Roll with the Poll!

Election Day I served as an election judge at a local 2-precinct polling place. 1655 registered voters were eligible to vote at the site. Of that number here is an interesting breakdown: approximately 55 people were deceased, moved out of the area or otherwise not truly eligible to cast a vote; 296 voters cast absentee ballots or voted early. That left 1304 voters eligible to walk in the door and cast a ballot. 910 voters did so! That is a participation rate of 75.4% in our combined 2-precinct polling place.

Think about that! Then think about these observations:

·         A steady stream of Hispanic, Oriental and African American voters came through our polling place; steady. Never a lull.

·         Young people 30 and under were well represented; they did not sit out the election

·         We witnessed joyous reactions of first-time voters; they were ever so proud and excited to be voting! Some were late 20’s who admitted they needed to get with it and cast votes so they were counted in the system! Photos were snapped spontaneously of these new voters!

·         Women were everywhere. Young, old, fit and halt – they came in droves to vote and be counted.

·         Men of all ages and physical abilities came in droves, too.

At the time I couldn’t discern another rhythm that I now think was present – a changing tide. I know there were many voters who were maintaining their historic stand on many issues and political parties. But I think I also caught wind of a breath of fresh air, sweeping through the electorate. At this point it is nearly a split decision between the old and the new so election results are close. But the new will replace the old as it inevitably does. Change is our constant companion as it always has been throughout all of time.

Those who wish to think otherwise and call it what they may, will surely be disappointed in the long term. If they wish to be part of history going forward they will need to participate in the change, learn from it, and be able to collaborate creatively for the benefit of all.

This takes discipline. This takes selflessness. It requires us to believe in the future and what is possible. This is good stuff. It needs to be embraced by mature minds and intellects. It takes courage. And dedication.

Why can I say these things? Because I was there when I perceived history to have changed. Here were the clues:

·         I had difficulty understanding the names being spoken to me to find their voting records; increasingly we were looking up documents of foreign nationalities that are difficult for our white-male-elder ears and minds to understand! These folks stood before us proud and certain. It was wonderful to witness it, and be a part of it!

·         Youthful voters were more willing to cast electronic ballots, and display confidence.

·         A small but heartening number of elder voters proudly cast electronic ballots stating it is the wave of the future; we need to embrace it, they said!

·         But more than anything else, 75% turnout is stunning! That number is simply not done. Kudos to the electorate knowing this was an important election that demanded their involvement.

The nature of a polling place legally requires representation of Republicans and Democrats among the operators of the site. Both partisan camps had to work together for a prolonged period of time under often trying moments. We did well. We had fun. We laughed and embraced each other in all of our diversity. We had old and young on staff, male and female as well. We did not talk politics but alluded to it. It was there as sub rosa culture. A beat of thought. No voicing of it.

But we got along. And we enjoyed each other’s company.

Of course we had 24 hours with an enforced absence of all political ads! That was worth a huge boost to our peace of mind!

The election system works. Even in close elections. It is an expression of how divided the nation is, how dedicated our local communities are to preserve the system for the future, and all the permutations of possibilities that reside in America.

I think we are in good condition as a country and as a people. There is a serious resolve to work on our differences and step forward to new solutions for our long lasting list of horrendous problems that need our attention.

Let’s roll up our sleeves like the election judges did. There is work to do. Let’s get to it!

November 8, 2012

Post Election!

It’s over. Finally. Aren’t we glad?

Now we can get back to living and striving for our dreams for self and family and country. So much to do. So much to prepare for. But also so much to be grateful for.

Thanksgiving approaches, a time we spend with loved ones and celebrate togetherness and just being. No gifts. Not false faces. Just good presence in each other’s lives. And of course great food! Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, onions, giblets, roasted turkey skin succulent with herbs and spices! And just when you think you can’t eat another thing, along comes dessert. Pies – apple and pumpkin – but maybe other varieties as well. And ice cream or whipped cream atop each piece! Already the pain and agony of the elections wane, lost in the aromas of anticipated goodies on the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Whether times have been tough for you or some of our family, we have much to be grateful for. When hurting financially we oddly find more to be grateful for. In times of plenty we lose sight of the basics. They are so good: health; music; art; aromas; tastes; love of significant people in our lives; togetherness of special people; cooperation and collaboration on difficult tasks; weather that makes us feel safe and secure indoors; or weather that allows us freedom outdoors. The warmth felt on the face from a morning’s sun. The crisp cool air of a growing dusk and twilight. A panting dog keeping pace with your stride; his/her wanting to be close to you!

