A Control Issue, Maybe?
Evangelical Christians now make up an identifiable voting block within the world of politics. The power they wield belies the low numbers they have (extremist Republican caucus in the House of Representatives, for example) compared to other voting blocks, like independents, moderate-to-liberal thinkers and voters. Where does this Evangelical Christian group come from?
During most of the 20th Century, Evangelical Christians are viewed as a religious entity only. The family in which I am reared is part of that group. We children are taught that we are special. Why? Because we are chosen people of God. Of all the people in the world, we are the only chosen ones: we are Evangelical Christians. We have a market on knowing who will go to heaven and who will not -- we are positively adamant that there is a heaven and a hell. If we follow what our church teaches us (study the words of Jesus Christ, and follow his precepts: that is the meaning of "Christian" is it not?), we will be guaranteed a place in heaven.
Some of the church rules of Christianity we are to follow? Rules to show we are special? Girls cannot wear long pants, shorts, jewelry, or make-up. We children cannot go to dances or movies. We cannot play cards, smoke, or drink alcohol (adults are to follow the same rules).
Are these required actions connected in any way to our religious belief system? Do we feel special as a result? If that means feeling like I'm sticking out like a sore thumb, maybe. Climbing trees with other friends is near to impossible for us girls; staying away from high school dances is alienating. Is it human for parents to want to protect their children and do what is in their view the right thing? It is not special. It has nothing to do with the religion (our cousins go to the same Evangelical Christian denominational church in another state and have a lot more freedom than we do). For whatever reason, it is human on the part of our parents. (Control issue, maybe?)
What about the following words that Jesus Christ used? His parable that says "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Christian Bible, Matthew 25:35-40)
How do these words preached by Jesus Christ fit into the behavior of Evangelical Christians? Do these words inform the behavior of the Evangelical Christian voting block? Not as I can tell. The plight of Syrian refugees (LGBT's; women's rights to their own bodies, to equal pay; workers' low pay, etc.) wouldn't be nearly as controversial if Evangelical Christians actually followed the words of their namesake. If actions they take are any guide, these actions of Evangelical Christians are not in the least connected to anything religious, or to what they would define as being religious. They are human reactions based on fear. Their religion has nothing to do with it. They are human and they are afraid. (Control issue, maybe?)
Is there anything wrong with being human? The only thing wrong is when Evangelical Christians say they base their behavior (when it comes to issues like that above) on their religious beliefs. If this were true, their behavior would follow the parable of Jesus Christ. Since they are not following the words of Jesus Christ, their actions have no basis in "religious freedom." Is anyone stopping them from following Jesus Christ's example?
Nowadays Evangelical Christians are masquerading as a religious group; they are not. They are a political block not tied to anything preached in Matthew 25:35-40. Their purpose? Control issue? Of course!
[In the 21st Century, the Evangelical Christian church in which I grew up allows dancing, even on their college campuses. It's more expedient when selling their wares to other cultures, I'm told.]
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Thursday, November 19, 2015
RINO?
Recently a friend responded to a political email I'd sent. He used the term "RINO", I assumed, to refer to Republicans. Since I hadn't heard the acronym before, I created my own meaning of it as it pertains to the GOP. (My following creativity with this acronym has nothing to do with it's real meaning which is, I'm told, "Republican In Name Only".)
MY meaning for RINO is "Republicans in the NO!"
The word, "rino", conjures up "rhino", a shortened form of rhinoceros, those large animals found in Africa and Southeast Asia. In reading about the rhinoceros, I realized they are a perfect symbol for GOP leadership and presidential candidates. Here's why:
1. There are black rhinos and there are white rhinos. That's exactly how the GOP sees the world -- in black and white.
2. Rhinos have pea-size brains in relation to their size (adults are one ton). The GOP is too big for its britches; it's leaders collectively think and act very small. Consider: no Obamacare for the needy; no Planned Parenthood healthcare for needy women or men; no increase in minimum wage; no Syrian refugees into our country except maybe for Christians, etc., etc.
