By Mary MacElveen
September 1, 2009
In a previous article where I lashed out at Bill O’Reilly of Fox News who opined this of the Shawn Hornbeck case: “You know the Stockholm syndrome thing, I don't buy it, I never bought it, I don't think it happened in the Patty Hearst Case. I don't think it happened here." One must ask what O’Reilly thinks of the present case before us where, Phillip Garrido allegedly kidnapped and raped Jaycee Lee Dugard over an eighteen year period, thereby producing two children from Dugard. I only say allegedly because the case against him has not been proven by a court of law where he has been convicted.
With no opinion coming from O’Reilly that I have heard, I will leave that aside, but broach a larger issue: Does releasing sex offenders from prison actually protect us as a society? I have written of this subject for years-and-years and have come to the opinion, the answer is an emphatic NO!
For eighteen years, Jaycee was held captive and where society did not come to her rescue. A monster by all definitions, kidnapped her, raped her and produced two offspring by her and it happened in plain sight. He should not have been released on parole to re-enter society especially when a former rape victim of his appeared on Larry King Live tonight. To hear her story, he was a threat to all women and now we learn a threat towards children.
Now police and FBI are investigating if he was tied to the deaths of other women and children? How this monster was released from prison in the first place, is something I cannot comprehend.
I have written editorials in the past challenging the effectiveness of Megan’s Law and according to Wikipedia came across this opinion: “A December 2008 study by Kristen Zgoba Ph.D., Philip Witt Ph.D., Melissa Dalessandro M.S.W., and Bonita Veysey Ph.D. found that Megan’s Law has no effect on community tenure (i.e., time to first re-arrest), showed no demonstrable effect in reducing sexual re-offenses, has no effect on the type of sexual re-offense or first time sexual offense (still largely child molestation/incest), and has no effect on reducing the number of victims involved in sexual offenses.” I fully concur as I have addressed this one issue for close to two decades.
In the same state, California where Jaycee was kidnapped and held prisoner for eighteen years, you will be alarmed to read this 2003 article published on SignOnSanDiego.com which reported: “The data show that the state does not know the whereabouts of at least 33,296 sex offenders, or 44 percent of the 76,350 who registered at least once. Many of these ex-cons haven't been heard from since.” I once reported of this high number on my former blog which is no longer online.
You will be shocked to read: "No one knows how many of these missing sex offenders have struck again. But nationally, 52 percent of rapists are arrested for new crimes within three years of leaving prison, according to the U.S. Justice Department." The question begs: Why aren't sentences longer if not life for these heinous crimes instead of releasing them back into the community? We are simply not prepared as a society to deal with these predator/monsters. The reason is that those who commit these heinous crimes will often do it again. Rape especially the rape of a child has a high recidivist rate. I cannot fathom how they are released back into society.
When they are released and I have addressed this as well: What training do we as a society have in order to deal with these predators? No one saw the signs that Jaycee was being held captive. As I have said before and for years, it is the judicial system's abdication of their responsibility to protect society, namely our children.
I am thankful that Jaycee was found alive along with her two children and they will need years of therapy and at present deprogramming to recover from the years of abuse at the hands of the Garrido’s. Let us not forget, he along with his wife Nancy held these children prisoners yet no one picked up on it. Both the judicial system and society failed these children.
As I have written of in earlier pieces, there are children who have been murdered at the hands of registered sex offenders. So, what good is Megan’s Law any way when children have been raped and killed at the hands of these monsters?
One case that had the hairs standing up in the back of my neck was the case of Jessica Marie Lunsford; a nine year-old girl killed at the hands of a registered sex offender, John Evander Couey. I cannot even fathom her last moments on Earth as this monster raped her and then killed her. Talk about the ultimate terror.
In reading where, "Police found the body of Jessica Lunsford buried in a shallow grave under the back porch of a mobile home less than 150 yards from her home on March 18, 2005, a day after a convicted sex offender told authorities that he had killed the nine-year-old." when it happened, I was sickened beyond belief and angry at our judicial system for allowing such a monster out of prison, only to kill this precious child. This could have very well been Jaycee. There are others like Lunsford killed at the hands of registered and convicted sex offenders, yet it boggles the mind that they walk amongst us to target children.
In society, people think that having sex offenders registered is the answer and if anything this latest case where no one picked up on the fact that children were being held against their will proved no one was paying attention.
I would like to ask my readers, whom amongst you actually go searching on the Internet for pedophiles living in your area? Whom among you actually read post cards mailed to you by your school districts alerting you who is a registered sex offender in your community? If you have not, this case should not horrify you since you too have not been paying attention.
How many more victims like Jaycee are being held against their will in our communities till we finally get it that Megan’s law and early release of sexual predators is NOT the answer? If a predator is convicted of rape, especially the rape of a child, they should be locked up for life. No, ifs ands or buts. Let the prison system take care of them since the community where Jaycee was being held against her will failed her.
In closing, it is my hope that Jaycee heals as well as her children. I wish them a peaceful life since they fully deserve it. I would like to thank the two officers who did pay attention and finally rescued them from their hell on Earth.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
Copyrighted material: Should you wish to use any portion of this column, please email the author.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Good bye, Senator Edward M. Kennedy: Be at peace and rest
By Mary MacElveen
August 30, 2009
Last year after attending a friend’s funeral, I wrote a personal narrative of the end of his life’s story to be shared with friends and the family left behind. In part, I wrote: “if the amount of people showing up for one's funeral was truly a measurement of how they loved and affected so many, Tim's funeral tipped the scales. The church was filled with so many people that came to know Tim and came to know his love for all of us. In his short life, he touched so many with his larger than life persona and I feel truly blessed to be one amongst so many.”
While my friend died at the age of 50 and Senator Edward M. Kennedy died at the age of 77, both men loved life fiercely and were larger than life. As the media interviewed those who knew Kennedy, they spoke of his thunderous laugh, my friend Tim also had a similar laugh.
In watching the full coverage via MSNBC where Senator Kennedy’s casket moved from Hyannis Port to the JFK Library, the throngs of people who came to show their respect for him truly was remarkable. As they gathered on the streets of Hyannis, the highways to Boston and the city streets of Boston, it was breath taking. I sat fixated watching the mournful and thankful faces of those he served so well. To see them lined up three-deep to wait for hours to say their final good byes, their thanks and say their final prayers, it was riveting.
In between meeting up again with past members of his family who went before him, I am most assured he was smiling down from the heavens above. One can almost hear his befallen brothers, Joe, Jack and Bobby saying: “You fulfilled your destiny in the service of mankind. Now rest my brother.”
To hear the different stories told at his Irish wake of a public memorial service where we got to know more about Teddy was simply remarkable and where we gained an insight into his personal life in the senate. I have to say that my favorite testimonial came from Senator Orrin Hatch. In a time of grief and mourning his brought thunderous laugh. Being Irish myself, it is the very make up of an Irish wake.
I did not know that the funeral mass would be televised, but I am thankful to whoever decided it should be. My guess it was the Kennedy family itself. We who loved him also got to attend it from afar. I truly believe that as it rained, they were tears of a nation pouring down on the city of Boston, a city he so loved. To see throngs of people gathered in that working class neighborhood who could not view the mass, but came none the less was a tribute to his life’s work on behalf of the poor and powerless.
As Teddy Kennedy Jr. recounted his amputation due to leg cancer, I do remember writing him at that time how sorry I was and my hopes for his quick recovery. I cried when he brought that up for another reason than the one he so beautifully expressed. After writing that note to him, I received one back from Teddy Kennedy Jr. thanking me in his personal handwriting. As a young teenager, I was simply floored and humbled that he took the time out to write me. It became my connection to the Kennedy family and how I wish I could find that note today. Even without the tangible proof in hand, it is the very memory of opening up that letter to me, I will take with me as I live out the rest of my days.
I thought that would be the last viewing of his final send off into the heavens above, but was awestruck as his coffin made a stop in front of The Capitol. To see so many people standing patiently to say their final good bye was a tribute to a great man. A man who was much larger than politics itself, but a man of the people. To hear them cheer and clap and say thank you is a testament to such a leader.
