This column is dedicated to Annie. It is not a repeat of an earlier column titled “The Media Menagerie” The following is the result of watching, pondering, and a bit of comparison. However, it is a product of deductions. I do think if everyone also ponders this a while, we will have 100% consensus on the validity of its premise.

There are always several issues available for discussion as to policy on the political front; the last two weeks are no different. No one can ever expect to reach full agreement on such areas. That's not only inevitable in a democratic form of government, it's required if things are to improve and advance.  

The purpose of my column this year, however, is to find the areas of agreement to enable us here Fab 40 to have cohesive and honest discussion. THAT is what is missing in the world of media that we’ve come to see as normal. Personally, I believe this level of 'reporting the news' causes the great journalists of times past to "roll over in their graves!"

Oh, there were arguments and serious differences present then, too. Since the gathering of the founding fathers even rather heated debate is common and even welcome. But, until the last decade or so, total lack of civility and slanderous charges were unheard of by 'mainstream' intellectual journalists. They all 'fought' diligently for their ideals or a principle strongly held. But, if one or another elected official or administration swerved way out of line, voters, who wanted to be, were given 'both' sides of a story. Possibly then, an intelligent decision could be made and the voters voted based on factual issues regardless what side of the aisle they happened to stand on. The people tended to stand together and although the injustices often took violent or long involved courses of legislation, ultimately the issues were addressed and improved. As long as we are dealing with people, things will never be perfect. We don't even know what ‘perfect’ is anymore. Even the churches are at odds as to just what is "God's" will, what’s required and what’s evil.

In today's world, money rules everything. If one wishes to analyze all the way back to the roots of an issue, any issue, one need only follow the money. Whether the topic is domestic, foreign, secular or religious, just follow the money. Problem with that is, one has to know where to look and the news media makes sure we don't, both sides of it, UNLESS it serves their purpose. Even the politicians, both sides, will invent a 'breaking news' story simply to divert the attention away from what they don't WANT you to know. What's sad is, being a species driven by personal perception or 'family traditions', and I include myself in this premise, we tune into the station or newspaper that best feeds what WE already believe in. Understandable enough.  

The downside is, and here's where I started my 'research', we don't even allow ourselves to look at the other side of the coin and what it may show. We put our defenses up and follow like sheep to the herder, what we want to hear! It's a process of self-justification for often errant thoughts and often done subconsciously. The news media today has 24/7 time slots to fill. Most of the pundits who are telling you what means what aren't even true journalists. They are 'hype' salesmen. Their own jobs are dependent on ratings.  

“Okay,” you're saying about now, “we all know that already. So what brilliant deduction have you come up with?”  

After watching a week of various channels for a true comparison, I noticed that I went to the channels I so detest with a mental block already in place. I was prepared subconsciously to not believe a word I heard. Doing exactly just what I preach against. I then fully grasped the power of pre-conceived ideas. I went to the channels more inclined to reinforce my already formed beliefs, and found that when really noticing, they are doing exactly the same kind of 'hype' salesmanship as the other side is doing. I'd honestly never really grasped the full meaning of this before. It means we never really “know” the truth, the ‘uncolored’ truth! It’s amazing how something taken out of context can be twisted to mean exactly the opposite of what was originally said or being addressed. Both sides!

I went to the various Sunday morning talk shows on these same cable stations and even some of the major networks. Even when both sides were represented on a panel, I noticed just how much the commentator or host guided the discussion. Not just to keep civility intact but to follow certain courses. The partisanship was evident here, as well. It was carried off with a bit more subtlety and more decorum, but still there.

I was then attending a talk at a seminar on Literature and Philosophy and how it subliminally hypnotizes the masses, and has done so over eons and generations! The summation being . . . we need to ask ourselves the practical affectation of a single idea, policy or solution as it relates to us personally OR the work of the Universe in general? Here's where the pondering food really came in. Does 'it' really matter a damn to my personal station in life, the workings of the nation, or the world, or the entire Cosmos?  

