Locker room talk....

What has been missing in this conversation is the effect on the perpetrator as well as the victim. The conversation will not detract from what the victim has endured, but will awaken in the perpetrator a sense of consequence for his behavior.

I raised my sons with a simple guideline: Don't do anything you do not want to appear on the front page of the local newspaper.
Sent February 28, 2017

Public lands....

Our public lands are our greatest resource. Not resource as the timber, mineral, and cattle industries think of it. Rather as a resource for the people and the animals of our country. A place to feed our spirits and our souls, instead of our pockets.

My parents took me camping every weekend all summer as I was growing up. We would drive far and near to spend time in the precious lands of the west.

Now, there are those who wish to take this land away from us for exploitation. They have paid for a seat at your table and are hoping to have your ear.

Please do not allow our beautiful lands to taken. Come visit the west, see what will be lost if we are not vigilant.
Sent February 27, 2017

Citizen's United....

Citizen's United gave personhood to corporations who wish to influence laws and policy with money. That influence has already been seen in the appointments in this administration and in the executive orders signed by Mr. Trump.

The Dakota Access Pipeline has been approved in spite of the overwhelming numbers of people in this country who are against it. Key environmental protections have been reversed for the benefit of corporations who do not want to bear the cost of environmental protections. The Environmental Protection Agency is at risk of being disbanded altogether, putting our water, air, health, and biodiversity in the hands of those whose first priority is making money.

Who will hear my voice?
Sent February 25, 2017

Trust....

Trust may be the one trait that is the basis for all relationship. Without it, we will fall into chaos, fearful of everyone.

I was at a family gathering recently. The word got out that I am a democrat. There was a murmer through the room. I was immediately seen as untrustworthy. There was general agreement when I said, "All we have to learn is how to talk to each other." Being open and honest is what will bring trust back into our country, from me all the way up to you. Without it, we will have nothing.
Sent February 25, 2017

Sanctuary....

We are all looking for sanctuary. We want to be safe within our families, our homes, our communities, our nation, and our world. The dictionary says, "...a place of refuge." That is what we all want, a place for our families where they are safe and fed. How can we deny sanctuary to anyone when we, all of us, would ask the same for our selves and our families. We were created as a nation of sanctuary, it is who we are.
Sent February 24, 2017

First Amendment...

Either we live by this or we don't. If we don't, then we are not the democracy we say we are. There is no half way. There is no "for some of us, but not for all". There is no exception for my religion and not for yours.
Sent February 23, 2017

Please and Thank you....

As a young mother and as a teacher, I expected basic manners from the children. "Please" and "Thank you" are the most basic of our manners.

If a person holds the door for you or steps out of the way or answers a question or hands you a pencil, say "Thank you".

If you need anything, say "Please".

What could be easier?
Sent February 22, 2017