As he made his way to be in the company of his brothers, Jack and Bobby, it was suitable it happened as the sun set and where cameras could not capture each and every moment of a family’s good bye to a dearly departed. After all, burial services are more for the family. Perhaps after decades of losing family members, they needed their privacy to grieve without the American people being a part of it. This family after all gave so much to us.
In viewing all of the ceremonies that paid tribute to such a wonderful man and leader, I gathered my children for the most important parts. I felt it was history and remembered how Senator Kennedy’s niece Caroline stated he was now a part of history.
While an empty hole has been left in the senate, it is my hope that the other 99 senators take into account the thousands and thousands who came out on days that were hot and humid to a day filled with torrential rainfall to know how one man touched a people. It is my hope they can ask of themselves will that many show up for my funeral should I die quickly or after a lengthy illness?
Here is my personal opinion, if consistently saying no to getting the people’s business done such as health care for every single American citizen, the answer will be no. Do what Teddy did, get what you can now to cover some and keep on coming back to include more and more until each and every American is covered. After all, through our taxes each and every one of you are covered.
In closing, my heart aches tonight as Senator Edward M. Kennedy has left us all. I sat transfixed to listen to each and every account of his life by so many including the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, his family, friends, colleagues in the senate and local government. If I could add to the mix, I would say thank you on behalf of a grateful nation, Senator Kennedy. You did good! As a New Yorker, you were my senator. Be at peace and rest.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
August 30, 2009
Last year after attending a friend’s funeral, I wrote a personal narrative of the end of his life’s story to be shared with friends and the family left behind. In part, I wrote: “if the amount of people showing up for one's funeral was truly a measurement of how they loved and affected so many, Tim's funeral tipped the scales. The church was filled with so many people that came to know Tim and came to know his love for all of us. In his short life, he touched so many with his larger than life persona and I feel truly blessed to be one amongst so many.”
While my friend died at the age of 50 and Senator Edward M. Kennedy died at the age of 77, both men loved life fiercely and were larger than life. As the media interviewed those who knew Kennedy, they spoke of his thunderous laugh, my friend Tim also had a similar laugh.
In watching the full coverage via MSNBC where Senator Kennedy’s casket moved from Hyannis Port to the JFK Library, the throngs of people who came to show their respect for him truly was remarkable. As they gathered on the streets of Hyannis, the highways to Boston and the city streets of Boston, it was breath taking. I sat fixated watching the mournful and thankful faces of those he served so well. To see them lined up three-deep to wait for hours to say their final good byes, their thanks and say their final prayers, it was riveting.
In between meeting up again with past members of his family who went before him, I am most assured he was smiling down from the heavens above. One can almost hear his befallen brothers, Joe, Jack and Bobby saying: “You fulfilled your destiny in the service of mankind. Now rest my brother.”
To hear the different stories told at his Irish wake of a public memorial service where we got to know more about Teddy was simply remarkable and where we gained an insight into his personal life in the senate. I have to say that my favorite testimonial came from Senator Orrin Hatch. In a time of grief and mourning his brought thunderous laugh. Being Irish myself, it is the very make up of an Irish wake.
I did not know that the funeral mass would be televised, but I am thankful to whoever decided it should be. My guess it was the Kennedy family itself. We who loved him also got to attend it from afar. I truly believe that as it rained, they were tears of a nation pouring down on the city of Boston, a city he so loved. To see throngs of people gathered in that working class neighborhood who could not view the mass, but came none the less was a tribute to his life’s work on behalf of the poor and powerless.
As Teddy Kennedy Jr. recounted his amputation due to leg cancer, I do remember writing him at that time how sorry I was and my hopes for his quick recovery. I cried when he brought that up for another reason than the one he so beautifully expressed. After writing that note to him, I received one back from Teddy Kennedy Jr. thanking me in his personal handwriting. As a young teenager, I was simply floored and humbled that he took the time out to write me. It became my connection to the Kennedy family and how I wish I could find that note today. Even without the tangible proof in hand, it is the very memory of opening up that letter to me, I will take with me as I live out the rest of my days.
I thought that would be the last viewing of his final send off into the heavens above, but was awestruck as his coffin made a stop in front of The Capitol. To see so many people standing patiently to say their final good bye was a tribute to a great man. A man who was much larger than politics itself, but a man of the people. To hear them cheer and clap and say thank you is a testament to such a leader.
As he made his way to be in the company of his brothers, Jack and Bobby, it was suitable it happened as the sun set and where cameras could not capture each and every moment of a family’s good bye to a dearly departed. After all, burial services are more for the family. Perhaps after decades of losing family members, they needed their privacy to grieve without the American people being a part of it. This family after all gave so much to us.
In viewing all of the ceremonies that paid tribute to such a wonderful man and leader, I gathered my children for the most important parts. I felt it was history and remembered how Senator Kennedy’s niece Caroline stated he was now a part of history.
While an empty hole has been left in the senate, it is my hope that the other 99 senators take into account the thousands and thousands who came out on days that were hot and humid to a day filled with torrential rainfall to know how one man touched a people. It is my hope they can ask of themselves will that many show up for my funeral should I die quickly or after a lengthy illness?
Here is my personal opinion, if consistently saying no to getting the people’s business done such as health care for every single American citizen, the answer will be no. Do what Teddy did, get what you can now to cover some and keep on coming back to include more and more until each and every American is covered. After all, through our taxes each and every one of you are covered.
In closing, my heart aches tonight as Senator Edward M. Kennedy has left us all. I sat transfixed to listen to each and every account of his life by so many including the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, his family, friends, colleagues in the senate and local government. If I could add to the mix, I would say thank you on behalf of a grateful nation, Senator Kennedy. You did good! As a New Yorker, you were my senator. Be at peace and rest.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
Friday, August 28, 2009
Hear the Liberal lion’s roar and get healthcare passed
By Mary MacElveen
August 28, 2009
While some conservatives are crying foul that people will exploit the passing of a great senator in Senator Edward M. Kennedy. In my humble opinion we who believed as he did that every person mattered in this country are celebrating his beliefs. Yes, his liberal beliefs.
To these conservatives: are we to drop his charge to us all to finally deliver healthcare for each and every American? Nonsense I say. Note to conservative Americans, Senator Ted Kennedy even wanted you to benefit, so you would never have to worry about going to the doctor, being hospitalized or taking your next dose of medicine.
Senator Kennedy along with Senator Orin Hatch even sponsored the SCHIP program to insure America’s children, including those born to conservatives. It was none-other than former President George W. Bush who vetoed its expansion. Coming to the aid of America’s children was President Barack Obama who signed it into law.
If you are a poor conservative whose child is covered under this program, you have Senator Ted Kennedy to thank.
To conservatives who believe that a government run healthcare system would include a ‘death panel’, again, I say nonsense. Just look at how private insurance agencies who profit will at times deny claim benefits to realize that they are truly the active ‘death panel’.
Question to be asked is: How many Americans who are presently covered by private insurers have died when their coverage does not pay for their needed care? Many CEOs of these private insurance companies make millions of dollars per-year.
Sean Hannity warned: “Remember Paul Wellstone's death? You know, 'Let's do everything for Paul.' And we're now being implored to get behind Obamacare because it's what Ted Kennedy would have wanted,” First of all when Wellstone died, it was a different time with conservative Republicans in charge. So there was very little any of us who believed like Paul did could do at that time. We were simply outnumbered and out of power.
Today, it is a different story and yes elections have consequences which means that the Republicans were rejected in the past election. Americans wanted a new course and it is up to our Democratic leaders to deliver, even if it means going it alone. Make the case to the American people. 47 million Americans who presently go without are depending upon such leadership.
Senator Ted Kennedy's life-long passion while serving in the senate was healthcare for everyone, but I do not remember him using the term 'Obamacare'. He was championing this cause when the president was a child.
The late senator was often referred to as the 'Liberal-lion' of the senate and lions are not timid. I do not think he would think less of anyone pushing his dream forward to finally deliver healthcare for all Americans in the wake of his death. I do not think he would think this final push to get it done as politicizing his death. The roar of the lion screams out to all of us to put the spines back in our back and to confront these racist fear mongers at these divisive town hall meetings.