If a politician gets a mistress, has an off-color sexual orientation, goes to a synagogue over a chapel, why do we even have to know these private issues? Does it change their governing capabilities? Does it alter their intellect in dealing with a problem? On the other hand, if they got caught NOT paying their taxes like everyone else has to do, shouldn't EVERYONE be concerned regardless of the offender’s political affiliation? At that point, does it matter a damn if they are a liberal or conservative?  

But, do I really give a damn whether the governor of South Carolina spent his "hike on the Appalachian Trail?" Does Tiger Woods' sex life affect my own? Does the planet stop spinning? I’d have to say the governor’s philandering is the business of the voters of South Carolina, and the only person who should worry about Tiger is Tiger’s family. The women involved are responsible for their own darn behaviour! Tiger was a married man and they knew it.
After three weeks of almost continual media hype, you'd think this was earth shaking when it's really rather common human behavior from the ghetto to the Whitehouse. Does being elected to public office include sainthood? If that were the case, we'd surely be back in the caves. There simply are no human saints and it's na?ve to expect there would be.

I’m more inclined to ask does anyone care that in the same time frame we're dropping bombs on civilians with drones? Or is that okay, because it's not 'me' dropping them and America's safety is worth killing every being on the orb? In that case, does “Thou shall not kill” go down the tubes? Is it fair to be against social entitlements while you support rejection of planned parenthood? Who is going to feed the babies? Can you be all for the right to life, but be against feeding, housing and educating the needy babies?

We aren't going to change the media. Nor, are we going to change the dollar driven economy. But we, and only we, can change the openness of our minds.  Decide what is 'breaking news' and what are hype-driven ratings chases, or paid for air time by candidates who will spend millions to convince you how evil the other guy is while promising their own metamorphosis toward sainthood. Ask yourself that when you wonder why your insurance rates just jumped 39%. Those lobbyists don't come cheap.  

If you want fair, unbiased, relevant and practical news watch PBS News Hour which, as you all know, is publicly funded based on quality of programming. I say that as I turn the channel to 3 after hearing the lead-in headline on cable news . . . "Breaking news! More shocking details on the Edwards affair." Frankly, I don't give a damn. I want to know how the jobs bill is progressing, or not progressing. And, I want honest and fair details of who or what are obstructing or pushing it!        

Susan Haley, Author
RAINY DAY PEOPLE ? A Novel
AMBER RETURNS TO MAINE
FIBERS IN THE WEB  

**Susan Haley is the published author of three books, several articles and essays. She is an award-winning poet, contract copy editor and book reviewer for AME Marketing out of San Diego. She also contributes a column to "The Florida Writer" the official magazine of the Florida Writers Association, of which she is Facilitator for the Sarasota County Chapter. The audio version of her novel "Rainy Day People" was awarded runner-up Finalist in the 2008 Indie Excellence National Book Awards. She also contributes a variety of editorials and excerpts of her work to various E-zines, newsletters and local papers.

Happy February and a hug to all you fellow Aquarians out there! It is the month of valentines, ground hogs looking for spring and new growth. It is the month set aside for 'love' to permeate the air, is it not? Is it me? Am I missing these breezy love essences, or even a basic respect in the air?

Our history, as noted before, has always been a volatile one. It's the American way, to speak out and display dissent at abuses of errant government and policy. This is nothing new to these precarious times. It's the basic foundation of living in a free nation of "we the people". I have no problem with dissent.  

Although, not always of the age to pay close attention to political movements, I've lived through campaigns since the days of FDR. Like many of you, came into 'age' during the Sixties, the onset of the 'new age' a pretty volatile decade in itself! In recent years, I've taken a deep interest in biographies and American History. In the past, right or wrong, most political dissent was rooted in a specific policy. I've increasingly noticed that the chaos we now find ourselves in has nothing to do with the American citizenry. We are the victims of political wars between political parties. The world of a politician is no longer based on public service or leading the nation to heights of prosperity and peace for ALL the people.