3. According to the African Wildlife Foundation, rhino horns in Asia are prized because they are believed to be a cure for hangovers, cancer, impotence. In reality, the horns are made of keratin, the same material as our hair and nails. As one writer put it, their horns "are as effective at curing cancer as chewing fingernails." The GOP's presidential candidates would have us believe they have the solutions to our country's problems. In reality? They solve nothing. In fact, their "solutions" only make our country's problems worse by seeding distrust, practicing extreme partisanship, fostering alienation. Their "horns", their ideas, are only good for chewing one's fingernails!
Let's start a movement to replace the elephant as a GOP symbol! Why not the rhinoceros? Elephants represent the exact opposite of the current GOP -- they are too smart and too empathetic with their fellow elephants to represent the GOP! Then again, rhinoceros are dwindling in their populations. Do we really want to see the GOP dwindle out of existence? Hmmm...
Recently a friend responded to a political email I'd sent. He used the term "RINO", I assumed, to refer to Republicans. Since I hadn't heard the acronym before, I created my own meaning of it as it pertains to the GOP. (My following creativity with this acronym has nothing to do with it's real meaning which is, I'm told, "Republican In Name Only".)
MY meaning for RINO is "Republicans in the NO!"
The word, "rino", conjures up "rhino", a shortened form of rhinoceros, those large animals found in Africa and Southeast Asia. In reading about the rhinoceros, I realized they are a perfect symbol for GOP leadership and presidential candidates. Here's why:
1. There are black rhinos and there are white rhinos. That's exactly how the GOP sees the world -- in black and white.
2. Rhinos have pea-size brains in relation to their size (adults are one ton). The GOP is too big for its britches; it's leaders collectively think and act very small. Consider: no Obamacare for the needy; no Planned Parenthood healthcare for needy women or men; no increase in minimum wage; no Syrian refugees into our country except maybe for Christians, etc., etc.
3. According to the African Wildlife Foundation, rhino horns in Asia are prized because they are believed to be a cure for hangovers, cancer, impotence. In reality, the horns are made of keratin, the same material as our hair and nails. As one writer put it, their horns "are as effective at curing cancer as chewing fingernails." The GOP's presidential candidates would have us believe they have the solutions to our country's problems. In reality? They solve nothing. In fact, their "solutions" only make our country's problems worse by seeding distrust, practicing extreme partisanship, fostering alienation. Their "horns", their ideas, are only good for chewing one's fingernails!
Let's start a movement to replace the elephant as a GOP symbol! Why not the rhinoceros? Elephants represent the exact opposite of the current GOP -- they are too smart and too empathetic with their fellow elephants to represent the GOP! Then again, rhinoceros are dwindling in their populations. Do we really want to see the GOP dwindle out of existence? Hmmm...
Friday, October 23, 2015
Go Hillary!
If ever there was a time to stand up for someone and support her, the time is now. Hillary Rodham Clinton amazed me yesterday with her stamina, her clearness of thought, and her patience, her cool under fire. If she can put up with, and overcome, all the bullying displayed by Tea Party Republicans at their trumped-up Benghazi hearing, she can put up with any mud thrown at her.
Let's be clear. Politics is not an easy game to play. It is particularly dirty when women are reaching for equality, cracking the glass ceiling, becoming the first President of the U.S. who is a woman. It's reminiscent of early feminists like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony. All they were asking for was the right to their own property, to control their own lives, and later, the right to vote. Hillary is continuing that struggle. For anyone advocating for the rights of women (or girls just reaching for the stars), support for Hillary is a must. Go Hillary!
If ever there was a time to stand up for someone and support her, the time is now. Hillary Rodham Clinton amazed me yesterday with her stamina, her clearness of thought, and her patience, her cool under fire. If she can put up with, and overcome, all the bullying displayed by Tea Party Republicans at their trumped-up Benghazi hearing, she can put up with any mud thrown at her.
Let's be clear. Politics is not an easy game to play. It is particularly dirty when women are reaching for equality, cracking the glass ceiling, becoming the first President of the U.S. who is a woman. It's reminiscent of early feminists like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony. All they were asking for was the right to their own property, to control their own lives, and later, the right to vote. Hillary is continuing that struggle. For anyone advocating for the rights of women (or girls just reaching for the stars), support for Hillary is a must. Go Hillary!
Monday, August 24, 2015
Transcending the Political: Can it be done?
Having opposing political views can be a detriment to any relationship, whether it is between siblings, friends, or neighbors. Living as a Democrat in a state where the overall philosophy is Republican can mean for some insecurity. Who has my back? Does anyone have my back?
