SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND GREAT MINDS AT WORK!

 

We all have a need for guiding images, be they folks who are living or have died, a favorite tree or mountain, something that helps us make wiser choices as we go about our lives.  Listening last night to Bill Moyer on Charlie Rose, I realize these two are keeping alive the art of meaningful dialogue, discussing issues that matter and are too often ignored by mainstream media or politics. 

            They spoke of how we are all in a lottery, and some, like the two of them, have been lucky to find work they are passionate about, that supports their drive to make a difference in people’s lives.  Charlie spoke of Bill’s long career of being a whistle-blower, one who can be humble and a great reader and listener, and he can express his outrage with decisions that have undermined labor, undermined the middle class and the poor in the past 30 years.  Young adults under 30 in America have even a tougher time finding hope & viable work than the generation before them.  Democracy is a matter of balance, and now we have a monopoly of power that is totally unacceptable.  Too many folks have no health care, no stability in their work life or acceptable wages, no hope of owning a home or saving for retirement.

            Bill said we could start with raising the minimum wage to $15/hour.  This won’t happen when Congress is so controlled by mostly men who have shockingly little empathy with the plight of most Americans who work hard, and still cannot make a sustainable living.  Charlie asked Bill why he remains a journalist when he could have more power in the political arena, and Bill said he loves his work, and he doesn’t consider the life of a politician as necessarily one of being more effective in promoting changes we need to be more in balance.   They had fun and humor discussing truly serious issues of our  times.  Both spoke to the power of film to evoke empathy and get beyond the lies and propaganda.  Tonight on Frontline is the story of Two Families, a story by Bill Moyers of two families struggling to survive, and the challenges they’ve faced squarely, with integrity and not always with success.

        In  the lottery of life, some among us have faced too many adversities that have undermined our health , our financial stability, our well-being,  and our hopes for a bright future.  As we age, we do need comforts and security that many of our elder citizens do not have.  We do need a return of a collective sense of obligation and concern for those less fortunate.  The greed and corruption that have bolstered the finances of those profiting on Wall Street have now bought the loyalties of most of our political leaders, and this has to change if we are to be a true democracy. 

            Yes, the news is full of craziness, injustice, violence, and it is a breath of fresh air to be able to watch such high caliber journalism, still alive and vibrant!  Seek voices of curiosity, intelligence, and the wisdom only possible  with a wealth of experience like these two have, and you can still find it!  What a blessing they’ve not been silenced on our airways!

BYGONE ASHLAND 4TH OF JULYS

This year Meagan will celebrate completing her first year in Santiago, Chile, a year of much growth and adventure, and landing a  good job with the Chilean government.  Her twin sister, Lara, just moved to Pasadena, California, where she hopes to have more social life while continuing her new job with the alumnae office of Scripps College.
    When the girls were one, and for many years thereafter, they came with their parents Warren and Linda to Ashland over the 4th of July.  We'd gather in my home on Liberty Street, and it was an easy walk to the parade.  My mom was often here to see her granddaughters, and that first year she brought a great inflatable raft that the girls could go in as a mini-pool,  for the weather was hot.
It was lovely to see them in their striped red & white and blue & white dresses, and their great curiosity watching the parade.  Afternoon was rest up and nap time for us all, and in all likelihood, my mom brought some of the goodies for lunch.  So the girls got to better know me, their birthmom, and their Grandma Jeanette.  Several years their parents went to a Shakespeare play in the evening, and I got to read stories and put the girls to bed, then they'd gather them asleep to take them back to their motel.  Neal was usually off with his friends for the day, as he was entering his teens, and hanging out with me wasn't so cool.  Happy memories, and now they are both 26, and very much living their adult lives with new friends.  We stay in touch on Facebook, or the occasional letter or phone call.  This tradition of gathering over the 4th was a highlight in my year!
     Last year I saw Meagan for an afternoon at a Briscoe Fair, where we watched Jeff play with his salsa band, and the three of us shared lunch at Wileys.  Within two weeks, she'd moved from Eugene to Santiago, living with Jaime, her devoted Chilean boyfriend who had been courting her for years.
     I have had some 4th of July's completely alone in recent years, but this year I hope to check out Lithia Park with a friend (during the parade time), maybe have a quick trip to the mountains with Jeff if we both have the energy in this week of temperatures over 100 degrees.  A caregiver helped me make a jasmine rice with shredded carrots, ginger, onions and mushrooms for a potluck with new friends.  By eight I'll be home to watch the PBS 4th of July!
   It is a great time to be with loved ones when possible, or hang out with local friends without overdoing it.  Given the heat, I'll have along water, a good hat, sunscreen and my walker so I have my own "seat" if the park is crowded.  The parade without a seat in the shade is just too much for my aging body!
   The 4th is about celebrating and being proud of the freedoms we do have far more than many nations; yes, we have miles to go for true justice and equality, but starting with wild parades in our summers living near Crested Butte, Colorado, the 4th has been special for a long time, and it was my Grandma Dorr's birthday, too!