The tenets of the constitution guaranteeing specific freedoms and rights has been turned into a sword in the hands of the opposition. Which opposition? The other side of the congressional aisle. It makes absolutely no difference whether one is a republican, a democrat, a conservative or a liberal. It's only about re-election at any cost or deed.  

The day after the election a year ago last November, we immediately were thrust into the wars of 2010. Every vote, every tactic, every policy and every motion put forth is based on maintaining office. No rules or premise, no deed or characteristic is sacred. Just win that seat! The news media, in its continual ratings war, feeds off all rhetoric, the sleazier the better. Policies previously supported are suddenly opposed and vice-versa.  

Feed the people what you want them to hear or think, turn it into as dirty and slanderous a bait as you possibly can. If a lie serves you, tell it. If a misquote makes you look good, say it. It goes on and on, day in day out. The people are so overwhelmed with the negative energy, the struggles under their own roofs, the battle lines are drawn and the wars begin and it's all based on misinformation, the continual blame game, and the personal passions or prejudices of the electorate in your district being tweaked in just the right way! It's almost like living during the Civil War without the uniform and the blood-soaked battlefields. At the rate we are going, that will be next.

Yet, when a major disaster slams into the scene like the recent horror in Haiti, the true generous nature of the American spirit comes into the light. The innate decency of folks all over the globe is displayed as aid and volunteers begin to pour in. And the spirit of the Haitian people continues to touch even the hardest heart. These are the times when I see there is always hope.

As the campaign signs again begin to sprout in your town for the upcoming primary season, I would ask everyone reading this to begin with taking a real interest in your local and state elections. As with prosperity, government that works starts at the bottom. If it trickles down, it simply doesn't work.  

We the people, now more than ever, have to shun politics as usual. We have to close our ears to negative and slanderous media and campaign ads and look for candidates that run based simply on their own credence and not the tearing down of their opponent. We need to fact check claims and statements. We have to set aside, especially, misplaced party loyalty as, in fact, even the parties can't settle on a policy or a direction. It's everyone for themselves, I think. In-party fighting is unprecedented. Due to that fact, even the worry of fragmented control or winning a majority in congress is not an issue. We've had several terms now of one or the other party having the majority. Did it do 'we the people' any good? No.

Consider the fact that a fragmented congress of both republicans and democrats blended with independents would FORCE debate and individual thought on issues. To win a majority vote, rather than lumping together to block or support, each member would have to gain and gather support based on content. NO legislative bill should require more than two or three hundred pages. NO bill. It's either good or bad and to determine that, it should be concise and understandable.

If we need a revolution of sorts to take back our country, let us forget the goals of individual politicians and parties and stand together as a people!
Your comments are most welcome. Like you, there are days I don't know which way to turn. I do know that if America is ever to recover we must rediscover the power of 'critical thinking' and not let others think for us.    

Susan Haley, Author
RAINY DAY PEOPLE ? A Novel
AMBER RETURNS TO MAINE
FIBERS IN THE WEB  

     **Susan Haley is the published author of three books, several articles and essays. She is an award-winning poet, contract copy editor and book reviewer for AME Marketing out of San Diego. She also contributes a column to "The Florida Writer" the official magazine of the Florida Writers Association, of which she is Facilitator for the Sarasota County Chapter. The audio version of her novel "Rainy Day People" was awarded runner-up Finalist in the 2008 Indie Excellence National Book Awards. She also contributes a variety of editorials and excerpts of her work to various E-zines, newsletters and local papers.

In my first column of 2010, I suggested we do what our government cannot and focus on some optimism, my exact words . . . 'the elected leaders don't lead and solve problems, but we the people do!' I was delighted at the responses that were all in agreement. I vowed then to keep us positive and accentuate 'we the people' for the new year about to begin. I will continue to discuss pertinent issues, but will do it with the 'what can we do about this mess' attitude.

