Echoes of Peace

1968

2008-05-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post -on Fridays but Hillary Clinton's outrageous comment must be addressed. I would like to add my voice.

The 60s were a hopeful and very turbulent time. I remember them well. President John F. Kennedy was shot when I was in second grade. Can you imagine a 7-year old learning what the word "assassination" means?

Unfortunately, by the end of June, 1968 we all knew that word very well. First there was JFK. Then there was El-Hajj Malik Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X. Martin Luther King was assassinated in April, 1968. June brought the death of Bobby Kennedy.

I was eleven years old. My classs had just taken a field trip to the offices of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and our tour guide gave us each a copy of the day's paper. On the front was a picture of Bobby Kennedy. I read the article and started learning about him. That was the first time I became interested in a political candidate. We talked about him at home and I watched him on the news.

One morning my mother woke me up and told me that Bobby Kennedy had been shot. For the next forty years I searched for another candidate who would inspire me the way RFK had. I voted for unpopular candidates like Eugene McCarthy, hoping that my vote would make a difference. It didn't, of course. By the time I reached my forties I was sure everyone was right. All politicians are corrupt. We will never have a decent person in the White House.

Barack Obama changed that for me. When I listened to him speak, I felt inspired again. And this gifted leader actually has a chance. Can you imagine that? For the last few months I've felt like I was living a dream, afraid to wake up.

Hillary Clinton today invoked the awful memory of Bobby Kennedy's assassination and she also maliciously gave voice to the fears of many. There was no mistake in her words. Evidently she's waiting for a June surprise.

Those of us who were alive forty years ago still remember. Many of us also hope that this time it will be different.

This time we have found a true leader and this time he will take his place in the White House. This time the dream will not die.

What a Week!

2008-05-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

Every day this week I've thought about what I would write about in my blog. In the end, though, I was too tired to write.

On Monday my 18-year old and I went canvassing for Barack here in Lexington. When we went to get our assignment, the organizer told us we were in for a special treat. Michelle Obama was coming to Lexington that evening to speak with campaign volunteers. The event was held at the Lexington campaign office, with 400 invited volunteers and members of the press. It was wonderful to see her speak. She'll make a great first lady. Canvassing the next day was easy because I was fired up and ready to go.

On Tuesday night we watched the results of the Kentucky primary. I cringed as the gap widened. There was one small victory, though. Obama won Lexington. Also Louisville.

On Wednesday I planned to write about sexism. That seemed to be the topic of the day. I disagree with the charges. First, I don't think there was blatant sexism--unless you're talking about the "sweetie" thing and that wasn't malicious. Second, I don't think women should go around moaning and groaning. The world isn't always fair. We do the best we can and keep moving.

I was online much of the day today. It was all about Michigan and Florida. I agree with those who say rules are rules. They may not have been the best rules, but all candidates agreed to them and the states knew what they were doing. If the people of Michigan and Florida feel disenfranchised, they need to fight their state leaders on the issue.

In eight days members of the DNC will meet to discuss Michigan and Florida. A few days after that, all the primaries will be finished.

I hope we have a clearly-recognized nominee on June 4.

Final Stretch

2008-05-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

I have waited for this weekend for months. While every other state, nearly, in the union went through the primary process, I dreamed of the time when it would be our turn here in Kentucky.

Our primary is next Tuesday. I'm ready. I'll spend part of the weekend calling or canvassing for Obama, and I'll be busy on Election Day, too. This is it. I'm fired up and ready to go.

I wish Kentucky had a little more of the spotlight, though. The Clintons have come here, and Obama was in Louisville on Monday. I wasn't able to go.

Everyone says the Kentucky primary has already been decided. At times like this, I wish I still lived in Missouri.

I'm Back!

2008-05-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

I've been gone for a little while, I know. A busy March led to a busy April and a very intense first two weeks of May. Now I have a breather and I'm very grateful for that.

I haven't blogged since February but I have kept close track of the Democratic presidential primary. I cringed when Obama lost and cheered when he won. Tonight was great. He got the endorsement we've waited for and things are looking very good.

