Guilt...

I wish to repeat something from my February 6th postcard:

"We, or I should say, I have no guilt for what happened from the 1400's on. That is a common refrain for those who do not want to take responsibility for the damage done by our ancestors. It is true. It wasn't me. But, knowing the injustice that was done and continues to be done, often in my name, makes me a party to the injustice. I am a citizen of the United States and I have benefited from injustice toward the First Peoples. I must work to correct the wrong or I am guilty."

This applies to all disenfranchised populations throughout our history. From the First Peoples of this land, the people we imported to be our slaves, and the people whose religion we unfairly target today, if we do not stand up to demand justice for all, we are guilty!
Sent on February 14 - Happy Valentines Day, the day of love.

Mother Earth #6...

So far, six of my postcards to President Trump have included my concerns for our planet. With all the other concerns about peace, equity, and justice that I support, I feel our first and foremost concern is the health and well being of our Earth. If we are not vigilant with our care, we will not have a second chance or second choice. To allow profit driven exploitation of our ground, our waters, and our air will have lasting effect on every species, including ours.

If for nothing else, our children and grandchildren will ask us why we didn't do anything when there was still time to do something.
Sent February 13, 2016

No Big Deal!

I suspect that men like Trump, men who are full of themselves and think women are a cut below, would not be able to share.

Fortunately, most men, once they are over the surprise of having a woman in front of them in line, just relax and go with the flow.

There were over 100 women waiting to go to the restroom. Were there less men? No, of course not. They can just pop in and out (oh, excuse the visual), and they are done. Once we were in two equal, diverse lines, the rights of all users were brought into equality. Who could complain? I refer you to my first line of this post.

PS: Since I wrote about this, I have heard stories of restrooms in Europe that are gender neutral. Apparently, there are no complaints. I urge us to make this the norm. It would do a world of good for our transgender citizens.
Sent February 11, 2017

Oregon is...

What legislation this postcard does not include:

Everyone in our state has equal rights.

If you are black, white, brown, gay, straight, trans, old, young, female, male, abled, disabled, ailing, well, rich, poor, native born, immigrant, tall, short, fat, thin, blond, brunette, red head, bald, right handed, left handed, literate, nerdy, uneducated, stylish, tacky, Democrate, Republican, or any other political leaning, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Taoist, Unitarian, atheist, or undecided, you are welcome here. If none of these words apply to you, be assured we have a place for you.

It is our diversity that makes us strong.
Sent February 11, 2017

Profits...

We are a nation that rewards the rich. Exploitation of our lands brings great wealth to a few. Our entire healthcare system is designed to make a profit. Our banking and loan institutions can take your home if you lose your job or have health issues. Corporations are rewarded with tax breaks on top of hiding assets in off-shore accounts. Colleges and Universities get enough in donations to build a giant sports complex to play seven games a year... for profit. Even our government is a pay to play game with decisions favoring the the big money players.

One public institution that has no profit motive is our K-12 education system. And, now we have Betsy DeVos whose stated goal is to privatize our children's education. Why? Why else? ...but for profit.

I am more afraid of the money grabbers than I am of terrorists. Who exactly are you afraid of?
Sent February 10, 2017

Inspiration....

What more can I say?

The people who have inspired me...

The tall, black man who saved my life when I was five years old inspires me to this day. He pulled me out of Washington Park Lake in Denver. My mother didn't even thank him. He is always in my mind, reminding me that we are all people who deserve justice, freedom, and equity. I am so grateful to him.

The immigrant from Burundi, who our church is sponsoring, inspires me. He remains positive and hopeful as his wife and children, who have gone through the vetting process and are waiting for their visas, are faced with the travel ban. His smile and laughter are infectious.

Hilary Clinton inspires me. She has given her life to helping all people work toward a better life. What higher calling is there?

Children inspire me. They call me to give them my best. I must work for them and the world they and their children will inherit.

Donald Trump inspires me to be my best self and not to get caught up in anger, fear, and hatred.

Who inspires you?
Sent February 9, 2017

Day of Devotion...

There are those who have been installed in our democratic government who appear to believe that the United States of America is and always has been a white and Christian nation. I thought that belief had been overturned in the 60's. I guess it was just quietly feeding itself with "alternative facts".

Who are we if not the very immigrants we are afraid of?

My heritage is Irish. My ancestors came to this land when food was scarce in our homeland. They were persecuted, beaten, murdered, and jailed. How is that different than what is being done today.

May our days of devotion include kudos to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for blocking a racist, deist, and nationalist Executive Order.
Sent February 8, 2017