This came up recently as I was negotiating a change in the way things have always been done. As newly-elected President of the Board of the Musselshell Valley Historical Museum, my job, as I saw it, was to help identify a goal for improving the organization. In this case, it was to increase the amount of business over that of the past year: to encourage more people to come through our doors.
In March, a program was initiated between long-time community members and our local school. Through sharing their personal histories with students, it was hoped that community members could serve as a link to our museum. Would students bring their families to visit the Museum this summer?
At the same time, members of our Board were updating and increasing exhibits. They created and constructed a new exhibit, a Tack Room that included early saddles, bridles, angora chaps, cavalry tack, stock brands, tools for horseshoe repair, harness of all kinds, etc.
Students came; families came; visitors from within our state came as well as other states and a few other countries. By late July, we had already exceeded total number of visitors from the previous year. But another problem arose: were we meeting needs of our visitors? Could they wander at will throughout the Museum, visit displays, and better understand those living here in the past? Or, as most recently, was it necessary for them to be toured and explained to all along the way?
Heads butt over responsibility of Guides; I seek counsel from experienced/previous Board members; two volunteer Guides resign. I call for an extra meeting of the Board. What's the problem? How can it be corrected?
For a week, I prepare. I hear rumors, possible machinations taken by another Board member to undercut the meeting, other comments that make me wonder what could happen. It feels a lot like 1981.
Memory floods back. I am a newly-minted Principal of a 500-student elementary school in Indiana. It's 7:00 pm. In the multi-purpose room, I am presiding over a Parent-Teacher-Organization meeting after which primary students will perform for their parents. The second-grade students are lined up at the door ready to come in. Without warning, a parent stands up and begins to complain about a change I had made in bus pick-up for students. Another parent stands, and then another.
I regain control by reassuring parents I will discuss the problem with them after the meeting in a vacant classroom where they can vent their feelings. I do just that. About five or six parents show up (out of a total of 60-80). As they begin, I pick up chalk and, as each parent relates their problem, I list it on the chalkboard. After they are finished, I go through each listed item. I understand their complaint, I apologize where needed, and I resolve to correct whatever mistakes have been made. They have vented, calmed down, and have expressed appreciation as they leave.
Is that experience from years ago similar to what I'll experience in this extra Board meeting? Will I be put on the carpet? Will a crowd of people be gathered in the room when I enter? Will there be anger, frustration, lots of confrontation? Will I be called upon to answer for the two Guides' resignations? Will my opposing political views engender distrust among those attending (views made much more public now than when I was younger)? How will I handle the situation, whatever it is?
There is no chalkboard or chalk in the room where the Board meeting will be held. But I do have a tripod, a large newsprint chart, and black markers. I resolve to record complaints on the chart and, as in the past, go through each one, discuss it, and , in the end, defuse the situation. I calm down, become resolute. This approach has worked in the past; it can work again.
The day of the Board meeting, I enter the room right on time, almost to the minute. Eight Board members sit in their usual places around several tables. They chat quietly across the room. I interrupt a conversation. I ask each person if they are ready to tackle the problem. They answer in the affirmative as I go around the room, calling them by name. It appears my fears have not materialized. No need for giving a speech, laying my resignation letter on the table, or walking out of the room. This groups does have my back -- and we're on our way to resolution.
Several hours later, I leave the meeting, feeling affirmed. Work has been done even though there is a lot more to do. Making nice with one Board member may be the only way to mend differences between us. Overall, however, more problems have been presented and solved than I expected. Most Board members have met me more than halfway. There is no feeling on my part that differences in politics have made any difference in the meeting. Board members had been there to explore alternatives in resolving an issue and that's exactly what we did.
Did we transcend politics? Decidedly. Our desire to overcome difficulties and work as a team ruled the day. Would that political leaders (like Republican candidates for President?) could follow the example of the good people of Roundup. Forget extremism, fostering dissension, and polarizing our country. Use cooperation to "make our country great again"!
Having opposing political views can be a detriment to any relationship, whether it is between siblings, friends, or neighbors. Living as a Democrat in a state where the overall philosophy is Republican can mean for some insecurity. Who has my back? Does anyone have my back?