I believe that Obama and Hillary Clinton will be able to work things out. Today they released a plan for joint fundraising, which is a very positive sign. I have my reasons for preferring Obama over Hillary, but the most important thing is to keep party unity.

We're living in very interesting and exciting times. When I listen to Obama speak and see the changes he is already bringing (did you know that fighting in an African country--the name of which has totally escaped me for the moment--has stopped because of Obama's mediation?) I feel that he is the culmination of what we hoped for in the 60s and 70s. They said it couldn't be done but I think we may be doing it.

No candidate is perfect and Obama readily admits that he isn't. But we finally have a real choice this year and that is wonderful.

P.S.--If you live in Kentucky, or Oregon, remember to vote!

Blurring the Truth

2008-02-18T21:58:00.000-08:00

These are the comments I wrote for CNN earlier today. They are still awaiting "moderation" and will probably not be published:

If you want substance, vote for Obama.

Barack Obama has authored 152 bills and co-sponsored over 400 more while serving in the U.S. Senate. These include bills on government ethics, immigration reform, the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act and the Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act.

And during his eight years in the Illinois state legislature he sponsored over 800 bills.

He also taught constitutional law for ten years at the University of Chicago.

Oh, and he wrote a best-selling book about modern American politics.

That's substantial.

Apparently my comments are too substantial for CNN. Published comments include ridiculous attacks against Obama's character. The latest, plagiarism, is the worst and the most ridiculous. Most news networks aren't even taking it seriously. How many different ways can politicians express their thoughts before they're accused of copying? There are only so many words.

Barack Obama is running a fair campaign but he is being met with one smear after another. I continue to pray that truth wins out over falsehood.

Choosing Wisely

2008-02-04T16:27:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow millions of Americans will go to the polls or caucuses and vote for a Democratic presidential candidate. Unfortunately I won't be among them--our primary isn't held until May--but I will be watching closely to see what happens, especially in my home state of Missouri.

I'm doing what I can to make sure voters know about Barack Obama. He's more than a few nice slogans and campaign rallies. Much more.

I just finished reading Obama's first book, Dreams From My Father. He wrote that book when he was in his 30s and already by then he had vast experiences that prepared him for leadership.

Most people know that Obama attended school in Indonesia when he was young. I've always laughed at the concerns about the 'madrassah'--the main reason being that Indonesia is very secular and even their Islamic schools would be considered liberal compared to Islamic schools elsewhere. I've been to Indonesia and visited Islamic schools.

What Obama did learn was that people can live vastly different lives and still have the same basic concerns. That lesson was reinforced by the time he's spent in Kenya with his relatives. Unlike other politicians, Barack Obama didn't travel to Indonesia and Kenya as a foreign dignitary, being greeted by the leaders in ritual ceremony. He lived among the people. He knows how people live in different parts of the world.

After eight years of "with us or against us," don't you think it's time for a leader who seeks negotiation over confrontation, someone who understands that people are people whether they live in brick mansions or grass huts?

And don't you think it's time for a leader who reaches across boundary lines of race, ethnicity, and party politics? We've had enough division in this country these last few years. How much more partisanship can we sustain?

I've read Senator Obama's policy statements and listened closely as he's outlined his positions in speeches. He provides a balanced approach--health care that is provided but not mandated, international relations that start with negotiation while leaving force as an option, economic solutions that start from the bottom down instead of the top up. (We've done that for 28 years and it still hasn't worked.)

Yes, he provides excitement and that's great. As a former social studies teacher I think it's wonderful that young people are buying back into the democratic process. He also provides hope. Most importantly, he will come to the White House with well-developed plans to raise this nation from the depths and help us reach our potential.

For all these reasons and more, I hope and pray that Barack Obama is the next president of the United States.

An Endorsement

2008-01-28T19:49:00.001-08:00

The big news today was the endorsement of Senator Ted Kennedy for Barack Obama. Very big news.

My endorsement means nothing in the world of politics and I've been debating whether to mention it on this blog or simply stay quiet. A news story prompted me to speak up.