I worked as an election judge yesterday. Set up the polling place on Monday evening, then worked the poll from 5 am to 9 pm. A long day. A steady stream of voters. A good participation rate for our area. It was good to witness the dedication of the voters to do their duty. And to be a team member of folks who keep the election process working smoothly and fairly. It’s America at work in a microcosm. A good microcosm.

This is a short blog today. Rest and get back to normal soon, for both you and I. There is much for each of us to do. But first some rest!

November 7, 2012

Be Big and Healthy!

I’m not talking about physical size, but spiritual dimension. Very much like this quote from Lao Tse Tung:

            “Be still like a mountain,

             And flow like a great river.”

Still like a mountain. Rock hard. Seemingly ever present. Looming. There. You are you and I am I. Let this be but let the inner being move and grow. Let life flow within like a great river. It does impart of strong feeling, doesn’t it?

Dr. Wayne Dyer gives us this quote to ponder:

            “You cannot be lonely if you like the person you’re alone with.”

I especially like this thought! What is within defines me. Like the great river it has motion and dimension and synergy. It helps define who I am. And you. It is solid as the mountain if we give it a chance to be and to express itself. And in the doing of all this you become better known to yourself. If that ‘self’ is good and healthy, you will wish to know it better. And share it with others close to you. Those you trust. How could you be lonely with yourself if you know and  like your personhood?

I’m on this kick today because this is Election Day. Finally!  At long last! Perhaps tonight and tomorrow the TV will have shed those hideous political ads. The ones that rile and roil with little truth to them. Just emotion. Just anger. Just falsehood.

Enough blame to go around to most candidacies. But for a few years we should have peace. In that peace perhaps some courageous leaders will step forward and find ways to reform the election process so it is more constructive and fact-based. If not whole generations will likely be turned off and not participate much in the process. That would be disastrous because then the manipulators will have their way and do more damage to our body politic.

No. there are better ways to manage campaigns to educate voters. And keeps civility alive and well. We must find those ways. We must.

Meanwhile we could use a spiritual awakening. This was on the internet the other day from www.recoverytradepublications.com:

            “12 Symptoms of Spiritual Awakening:

1.      An increased tendency to let things happen rather than make them 

      happen.

2.      Frequent attacks of smiling

3.      Feelings of being connected with others and nature

4.      Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation

5.      A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experience

6.      An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment

7.      A loss of ability to worry

8.      A loss of interest in conflict

9.      A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others

10.  A loss of interest in judging others

11.  A loss of interest in judging self

12.  Gaining the ability to love without expecting anything”

All of these symptoms sound wonderful! They also sound difficult to achieve. No wonder maturity and awakenings take so much time to acquire! Such wisdom comes from experience and maybe a lot of being worn out from the negative. So much more to be gained by the positive.

I may never gain such a full awakening. I seem to be far away from this point in my life at this moment! With practice and a lot of forbearance I might just gain some of the symptoms! I can hope for this.

May you find it soon as well. Voting today may be a good first act. Vote with a free conscience and then let it go. Resume life and its obligations with a more peaceful mind. Take a deep breath and enjoy the day!

November 6, 2012

Natural Disasters plus Man-made Effects

Very interesting reactions to disasters. Some come before the fact (hurricane and typhoon forecasts) while others come after the fact: tornadoes, floods, high wind spikes, forest fires. Also earthquakes are real time and aftermath coded.

Mankind is odd. It acts as if the disasters are natural and survivable as long as it doesn’t directly affect them! If it does smack them in the head, then it’s all hands on deck to help them! Like ‘wha’ happened?’ Look at me! This is terrible! Why haven’t you helped us yet?