In the below piece I wrote after Senator Paul Wellstone's death, I wrote: "If you are a liberal, stand up and proudly say, "Yes I am! So what?" Paul did." Let us go forward to help realize the senator's dream and make it our reality. The vulnerable of this country are dependent on we liberals to do so.
To Senator Edward M. Kennedy, I want to thank you for 47 years of service to God and country. It will be hard to find another senator like you, but then again, no one can fill the big shoes you left behind. All they can do is to measure up and lead a charge that all Americans deserve quality healthcare.
I will leave you to read my celebratory piece written after the death of Senator Paul Wellstone who too was one of America’s greatest senators in our lifetime. It is my hope that you see a similarity between the two late and great senators.
The Night We Celebrated Liberalism: The Paul Wellstone Legacy Ignited
By Mary MacElveen
Oct 31, 2002
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines a liberal as "one who is open-minded or not strict in the observance of orthodox, traditional, or established forms or ways," and "an advocate or adherent of liberalism especially in individual rights."
Synonyms for liberal listed in the Merriam Webster Thesaurus include: free, generous, munificent, openhanded, and unsparing. They cite these related words: advanced, broad-minded, progressive, radical, tolerant, exuberant, prodigal, benevolent, charitable, and philanthropic.
Here are some of the contrasted words listed: rigid, miserly, stingy, tight, tightfisted; meager, scanty, dictatorial, doctrinaire, dogmatic, oracular; conservative and reactionary.
For far too long, we in the Democratic Party have lost our way. We have forgotten our roots. I hope that through the death of Senator Paul Wellstone, his wife, his daughter, and staffers, we find our way back to our core beliefs. If we truly love Senator Wellstone's political and more importantly his personal beliefs, then we owe it to him and his memory to carry on the torch of liberalism, with our heads held high. That is what he and other liberal leaders such as John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. would have expected us to do.
In many campaigns our candidates are vilified for being liberals, and frankly this tactic is where we have to grab the bull by the horns and connect with everyone out there, that being a liberal is not a bad thing. It's something to be celebrated and embraced. After all, the term liberal comes from the root word liberty. Something that has been lost in this country for a very long time. Liberty for every man, woman and child. No matter, their walk or way of life.
When Senator Tom Harkin shouted over and over to the thousands gathered at Senator Wellstone's memorial service, that Paul was a real "DFL liberal" The emphasis was on liberal. And by his statement it was a badge of honor to be worn and celebrated. He kept chanting on and on and with more reverberation coming from the thousands there, liberal became, LIBERAL!
That to me, is what Senator Paul Wellstone's true legacy is all about.Senator Wellstone's definition of liberal is where everyone matters. He refuted the big money and political influence in Washington and back home in Minnesota, and in this day and age, that is something to be celebrated not vilified by those who choose to do so.
Living in New York, I can tell you that Senator Wellstone was my senator too. Because the votes he cast in the senate were representative of my beliefs, and championed the liberal cause. When people are elected to the office of senate, their constituents are from all walks of life and from every corner of this great land of ours.
Yes, even conservative senators are your senators as well, because their votes effect the direction that this country will go. When a vote by them goes against yours, it is up to you to contact them, and demand better leadership. Liberal leadership.
Senator Wellstone would have challenged all of us to do so. We are the people, and our power does matter. That was his legacy. The powerless over the powerful. Perhaps with Paul's heavenly guidance, we the people can become the powerful and take back our country from those who have polluted our American way.
When the numerous speakers talked about his life, and the life of his wife, daughter and staffers, they did so eloquently and joyously. Paul and those that perished on that flight were shown for who they truly were. They were champions of the people. We must never forget that. They were not the villains’ as those on the right wing would have us believe. They were you and me. Raising our children, working within our communities, coaching wrestling teams, cheering their children on at soccer matches, going to work and being upstanding citizens in our country. Isn't that what America is all about? Leading good and productive lives even in the face of adversity?Paul most certainly did and died with his liberal beliefs intact -- not compromised. That is to be celebrated, and one we must not run from even in the face of adversity. If you are a liberal, stand up and proudly say, "Yes I am! So what?" Paul did.
It is up to all of us in these last days of this election to reclaim the true meaning of liberalism and honor Paul by doing so. We must do so for Paul and the countless people within our country who have not been represented in Washington.
As I watched the broadcast, there to be seen were many notable Democrats present, such as Bill and Hillary Clinton, Al and Tipper Gore, Tom Daschle, Terry McAuliffe, Edward Kennedy and many more. But, the camera also caught the many faces of those less notable, and the very people Paul represented to the best of his ability. People like you and me.
Senator Wellstone, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being here, leading us and truly doing God's work here on Earth. You truly listened. I think had God been a senator, he would have been a liberal one at that.Let’s do it for Paul!
Author’s email address is xmjmac@optonline.net
Copyrighted material: Should you wish to use any portion of this column, please email the author for permission.
August 28, 2009
While some conservatives are crying foul that people will exploit the passing of a great senator in Senator Edward M. Kennedy. In my humble opinion we who believed as he did that every person mattered in this country are celebrating his beliefs. Yes, his liberal beliefs.
To these conservatives: are we to drop his charge to us all to finally deliver healthcare for each and every American? Nonsense I say. Note to conservative Americans, Senator Ted Kennedy even wanted you to benefit, so you would never have to worry about going to the doctor, being hospitalized or taking your next dose of medicine.
Senator Kennedy along with Senator Orin Hatch even sponsored the SCHIP program to insure America’s children, including those born to conservatives. It was none-other than former President George W. Bush who vetoed its expansion. Coming to the aid of America’s children was President Barack Obama who signed it into law.
If you are a poor conservative whose child is covered under this program, you have Senator Ted Kennedy to thank.
To conservatives who believe that a government run healthcare system would include a ‘death panel’, again, I say nonsense. Just look at how private insurance agencies who profit will at times deny claim benefits to realize that they are truly the active ‘death panel’.
Question to be asked is: How many Americans who are presently covered by private insurers have died when their coverage does not pay for their needed care? Many CEOs of these private insurance companies make millions of dollars per-year.
Sean Hannity warned: “Remember Paul Wellstone's death? You know, 'Let's do everything for Paul.' And we're now being implored to get behind Obamacare because it's what Ted Kennedy would have wanted,” First of all when Wellstone died, it was a different time with conservative Republicans in charge. So there was very little any of us who believed like Paul did could do at that time. We were simply outnumbered and out of power.
Today, it is a different story and yes elections have consequences which means that the Republicans were rejected in the past election. Americans wanted a new course and it is up to our Democratic leaders to deliver, even if it means going it alone. Make the case to the American people. 47 million Americans who presently go without are depending upon such leadership.
Senator Ted Kennedy's life-long passion while serving in the senate was healthcare for everyone, but I do not remember him using the term 'Obamacare'. He was championing this cause when the president was a child.
The late senator was often referred to as the 'Liberal-lion' of the senate and lions are not timid. I do not think he would think less of anyone pushing his dream forward to finally deliver healthcare for all Americans in the wake of his death. I do not think he would think this final push to get it done as politicizing his death. The roar of the lion screams out to all of us to put the spines back in our back and to confront these racist fear mongers at these divisive town hall meetings.
In the below piece I wrote after Senator Paul Wellstone's death, I wrote: "If you are a liberal, stand up and proudly say, "Yes I am! So what?" Paul did." Let us go forward to help realize the senator's dream and make it our reality. The vulnerable of this country are dependent on we liberals to do so.
To Senator Edward M. Kennedy, I want to thank you for 47 years of service to God and country. It will be hard to find another senator like you, but then again, no one can fill the big shoes you left behind. All they can do is to measure up and lead a charge that all Americans deserve quality healthcare.
I will leave you to read my celebratory piece written after the death of Senator Paul Wellstone who too was one of America’s greatest senators in our lifetime. It is my hope that you see a similarity between the two late and great senators.