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is very upset with Ted Kennedy for failing to endorse Hillary Clinton as the first woman president. Personally, I agree with Ted Kennedy. It's not enough to be the first woman president. The first woman must also be the best woman to hold the office of the presidency. I'm not convinced that Hillary Clinton is that woman and I prefer to hold out for someone else who would be better suited. I do hope she appears within my lifetime.

Sorry, NOW. I think the time is now for Barack Obama. I've followed his candidacy for months and I'm reading his book, Dreams From My Father. It's not only his writing style that impresses me, but the breadth and depth of his experiences. He is not simply a politician reaching for the brass ring. His very parentage and his upbringing helped prepare him. His youth and college days helped prepare him. He has worked hard to mobilize and build coalitions and I have every confidence that his hard work and vision will benefit the people of the United States. And, as Caroline Kennedy said, he is the first candidate to inspire in the way her father, and her uncle Bobby, did.

I was eleven years old when Bobby Kennedy was shot and I looked to him for hope. I remember the morning my mother woke me and told me he was dead. I mourned him. I had never felt this alive, as a U.S. citizen, until I heard Barack Obama speak and read what he had to say.

We truly must look beyond race and gender. Barack Obama is the best person for the office of the presidency in 2008.

I'm not famous or well-known. My opinion won't appear in any newspapers. I do encourage you to look at all the candidates. Seek the one who promises a vision rather than simply more of the same.

Suggestions?

2008-01-07T19:26:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and I'm not quite satisfied with this blog so I'm thinking about how I can revamp it. I will take at least one week off, or possibly two, to come up with a new approach.

Of course, I always appreciate your suggestions.

Who Benefits?

2007-12-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

I'm still on vacation, but as I sit here in my Florida motel room and listen to the reports on CNN I feel I must make a statement.

On many points I haven't agreed with Benazir Bhutto. However, her assassination has left me also shocked and disappointed. I'm also deeply troubled as I try to understand all the forces at work here.

I don't believe Bhutto's assassin was a single mad gunman. There are too many other forces at work. I know the pieces, but I don't yet know how they fit together into the puzzle.

These are the facts:

1. Bhutto presented a serious challenge to Musharraf

2. Musharraf, who seized control of Pakistan several years ago, has repeatedly received endorsement from the current administration. He is one of America's favorite dictators.

3. Bhutto indicated in an email that Musharraf was her greatest threat.

4. Even though the Pakistani public has pointed to Musharraf as the force behind Bhutto's assassination, these claims are being ignored.

5. Instead, the emphasis has swung to blame of Islamic "extremism." Throughout the evening CNN has run a special program about the dangers presented by Muslims in Pakistan.

6. And don't forget that Pakistan has a nuclear weapon. This has been brought up repeatedly.

I don't know how people will treat me tomorrow when I go out and about. I expect a change in attitude. After all, I'm an "extremist." I pray five times a day (three while traveling) and wear a head scarf. My husband wears a kufi. I guess our headwear makes us dangerous.

Who has benefitted from Benazir Bhutto's assassination? The Pakistani people? Muslims throughout the world? Or people who would like to seize control of Pakistan, wresting power from its Muslim citizens?

For the last several weeks, American pundits have discussed the need for change in Pakistan. This is their opportunity. And I don't believe in coincidences.

Enjoy!

2007-12-17T19:05:00.000-08:00

I won't be posting for the next two weeks. (Did I hear a cheer in the background?) Eid ul Adha starts on Wednesday and after Eid we plan to travel a little.

I don't think you'll be spending as much time on the internet, either. The kids are off from school. That in itself will keep you busy. And either it will snow so hard you'll be struggling to stay warm or the weather will be unseasonably warm and you won't feel like hanging around the house.

When I was in elementary school we thought it was a great joke as we told our friends, "I'll see you next year." My humor appreciation level has improved since 6th grade, but it's still a nice thought. A new start.

I'll see you next year, insha Allah.

Who's a Racist?

2007-12-13T19:16:00.000-08:00

While browsing CNN headlines I noticed a story about Oprah. Apparently she's being blasted for her support of Barack Obama and even being called a racist.

So it's okay for white people to support other white people but it's not okay for black people to support other black people?