Memory is faulty in these matters. Hurricane Katrina was an enormous disaster by nature’s measure, but also by man’s measure. Nature dealt the blow, but man’s inattention for decades made the disaster ten times worse:

            -Over population of neighborhoods without proper infrastructure

            -Water and sewer systems barely adequate, but old and leaky

            -Storm-water drainage systems inadequate and falling apart, even while

 more population was crammed into the same areas

            -Below sea-level storm-water protection systems under constant

             Engineering and upgrading but federal funds misspent on other local

             Political priorities, not storm-water management issues

            -Inadequate training of first responders (police, medical teams, fire, local   

             FEMA support teams); they collapsed and scattered to save their own

             Lives

            -Inadequate FEMA/Federal response: late, slow and horribly unorganized

             For basic logistics

The list goes on. The city of New Orleans ordered evacuations. People didn't respond. Buses were available for mass relocation of entire neighborhoods but no one organized this function and the buses were submerged by the hundreds unused and useless forevermore.

Yet the victims of the storm – yes, partially responsible for their own victimhood – still claimed no-fault and righteously demanded national attention.

This same victimhood infection spread to New Jersey and New York in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Told to evacuate, they remained in place. Told of the probable damage and long-lasting recovery, the victims adamantly demanded help and attention from the nation. They who helped create the problem, and remained to be the problem, demanded everyone’s loyalty. Reminds me of the kids who murdered their parents yet asked the court for leniency because they were orphans!

Hmmmm. Yes local government is responsible for disaster preparedness. Yes regional government is responsible for supporting local disaster recovery and response. Yes Federal disaster preparedness, response and recovery are needed to bolster the other government levels and coordination/collaboration to lessen human suffering and cost of disaster recovery. It is in all of our interests that these things be done right, planned right, and be planned for well in advance.

But it also takes cooperation at all levels to make it happen. The buck stops at your front door! Be prepared. And if not, follow instructions to save your life and your family. Then be prepared for the long recovery. It will take time.

Interesting that the failed head of FEMA under the Bush Administration, faulted Obama’s early action on Hurricane Sandy. Sandy and Katrina were well forecasted. There was something to respond to and be prepared for. Brownie didn't do it. Obama did. There’s the difference in leadership between the two administrations.

And recovery? Katrina efforts took months. Sandy’s took less than two days before power, fuel and street routes were under recovery. Food, clothing, shelter and water nearly immediate. And all done in an area over-populated and with crumbling infrastructure.

That’s another key issue for us to consider at a time like this. Infrastructure. It is provided by governments at all levels. We rely on it daily. We do not think about it until it gives us a problem. Sewer, water, storm-water management, highways, bridges, electric grids, natural gas supply line grid, transportation systems, etc. This list is enormous. Mostly of underground utilities, or items that should be underground.

In natural disasters we think mainly of first responders: police, fire and emergency medical personnel. But they rely on streets, power lines, communication networks, water, fuel, sewer and sanitation support systems. Those items are infrastructure. They are not provided by private resources in the main. They are made possible by government action, coordination, standards, funding, and regulation to ensure safeguards and reliability. Our tax structure makes this all possible. Not corporations or individuals. Government. Units of government we take for granted. Government we rely on and with high confidence most of the time.

Why then do we deny funding for these? Why do we refuse to think upon these items as primary investment items our society needs to make? Why do we distrust the government spokesmen who request this support? Why do we denigrate their efforts as ‘politics’ and tax fraud?

It isn’t you know. Nearly all of these items are honestly managed and engineered with the public’s need in mind. The public servants toiling in these areas are honest and professional in the main. But they get lumped in with the other political wheeze bags who mess up the government landscape, hurting everyone else.

Hold on! Don’t get comfortable and think this is your excuse to ignore the problem. This is where you have to stand up as a citizen and insist on good government. You can do it. We can all do it. And we need to do it.

Government is not the problem. An ignorant and lazy electorate is the problem. We get the government we allow to happen by not paying attention.

So get with it. Learn the issues and help our citizen servants do the very best job for us so we can rely on it when needed the most.

Even if we don’t listen to evacuation orders!

November 5, 2012

Not in My Country II

A lot was said here yesterday. I’m sure there are those among you who don’t agree with me. That’s OK. In my country we are free to be different and to think differently. It enriches our lives to experience this diversity. It stretches meaning. It allows us to be more.

As I think on the Idea of America I get this sense of a mass of people who endure through thick and thin to achieve great things. A people who believe in each other. We don’t always trust one another, but believe in each other? Yes; I think that is a true statement.

America is an idea rather than a place. That idea allows us to be whatever we want to be, to pursue whatever dream makes sense to you or me or us. America wants you to strive and become whatever it is you see as your future.

