#StraightNotNarrow

Highlights of Seattle Pride 2016.

Pride, gun control, immigration reform, education reform, all intertwined on a beautiful sunny activist day.

Yesterday, on the one year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s ruling on marriage equality, some 500,000 people gathered in downtown Seattle for the annual Pride Parade and Pride Fest. For a moment, the many challenging issues facing our world feel to the wayside (as if they’ve already been handily defeated), and the widest variety of people celebrated their shared humanity in the soaking sunshine.

Without regard to race, gender, sexual identity, age, ability or any of the other factors that otherwise “separate” people, the scene surged with positive energy and uplifting spirit. From the very cute, very young parade participants to the float representing protective LGBT elder services to the variety of gender-fluid apparel and presentation to the unlimited variety present – it was a display of the BEST that our society, our world can be (if there was one overwhelming unifying feature, it was surely the ubiquitous Prince and Madonna tunes throughout the day). And wonderful to have Seattle's mayor, our governor, elected officials, the police, every imaginable high-tech company, and all the wonderful agencies out demonstrating support throughout the day. 

Along the way, quite naturally, we saw continued advocacy on a range of interests that are obviously tangled together especially of late: LGBTQ rights, sensible gun control, women’s health care access, education reform, comprehensive immigration concerns – an complete array of progressive political undertakings. It’s reassuring to know that the many different efforts I’ve addressed all fill the same bucket of working toward improving the world; even if none are yet entirely completed. 

Perhaps most significantly – late in the day, well after returning home, I learned that there were no arrests made during the entire event. That in itself seems quite remarkable. More so – a powerful statement about what Pride means to so many of us who only wish to do what’s right by our fellow human beings. It’s a small – not insignificant – reminder that together, we can move the world from what it is to what it ought to be. 

Fight the Power

One of the fundamental features of our society, as set out in the Constitution of the United States, is the notion of Separation of Powers. Though stemming from thinkers as far back as ancient Greece, the Separation of Powers is one of the elements that distinguished U.S. government structure since its inception. As every young student learns (or should learn!), this is what allows for *checks and balances* among the three Federal branches, and fosters balance among the Judiciary, Legislative and Executive functioning bodies. 

Today, and recently, the long-honored - and required - Separation of Powers has been under assault. More specifically, it is being held hostage by the GOP-led Congress (both Senate and House) driven by the tainted influence of special interests. The GOP continues to flaunt its self-appointed right to demand ransom from the American people regarding the hamstringing of our Courts and office of President. 

A few key examples at play include: 

• Senate Republicans outright refusing to hold hearings for confirmation on the President's nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. They are willfully ignoring one of the basic roles outlined in the Constitution.
• GOP members in both houses dragging their feet regarding common sense gun control - which is sought by an overwhelming majority of the country, no matter where on the political spectrum. Special thanks in this regard is due in this regard to the money-hungry gun lobby, particularly the NRA. 
• Denial to address comprehensive immigration reform, and the blatant disregard of the vital immigrant history of our nation. This one is highlighted just today, as the Supreme Court, deadlocked at a 4-4 decision (directly related to not filling the last seat) on upholding a Presidential executive order that was challenged by Texas, refers that back to the lower court, effectively undermining the powers of both the other branches. 

The list goes on. And I'm certain we are nowhere near the end of this systemic blockade which impacts us every day in so many ways.

HOWEVER -one power that supersedes the checks & balances that have been broken by the GOP-held Congress. And that is the power of the vote. The only way to overcome the frustration and disappointment in how our government is limping and wounded in its ability to perform is to remove those who are responsible for this overall impasse. It is time to end the tenure of the far-too-many members of Congress whose sole priority is their own standing, while relying on and deferring to the corporations and lobbyist who seem to line their campaign pockets in return for electoral support and policy votes. 

If Republican officials won't do their job, if they won't uphold their Constitutional obligations, if they won't serve our needs, then we the people must act. It is up to us, the true holders of political clout, to be the agents of change. 

FIGHT THE POWER - VOTE 'EM OUT. 

We're the agents of change

I previously shared these words of Jack Riemer as part of an invocation for a university commencement I was privileged to join. My hope that day was that they might encourage those in attendance to be agents of positive change. For the religious-minded among us, this poem represents an attitude about the efficacy of prayer, that prayer is only actualized by what we do. For the atheist, this offering reminds us of the power of human artistic expression, no matter the inspiration.

We cannot merely pray to God to end war;
For the world was made in such a way
That we must find our own path of peace
Within ourselves and with our neighbor.
 
We cannot merely pray to God to root out prejudice;

For we already have eyes

With which to see the good in all people
If we would only use them rightly.