The Night We Celebrated Liberalism: The Paul Wellstone Legacy Ignited
By Mary MacElveen
Oct 31, 2002
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines a liberal as "one who is open-minded or not strict in the observance of orthodox, traditional, or established forms or ways," and "an advocate or adherent of liberalism especially in individual rights."
Synonyms for liberal listed in the Merriam Webster Thesaurus include: free, generous, munificent, openhanded, and unsparing. They cite these related words: advanced, broad-minded, progressive, radical, tolerant, exuberant, prodigal, benevolent, charitable, and philanthropic.
Here are some of the contrasted words listed: rigid, miserly, stingy, tight, tightfisted; meager, scanty, dictatorial, doctrinaire, dogmatic, oracular; conservative and reactionary.
For far too long, we in the Democratic Party have lost our way. We have forgotten our roots. I hope that through the death of Senator Paul Wellstone, his wife, his daughter, and staffers, we find our way back to our core beliefs. If we truly love Senator Wellstone's political and more importantly his personal beliefs, then we owe it to him and his memory to carry on the torch of liberalism, with our heads held high. That is what he and other liberal leaders such as John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. would have expected us to do.
In many campaigns our candidates are vilified for being liberals, and frankly this tactic is where we have to grab the bull by the horns and connect with everyone out there, that being a liberal is not a bad thing. It's something to be celebrated and embraced. After all, the term liberal comes from the root word liberty. Something that has been lost in this country for a very long time. Liberty for every man, woman and child. No matter, their walk or way of life.
When Senator Tom Harkin shouted over and over to the thousands gathered at Senator Wellstone's memorial service, that Paul was a real "DFL liberal" The emphasis was on liberal. And by his statement it was a badge of honor to be worn and celebrated. He kept chanting on and on and with more reverberation coming from the thousands there, liberal became, LIBERAL!
That to me, is what Senator Paul Wellstone's true legacy is all about.Senator Wellstone's definition of liberal is where everyone matters. He refuted the big money and political influence in Washington and back home in Minnesota, and in this day and age, that is something to be celebrated not vilified by those who choose to do so.
Living in New York, I can tell you that Senator Wellstone was my senator too. Because the votes he cast in the senate were representative of my beliefs, and championed the liberal cause. When people are elected to the office of senate, their constituents are from all walks of life and from every corner of this great land of ours.
Yes, even conservative senators are your senators as well, because their votes effect the direction that this country will go. When a vote by them goes against yours, it is up to you to contact them, and demand better leadership. Liberal leadership.
Senator Wellstone would have challenged all of us to do so. We are the people, and our power does matter. That was his legacy. The powerless over the powerful. Perhaps with Paul's heavenly guidance, we the people can become the powerful and take back our country from those who have polluted our American way.
When the numerous speakers talked about his life, and the life of his wife, daughter and staffers, they did so eloquently and joyously. Paul and those that perished on that flight were shown for who they truly were. They were champions of the people. We must never forget that. They were not the villains’ as those on the right wing would have us believe. They were you and me. Raising our children, working within our communities, coaching wrestling teams, cheering their children on at soccer matches, going to work and being upstanding citizens in our country. Isn't that what America is all about? Leading good and productive lives even in the face of adversity?Paul most certainly did and died with his liberal beliefs intact -- not compromised. That is to be celebrated, and one we must not run from even in the face of adversity. If you are a liberal, stand up and proudly say, "Yes I am! So what?" Paul did.
It is up to all of us in these last days of this election to reclaim the true meaning of liberalism and honor Paul by doing so. We must do so for Paul and the countless people within our country who have not been represented in Washington.
As I watched the broadcast, there to be seen were many notable Democrats present, such as Bill and Hillary Clinton, Al and Tipper Gore, Tom Daschle, Terry McAuliffe, Edward Kennedy and many more. But, the camera also caught the many faces of those less notable, and the very people Paul represented to the best of his ability. People like you and me.
Senator Wellstone, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being here, leading us and truly doing God's work here on Earth. You truly listened. I think had God been a senator, he would have been a liberal one at that.Let’s do it for Paul!
Author’s email address is xmjmac@optonline.net
Copyrighted material: Should you wish to use any portion of this column, please email the author for permission.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
I cannot forgive, Michael Vick who profited off of death
By Mary MacElveen
August 16, 2009
Like man’s best friend, I have been known through my many columns to stick to a subject akin to a dog chewing on an old bone. I do so because an issue has reached out to me and I just cannot let it go.
With that said, one person who read my article concerning the Philadelphia Flyers signing Michael Vick wrote this email to me: “I understand your feelings for the lives of the animals. But Vick did not kill a human being. God says, "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone". If God forgives you & I, why can't you forgive Michael Vick? It has been said that "dog is man's best friend", but believe that "man should be man's best friend". What do you think about the dog pounds that kill animals everyday?”
So, in this subsequent column, I would like to reach out to this reader and commenter. No, Vick did not kill a human being, but he still bank-rolled the killing of one of God’s creatures through dog-fighting and for that, I cannot forgive him in watching feed-after-feed of this horrendous blood-sport if one can call it a sport. To me, it is inhumane torture at its finest and worst.
While I may have my own sins to contend with, I have never, ever killed another human being or animal. Nor have I profited off of the killing of human being and animal alike.
Throughout history, man has failed at being man’s best friend either through greed, war, lust and other examples to numerous to list.
I cannot forgive anyone who profits off of the deaths of both man and animal alike and that has been my stance throughout these years as I have written of war. If I can call Bush a butcher for the senseless killings of innocent human beings, namely Iraqis, I can surely call Vick one for the senseless killings of dogs. To me, both profited off of death. I have seen the flesh ripped off of both human and animal alike and it sickens me to death.
The reader asked of me: “What do you think about the dog pounds that kill animals everyday?” My first response is that you cannot even compare the two. In these harsh economic times, many people facing foreclosure are forced to sign their pets over to various shelters and pounds and due to budgetary reasons, many of these shelters just cannot house them and care for them. So, they are forced to humanely euthanize them. It is a painless procedure as opposed to dog-fighting where these dogs are trained by their handlers to rip the flesh off of each other. All of which causes pain, suffering and more importantly, death. How exactly does one forgive that?
Had Vick been part of any other profession, he would have been ostracized by the community and business world. But because he is a foot ball player where he does have the ability to bring in millions to the Philadelphia Eagles, I feel he is being treated far differently.
As days, weeks, months, and years go by, I feel that people will forget how Vick brought pain and suffering towards innocent animals and will cheer him on. In speaking to a friend today, he bluntly said to me, Vick should be put into the bloody-pit and forced to suffer as these animals did. In earshot was another friend who does own a pit bull and he is angered as well.
To the original commenter and the rest of my readers, I ask that you view this most graphic feed, The Horrors of Dog Fighting. This is exactly the world that Michael Vick bank rolled and for anyone to ask me to forgive him is something I cannot do. Nor should you.
Lastly, if you see evidence of dog fighting within your community, I ask that you call your local police department as well as your local human society. Let us help put an end to the suffering of these animals. As dogs have been called man’s best friend, let us be their best friend as well and come to their aid.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
Copyrighted material: Should you wish to use any portion of this column, please email the author.
August 16, 2009
Like man’s best friend, I have been known through my many columns to stick to a subject akin to a dog chewing on an old bone. I do so because an issue has reached out to me and I just cannot let it go.
With that said, one person who read my article concerning the Philadelphia Flyers signing Michael Vick wrote this email to me: “I understand your feelings for the lives of the animals. But Vick did not kill a human being. God says, "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone". If God forgives you & I, why can't you forgive Michael Vick? It has been said that "dog is man's best friend", but believe that "man should be man's best friend". What do you think about the dog pounds that kill animals everyday?”
So, in this subsequent column, I would like to reach out to this reader and commenter. No, Vick did not kill a human being, but he still bank-rolled the killing of one of God’s creatures through dog-fighting and for that, I cannot forgive him in watching feed-after-feed of this horrendous blood-sport if one can call it a sport. To me, it is inhumane torture at its finest and worst.