Along with everyone else, I shuddered as the tragic news began filling the airwaves of the horror in Haiti last Tuesday. We still have no idea on how many lives were taken by the trembling of the earth. Could this cloud possibly have a silver lining? I've watched with interest the last week.

It appears to be so. Once again, the American people, the common folk out here on Main Street have united. Millions of dollars have already been donated to the Red Cross by texting a number on a cell phone. Daily, we see more volunteers embarking on the arduous journey into the destroyed city of Port Au Prince. We see more and more doctors and medical personnel giving of their services. Organizations and corporations are stepping up. Celebrities from all fields are manning various phone lines. Professional sports organizations are donating millions. Firefighters from all over the country are helping with the rescues and amazingly they are still finding people alive. TV Talk Show hosts are on the job raising funds from their viewers and the viewers are donating in record numbers.

The Obama Administration is on the job and handling the situation as best as complicated logistics will allow. Former president, George W. Bush returned to the White House for the first time to get involved with Former President, Bill Clinton as his father did following the Tsunami. Political rivals are partnering up for fund raising. Only a few mean-spirited people continue to insist on using this travesty to advance their own political and personal agendas. We have come to expect that from those people.

What's inspiring, too, is that it appears to be a Global response. It's totally amazing to me that people don't unite to this degree more often on things of less magnitude once the power of unification is shown, but the silver lining on this cloud is expanding. Hopefully, the satisfaction of helping others will catch on all over the world. Even those without money, education, celebrity or health can, and are, giving of time and heart and are warmed by the feeling that what they do matters.

Haiti, in my lifetime, has always been notoriously poor, uneducated, and at the mercy of a dysfunctional, if not corrupt, government. Now they face total decimation of their homeland. The loss of life, though paramount, is all they've truly lost. They were without all other things we take for granted before the earthquake last Tuesday. They hadn't recovered from the hurricanes and mudslides from last year, or the season before that, or that! Decent housing, education, healthcare, or opportunities have never been available to Haitians. If people gain honor from giving life for country, the dear souls that lost their life last week are truly fallen warriors in a war against poverty, or a war with a few people in control not caring about many people, even within a given society or culture.

Now, new infrastructure and housing will have to be built. Almost three million people can't live on the street or in tents for long. Disease would run rampant. The people will be motivated to totally build a new life with new direction. Any misplaced loyalties to a government will be rethought as rulers have stood by and done nothing or been killed themselves.  

With all this help from 'we the people', we need keep one thing in mind. The people of Haiti have to be part of the process, not just the recipients of aid. Jobs should become plentiful as roads and housing are built. They should be given to the Haitians, not private contractors with profit opportunity their only goal such as was done in Iraq.  

The Haitians should be the workers and the buyers of supplies becoming part of the Global economy. They can hire qualified people to work with them, teach them business management once on their feet and survival issues behind them. These are just a couple of examples in really helping people. These are part of basic human rights and freedoms. I always think of the old axiom, "If a man is hungry, I can give him a fish, or I can give him a pole and teach him how to catch his own." I'm not sure who said that first, but the message is profound. This is our first example of a huge cloud with a small silver lining in 2010. I'll be watching to see how it moves forward. Will the skies begin to turn sunny, or will the clouds roll in again over Haiti?

I do appreciate all your comments and suggestions even if I don't reply each time; I read them. How we can apply these principles to our own nation? What can we do on the community level to illustrate the power of people united? Or even around our supper table talking with our kids? Is it something as small as taking part in a local volunteer program for an hour a week? There is so much need, it's easy to find something you actually enjoy doing. What is going on in your community?