First of all, I don't even see the Obama campaign as a "black thing." I'm about as white as a person can be and, personally, I think Barack Obama is the most promising of the mainstream candidates. He has energy and ideas and insight and he won't bully and bluster his way through one crisis while he's creating another. I believe he has integrity--a very rare commodity among politicians.

Anyway, I am sick of all the personal politics being played. We are searching for the next leader of this country, and most of us are sincerely hoping we get someone who can do the job this time. Does gender matter? (I won't support Hillary just because she's a woman--and I would never ask anyone for support on the basis of my gender either. That's still sexism.) Does race matter? Does religion matter? (I am sick and tired of hearing about how a Mormon can't run this country. My only beef with Mitt Romney is that I lived in Massachusetts while he was governor and he seemed to spend most of his time outside of the state, setting up the support for his presidential candidacy.)

Let's grow up. Forget about race. Forget about religion. Forget about gender. Can the person do the job?

And I think the racist is the one who faults Oprah Winfrey for supporting a candidate who happens to be a black man.

Tragic Contradictions

2007-12-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

The newest child health care bill was vetoed today. In defense of his action, Bush contended that government health care should not extend to adults nor to those who are not desperately poor. The ideal is for Americans to pay for their health care through private insurance companies.

Do you really believe that, Mr. Bush? You're an adult and far from poor. Why do you receive government health care? The same can be said for Cheney, for the entire executive branch, judicial branch, and Congress. How can you deny to children and struggling adults what you yourselves take so freely? How is that democracy?

There may not be enough money for government health care but Congress is poised to allocate another 70 billion dollars for the war in Iraq--no strings attached. Apparently this country is not in the business of living but of killing.

A tragic murder of a teenage girl occured outside of Toronto. She got into an argument with her strict Muslim father about wearing a headscarf--a hijab. He became irate and strangled her.

I wear hijab and if I had a teenage daughter I would surely hope she wore it too. The hijab is modesty and identity. Also, I am sick of the American media portraying uncovered women as educated and progressive while we poor covered women are, apparently, ignorant and oppressed. Excuse me?

But the father waited too late to teach his daughter. My husband has worked in Islamic education for 22 years and he can tell you that you don't tell a sixteen-year old to wear hijab. You tell a seven year old, a ten year old. She grows up with it and it won't be strange to her. Ah well. It's too late for both the father and the daughter now.

Debating Torture. Why?

2007-12-11T20:20:00.000-08:00

Torture saves lives, the White House says. In a CNN poll, over 50% agree that torture is sometimes necessary.

How can we say America stands for freedom and democracy?

It's Monday

2007-12-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

My blog is always hardest to write on Monday. It's not for lack of ideas but simply lack of discipline after the weekend. What are my options?

There's the whole White House vs. NIE thing. Iran does not have as much as a program for developing nuclear weapons. There is no reason to attack. But that's yesterday's news.

There's the disappearance of CIA tapes. The White House has no comment on this one. I wonder what was on those tapes. We do not torture. . .do we?

There are the three recent shootings, one in Omaha and two in Colorado. To be very honest, I know many Muslims were relieved that the people involved were named Robert and Matthew rather than Ali or Osama. But the shootings were wrong, and tragic, and we are not relieved about that.

And there's the ice storm. It's hitting Kansas City right now. I lived in Kansas City during the ice storm of 2002. We went an entire week without electricity--huddled in front of the fireplace, all sleeping in one room, cooking only during the day because it was too dark at night. On the final day before our lights turned back on I had to go back to work--the school where I taught had also been in the dark. Coming home at 3:30 or 4:00 and trying to get a meal together before sunset taught me something. I understand why women did not work outside of the home until they had electricity.

So I guess there is a lot to talk about. But it's Monday. By tomorrow I should be warmed up. (Very warm, actually. They're predicting temperatures in the 60s. I am so glad we moved south last summer.)

'Lost Boys' and 'The Muslim Scare'

2007-12-06T19:15:00.001-08:00

First, a word about Robert Hawkins. You know, the 19 year old who killed eight people in the mall yesterday. I don't excuse criminal behavior, but I can tell from a cursory reading of Hawkins' teen years that he was a lost boy. His parents were divorced. He had troubles with his stepmother--which is not uncommon, especially for a thirteen-year old. (Many thirteen-year olds have trouble with their birth mothers.) A day after turning fourteen he was placed in a mental institution. The charges were, along with his threats to his stepmother, that he had a short attention span and he was disruptive. He was barely fourteen! He was pretty much an average teen--maybe a little on the wild side, but not a delinquent. Not yet.