While I may have my own sins to contend with, I have never, ever killed another human being or animal. Nor have I profited off of the killing of human being and animal alike.
Throughout history, man has failed at being man’s best friend either through greed, war, lust and other examples to numerous to list.
I cannot forgive anyone who profits off of the deaths of both man and animal alike and that has been my stance throughout these years as I have written of war. If I can call Bush a butcher for the senseless killings of innocent human beings, namely Iraqis, I can surely call Vick one for the senseless killings of dogs. To me, both profited off of death. I have seen the flesh ripped off of both human and animal alike and it sickens me to death.
The reader asked of me: “What do you think about the dog pounds that kill animals everyday?” My first response is that you cannot even compare the two. In these harsh economic times, many people facing foreclosure are forced to sign their pets over to various shelters and pounds and due to budgetary reasons, many of these shelters just cannot house them and care for them. So, they are forced to humanely euthanize them. It is a painless procedure as opposed to dog-fighting where these dogs are trained by their handlers to rip the flesh off of each other. All of which causes pain, suffering and more importantly, death. How exactly does one forgive that?
Had Vick been part of any other profession, he would have been ostracized by the community and business world. But because he is a foot ball player where he does have the ability to bring in millions to the Philadelphia Eagles, I feel he is being treated far differently.
As days, weeks, months, and years go by, I feel that people will forget how Vick brought pain and suffering towards innocent animals and will cheer him on. In speaking to a friend today, he bluntly said to me, Vick should be put into the bloody-pit and forced to suffer as these animals did. In earshot was another friend who does own a pit bull and he is angered as well.
To the original commenter and the rest of my readers, I ask that you view this most graphic feed, The Horrors of Dog Fighting. This is exactly the world that Michael Vick bank rolled and for anyone to ask me to forgive him is something I cannot do. Nor should you.
Lastly, if you see evidence of dog fighting within your community, I ask that you call your local police department as well as your local human society. Let us help put an end to the suffering of these animals. As dogs have been called man’s best friend, let us be their best friend as well and come to their aid.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
Copyrighted material: Should you wish to use any portion of this column, please email the author.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Shame on Philadelphia Eagles: Many pit bulls used in dog fights do not get a second chance
By Mary MacElveen
August 14, 2009
Animals like children are the most innocent amongst us and I for the life of me cannot understand how the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to sign on Michael Vick who bank rolled dog-fights.
According to CNN: Eagles starting quarterback Donovan McNabb stated: “I pretty much lobbied to get him here… Because everybody deserves a second chance." Well, McNabb, dogs who are forced to take part in these fights, most do not get a second chance as they are killed within the bloody-pit. When they are trained from puppyhood to fight in these pits, any chance of living a loving life is obliterated. And, if they are rescued, some do need to be humanely euthanized. The reason is that they are badly wounded or where they cannot be rehabbed and placed up for adoption. Where is the second chance for these dogs? It is gone as the needle goes into their veins and potassium chloride drips into their body, thereby stopping their hearts. An animal heart who only wanted affection and to give it back to a trusting owner.
While pit bulls are the dog of choice for these dog-fights, their breed has been tarnished over the years due to these fights. Most think they are aggressive from birth and that is simply not the case. Pit bulls are a loving breed and a wonderful addition to any family setting and are great with children.
According to the Pit Bull Rescue Center: “When you adopt a pit bull, you adopt the most energetic, intelligent, and loyal friend you’ll ever have, but you also take up a responsibility to represent the entire breed.” They go onto say: “Adopting a pit bull, loving it, and training it as a breed ambassador are the most important things any of us civilians can do to combat people like Vick.”
Because of these fights and people’s misinformation of the breed, many communities across the United States have banned the ownership of these dogs. Perhaps if these communities opened up their eyes and learned of the breed, hearts and minds would be changed.
While there have been incidents of mauling, blame the owners and not the breed in its entirety.
There are several pit bulls within my community and upon approaching them, all they want is love. Their mouths are used for licking instead of biting and fighting. It is a tribute to their breed and their owners.
As a fan of “Animal Planet”, especially any of their shows such as “Animal Precinct” where animals are rescued from such horrid conditions, often you will see pit bulls rescued. To see their open wounds, one can feel their pain. To look into their eyes, one can see their feeling of being betrayed. Michael Vick betrayed man’s best friend and does not deserve a second chance.
Yes, I realize that this is a money-making business where he may add to the coffers of the Eagles, but I am sure there is a high school or college football player whose star is on the rise who deserves to be signed. Oh, and where fans can be proud of cheering for him as he runs out onto the field. If I were a season-ticket-holder, I would ask for my money back. Any company that bankrolls their operations or advertizes with them should be boycotted for also betraying man’s best friend.
While Philadelphia is known as the city of brotherly love, its football team, the Eagles have failed to live up to it. The Eagles in signing Vick turned its back on the suffering of animals, namely pit bulls.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
Copyrighted material: Should you wish to use any portion of this column, please email the author.
August 14, 2009
Animals like children are the most innocent amongst us and I for the life of me cannot understand how the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to sign on Michael Vick who bank rolled dog-fights.
According to CNN: Eagles starting quarterback Donovan McNabb stated: “I pretty much lobbied to get him here… Because everybody deserves a second chance." Well, McNabb, dogs who are forced to take part in these fights, most do not get a second chance as they are killed within the bloody-pit. When they are trained from puppyhood to fight in these pits, any chance of living a loving life is obliterated. And, if they are rescued, some do need to be humanely euthanized. The reason is that they are badly wounded or where they cannot be rehabbed and placed up for adoption. Where is the second chance for these dogs? It is gone as the needle goes into their veins and potassium chloride drips into their body, thereby stopping their hearts. An animal heart who only wanted affection and to give it back to a trusting owner.
While pit bulls are the dog of choice for these dog-fights, their breed has been tarnished over the years due to these fights. Most think they are aggressive from birth and that is simply not the case. Pit bulls are a loving breed and a wonderful addition to any family setting and are great with children.
According to the Pit Bull Rescue Center: “When you adopt a pit bull, you adopt the most energetic, intelligent, and loyal friend you’ll ever have, but you also take up a responsibility to represent the entire breed.” They go onto say: “Adopting a pit bull, loving it, and training it as a breed ambassador are the most important things any of us civilians can do to combat people like Vick.”
Because of these fights and people’s misinformation of the breed, many communities across the United States have banned the ownership of these dogs. Perhaps if these communities opened up their eyes and learned of the breed, hearts and minds would be changed.
While there have been incidents of mauling, blame the owners and not the breed in its entirety.
There are several pit bulls within my community and upon approaching them, all they want is love. Their mouths are used for licking instead of biting and fighting. It is a tribute to their breed and their owners.
As a fan of “Animal Planet”, especially any of their shows such as “Animal Precinct” where animals are rescued from such horrid conditions, often you will see pit bulls rescued. To see their open wounds, one can feel their pain. To look into their eyes, one can see their feeling of being betrayed. Michael Vick betrayed man’s best friend and does not deserve a second chance.
Yes, I realize that this is a money-making business where he may add to the coffers of the Eagles, but I am sure there is a high school or college football player whose star is on the rise who deserves to be signed. Oh, and where fans can be proud of cheering for him as he runs out onto the field. If I were a season-ticket-holder, I would ask for my money back. Any company that bankrolls their operations or advertizes with them should be boycotted for also betraying man’s best friend.
While Philadelphia is known as the city of brotherly love, its football team, the Eagles have failed to live up to it. The Eagles in signing Vick turned its back on the suffering of animals, namely pit bulls.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
Copyrighted material: Should you wish to use any portion of this column, please email the author.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Rove were the ultimate ‘death panel’
By Mary MacElveen
August 13, 2009
So, the GOP is doing a bang-up job at scaring people off of healthcare reform by stating it would include a ‘death panel’. I guess they want to scare grandma and grandpa. Aren’t seniors already scared enough with some forced to choose between eating and taking their meds? If that is not terror, I do not know what else is.
