Washington Post Interview with Solis

Here is a link to today's Washington Post interview with Labor Secretary Hilda Solis.

Solis Interview

The AFL-CIO is psyched about her pushing the Employee Free Choice Act, but I worry that workers already feel too defeated to move on that issue. I was also not aware that the federal minimum wage is now being raised to $7.25. How can anyone raise a family on $7.25 an hour? We are leaving an entire socioeconomic class behind in this country, all to save the DOW.

Field trip to the Appalachian Trail???

Why don't more of our politicians go missing in the Appalachians? I know a few Illinois boys who could use the time off.

I wrote Roland Burris a letter regarding the stimulus package, unemployment in Rockford and the tea party trend. I just got this email back from him. If you're going to send out an automated response, why wait two months to send it? Also, what is Burris doing? I saw him on CSPAN the other day. When he speaks I am utterly embarrassed to live in Illinois. His questions and statements reflect how absolutely over his head the man is. He shows no initiative and he has yet to do anything worth engraving on a mausoleum. Anyhow, here's a copy of the letter. I met the man soon after his appointment. He comes off deprecatory and mild-mannered but he treats his senate seat like the prize in a contest, not a job.


Dear Sara,

Already, I have worked with my Senate colleagues in Washington to enact legislation that will reinforce the foundations of Illinois. The passage of the stimulus package will create jobs and fix our ailing infrastructure. Along with Senator Joe Lieberman, I have introduced the Enhanced Oversight of State and Local Economic Recovery Act (S. 1064) to provide oversight for activities conducted with money from these stimulus funds. This year we have expanded healthcare coverage for children and pushed for equal pay for working women. The Senate has also taken on special interests to make credit card agreements fair, passed the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act (S. 896) to help stem foreclosures, and the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act (S. 454) to streamline defense acquisition and save the American people money.

Along with President Obama, I hope to help fix our broken healthcare system, push to give our children education for their future, and rebuild our weakened economy. We hope to act on comprehensive immigration reform, create green jobs through alternative energy, and support our troops fighting overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan even as we work to bring them home.

Finally, I want to apologize for the delay in my response. I receive an average of 10,000 letters and emails per week from my Illinois constituents. I hope that you will continue to contact me in the future about other issues of concern to you.

It is an honor to serve as your Senator, and I look forward to working for you and our great state in the years ahead. I appreciate the benefit of your perspective, and I will consider your thoughts as they come to the floor of the Senate. If you need anything further, feel free to contact our office at (202)-224-2854.

Sincerely,

Roland W. Burris
United States Senator

Busy Week... Healthcare, Iran and S'mores, Rantings

It's been a busy week for me. The following three posts are really just poorly written rants. Comment. Argue with me. Just be nice about it. ;)

This week I discovered that you can make s'mores in the microwave. This is great news to me, because I have probably experienced an actual campfire only twice in the last ten years. Well, at least I thought this was great news. I suppose suddenly having a decadent option like S'mores readily available can be a bad thing. Plus, I learned that S'mores can be made with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Holy crap those are good. I'll post the recipe but please, only buy as many Peanut Butter Cups as you plan to eat in one sitting, as these little treats are addictive and pose a serious threat to your waist line.

To make the S'mores
Place one Reese's Peanut Butter Cup on one graham cracker. Place marshmallow on top of Cup and top with another graham cracker. Microwave for 25 seconds. Eat in private. (They're messy plus then no one will know how many you have had!)

Healthcare and Propaganda-Off the Cuff

Health-care. I have seen a lot of propaganda opposing any sort of state sponsored healthcare plan. I've heard it called socialism. I've heard it's going to negate any private health insurance. I've heard the government is going to make abortions mandatory. (Okay, I didn't hear that last one...) Guess what I'm saying is there's a lot of talk against this.

This is what I wonder about these ads, found on tv, radio and in print... Who funds these ads? We must always ask ourselves what filter is being used to parlay information. Propaganda can be powerful. I've seen it used in the healthcare debate, as well as the debate over the Employee Free Choice Act. I worry that EFCA may even die because of the massive ad campaign vilifying it, calling it "card check" and painting images of big mean union members threatening workers. Many times these ads scream lies and use scare tactics. People do this knowing that they can lie. If they are caught they will apologize quietly or dismiss some scapegoat and then start all over again. Volume is everything. The right is screaming, ranting and shooting. The silence of the left on these issues is deafening. Their silence is also debilitating. It's causing those who don't stay informed to go with the loudest voice. I personally worry that it's preventing and negating any progress on any issue.

Something to remember about propaganda is that it's only as valid as you make it. The Nazi's made it a matter of policy. Their minister of propaganda said something to the effect that one did not need truth or facts when one had good propaganda. Did the Nazi's make us wise to the frightening zombi mentality good propaganda can cultivate? Perhaps, or perhaps they merely taught some of our prominent officials and community leaders how to harness hysteria, i.e. the Iraq war.