In the mental institution he was molested by a roommate. He was placed on antidepressants. When he arrived at his foster home in 2001 he curled into a fetal position. This kid was seriously in need of love and caring. Apparently he did not get it from either of his divorced parents, or from their current spouses.

Teenage boys can be rowdy, disruptive, disobedient, untrustworthy, lazy, unfocused. I've seen many boys who fit that description but, with the right adult love and guidance, grew up to be responsible, caring, hard-working men. Robert Hawkins didn't get what he needed from the people who brought him into this world. He decided to take other people with him when he left.

Parents, please take care of your boys.

* * *

One more note. A Clinton campaign worker has been fired for promoting the idea that Barack Obama is a Muslim. The way the story was worded, Muslim sounded like a dirty word. "Are you or have you ever been a Muslim?" Let's not go back to the McCarthy era. I know a Muslim wouldn't stand a chance at getting into the White House, but most of us are just normal people living boring lives. (Ask my kids how truly boring their Muslim parents are.) I was born during the Red Scare. Are we headed for the Crescent Scare? Please.

Where is the Danger?

2007-12-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, President Bush made the statement, "You are either with us or you are against us."

Most educated people realize the world cannot be divided so simply. Gray areas abound. If I am opposed to Bush's plans in Afghanistan and Iraq, does that make me a terrorist? Some people would say so. Fortunately that number is decreasing as the reasons for invading Iraq are shown to be weak and the efforts of Afghanistan are falling short. And is Osama Bin Laden still alive? Some don't think so.

Most of life is gray, neither black nor white. That's what makes living such a challenge. If the correct answers were always obvious, fewer of us would make mistakes. Different factors enter into the picture, though, clouding our vision.

There are absolutes. My absolutes may be different than yours, but here are some of them: God exists and is actively involved in our lives; Murder is wrong; Forms of murder such as war and abortion are wrong; Murder of the spirit, seen in practices such as racism, are also wrong; Marriage should usually (though, admittedly, not always) last a lifetime; Parents must respect our children and children must respect our parents (no matter how old we are).

But I also think there is no us and them. We all have the capacity for good or evil. That's a choice each of us must make. Choices come at us not just once but many times over a lifetime.

The danger is in the choosing.

Dangerous?

2007-12-04T18:59:00.000-08:00

Iran has nuclear weapons and may attack at any time, threatening the stability of the world.

Iran has the ability to develop nuclear weapons and may soon begin development.

Iran had a nuclear program but stopped pursuing nuclear weapons in 2003.

Throughout the months the mainstream media's reporting of the Iranian threat has become increasingly milder, culminating in yesterday's hopeful announcement.

That didn't stop the White House though.

In a speech delivered today, Bush said, "Iran was dangerous. Iran is dangerous. Iran will be dangerous."

I'm glad to see he's mastered verb tense. I wonder how soon he'll be ready to grasp political theory and historical fact.

Senator Biden today called Bush the most incompetent president in modern times. He just now figured that out?

Not All Bad

2007-12-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

There's plenty wrong with the world. But, as of tonight, all of my kids are working and/or in school, I was able to do some serious writing today, and the teddy bear teacher is back home safely.

Whatever is bad will be just as bad tomorrow. At least there's something good to report.

It's Just a Teddy Bear!

2007-11-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

I followed the news today, saddened when I learned that a Sudanese judge had convicted the teacher and sentenced her to fifteen days in jail and deportation. The saddest statement came from one of her students, named Muhammad. "It's my fault," he said. He wanted to name the teddy bear after himself.

This incident concerns me on three levels (not counting the six and seven year olds affected). First, Muslims need to stop thinking of ourselves as victims. Muslims have been oppressed in places throughout the world. However, much of that could have been avoided if the Muslims living there had banded together. In every instance of oppression, there has been at least one 'Muslim' who sold out and betrayed his community. If we are victims, it is of our own disunity.

