The L Word Lives

As I was watching the news coverage of Ted Kennedy’s death and subsequently his life, I saw him quote his brother John Kennedy about being a liberal.
"If by a “Liberal” they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people — their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties — someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a “Liberal,” then I’m proud to say I’m a “Liberal.”

I love this explanation of being a liberal and I am also proud to be a liberal. I’m tired of people avoiding the label of liberal because it seems to have a bad reputation in the media. The demise of the liberal name was a calculated campaign by conservatives and I’m taking back the word!
Here are some quotes from the conservative fear mongers.
Empathy" is the latest code word for liberal activism.
Karl Rove
I’m sorry Mr. Rove, but keep off of empathy. Without empathy our country, our world will be sad and miserable.

“A liberal is a man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel.”
Robert Frost
Ok, so we are open minded, I really don’t see why this is such a bad thing.

Another famous quote by Winston Churchill and later used by Reagan:
“If you're not a liberal at twenty you have no heart, if you're not a conservative at forty you have no brain.”
Well, if this is true, may I never grow up!


Now here is a voice from a long time ago that I think is very appropriate for modern liberals.
“As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality.”
George Washington

Finally, Here is another quote that need to be implemented now!
“Democracy is an impossible thing until the power is shared by all, but let not democracy degenerate into mobocracy.” Ghandi

Teddy Kennedy and his liberalness will be much missed!

Miracles Really Do Happen

On most topics such as reproductive rights, gay rights and many other feminist issues, churches are often an obstacle to progress. Misinterpretation of religious texts and rituals are the main causes of strife in many cultures. Violence in God's name really gets on my last nerve.
However, today is new day. Faith groups and I actually agree on something! More and more religious organizations are turning the healthcare debate into what it should be: A Moral Argument.
Simply, those who are against universal coverage aren't moral. Or as religious people would say, they aren't taking care of all of God's children.
Which ever way you frame the rhetoric, religious groups and I agree that access to quality healthcare is a human right that should be available to everyone.
Leaders from Christian, Muslim, Jewish and other religions will participate in a call-in webcast with President Obama next week. For now, they are holding prayer vigils and planning to lobby their representatives in Washington in favor of healthcare reform.
My God, Allah, Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad, Jehovah, Shiva be behind you in your fight for healthcare rights.

Honey Doesn't Catch Money

Money matters are a consistent stress for about 90% of the U.S. population above 13 years old. The part of the population that I think doesn't stress as much about money is the one where people enjoy what they are doing and make enough to buy a retail price outfit from time to time without feeling guilty.
My problem is that I am not sure if I'll ever find a career that allows me to be both happy and debt-free. The reason being simply that I am an uber ethical person. I empathize with others to a fault. If someone is hurting in any way I feel their pain in some form. (Expect people that have betrayed or hurt my best friends. You all can hurt as much as you like and I won't feel anything.)
However, in the world of jobs and incomes those who have no fear of stepping on toes or stealing the limelight are the ones that get paid. Those people who relish in controlling others and being the ones with power to dismiss or praise their subordinates. These are all qualities associated with a go-getter aggressor that many organizations would love to hire.
I'm not saying that all my problems boil down to being nice, but it certainly doesn't help. Anyone that tells you that you can rise to significant leadership positions without a little of this attitude is lying!
Nice people are needed to make the world better and we should be respected. I can't see myself changing any time soon. I believe the world needs nice ethical people like me and maybe you. I just wish there were better avenues for a financially secure existence. It would be nice to travel more and buy clothes that aren't all from Goodwill, but even if I just knew that I have the capacity to save for something special that would make me feel better.