The Great American Tragedy

08 Mar 2017 2 Comments

by Laura in Politics, American Style, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I’ve had a few “traditional” occupations in my lifetime, as well as being a lifelong artist and craftsperson. At my last “day job,” I was the Supervisor of Medical Billing and Reimbursement at a large, non-profit organization. During yesterday’s press briefing spotlighting healthcare, Sean Spicer lied repeatedly and displayed his ignorance in regards to the policies of Medicare, Tricare (for members of the armed services and their dependents) and other federally-funded and private health insurance companies. I was enraged as I watched!

Thankfully, I did get a moment’s relief; I couldn’t help but chuckle at the visual aid. Two piles of paper were on display next to Spicer, representing the former ACA (a tall stack) and the replacement (a short stack). Remember the press conference featuring Trump’s accountant? I guess #45 thought the avalanche of folders representing his financial paperwork was effective. Perhaps he thought it would help drive the point home to the “uneducated Americas” Trump professed his love for during his campaign. Whatever the case, the majority of responses I saw or read categorized the display as downright comical.

I’ll say this about Spicer, his press briefings are certainly entertaining! He’s become a verbal Houdini, squirming out of the tight spots and challenging questions that result from the antics of his boss. You’ve got to hand it to the press; they don’t easily drop their attempts to get at the truth. Yesterday was no acception, especially since in was the first briefing in days, during which time the “Tweeter-in-Chief” had outdone himself, accusing his predecessor of wire-tapping Trump Tower. (At this point, SNL skits are writing themselves!) Spicer did so much rapid fire bobbing, weaving and spinning as the questions flew at him, I couldn’t help but wonder if a staffer holding a stiff drink was in the wings waiting for him!

Despite the Republicans’ attempt at cheerleading, this is a deeply distressing time to be an American. It’s also exhausting, if you’re committed to being well-informed about the daily news from D.C. It’s often necessary to consult a variety of news sources and to fact check each story. Lying, deflecting and insulting the intelligence of the American people is the new normal in the White House. I’ve said it before and I’ll be saying it perpetually, this administration is the embodiment of the great American tragedy.

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Feminist

07 Mar 2017 Leave a comment

by Laura in Politics, American Style, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This article from the New York Times is thought-provoking, indeed. I agree that powerful women pose a threat to certain people and I’m sure they always will. (During her campaign for President, it was revealed that Hillary Clinton’s approval numbers were high, except when she was running for office.) I’m also aware that American women make 80 cents for each dollar an American man is paid. And despite initiatives and organizations that are educating Americans about rape culture, the statistics associated with assaults on women are still staggering. However, I don’t view the criticism aimed at Kellyanne Conway as strictly sexist or mysoginistic. She’s a public figure who inspires the same type of satire her male counterparts do. What I do find troubling is her comment:

“In a recent interview at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Ms. Conway said she supported many feminist principles but said she would not call herself one because feminism is anti-male, pro-abortion and identified with the left.”

Conway is ill-informed in regard to what the term “feminist” means. She’s not the only one; I’ve been aware of this definition for years. It’s been expressed in the conservative media and is supported by a relative of mine, who once took me to task on Facebook and suggested I channel my “feminist anger” into a more important cause.* Two years ago, The New Yorker magazine published its annual list of words that should be eliminated from the English language and “feminist” was included. (Days later, the editor removed the word from the list and printed an apology.) Apparently, disdain for the term is far-reaching.

I sincerely wish the word “feminist” was no longer relevant. It would be a wonderful world, indeed, if all women felt safe, respected, fairly-compensated for their work, were given the right to control their own bodies and had access to affordable healthcare. Unfortunately, here in America state legislatures and the Trump administration are working hard to curtail women’s rights and to take us back several decades, to a time before American women claimed their power and the right to choose  their own destinies. Until that day comes, feminists like me will speak up, loud and proud!

*My relative was reacting to an article I’d posted on Facebook about funding for Planned Parenthood. This subject is in the news again today; it’s part of the Trump administration’s newly-minted Affordable Care Act replacement. The President tried to make a deal with the healthcare provider; if they would agree to stop providing abortions, he would continue their funding. Planned Parenthood said “No” and The Donald pulled the plug on all funding. (This is Day One for the new healthcare bill. To no one’s surprise, it favors the young, the wealthy and the insurance companies. Let the games begin…)

Do Your Job!

06 Mar 2017 4 Comments

by Laura in Politics, American Style, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Can the mainstream media please stop focusing on Trump’s outrageous and slanderous weekend tweets and the effect they’re having on our nation and its reputation? We GET it! He’s angry, he’s scared, he’s living within his own reality and Trump’s latest tantrum clarifies the fact that he’s unfit to be the President. Unfortunately, this comes as no surprise to the Americans who are plugged in and have been watching the madness unfold since Inauguration Day.