A man by the name of Jim Brennan from Rocky Point, NY wrote a letter to the editor of Newsday directing his aim at Sarah Palin’s claim that such a ‘death panel’ would be included in the President’s healthcare plan:
For Sarah Palin to suggest that President Barack Obama's health care plan will employ a "death panel" to ration care to the sick, elderly and disabled is a blatant lie ["Palin calls health panel evil," News, Aug. 8].
This claim is thrown into the mix of what could be a useful discussion of the sorry state of health care.
Jim Brennan
I adore when ordinary citizens take the time to call people a liar when needed and for a newspaper to actually publish their letter. Once again, Palin is playing on people’s fears and shame on her. She did so during the past presidential race by stoking up the fires of hate and playing ‘Tinderbox’ politics. Yet, she does have an impressive following who are all too ready to believe a liar. Is she trying to compare the President’s healthcare plan to Hitler’s ‘Final Solution’? I think so. Again, ‘Tinderbox’ politics at its best and worst.
We see these angry mobs showing up at various healthcare town-halls and I have to liken them to the same angry mobs that shut down the 2000 presidential recount in Florida.
To those who believe in this ‘death panel’ the true death panel were assembled when the Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld and Rove team chose to invade Iraq killing innocent victims. They were the ones to truly practice Hitler’s ‘Final Solution’ with the use of fire power that left their cities demolished and through the use of depleted uranium and white phosphorus. Just ask the citizens of Fallujah.
Over the years since the start of the war in Iraq, I have seen death through photos and feeds. They are nightmarish and yet, I want to know where were these angry mobs when proof was found that Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld and Rove lied? Where exactly were the town-hall meetings when it was found we were all lied to by these merchants of death? Their silence was truly deafening.
Every soldier who has given his life and every innocent Iraqi who lost theirs and labeled collateral damage, the onus is on all of us as a country. Blood is truly on all of our hands. Many did stand up to the Bush administration and were summarily ignored. Now these hecklers think they deserve a voice? Where were they as we protested this holocaust?
I will say it again, just before Bush gave the go ahead to launch “Shock and Awe” the late Pope, John Paul II stated, “You go without God” He knew all too well that death would occur as the bombs rained down on the city of Baghdad.
George Galloway had this to say as he appeared before the oil for food scandal and tore into former Senator Norm Coleman (Republican) from Minnesota.
"I told the world that Iraq, contrary to your claims, did not have weapons of mass destruction. I told the world, contrary to your claims, that Iraq had no connection to al-Qaeda. I told the world, contrary to your claims, that Iraq had no connection to the atrocity on 9/11 2001. I told the world, contrary to your claims, that the Iraqi people would resist a British and American invasion of their country and that the fall of Baghdad would not be the beginning of the end, but merely the end of the beginning.
"Senator, in everything I said about Iraq, I turned out to be right and you turned out to be wrong and 100,000 people paid with their lives; 1600 of them American soldiers sent to their deaths on a pack of lies; 15,000 of them wounded, many of them disabled forever on a pack of lies”
On that day, May 17th, 2005, George Galloway became my hero for speaking truth to power.
I will leave you with this feed which I included in a past piece written for VHeadline.com titled: Why are they not in front of their cameras calling Bush a butcher? Where I wrote:
I first want to thank Mark Parent and LiveJournal.com for bringing this video feed to the attention of many (English Version from Italian TV): US Chemical Weapons Attack on Iraqi Civilians.
But before you watch this video which is 27 minutes in length, I want to strongly caution you that what you are about to see is so horrific and if you have children, under no circumstances are they to view this feed.
Then ask yourselves after watching it if you can: Wasn’t Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Rove the ultimate ‘death panel’? This is what your hard-earned tax dollars paid for. One trillion dollars to end life instead of preserving it.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
Copyrighted material: Should you wish to use any portion of this column, please email the author for permission.
August 13, 2009
So, the GOP is doing a bang-up job at scaring people off of healthcare reform by stating it would include a ‘death panel’. I guess they want to scare grandma and grandpa. Aren’t seniors already scared enough with some forced to choose between eating and taking their meds? If that is not terror, I do not know what else is.
A man by the name of Jim Brennan from Rocky Point, NY wrote a letter to the editor of Newsday directing his aim at Sarah Palin’s claim that such a ‘death panel’ would be included in the President’s healthcare plan:
For Sarah Palin to suggest that President Barack Obama's health care plan will employ a "death panel" to ration care to the sick, elderly and disabled is a blatant lie ["Palin calls health panel evil," News, Aug. 8].
This claim is thrown into the mix of what could be a useful discussion of the sorry state of health care.
Jim Brennan
I adore when ordinary citizens take the time to call people a liar when needed and for a newspaper to actually publish their letter. Once again, Palin is playing on people’s fears and shame on her. She did so during the past presidential race by stoking up the fires of hate and playing ‘Tinderbox’ politics. Yet, she does have an impressive following who are all too ready to believe a liar. Is she trying to compare the President’s healthcare plan to Hitler’s ‘Final Solution’? I think so. Again, ‘Tinderbox’ politics at its best and worst.
We see these angry mobs showing up at various healthcare town-halls and I have to liken them to the same angry mobs that shut down the 2000 presidential recount in Florida.
To those who believe in this ‘death panel’ the true death panel were assembled when the Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld and Rove team chose to invade Iraq killing innocent victims. They were the ones to truly practice Hitler’s ‘Final Solution’ with the use of fire power that left their cities demolished and through the use of depleted uranium and white phosphorus. Just ask the citizens of Fallujah.
Over the years since the start of the war in Iraq, I have seen death through photos and feeds. They are nightmarish and yet, I want to know where were these angry mobs when proof was found that Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld and Rove lied? Where exactly were the town-hall meetings when it was found we were all lied to by these merchants of death? Their silence was truly deafening.
Every soldier who has given his life and every innocent Iraqi who lost theirs and labeled collateral damage, the onus is on all of us as a country. Blood is truly on all of our hands. Many did stand up to the Bush administration and were summarily ignored. Now these hecklers think they deserve a voice? Where were they as we protested this holocaust?
I will say it again, just before Bush gave the go ahead to launch “Shock and Awe” the late Pope, John Paul II stated, “You go without God” He knew all too well that death would occur as the bombs rained down on the city of Baghdad.
George Galloway had this to say as he appeared before the oil for food scandal and tore into former Senator Norm Coleman (Republican) from Minnesota.
"I told the world that Iraq, contrary to your claims, did not have weapons of mass destruction. I told the world, contrary to your claims, that Iraq had no connection to al-Qaeda. I told the world, contrary to your claims, that Iraq had no connection to the atrocity on 9/11 2001. I told the world, contrary to your claims, that the Iraqi people would resist a British and American invasion of their country and that the fall of Baghdad would not be the beginning of the end, but merely the end of the beginning.
"Senator, in everything I said about Iraq, I turned out to be right and you turned out to be wrong and 100,000 people paid with their lives; 1600 of them American soldiers sent to their deaths on a pack of lies; 15,000 of them wounded, many of them disabled forever on a pack of lies”
On that day, May 17th, 2005, George Galloway became my hero for speaking truth to power.
I will leave you with this feed which I included in a past piece written for VHeadline.com titled: Why are they not in front of their cameras calling Bush a butcher? Where I wrote:
I first want to thank Mark Parent and LiveJournal.com for bringing this video feed to the attention of many (English Version from Italian TV): US Chemical Weapons Attack on Iraqi Civilians.
But before you watch this video which is 27 minutes in length, I want to strongly caution you that what you are about to see is so horrific and if you have children, under no circumstances are they to view this feed.
Then ask yourselves after watching it if you can: Wasn’t Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Rove the ultimate ‘death panel’? This is what your hard-earned tax dollars paid for. One trillion dollars to end life instead of preserving it.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
Copyrighted material: Should you wish to use any portion of this column, please email the author for permission.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Hecklers at town-halls are a selfish bunch as people die without healthcare
By Mary MacElveen
August 12, 2009
As I view these servile town-hall protests where the topic de-jur is healthcare, some have become bellicose in their actions and words. They will disrupt the proceedings and I find it unconscionable to say the least. First of all, they who are doing the disrupting are a selfish lot and I would love to ask them this question: Do you have health insurance? As you bloviate citing that the President wants to kill off seniors which is patently false, I want to bring to your attention that people are dying without healthcare. Oh yes and that includes seniors.