Whatever one's opinion on this issue I just ask that any decision and any opinion be an informed one. I know that all I have to do is look at my own life experiences. I have insurance through my employer. I have to call a minimum of three people before I can see my doctor. When I finally get there I have to make sure we only discuss the issues I mentioned in my three minute phone call to the receptionist before I made the appointment. Discuss anything else and it may not be covered. I then have to pay what I think is my co-pay, but because it is constantly changing, I often get a bill for a couple more bucks. At least once a month I will get a letter from my insurance company asking me for all sorts of personal information... all meant to be used against me and my claims... all meant to save them money and leave me in the lurch.

I'm not saying that I'm not thankful for my health insurance. I meet people almost everyday who are one health catastrophe away from being "out of the game", so to speak. I simply want to argue against the many commercials and rants that claim so many Americans are thrilled with their current coverage and so many Americans will be forced to go with a different system. The people putting these ideas out there may be surprised to learn that many of us living and working in the real world are already in the position of constantly having to change our doctor because of our health insurance coverage. Many of us are already assaulted time and again with hidden fees and holes in our coverage. Many of us are already being left behind; no choices, no say, no information.

Information, Intellectuals and Iran...

What image comes to your mind when you picture an intellectual? Ever see Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade? I imagine an intellectual to look like Harrison Ford did in the beginning of the movie; blazer with leather patches on the elbows, glasses, disheveled hair, nervous mannerisms. When I think of an intellectual I think of someone who is too busy learning and studying to know what is happening around them. I imagine that they cannot be bothered with the mundane because they are too busy with the greater concept of self-education.

That person does not exist. If they do exist I hope and pray that I am not forced to spend anything longer than an elevator ride with them. I say this because this past month I have met, on three separate occasions, three people who are self-proclaimed intellectuals. Each of them stated to me that they consider themselves to be "an intellectual" and interested in politics and society. Each one of them claimed to not watch television. All of them claimed to have opinions but none of them shared these opinions because of their "concern" that those around them would not be able to comprehend and understand the discussion, (not being intellectuals and all.)

One woman really stands out in my mind. She actually made me kind of sad. After hearing her many proclamations of intellectualism and interest in politics I asked her one morning if she had been watching the crisis in Iran. I naturally assumed that anyone interested in politics and world events would surely be tethered to the TV, Internet or radio in the hopes of hearing anything about the possible world-changing events taking place there. No. She condescendingly claimed that no, she did not watch television. She tries never to turn on the idiot box. I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt so I said something to the effect of oh, yes, but I'm sure you've read about it in the paper, right? No. Radio? No. Oh, right! The Internet? No.

The woman claimed not to pay attention to any media because none of it was reliable. She tries to get her information by talking to the people around her. She gets her information by talking to her friends or her husband. So, four days into the protests in Iran- four days after the elections in Iran, I sat and explained to her why the country has cut off communication with the world. I explained to her why people are being murdered in the street. I explained to her why this is important to our US interests. I explained to her why she should even care.

Her ignorance on the issue is not what bothers me. I think it's perfectly understandable and excusable to not know about every world event. Who can keep up all the time, right? Many of my friends feel differently. Life is hard, especially now a days, and it's conceivable that many people are too busy with the simple act of living to think outside of their own district, let alone outside their country. I also have no problem with the people who entertain themselves with Britney Spears and "Spidey". Life is depressing for many and God forbid I begrudge them an escape into something glittery and exciting. My beef is with the people who condescend to those who don't follow world events. My problem is with people who claim themselves to be intellectuals but are, in essence, anti-intellectuals.

These anti-intellectuals love to engage in discussion. They claim to love discussing all matters of society and politics. Most of them have traveled the world and some of them can use a few big words and sound professorial. I find that when I usually meet someone who touts their intelligence they tend to look down on people who do not do the same. My experience as a blonde flight attendant has been that oftentimes these pseudo-intellects will dumb down their language for me or dismiss me, assuming I have nothing to offer on a topic. I suppose this egotistical attitude, wrought with condescension, would be excusable if they were truly in touch with the world around them, or, if they at least had the desire to be in touch with the world around them. It's one thing to avoid mass media because of a fear of bias or filter but to be willfully ignorant and claim intellectualism is simply a fraud.

Why limit yourself to the information the people around you may or not choose to provide you? I was astounded to her this woman, in her fifties, tell me that she relies on her husband for information on current events. In a world where some countries still forbid women the right to read I find it disgusting that a free, American woman is choosing to refuse that right and rely solely on her husband and friends for education. Knowledge is power and when surrender our will to learn to we surrender our freedom.

Another "intellectual" lives in my neighborhood. Those of you who follow my blog know that I care very deeply about my city and my community. I was born and raised in Rockford and the problems in Rockford of racial tension, poverty, unemployment, crime and stagnation are all very important to me. I want to know about what's happening around me, and I won't throw my hand in front of my face simply because others believe my town to be small and insignificant. The intellectual in my neighborhood claims not to follow anything in Rockford. He's too busy and he can't be bothered with these little problems. I would think that a true intellectual would want to learn as much as possible about everything around him. The bottom line for me is that it seems a true intellectual would not refuse information.