Second, I'm concerned that some Muslims are coming close to worshipping Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). When he was alive, at the beginning of his mission, Muhammad often was mistreated by other, non-Muslim, Arabs in Mecca. His response was always kindness, not vindication. Muslims respect and deeply honor Muhammad, but we must be certain not to cross the line over to worship. That is definitely not Islam.

Third, I hope that countries such as Great Britain and the U.S. don't use this incident as an excuse to go after the Muslims living there. Will Muslim teachers now be fair game? I hope not. We had nothing to do with what happened thousands of miles away. But some people still hold on to the notion of guilt by association.

Over the years, I have been very impressed with the Sudanese people I've met. I'm disappointed in the government, and especially in the judge. I don't speak Arabic but I'm smart enough to know that this is not Islam.

Muhammad

2007-11-28T17:37:00.000-08:00

Muhammad is the name of the last prophet of God, according to Islamic belief. He received revelation of the Qur'an over a period of 23 years, led the young Muslim community with wisdom, and left behind teachings to guide future generations. He is respected, though not worshipped, among all Muslims.

Muhammad is also the name of millions of men and boys throughout the world. Some are devout and sincere. Some aren't.

Muhammad is the name given by Sudanese 7-year olds to a teddy bear. Some of the children may have been named Muhammad. Others may have fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins with that name. All Muslim children, by the age of 7, have heard about Prophet Muhammad and the respect he is due.

They didn't name the bear after a soccer player or TV star. They didn't go with Fluffy, Chubby, or any other cute little name. They--these 7 year olds--gave the bear the name they knew the best. Muhammad.

The Christian teacher allowed the 7 year olds to give that name. Now the teacher is in prison, facing a prison term, a fine, or even possibly a lashing.

I am a Muslim. If I were teaching 7 year olds and they wanted to name the class teddy bear or hamster Muhammad, I would praise them for their Islamic awareness. After consideration, I may encourage them to choose something else--maybe one of those cute names. But I certainly wouldn't make a big deal out of it.

The teacher's fault, if any, is that she didn't understand the repercussions. Maybe if the children had suggested "Jesus" she would have known. But she didn't. Then why don't we teach her instead of imprisoning her?

And the children were innocent. They were only doing what their Muslim parents had taught them--to remember the prophet Muhammad, whom we respect. For a 7 year old, naming a teddy bear is indeed an act of respect.

Between Parent and Child

2007-11-27T21:07:00.000-08:00

Last night I was too tired to post. The day had been fairly busy.

One of my errands yesterday was to take my 14-year old for a physical check-up so he can go out for track and field. Because we just moved this summer I had to take him to a new doctor. Overall, the check-up went well.

But I was surprised--though I suppose I shouldn't have been--when the doctor kept harping on drugs and alcohol. He asked my son a few times if he had ever tried these substances, and before we left he told my son that if he did have a problem he could come to the doctor and speak with him confidentially.

I don't know what kind of patients this doctor has been seeing, but I'm not in denial when I say he didn't need to address my son in this way. This is my fifth child I'm talking about so, first of all, I do have a little experience raising teens. Also, we have a very close family. My kids complain about that sometimes--especially when they hit 19 or 20--but we're so close that we would know if something was wrong. And, considering that neither my husband nor I has ever drunk or smoked--okay, I drank communion wine when I was a Christian, and I did try a cigarette once when I was in college--and our older sons don't either, the likelihood that this son will is very low. Finally, he's only 14. I know kids grow up faster these days but. . .he's 14.

I'm not exaggerating when I say I know where my son is at all times. I've memorized his class schedule, and actually walked it during open house. He goes to school and comes back by bus. If he doesn't show up, the school calls me. If he doesn't come home on time, I call his cell. A few weeks ago he took a different bus and wasn't home when I expected--and he didn't answer his phone. I was ready to go looking for him when he walked in. He knows I will. (I wasn't worried about drugs, etc. Sometimes I simply worry because it is a dangerous world.)