According to SeniorJournal.com, only half were being screened for colorectal cancer which has taken the lives of many and the reason for the other half not being screened is due to lack of insurance.
Pay close attention to this passage within the article: "Colorectal cancer is one of the leading cancer killers in the United States, behind only lung cancer. Screening has been shown to significantly reduce mortality from colorectal cancer, but a lot of people are still not getting screened," said Jean A. Shapiro, Ph.D., an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” Shapiro also stated: a major problem appears to be insurance coverage.”
I would have to opine those who died because they could not be screened is the reason they are dead in the first place and they will continue to die unless they are covered. President Obama did not kill them: Our country’s lack of affordable health care did.
I would love to know the opinions of those who have died due to lack of medical insurance are thinking right at this very moment as these hecklers shut down these town-halls. Oh wait, I cannot due to the fact they are DEAD!
As I read this KTAR.com article which was published on April 8th, 2008, they cited where one quarter of Arizona residents DO NOT have health insurance. That is a staggering number.
As one reads this passage: "In the period 2000 to 2006, we estimate that more than 3,500 people died because of a lack of health insurance coverage," said Ron Pollack with the advocacy group." Um, who was in charge during those years? Oh yes, the Republicans. So, 3,500 of our fellow citizens died on their watch. That is roughly the same number that died on September 11th, 2001. Yet, their cries from the grave still go unheard because hecklers at town-halls refuse to be their advocates.
I would love to know where Senator John McCain's voice was when this article cited: "In Arizona, in 2006, approximately 720 people died due to a lack of health insurance." He is after all still their senator. Also that was the last year that the Republicans controlled this country's agenda. 720 call out from the grave asking, why they had to die in the land of plenty.
In reading this beautifully worded op-ed piece by Marianne Wright-Edelman titled: "Children Dying, Lacking Healthcare" tears came to my eyes as she wrote, "How did America get to the point where Deamonte Driver, a seventh grader in Prince George's County, Maryland, died because he didn't have health insurance to cover an $80 tooth extraction and his mother couldn't find a dentist to treat him?" I would love to shove this article in the faces of those bellicose hecklers.
Many children of course died when President Bush vetoed the SCHIP program. Thankfully coming to the rescue of these children left behind was, President Barack Obama as he signed it into law.
As these hecklers and their backers cite the cost of healthcare reform, the total cost of Deamonte’s was $250 thousand dollars as opposed to the original cost of an $80 tooth extraction. What should be frustrating to all is that he died.
I am sick of hearing folks like Limbaugh and Dobbs bloviate out of their pie-holes as children have died, seniors have died and over three thousand citizens of Arizona. I am most assured that there are stories equally maddening and saddening out there where people have died and could have been saved. They are the ones who we all should be listening to now, instead of hecklers.
To anyone distorting the facts, disrupting civil proceedings at these town-halls, give it a rest as your fellow citizens are dying from a lack of accessible healthcare.
We have always prided ourselves as a can-do-nation, but we seem utterly pathetic and weak in passing this healthcare reform. We are showing our soft-underbellies to those countries we have chided in the past and present who do provide healthcare which is a most basic human right for their citizens.
At least Deamonte Driver would not have died in Cuba as one reads: “where 9,877 dentists serve 11 million people (a ratio of approximately 1:1,100). The clinics care for an average of 700 to 900 local residents from cradle to grave. They provide annual dental examinations for all Cubans (twice annually for those under four years old or over 60), pre- and postnatal infant oral health instruction, and 16 annual fluoride mouth rinse treatments for all school-age children.” For a small island-nation who we have basically turned our backs on through the Cuban embargo, I would say they are doing an outstanding job in caring for their citizens especially the most innocent; their children and seniors.
Oops, did I forget to mention: At least Cuba did not illegally invade a country, namely Iraq which has cost us $1 trillion dollars. Imagine how many lives we could have saved in this country? Talk about sticker-shock brought to us all by a government controlled by the GOP.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
Copyrighted material: Should you wish to use any portion of this column, please email the author.
August 12, 2009
As I view these servile town-hall protests where the topic de-jur is healthcare, some have become bellicose in their actions and words. They will disrupt the proceedings and I find it unconscionable to say the least. First of all, they who are doing the disrupting are a selfish lot and I would love to ask them this question: Do you have health insurance? As you bloviate citing that the President wants to kill off seniors which is patently false, I want to bring to your attention that people are dying without healthcare. Oh yes and that includes seniors.
According to SeniorJournal.com, only half were being screened for colorectal cancer which has taken the lives of many and the reason for the other half not being screened is due to lack of insurance.
Pay close attention to this passage within the article: "Colorectal cancer is one of the leading cancer killers in the United States, behind only lung cancer. Screening has been shown to significantly reduce mortality from colorectal cancer, but a lot of people are still not getting screened," said Jean A. Shapiro, Ph.D., an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” Shapiro also stated: a major problem appears to be insurance coverage.”
I would have to opine those who died because they could not be screened is the reason they are dead in the first place and they will continue to die unless they are covered. President Obama did not kill them: Our country’s lack of affordable health care did.
I would love to know the opinions of those who have died due to lack of medical insurance are thinking right at this very moment as these hecklers shut down these town-halls. Oh wait, I cannot due to the fact they are DEAD!
As I read this KTAR.com article which was published on April 8th, 2008, they cited where one quarter of Arizona residents DO NOT have health insurance. That is a staggering number.
As one reads this passage: "In the period 2000 to 2006, we estimate that more than 3,500 people died because of a lack of health insurance coverage," said Ron Pollack with the advocacy group." Um, who was in charge during those years? Oh yes, the Republicans. So, 3,500 of our fellow citizens died on their watch. That is roughly the same number that died on September 11th, 2001. Yet, their cries from the grave still go unheard because hecklers at town-halls refuse to be their advocates.
I would love to know where Senator John McCain's voice was when this article cited: "In Arizona, in 2006, approximately 720 people died due to a lack of health insurance." He is after all still their senator. Also that was the last year that the Republicans controlled this country's agenda. 720 call out from the grave asking, why they had to die in the land of plenty.
In reading this beautifully worded op-ed piece by Marianne Wright-Edelman titled: "Children Dying, Lacking Healthcare" tears came to my eyes as she wrote, "How did America get to the point where Deamonte Driver, a seventh grader in Prince George's County, Maryland, died because he didn't have health insurance to cover an $80 tooth extraction and his mother couldn't find a dentist to treat him?" I would love to shove this article in the faces of those bellicose hecklers.
Many children of course died when President Bush vetoed the SCHIP program. Thankfully coming to the rescue of these children left behind was, President Barack Obama as he signed it into law.
As these hecklers and their backers cite the cost of healthcare reform, the total cost of Deamonte’s was $250 thousand dollars as opposed to the original cost of an $80 tooth extraction. What should be frustrating to all is that he died.
I am sick of hearing folks like Limbaugh and Dobbs bloviate out of their pie-holes as children have died, seniors have died and over three thousand citizens of Arizona. I am most assured that there are stories equally maddening and saddening out there where people have died and could have been saved. They are the ones who we all should be listening to now, instead of hecklers.
To anyone distorting the facts, disrupting civil proceedings at these town-halls, give it a rest as your fellow citizens are dying from a lack of accessible healthcare.
We have always prided ourselves as a can-do-nation, but we seem utterly pathetic and weak in passing this healthcare reform. We are showing our soft-underbellies to those countries we have chided in the past and present who do provide healthcare which is a most basic human right for their citizens.
At least Deamonte Driver would not have died in Cuba as one reads: “where 9,877 dentists serve 11 million people (a ratio of approximately 1:1,100). The clinics care for an average of 700 to 900 local residents from cradle to grave. They provide annual dental examinations for all Cubans (twice annually for those under four years old or over 60), pre- and postnatal infant oral health instruction, and 16 annual fluoride mouth rinse treatments for all school-age children.” For a small island-nation who we have basically turned our backs on through the Cuban embargo, I would say they are doing an outstanding job in caring for their citizens especially the most innocent; their children and seniors.