This came up recently as I was negotiating a change in the way things have always been done. As newly-elected President of the Board of the Musselshell Valley Historical Museum, my job, as I saw it, was to help identify a goal for improving the organization. In this case, it was to increase the amount of business over that of the past year: to encourage more people to come through our doors.
In March, a program was initiated between long-time community members and our local school. Through sharing their personal histories with students, it was hoped that community members could serve as a link to our museum. Would students bring their families to visit the Museum this summer?
At the same time, members of our Board were updating and increasing exhibits. They created and constructed a new exhibit, a Tack Room that included early saddles, bridles, angora chaps, cavalry tack, stock brands, tools for horseshoe repair, harness of all kinds, etc.
Students came; families came; visitors from within our state came as well as other states and a few other countries. By late July, we had already exceeded total number of visitors from the previous year. But another problem arose: were we meeting needs of our visitors? Could they wander at will throughout the Museum, visit displays, and better understand those living here in the past? Or, as most recently, was it necessary for them to be toured and explained to all along the way?
Heads butt over responsibility of Guides; I seek counsel from experienced/previous Board members; two volunteer Guides resign. I call for an extra meeting of the Board. What's the problem? How can it be corrected?
For a week, I prepare. I hear rumors, possible machinations taken by another Board member to undercut the meeting, other comments that make me wonder what could happen. It feels a lot like 1981.
Memory floods back. I am a newly-minted Principal of a 500-student elementary school in Indiana. It's 7:00 pm. In the multi-purpose room, I am presiding over a Parent-Teacher-Organization meeting after which primary students will perform for their parents. The second-grade students are lined up at the door ready to come in. Without warning, a parent stands up and begins to complain about a change I had made in bus pick-up for students. Another parent stands, and then another.
I regain control by reassuring parents I will discuss the problem with them after the meeting in a vacant classroom where they can vent their feelings. I do just that. About five or six parents show up (out of a total of 60-80). As they begin, I pick up chalk and, as each parent relates their problem, I list it on the chalkboard. After they are finished, I go through each listed item. I understand their complaint, I apologize where needed, and I resolve to correct whatever mistakes have been made. They have vented, calmed down, and have expressed appreciation as they leave.
Is that experience from years ago similar to what I'll experience in this extra Board meeting? Will I be put on the carpet? Will a crowd of people be gathered in the room when I enter? Will there be anger, frustration, lots of confrontation? Will I be called upon to answer for the two Guides' resignations? Will my opposing political views engender distrust among those attending (views made much more public now than when I was younger)? How will I handle the situation, whatever it is?
There is no chalkboard or chalk in the room where the Board meeting will be held. But I do have a tripod, a large newsprint chart, and black markers. I resolve to record complaints on the chart and, as in the past, go through each one, discuss it, and , in the end, defuse the situation. I calm down, become resolute. This approach has worked in the past; it can work again.
The day of the Board meeting, I enter the room right on time, almost to the minute. Eight Board members sit in their usual places around several tables. They chat quietly across the room. I interrupt a conversation. I ask each person if they are ready to tackle the problem. They answer in the affirmative as I go around the room, calling them by name. It appears my fears have not materialized. No need for giving a speech, laying my resignation letter on the table, or walking out of the room. This groups does have my back -- and we're on our way to resolution.
Several hours later, I leave the meeting, feeling affirmed. Work has been done even though there is a lot more to do. Making nice with one Board member may be the only way to mend differences between us. Overall, however, more problems have been presented and solved than I expected. Most Board members have met me more than halfway. There is no feeling on my part that differences in politics have made any difference in the meeting. Board members had been there to explore alternatives in resolving an issue and that's exactly what we did.
Did we transcend politics? Decidedly. Our desire to overcome difficulties and work as a team ruled the day. Would that political leaders (like Republican candidates for President?) could follow the example of the good people of Roundup. Forget extremism, fostering dissension, and polarizing our country. Use cooperation to "make our country great again"!
Sunday, July 26, 2015
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?
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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
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!
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!
Friday, June 26, 2015
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.
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
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.
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.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
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."
(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."
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
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!
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!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
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?
(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)
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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
(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)
Friday, May 9, 2014
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...)
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...)
Monday, May 5, 2014
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)
"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)
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