I'm sure the doctor was fulfilling a professional duty by giving my son this talk, and he may do some other kid a world of good. But I feel uneasy when a routine doctor's visit becomes a lesson in morality--especially because my son was encouraged to go behind our backs, if he deemed necessary, and talk with the doctor.

I don't fault the doctor but I do think this points to some serious problems in our society.

P.S.--I have never talked about drugs explicitly with my kids, but my 14-year old and I talked on the way home. His health teacher had already been through the lesson on drugs--okay, I didn't know that. Actually, I emphasized the practical concerns that kept me away from smoking, alcohol and drugs. I mean, it's expensive and it kills brain cells. That's enough of an argument right there, as far as I'm concerned. My son agrees.

Thanksgiving Day?

2007-11-22T19:50:00.000-08:00

Culturally and historically speaking, Thanksgiving is controversial. And of course we should give thanks every day and not just one day a year.

But the best part, I think, is taking a day off to be with people we care about. We could use more days like that.

Keeping Track of Time

2007-11-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

I nearly forgot to post tonight. All day it's felt like Friday. My husband and my kids are home. It's great to have some time to simply be.

This is one of those days when I didn't care about the date on the calendar or even the time on the clock. It's a great feeling to be free.

Not Islam

2007-11-20T18:03:00.000-08:00

I've been pained as I've followed the story about the 19-year old girl in Saudi Arabia, a rape victim, who is to be punished with lashes and imprisonment. I need to make one thing very clear for my readers. This is not Islam.

The girl did show some poor judgement. She met a man who was planning to blackmail her over a picture. Not the smartest thing to do. I don't know how secluded the area or the time of day, but I do have the sense that she unknowingly put herself in danger. Young girls sometimes do that. I did, a few times. And I probably would have done it more often except for the watchful eye of my parents. My parents aren't Muslims and I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, but, unforunately, there are some universal truths regarding safety for young women. The crime of rape can happen anywhere.

So the girl did something wrong. Not evil, just not particularly wise. I'm sure the rape itself is more than enough punishment for her foolishness. She learned her lesson all too well. Leave her alone unless you intend to help her heal.

The seven young men who raped her, on the other hand, should receive the maximum penalty. The girl's lawyer was calling for execution, and I agree. Instead their sentences are not much harsher than the girl's.

This case proves the accusation that Muslims oppress women. The sentences in this trial are very unfair. But even though Muslims are the ones making the decision, this is not Islam. I don't care that they speak fluent Arabic or have studied Islamic history for twenty years or that they've memorized the Qur'an. I'm not a scholar, but I know this decision is not Islam because Islam makes sense. What sense is it to punish the victim?

According to the Qur'an, the fornicator or adulterer is to receive one hundred lashes. The woman whose reputation is tarnished because of a certain circumstance is to be treated with compassion and her accusers are to be punished. That is Islam. Islam does not condone rape or punish the rape victim. That is man's law, not God's.

Who's Taking Care of the Kids?

2007-11-19T18:17:00.001-08:00

I grew up in a golden era for children. As a member of the Baby Boom Generation, I was one of the privileged. TV shows and toys were manufactured especially for us. We could play outside all day, ride bikes or throwing balls, with no fear of being kidnapped. We didn't have to worry about food tainted by chemicals or the threat of terrorist attacks. There was the possibility of a nuclear attack from the U.S.S.R., but most of the time that threat was far-off and unrealistic. Not all kids had it so good. There was still poverty and child abuse. Still, overall, it was a great time to be a kid.

This fall has not been very kind to children. Bush vetoed their health insurance bill and Congress failed to override the veto. School bus accidents and abandonments on school buses seem to be a weekly occurence. And on Saturday children were forcibly vaccinated. Children who already are required to have more shots than my generation ever was.

Have you ever read the ingredients they put in vaccines? Animal blood. Formaldehyde. MSG. One list said they use aborted human fetal tissue. That's what we're injecting into our children. The needle is the least of their worries.

That's one of the challenges childen face. They also suffer because we expect them to grow up too fast. Sometimes, tragically, they oblige. Three boys--ages 8 and 9--raped an 11 year old girl recently. There is something very wrong in a society where this kind of thing can happen.