Oops, did I forget to mention: At least Cuba did not illegally invade a country, namely Iraq which has cost us $1 trillion dollars. Imagine how many lives we could have saved in this country? Talk about sticker-shock brought to us all by a government controlled by the GOP.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
Copyrighted material: Should you wish to use any portion of this column, please email the author.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Remembering simpler times as mailboxes and pay phones leave our sight
By Mary MacElveen
August 4, 2009
I want to shout BRAVO to those in Otisfield, Maine who are trying to save one mailbox. I feel as if they are guardians of simpler times where life made sense. Many of these mailboxes are disappearing as the article states because people are choosing to pay bills online and email. While convenient to many these actions are one of solitude where people do not have to leave their home and I find that incredibly sad.
As people choose to pay bills online or email, lost is human contact when one reads of post offices being closed. As one met up with friends at their local post office, they would stop and take a minute out of their day to shoot the breeze.
I never thought I would ever say this, but it used to be where bills were mailed. My mom would sit at the dining-room table doing the bills, placing each one in an envelope along with the payment as she reached for her book of stamps. I still remember her saying, “Bills, bills, bills, bills, bills” She would then ask one of us to walk the pile of bills up to our mailbox. While this lone action may seem foreign to today’s youth: We who lived in simpler times were getting exercise and fresh air by walking to that mailbox. While we may have grumbled being asked to do this one chore, at least we felt as if we were contributing to the family-unit. As we walked back home, we often met up with a friend or two and stayed out and played. Life was good.
In dropping either bills or personal letters actually written into that solid-mailbox, we felt secure they would get to their final destination. While paying a bill online is convenient, we have often heard of web sites being hacked into and an increase in identity theft. We who grew up in simpler times just never heard the terms ‘hacked’ or ‘identity-theft’ and I feel that to be a positive.
As people choose email over snail-mail, the art of letter writing has died off where many of our children do not even know how to formulate a sentence. In fact computer language has turned up in many a term paper. Has technology made us lazy?
As the article cites these mailboxes are going the way of the pay phone. The only ones I know of are in the supermarkets I choose to do my shopping in. I still remember the days of the phone booth where one can sit within it, close the door and have a little privacy when making that call. There used to be two at the local candy store which was just up the block from me. Just thinking of those phone booths brings back memories of simpler times. Back in the day, there was no texting. My friends and I would simply meet up at this candy store to talk to each other face-to-face and have an ice cream soda or buy a piece of penny-candy. How I wish our kids today had them.
Through the disappearance of phone booths, we are confronted with noise pollution when we are forced to hear other people’s conversations in public through the use of their cell phones. No, I really do not want to hear of the hot time you had last night which did happen to me as I sat waiting for a cab. In listening to every single detail, I felt the need to take a long hot shower when I got home. Yuk!
We are also confronted with accidents occurring when people choose to use their cell phones while driving. I often wonder is the price of making that one call worth the life of another? I would have to say, thank goodness for hands free components and remind all that holding one’s cell is against the law while driving.
In handling the receiver of a pay phone and dropping money into it, we knew the person on the other end could hear us now. Rarely were our calls disconnected as cell phone calls can drop. A solid machine for solid times.
People today feel the need to be connected second-by-second by using cell phones, yet if a phone company wishes to put up a cell tower in one’s community, at times the residents of it have screamed, “NIMBY”
As mailboxes disappear as well as phone booths, human jobs have been lost. The same can be said of the good old-fashioned newspaper where jobs have been shed. All signify to me the passing of an era where we valued humans and their contributions through hard work to our society. I suppose some who grew up in much simpler times do mourn their passing as we are faced with living in more complex times. With the advance of technology our society seems to value employing a computer over a human being and that to me is so, so sad.
Will we ever return to simpler times as I have expressed above? I suppose not since the world is fast-changing. However, I feel truly blessed in growing up in amazing times where mailboxes and pay phones were apart of our everyday existence. For those who are growing up in the Internet age, you are most likely saying, “Does not compute” In looking back, at least we did not have to know technology in order to live and thrive as a society. We just lived.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
Copyrighted material: Should you wish to use any portion of this column, please email the author for permission.
August 4, 2009
I want to shout BRAVO to those in Otisfield, Maine who are trying to save one mailbox. I feel as if they are guardians of simpler times where life made sense. Many of these mailboxes are disappearing as the article states because people are choosing to pay bills online and email. While convenient to many these actions are one of solitude where people do not have to leave their home and I find that incredibly sad.
As people choose to pay bills online or email, lost is human contact when one reads of post offices being closed. As one met up with friends at their local post office, they would stop and take a minute out of their day to shoot the breeze.
I never thought I would ever say this, but it used to be where bills were mailed. My mom would sit at the dining-room table doing the bills, placing each one in an envelope along with the payment as she reached for her book of stamps. I still remember her saying, “Bills, bills, bills, bills, bills” She would then ask one of us to walk the pile of bills up to our mailbox. While this lone action may seem foreign to today’s youth: We who lived in simpler times were getting exercise and fresh air by walking to that mailbox. While we may have grumbled being asked to do this one chore, at least we felt as if we were contributing to the family-unit. As we walked back home, we often met up with a friend or two and stayed out and played. Life was good.
In dropping either bills or personal letters actually written into that solid-mailbox, we felt secure they would get to their final destination. While paying a bill online is convenient, we have often heard of web sites being hacked into and an increase in identity theft. We who grew up in simpler times just never heard the terms ‘hacked’ or ‘identity-theft’ and I feel that to be a positive.
As people choose email over snail-mail, the art of letter writing has died off where many of our children do not even know how to formulate a sentence. In fact computer language has turned up in many a term paper. Has technology made us lazy?
As the article cites these mailboxes are going the way of the pay phone. The only ones I know of are in the supermarkets I choose to do my shopping in. I still remember the days of the phone booth where one can sit within it, close the door and have a little privacy when making that call. There used to be two at the local candy store which was just up the block from me. Just thinking of those phone booths brings back memories of simpler times. Back in the day, there was no texting. My friends and I would simply meet up at this candy store to talk to each other face-to-face and have an ice cream soda or buy a piece of penny-candy. How I wish our kids today had them.
Through the disappearance of phone booths, we are confronted with noise pollution when we are forced to hear other people’s conversations in public through the use of their cell phones. No, I really do not want to hear of the hot time you had last night which did happen to me as I sat waiting for a cab. In listening to every single detail, I felt the need to take a long hot shower when I got home. Yuk!
We are also confronted with accidents occurring when people choose to use their cell phones while driving. I often wonder is the price of making that one call worth the life of another? I would have to say, thank goodness for hands free components and remind all that holding one’s cell is against the law while driving.
In handling the receiver of a pay phone and dropping money into it, we knew the person on the other end could hear us now. Rarely were our calls disconnected as cell phone calls can drop. A solid machine for solid times.
People today feel the need to be connected second-by-second by using cell phones, yet if a phone company wishes to put up a cell tower in one’s community, at times the residents of it have screamed, “NIMBY”
As mailboxes disappear as well as phone booths, human jobs have been lost. The same can be said of the good old-fashioned newspaper where jobs have been shed. All signify to me the passing of an era where we valued humans and their contributions through hard work to our society. I suppose some who grew up in much simpler times do mourn their passing as we are faced with living in more complex times. With the advance of technology our society seems to value employing a computer over a human being and that to me is so, so sad.
Will we ever return to simpler times as I have expressed above? I suppose not since the world is fast-changing. However, I feel truly blessed in growing up in amazing times where mailboxes and pay phones were apart of our everyday existence. For those who are growing up in the Internet age, you are most likely saying, “Does not compute” In looking back, at least we did not have to know technology in order to live and thrive as a society. We just lived.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
Copyrighted material: Should you wish to use any portion of this column, please email the author for permission.
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