boogaj

Why don't we grow people food in IL?

I guess I could call this the summer of jam, because I can't seem to stop making it -- rose petal, strawberry, cherry, raspberry and blueberry so far.  With the new kitchen I finally have some counter space -- and near the range, no less.  After being without this luxury for so many years, it seems the food making and preserving projects I had dreamed up are all being realized.

Now, if only I could easily find some local produce to play around with.  After driving for nearly an hour to find the blueberries at a semi-local farm (which claimed they had black raspberries, but didn't), I was discouraged.  It was especially frustrating to drive through miles and miles of nothing but corn (okay -- there may have been a few soybean fields too).  I mean, don't we grow people food in Illinois anymore?  Do I have to buy tasteless strawberries grown halfway across the country?  I know they can grow here.  I grow some in my own back yard.

Believe me, I've driven for miles, visited several local "farmers' markets" and searched high and low for farmstands.  It makes me crazy! 

Anyway.  That's my food rant.  I'm looking forward to the few local farms that set up stands around town (Glasscock's and Siegel's) -- although they mostly sell local sweet corn.  Sigh.

One of my favorite parts

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace. -- Barack Obama, Inauguration speech, January 20th, 2009

In one of his prior speeches (I can't remember which one -- perhaps it was part of one of the debates) he left out non-believers and I was disappointed. Depending on the survey you look at, non-believers (and/or secularist) make up as much as 17% of the population -- 25% of young adults. If you are going to mention Muslims (.6% of the US population), Jews (1.3%) and Hindus (.4%), why not non-believers? So I was happy to see the group with which I affiliate myself acknowledged. When you are acknowledged, you have hope that you will also be heard.

But that wasn't the only part of the speech I was cheering -- I love the whole idea that the power resides in the people. Isn't that the basis for the concept of Democracy in the first place?

Hurray for America!  Hurray for our 44th President!  I wish him, and all Americans the best in the next 4 years!

President-Elect Obama has a blog

Obama has always embraced new technology in an reassuring way -- reassuring to a geek like myself, perhaps. When he was my senator, I listened to his podcast. Now that he's my president-elect, he has a nifty new website and a blog.

Bringing government to the people -- this is what I love about Obama. Let's hope that record turn out at the polls turns into record involvement in the political process in years to come.

Denyse Schmidt Quilt -- So Awesome!

Is this not the coolest thing ever? You can donate to Barack Obama's campaign and you will be entered into a drawing for this quilt designed by Denyse Schmidt. Just go here.

Yes We Can!

Politics

Are you still here?  I'm sure the title of this post will cause some readers to pass right by without further reading.  In fact, that's exactly what is so discouraging.  Why is the "p" word turning into a bad word in the USA?

This past weekend, while relaxing at my mom's place on the river, I tried to bring up politics on several occasions (I mean, how could I not with the DNC last week, the RNC this week and all the news items about Palin!) and everyone literally went running.  Maybe I'm crazy in that I love politics and think it's vitally important to the future of our country to discuss the issues.

In the end, my brother-in-law sat with Pete and I and discussed some of the issues.  He is far to the right and I am on the other end of the spectrum -- a serious liberal.  At first he was very defensive, but in the end I hope he understood that there is common ground and that open communication is the only way that this country can go forward.  Getting hung up on a single issue (2nd amendment for him) is no way to accomplish anything.  This kind of single issue divisiveness is a tactic used by politicians and we must not let them get away with it.

So if you are still here, I'm glad.  It makes me feel a little less lonely and a bit more hopeful.

I could go on and on about everything going on with the presidential election -- I'll suffice it to say that I'm loving it.  It gets me fired up!

Oh -- and don't feel too badly for me.  I'm married to a fellow lover of politics. 

Finally

Okay, I'm excited. . . really. . . I am.  The path to get to this point was just so convoluted and looooong.  I ended up disliking Hillary Clinton more than I ever thought was possible, and I look for reconciliation within the party for the sake of all Americans.

So now I'm going to sit back and allow myself to actually enjoy this moment.  I've been an Obama supporter for a long time.  When I heard his speech -- The Audicity of Hope --  at the Democratic National Convention in July of 2004 I was completely, utterly and totally blown away.  THIS was what it was all about for me and I was amazed that I was hearing it in a national setting.  (I'm used to being on the fringe.)  Then when I had the chance to vote for Obama as my representative in the Senate, I was overwhelmed and overcome.  A politician that I really believed in and agreed with on so many points was now representing *me* in our government.  Democracy in action -- truly.

I almost didn't dare hope that he would run for president.  It was too much -- too good to be true!  And now that is exactly what is happening.  Pinch me!

The old excitement is bubbling back up!  Thank goodness the battle for the nomination is behind us -- the presidential election should be a breeze in comparison!

"This is the Land Of Lincoln where people believe in God."

No, Rep. Davis, not everyone in Illinois believes in God.  In fact, I find your comments --

This is the Land of Lincoln. This is the Land of Lincoln  where people believe in God, where people believe in protecting their children.… What you have to spew and spread is extremely dangerous, it’s dangerous--
. . .
It’s dangerous to the progression of this state. And it’s dangerous for our children to even know that your philosophy exists!

offensive -- quite offensive. 

Time to Vote!

Yes, it's super Tuesday and I'm ridiculously excited to vote!  Now this has been a long time coming, let me tell you.  When I turned 18, I didn't run out and register to vote.  In fact, I don't remember when I finally did, but it probably wasn't until I was out of college.  I think our educational system does a terrible job of imparting the importance of this action to our children. 

As you can see, I'm voting for Barack Obama.  That I'd vote Democrat was a given -- I'm a proud Democrat despite believing in many of the original ideals of the Republican party -- that pull yourself up by your bootstraps mentality that got lost somewhere.  Now I see the Democratic party as my only hope for many things that I find important, such as peace, prosperity and a healthier environment. 

Why Barack? Well, I can't say that there is all that much to differentiate him from Hillary Clinton.  They agree on so many of the issues that I think either would be good at the job.  However, at this point in our history, I think we need a leader -- someone to inspire us again in the greatness of our country.  I believe Barack has that gift.  Just the thought of him winning the presidential election brings tears to my eyes.  He personifies hope to me.  Hope that this country can be mended, unified and will once again stand tall as the leader of the world. 

No matter what you believe, use your power.  Believe me, for many it was hard won -- so don't take the opportunity lightly.  Go Vote!