We cannot merely pray to God to end starvation;

 For we already have the resources 
With which to feed the entire world
If we would only use them wisely.

We cannot merely pray to God to end despair;
For we already have the power
To clear away slums and to give hope
If we would only use our power justly.

We cannot merely pray to God to end disease:
For we already have great minds
With which to search out cures and healings
If we would only use them constructively.

Therefore we pray instead
For strength, determination, and will power,
To do instead of merely to pray
To become instead of merely to wish;
That our world may be safe,

And that our lives may be blessed.

As we look at the world around us – we are charged to be champions of goodness and compassion, justice and right.  May your words and deeds be so dedicated– so our world might yet be made better because of you.  And may we all forge this blessing together.

United We Stand

Infighting is just part of party politics, right? And disparaging antipathy defines the two-party system – hasn’t this always been the case? Well, to a degree yes, this goes back to the original presidential succession following Washington. In his monumentally important book on the real George W., His Excellency, Joseph Ellis teaches us regarding the last stage of his relationship with Thomas Jefferson:

The two men exchanged a few more letters the following year, all safely focused on agrarian topics like their respective vetch crops. Then, when on of Jefferson’s more offensive private letters condemning Washington’s leadership was reprinted in the newspapers – Jefferson claimed it was not quite what he had said – all correspondence between Monticello and Mount Vernon ceased. Historians have always had a difficult time trying to pinpoint the moment when the party system displaced a government founded on trust and bipartisan assumptions. For Washington, this was it (p. 232).

And so, over our history – whether Federalist or Whig, Republican or Democrat (or any of their various morphed iterations), party politics have often gotten in the way of national interests. This has merely been accentuated in our time – due in part to the oversaturation of news info provided to us via modern technology (24-hr. cable news, the internet, social media and so on) AND by the precipitous decline in journalistic responsibility, described by some as the fall of the noble *press* into today’s ratings- (and sadly, advertising revenue-) driven *media.*

Especially following the tragic mass hate crime in Orlando this past weekend – it is time for ALL of us to break down walls of division, within our parties, and across the aisle. So-called “Bernie-or-bust” supporters of Senator Sanders only do disservice to our American system if they continue to threaten to “take my marbles and go home;” i.e. plan not to be involved and vote in the general election as their candidate didn’t prevail in the primary. Yes folks, grow up, we’ve all been there, passionately promoting a beloved contender who simply went so far, no further. And as for Republicans, if you truly believe in classic ideals as the American dream, the melting pot, the significance of our society as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world – NOW is the time to evaluate your allegiance to the presumptive nominee of your party. Open your eyes – Donald Trump is an ill-prepared charlatan. He is ignorant of national and world affairs (and the basics of history and politics), flouts “leaders” of the GOP by disparaging anyone who remotely disagrees with him, and openly professes deep bigotry toward anyone who is not like himself. Or rather, toward anyone who is NOT himself.

There is still great opportunity for we the people to come together to address the significant and varied issues that we face. The first step is just that – a willingness to come together. And together we CAN tackle our economic concerns; we CAN root out the baseless hatred that is hurled toward so many; we CAN stop the spate of senseless violence that threatens our children, our friends, our neighbors; and we CAN foster an environment in which all people – regardless of color, religion, gender and sexual identity – have the opportunity to find their inner gifts and let them successfully shine.  

Insightfully referring to Washington’s famous “Farewell Adress,” Ellis further states that it was “primarily a great prophecy that the first word in the term “United States” was destined to trump the second” (p. 236). Let us be ever vigilant to fulfill this dream, for we are better together than apart. 

Secretary Clinton Clinches Pennant

Last night, decisively, Secretary Clinton achieved what *no other woman in American history* has done - in capturing the Democratic Party's nomination for President. Sure, this is apparently difficult to accept for Senator Sanders and his supporters; though my complete allegiance has been with Hillary from the outset of this election cycle, Bernie's campaign HAS been vital in motivating additional involvement and bringing light to key issue we face. There will be time to evaluate that, and to consider what of the Sanders perspective needs to be retained as the Democratic Party, and the country, move forward.

YET FOR NOW, let's all put aside our partisan politics for a moment or two. Let's marvel in this historic moment for all Americans.

The tragic 9/11 attack was just a month after our daughter Vered was born. The events of that day sparked fifteen years of subsequent challenge to our politics and world view, ups and downs with the economy, and questioning our very national identity. Watching the news unfurl that day, we asked "what kind of world have we brought her into?"

And as of today, she will never know a world in which a woman or man can't be considered to serve our nation in any capacity. That all American girls and boys, women and men, can truly aspire toward filling *any* role in our society - though seemingly a pedestrian idea - is nothing short of revolutionary.