Life begins with education. It's how we obtain the most from the world around us! This comes from the classroom, the University, the people around us, the media, books and experience. One of the smartest, most insightful men I know is my father, and he has a GED! He bothers to learn. He doesn't think that he's above learning anything new. He's always taught us, my siblings and me, that we have something to offer, but also that we have much to learn. I hope never to call myself an "intellectual". I hope to always pay attention to the chaos that surrounds me because I know it effects me.

I make a warning to anyone taking the time to read... Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing. Some people thrive and essentially rely on misinformation. Beware that the intellectual you are speaking with, the one with the glasses and the elbow patches and the disheveled hair, may just be a character- a role, like that of Indiana Jones in the beginning of that movie. They may be enjoyable but they are not superior. A dear friend once told me that when you are right, you must stand up for yourself. Don't let anyone intimidate you... intellectual or not.

What's In a Name?

Reputation used to be everything. I was speaking to a landlord a while back about how difficult it is to find tenants now a days... mainly because it is a "renter's market" but also because bad credit has become a numbing but acceptable handicap among so many Americans. Having always been on the other end of the landlord/tenant situation I was interested to hear about his trouble filling open apartments with people who would be sure to fulfill their financial obligations. After hearing stories of women who stole air conditioners, potential sex offenders, bad pets and squatters the most surprising and sad quip ended up being about a young couple. They were in their twenties and after handing in their application the young man said "Well, you'll see that we have bad credit, but who doesn't now a days? You almost expect that, right?"

Why was this so sad? I suppose a lot of people do have bad credit in this, the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. I suppose a lot of people have lost jobs or fell victim to a major medical-financial crisis. Many Americans who were once living the coveted white picket fence life are now in shabby one bedroom apartments. So then why was this man's comment about the rampant spread of poor credit so sad? He was flippant about it. He was resigned to it. Moreover, his comment reflected a sense of apathy and surrender.

What is in a name? When I was a child I read a play called The Crucible. At the time I thought it was just a story about witches and puritans. It wasn't until I was an adult, visiting Salem, Mass. that I reread the play and learned that it was actually meant to respond to the madness and mass hysteria of the McCarthy hearings. The play was an indictment against ignorance, malicious prosecution and corrupt politicians. It was also a brilliant look into the subject of integrity.

One of the most poignant scenes of The Crucible is in Act IV, when the main character John Proctor begs and refuses to sign his name to a false confession. Signing would save his life. He would then avoid being hanged. As he puts pen to paper he realizes that he simply cannot. When asked why he would not sign he says "Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!"

A name used to mean something. Business's lasted for years under the credibility of names. That's where the whole concept of credit originated! The idea was that well, you can't pay now but your name is good and this bank backs you, so you can pay later. Remember checks? Almost no one writes them anymore. I remember as a child going to the supermarket and seeing bad checks posted on the register. There it was, ugly and red with ink and a Non-Sufficient Funds stamp; showing everyone in town the degenerate's name and address. Even as a child I thought this was so shameful. My fear of having my name associated with this scandal, with the red ink and blurry stamp, kept me from writing those bad checks as an adult.

This is not to say that bad things don't happen to good people. There's a lot of talk about second bathrooms and lavish spending. There's also a lot out there about the stock market, the housing market, the housing bubble, the hyperinflation of home values, the absolute loss of reason by the insurance industry, and all of that's valid. All of it contributed and somewhat caused our crisis. Accountability alone does not save us or get us ahead. Newspapers and news programs are filled with stories of people who are simply down and out because they are cursed with dealing with the mere burden of their own humanity. The simple act of living is not even cost-effective to some!

What do we make of them, those people who have absolutely hit rock-bottom? Are they allowed to indulge in self-pity and apathetically declare their name void of integrity? Not necessarily. Many homeless shelters ask the homeless to participate in something called "pride chores". These are small chores that help upkeep the shelter facility while allowing those asking for help to feel that they are giving back and in essence paying for their stay. This way they are not just taking a handout. They are not beggars. They keep their name and with it a dignified chore for a good night's sleep.

Man is nothing without work, and a man's name is nothing without the merit of labor. This is why we have the ability to build. It is truly, one of the greatest things that separates us from all other living things. It is sad then, that many have given up the idea of building a strong name for themselves. Integrity is everything. In death, those things we bought with credit cards, that house, that white picket fence; they all go. They are all divided up or sold. Our titles are assumed by those waiting in line to assume them. Our clothes become dust and our bodies turn to ash but our names are forever.

A name is the one and only permanent mark an individual can leave upon this Earth. It is etched into limestone or perhaps just logged into a book in a coroner's office. Regardless of when and where it was last spoken it exists, timeless, and with it exists all the notoriety, strength, fragility or character one chooses to bury beside it.