We have only one caveat: Do not harm anyone else. Another way of stating this is the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.” Pretty basic stuff. Sane. Sensible. Just. Fair. Also a fair basis upon which to treat others and hold expectations as to how they will treat you. Justice. Fairness.

When I see injustice occur in plain view I feel revulsion. Sometimes the unfairness is so gross as to nearly cause me to vomit. It is that basic. Is it for you?

Election campaigns raise this issue for me most of the time. You know the TV ads that simply are not based on fact but rather emotion. They want you to see the target of their ad as almost holy or evil. One or the other.

I’m thinking that all political ads should be positive, not negative. Each ad should tell me about their candidate and what he or she hopes to accomplish if elected. It should have nothing to say about the other candidate. Nothing. The press has a role to fact check. And woe to the campaign who handles truth lightly or falsely. The press should hammer them soundly on all such occasions. The rest of the time candidates should tout their beliefs and priorities as they affect the voters.

If candidates have nothing positive to say about themselves, then they should not be allowed to say anything negative about the other candidate. A simple rule. If the press has something important to say it needs to say it. Otherwise, keep mum!

Every election should be about issues and leadership. It should not be about negative attacks and spun truth and facts.

If we were to graduate to this level of maturity in political matters, I feel certain that most of us would regain a healthy respect for government and its processes.

After all. This is my country. And yours. What do we want it to stand for? Justice or garbage? It’s really our choice. I know how I’m voting. You?

November 3, 2012

Not in My Country!

Way back when I was a kid, a little kid like 5 or 6, I got a sense of justice. I don’t recall exactly the circumstances, but I remember a chill creeping over my body – a foreboding. As I felt the tingles of woe grow I became aware of a sinking feeling. Not only was something not right, that something was opposite of what it should be.

Justice is the word that pops to mind today. A word that means fair, right, ethically balanced. Logic springs to mind, too.

I get the same sense of awe and woe today in 2012. Something does not seem right. Justice appears out of synch with what I would expect. Let me list a few items that exemplify what I’m talking about.

First, immigration. It is right that people from poor and struggling circumstances elsewhere in the world would want to come to America for a fresh start. People have been doing this since the 1500’s. We are rightfully proud of that! Our nation is where others wish to be. So they come.

But those who have already had that opportunity have closed the doors to new immigrants. They have defined them as illegal. They have thrown obstacle upon obstacle for their entry to our country, let alone remaining here. Although there are logical and logistical reasons why this is so, it still smacks me as unjust that we nit pick the issue.

These people need help. Our entire history is built on this concept of immigration and new chance to survive and prosper.  They need our help. Our nation. Let us welcome them with open arms, not condemn them and throw them back into the boats they arrived in.

If huge problems loom because of unfettered immigration, then let’s put our heads together to find ways that allow new citizens to arrive and prosper among us. Let us NOT strive to find ways to frustrate that process. Justice. What is right and fair. It was fair for our generation and the many generations that came before us. Why not now? Make it work. American ingenuity can overcome this problem and safeguard our mission, vision and justice.

Second, the US Capitol building is a symbol of democracy, freedom and constitutional law. It is not a church. It is not a symbol of religion. It is a monument to thinking, logic and justice. It supports freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and so many other freedoms we cherish as a people. That monument, however, does not impress upon each of our lives the religious beliefs or fervor of all the religions in our midst. Or no religion at all! Freedom, remember?

Yes. America stands for a lot. But it does not cram someone’s belief down our throat so we have to live the way they THINK we should. They are free to live the way they want to, according to their beliefs, but they do not have the right to force the rest of us to follow in their lock-step beliefs.

Issues such as abortion, access to medical care, marriage equality among loving persons…these are all examples of issues with a religious belief core. I do not demand anyone have an abortion; but I don’t want anyone to tell another person they cannot have an abortion. Whether abortions are pleasant or not, right or wrong, whatever they are…the decision belongs to the woman and family setting according to their belief systems. Not mine. I ask for justice; I expect in my country that citizens have the right to make their own decisions on this matter, and live with the consequences.

Same with marriage. Churches define marriage by way of ritual, or rite. That is their business. They can say freely who is eligible to participate in their rite. Not government. The problem simply is that a license to be married was assumed by government throughout our nation by the states. They should label these marriages unions or some other term rather than marriage. The marriage term is already taken by religious bodies. So let government call them unions. Legal and contractual between two loving people. Let government define the couple openly, not per religious belief, but living unit practicality. Two women or two men, or a man and a woman. Who really cares? Evidently only religions seem to care, and bigots who wish to force their view of life on others.