I have had the privilege to advocate for equality issues of all sorts for some 30+ years. And I am grateful for the efforts of those who showed this generation, by example, how to finally make this happen. There is, as always, much for us to do, together, to strengthen and improve our country and world. For now, this moment, let us join together to celebrate this initial milestone...

Try this pho starters

Here in the Pacific Northwest, the variety and quantity of available Asian food is remarkable. Of course, as a friend instructed me as we moved here, Seattle is a major city and also part of the Pacific rim. Very cool. For most of the time we lived in Indiana (shocker) the selection was much more curtailed. And nothing approaching Vietnamese cuisine was around until about a year prior to leaving. So, in good fashion, I learned to make Pho (one of my son's faves), which has become somewhat of a staple in our house. Asian soups have depth of flavors, and vary widely from culture to culture and within ethnic traditions. What's your favorite? Here's ours:

Chef Eric's Pho recipe – it’s wicked simple

Soften 1 container Thai or Japanese rice noodles, set aside…

Cut up a few good size leafy sprigs of fresh basil, along with @ ½ bunch fresh cilantro. Throw into a good pot along with @ 32 oz. soup stock (I like to use organic chicken stock, clear-ish, though upon arriving here, learned that there ARE ready-to-use Pho starters. I still prefer my own)…begin to heat on low…chop up two bunches baby bok choy, throw into pot along with healthy dose (the more the better ) of crushed red pepper.

As it heats, add one stick cinnamon, and healthy dose ground ginger, along with 2-3 teaspoons Thai fish sauce. Add cubed firm tofu (½ to ¾ container of organic), and halved small meatballs (homemade better, in a pinch, out of a package)…add another 32 oz. soup stock (i.e. container) and raise heat slightly…add more crushed red pepper (c’mon, why not?)…

Watch stock so it *doesn’t* boil….turn down a bit, add ½ lb. sliced skirt steak (cut in thin strips, across the grain)…and a sprinkle or two of sea salt…let cook down just a bit…

TO SERVE: place modest but healthy scoop of rice noodles in bottom of large bowl. Ladle generous portion of soup with all the good stuff over the noodles. For garnish – at table, add sliced fresh jalapeno, fresh bean sprouts, and fresh basil leaves (the additional flavors will make the whole dish POP!). Add a squirt or two of Sriracha if you like

Squeeze a slice of lime into your bowl just before eating…

Use large spoon, be prepared to sweat, and ENJOY!!!

Smart gun laws, or, orange IS the new black

COLUMBINE…VIRGINIA TECH…SANDY HOOK…UCLA…AND TOO MANY MORE

Off the top of our heads, unfortunately, I’m sure we can add other now-familiar names to this list.

What seems like a lifetime ago, in a place in my life very far away, I was quoted in a community profile upon taking a new job: “It scares me to death that more and more victims of violent crime seem to be children who are targets of gunfire. It’s our obligation to fight against violence in our society and do what we can to remove weapons from the hands of those who shouldn’t have them!”

I said these words well more than fifteen years ago, not long after the Columbine shooting brought the epidemic of gun violence in our society into clear (and all-too-common) focus. The years since have been riddled with episode after episode of campus calamities, street crime, and yes, violent abuses by law enforcement. There is no question in my mind that smarter gun laws, enacted and enforced by responsible leadership, is paramount to the continued (or renewed) health of our community.

Tomorrow, June 2, is National Gun Violence Awareness Day. People are encouraged to wear orange in demonstration of their support of sensible gun laws, and the effort to reduce the impact of gun-related mortality. And, we can certainly do more than wearing orange (and important gesture, yet symbolic at best). We – all people of good will – must speak out, advocate, and lobby for sensible gun laws, AND for support for the surrounding issues that fuel this issue. And it doesn’t matter where you fall on the political spectrum; from the most progressive wing of those who would outlaw gun ownership to those who vehemently believe that the Second Amendment allow you to own *any* firearm you desire without limitation, ALL of us need to agree that we can only continue with intelligent regulations. Yet, we cannot intelligently address the problem of gun violence if we ignore mental health, education, incarceration, and economic disadvantage as the serious matters they are. So too, racial disparity and gender inequality must be in the mix of our dialogue to navigate the quagmire of America’s ills (for more on my opinion regarding specifics of gun regulation, and the 2^nd Amendment, please see http://guitarandpen.blogspot.com/2015/10/its-time-to-get-guns.html).

So yes, tomorrow, wear orange to show your support. More importantly, make your voice heard – contact your local, state and national representatives, push them to support smart gun laws, and put greater control on *who* can obtain a gun, and more importantly, how/how quickly. We owe this to our children’s well-being, our American future, our lasting posterity.