It’s a new week. At the moment, I’m concerned with #45’s lack of a strategic foreign policy, both diplomatic and militarily, given the fact that Korea is repeatedly flaunting it’s nuclear capabilities. His administration has no policy, at least not one they’ve shared with Congress or the American people. All we know is that Trump’s budget amendments include a drastic increase in defense spending with a major cut in funds for the State Department. Our Leader is focused on Steve Bannon’s playbook and is vigorously signing executive orders that deny civil liberties and destroy human rights. He’s profiling and punishing Muslims and Mexicans. He’s creating optics to sculpt a benevolent image, when the truth is he’s only concerned about himself and his agenda. He’s jeopardizing the available of affordable healthcare for not just women (Don’t get me started…), but for all American’s that depend on it. He’s slashing the budget and encouraging the destruction of the planet. And those are just the glaring highlights! The systematic deconstruction of the United States government is happening at a dizzying and distressing pace.

We, the people, have called and written our representatives and asked for an investigation into Trump and his team’s involvement with Russia, both during his campaign and currently. We’ve called and written our representatives and demanded Trump’s taxes be released. We’ve identified the issues that concern us and we’ve signed petitions, marched through the streets and held general strikes, like this week’s “Day Without Women.” We’re on it, as much as we can be, but the voices of private American citizens shouldn’t be the only ones heard.

Where are the elected Republicans who will place the United States above their agenda? Where are the elected Republicans who have heard Americans at town hall meetings and will represent their constituents via legislation? Where are the elected Republicans who are aware of the frightening reality we’re living through? Where are the elected Republicans who aren’t “afraid of” the bully President? Donald Trump is unfit to be the President and elected officials have the responsibility to act on our behalf. Democrats AND Republicans, DO YOUR JOB!

All the President’s Men

02 Mar 2017 Leave a comment

by Laura in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I have a decades-old affection for the “All the President’s Men.” A great script, stellar performances, a true story; these characteristics alone would place this film on my list of favorites. But my connection to this fact-based film runs deeper, for a few reasons.

While the movie was being made, I took a peek behind the scenes. My father’s job as a network programmer often sent him to California and whenever possible, I was invited to come along. On one such visit, we toured the set of “All the President’s Men,” specifically the recreation of the Washington Post newsroom. I was in awe of the attention to details, including time-worn office equipment, desks filled with pads, paper and gnawed pencils and overflowing waste baskets. My appreciation for set decorators and the magic they make soared, that day!

During the period of time the film chronicles, I was living in Italy. While the Watergate scandel unfolded, my only source of news was the International Herald Tribune. I learned about Nixon’s resignation after quickly snatching the latest edition from a newsstand, when friends and I were changing trains in Padua. “All the President’s Men” allowed me to experience that tainted period in American history. It also cemented my respect and gratitude for the press and the dogged dedication of the best of reporters, those committed to getting to the truth, no matter how elusive and infuriating the process is. This long-standing respect adds to my infuriation, now, whenever I hear our President scoff at the news media or when I read his most unsettling statement, “The press is the enemy of the American people.” Add my concern for our democracy and you’ll understand why there were tears in my eyes when I learned a group of reporters were recently barred from a White House press gaggle.

I was equally as outraged years ago, as I sat at a table discussing Watergate with some Italian acquaintances. As a baby boomer, I’d had a crash course in civics, American politics and foreign policy. I’d protested the war in Vietnam, worked on my chosen candidate’s campaigns and had a deep belief in social justice. My distress concerning Nixon’s administration was met that night by a statement I’ve never forgotten. As I took a sip of chianti, an elderly Italian man patted my hand and said, “But it’s the government; it’s corrupt by definition!” My naïveté was instantly shattered by reality.

We’ve entered a new period of political crisis here in America, a mere 41 days since Donald Trump was inaugurated. There were red flags (pun intended) during the 2016 campaign season and disturbing conduct continues as the days go by. I firmly believe the truth and consequences will come; unfortunately we’ll have to suffer through the day-to-day aggravation and news whiplash as the puzzle pieces fit together. Last night I was dreaming about Trump’s tax returns being subpoenaed and an independent commission investigating Russia’s hacks. And – POW!- this morning I’ve learned about the trail of breadcrumbs Obama left in regard to Russia and the fact that Attorney General Sessions seems to have lied during his confirmation hearings. It’s exhausting being an informed and concerned American!

Here’s the bottom line. If you have nothing to hide, you don’t resist investigation. If you’re an innocent man, you turn over your books, give a DNA sample or allow a search without a warrant. If you’re guilty, you shred the paperwork, refuse to take a polygraph test or tell your mother the pot she found in your room belongs to somebody else. When Republican’s pass legislation that protects the President’s taxes from review, you’ve got to wonder, what are they hiding? It’s another distressing news day and I’m making my coffee strong. What I wouldn’t give to be in Italy, sipping espresso…