Not their business. No. Government ensures religious freedom, but not religious enforcement of beliefs on others. So, let’s have government define marriage as unions of two loving people with contractual rights and obligations just like the previous marriages licensed. Same obligations and rights. Same benefits throughout. After all, the same actuarial principles apply to different sex couples as same sex couples.

You don’t like homosexual issues? Make you feel uncomfortable? Well it’s mutual. Get over it! Move on to matters that really affect your life. Allow the others the same freedom. Justice. Remember? So easy yet made to be so difficult.

I don’t mind America having a good and healthy relationship with God. However, that strictly is not just with those who have no such underpinning belief in God. I believe in God. I do not, however, believe others should have to believe in God to be American. So, let’s get rid of all mentions of God in our pledge of allegiance, oaths of the court and of office. Let us get rid of the mention of God on our coinage and printed currency. Individually we may believe in God and allow our lives to benefit accordingly. We do not, however, have the right to expect all to believe the same as we!

So, abortion is not an issue anymore. Equal rights to legal unions (perhaps you call them marriages) is now the law of the land. The US Capitol building is a symbol of America and the seat of power; not a church or religion. So no laws respecting religion should be mentioned or made there with the sole exception that all are free to worship as they wish and believe. Just don’t force it on everyone else.

Is that clear? Gosh, I hope so. Now I can get back to my church work, my community service work, my charitable involvements, and planning Sunday worship services! Glad we got that straightened out.

Now we truly are the land of the free and brave; and Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Taoists, Hindi and all the others. And the atheists. And the immigrants. All are welcome in my country. Just as it says in the Constitution.

November 2, 2012

Open Sesame

Ready or not here comes the future! Where will we be 15 years from now? And what can we do about it if anything?

Probably not much. It’s going to happen one way or the other anyway. We cannot stop it from unfolding. All we can do is affect how it unfolds, and then only maybe.

That is why proponents of long term planning have worked hard to help others see the future.  Well, see in a way they find palatable! In other words, what is important that we don’t want to see erased by future developments? That sounds like an easy task to accomplish but it is not! Think about it for a bit. What is it about your community that you love and would hate to see disappear? Is it a feeling? A physical asset like a river or lake or beautiful mountain? Or is it a spirit of community, or togetherness, or special unity that a lot of people know about and support? These elements are often soft and hard to see let alone define.

Yet it must be done if we are to protect what we don’t want to lose.

Unlike mythical Brigadoon we cannot hide it away in hundred-year-old-mists safe to reappear for a day a century later unchanged. No; we live real lives where change is a constant and we adapt to it little by little.

At some point we logical people need to face facts and reality. We can do that by defining what it is about our community or region that we like and pledge to keep the good while discarding the less savory. Sounds like a plan! But it is much more difficult to do than to speak of.

For me I have these hopes and dreams for my perfect community:

-Neighbors care about neighbors and interact positively in their lives

-Neat and tidy streets and landscapes are present throughout town

-Intergeneration involvement keeps all residents aware of different age groups and their value to the other age groups

-Schools that help kids discover themselves and grow their own identify and hopes and dreams for the future

-Community that appreciates beauty in its many forms – arts, don’t you know! Dance, visual arts, performing arts, music, design, color, proportion – you name it and the village appreciates and uses the art surrounding us

-Governance that is civil and intelligent. We talk with each other and become comfortable with the issues in a logical way so we can make decisions easily and openly. If a decision proves to be poor, change our actions and correct the decision!

-Value each other and not blame them for what they say, do or look like. Love and cherish all of our community. It enriches us; we enrich it. It is a mutual enterprise!

If we can recognize the above positive elements of our community and safeguard each of them, I feel certain our community will prosper. We will build shops, businesses and service agencies that are quality and responsive to our needs. They will be successful and build a viable local economy. We will be able to support our own way of life and town.

And we will be proud and happy of our own environs. Like a family. Love each other. Respect each other. Accept all of our differences. Recognize value and worth among us all.

Sound utopian? Yes, I suppose it does. But why work for the opposite? Why not the best we are capable of? Besides, the requisite journey sounds like it would be fun!

Care to come along?

November 1, 2012