5. HD14, Superior/Plains -- Gerry Caldwell -- primary with Lloyd Wilkins (bonfide Democrat).  Caldwell is running as a "conservative Democrat".  He could not name a Democratic issue he planned to champion (Great Falls Tribune).
6. HD62, Bozeman -- Dane Peeples -- primary with Rep. Tom Woods (bonafide Democrat).  Peeples "is part of a local militia group called 'the Irregulars' and has an account on the Tea Party 'Patriot' Bulletin Board called the Constitution Club (Montana Cowgirl).
7. HD63, Bozeman -- Laura Springer -- primary with Zach Brown (bonafide Democrat).  Springer is an associate of Peeples (Montana Cowgirl).
8. HD66, Bozeman -- Kathy Hollenback --  primary with Denise Hayman (bonafide Democrat).  Hollenback's filing phone number and address are the same as Gallatin County Republican precinct chairman Dave Ponte (Great Falls Tribune).

Thankfully, the media has been reporting this story:  Montana Cowgirl, The Montana Standard, Great Falls Tribune, Helena IR, and NBC Montana.  If you know any voters in the above areas, pass on this information.

Out-of-Whack Back?  See if this works. 

1.  Use a yoga mat or blanket.  Stretch it out on the floor.  No pillows.
2.  Sit on the mat and ease your back slowly down to the floor.  Rest your head on the mat.
3.  Bend your knees up with your feet flat on the floor.  Keep them there for the duration of the exercise.  Rest your arms along your sides.
4.  At first, your back may not feel like it "fits" the floor.  Just remain in this position for a while -- 5 minutes maybe.  Gradually, you will relax and your body becomes more comfortable.
5.  When you're ready, pull your heels close in to your buttocks.  Push into the floor at your lower back and begin to lift your buttocks up.
6.  At the same time and moving slowly, feel your back come up off the floor, one vertebra at a time.  Keep raising your buttocks while also feeling each vertebra rise off the floor.
7.  When you get to the neck, hold.  Your back should be off the floor and your stomach and thighs as far off the floor as you can get them.  Feel the pull in your upper leg muscles.
8.  Slowly, begin to lower your back, one vertebra at a time.  Bring your back down to the original position.  Relax.
9.  Follow these same instructions, completing 3-5 times, raising and then lowering your back.

I've observed this exercise as a part of a yoga lesson.  I use it every several days.  When my back gets tired, or feels like it's out-of-whack, just going through this exercise helps eliminate feelings of back discomfort.

In addition, I periodically take a nap flat on the floor.  The position is the same as for this exercise only my knees are resting against each other (a pillow can be placed under the knees also).  Whatever crookedness seems to be developing in my posture as I age, this exercise and nap help to straighten me out.  I'm reminded to walk head up, shoulders back and belly tucked in.  Can't beat that!