Susan Haley, Author/Editor/Columnist

Happy New Year, my friends and readers at Fab 40! Are you feeling or seeing anything new and different yet? After all, Congress went home for Christmas break having achieved passage of a health reform bill in both the House and Senate. A monumental feat, for sure! Only took three decades. Or was it? Seems the two bills are not at all similar, or even approaching the original framework we've heard rhetoricized for the past years. The Insurance Conglomerate rules. In actuality, we are no closer to really reforming a 'paralyzing-to-most' healthcare system than we were last year at this time. Even if somewhat of a replicate does manage to pass a full floor vote, another quarter million will perish before it's implemented. All is status quo in Washington. Nothing different there, I'm afraid. It takes thousands of pages and years to complete anything.

But you know me, the eternal optimist. *choke*. After all, every cloud does have a silver lining, and there's a rainbow on the tail of every storm. Then, on Christmas day over the skies of Detroit, a major storm was brewing. Black, anvil clouds formed and rumbled about in a tumultuous swirl. Most fortunately, the high-pressure cloud pulling the storm in was foiled by a couple of the passengers on the aircraft preparing to descend into Detroit Metro International Airport. Yes, I said passengers, not security officials, passengers. There definitely was a silver lining to that cloud! But what about the storm? Would there be a rainbow at the tail end of the storm?

What could it possibly be for an eternal optimist like me? Was I obsessed with my belief! Will we have our rainbow? In my naivet?, I truly thought so. I thought this near tragedy would serve to do one thing, again unite our government. I really believed that people elected to serve would finally put their politics aside and come together as Americans to solve, or at least avert, this global problem that again threatened the lives of Americans on a plane and folks in a major airport, and many other innocent people all over the world. It seems we may have to learn to live with this threat; it isn't going away and it's not being averted. But surely once the 'leaders' got used to working together for ALL the people on a crucial issue, it may broaden their perspectives on the benefits of cooperative debate. Why it may just become a habit! It may spread that lust for democracy we keep trying to force down the throat of the globe. That would be our rainbow. That would be another lesson learned from 9/11 and the perils of a rush to judgment. Wouldn't it?

As the dirt and slander from both sides proceded to fly, I guess not. What's even more infuriating . . .Oh-oh, you're saying, she's about to go off on a rant on the right . . . to me is that the elected leaders don't lead and solve problems, but we the people do! Why are we paying them billions of dollars when we are seemingly on our own? No, I'm not off on a rant about the right. I'm turning to you, the people. If our government can't come together, why can't we? We need to lessen focus on what Washington does for a while and all go local. Let them keep fumbling around. I pay a lot more taxes to my county and state than I do the feds! The government has already shown they are NOT going to work from the bottom up with the interests of the masses in mind. They are all in the 'trickle down' mode, the re-election mode. Keep the 'big boys' happy and rich and then it will start to trickle down to the populace. RIght? Problem with that theory is it never gets here! We the people need to abandon our political loyalties to political parties and stick together and rebuild the bottom. Not violently, just by doing something!

We want to know who the heroes are? Look around you at the survivors of the government's messes still pluggin’ along! Look to the local shelters and community centers that do the providing on donations from, you guessed it, we the people! Look at the families who've helped the families with heads of household overseas fighting our government's wars! Look at even the comedians that have garnered public support to get things done. Steven Colbert from the Comedy Channel rallied support to get our U.S. Olympic Speed Skating team access to the Canadian training facility! Liberal pundit, Keith Olberman, has garnered support and donations from the people to run healthcare clinics in major cities for those who have no insurance or have lost their jobs! Your local grocery stores have run food drives and toy drives for the local community over the holidays, while the Salvation Army bells jingled outside the door. Most of the ringers I spoke to said that people were generous even if they had to dig for a quarter in a worn change purse.
Volunteers have formed fire departments, security patrols and animal rescue operations in local communities. Formed reading groups at private facilities to fill the vacancies as libraries cut their hours. Disaster relief comes from the people! It's people who help people while the government fumbles through its ludicrous layers of bureaucracy and shipping ice from Atlanta to New Orleans via Oregon!

We hear a lot of references to the U. S. Constitution. Politicians toss its semantics this way and that; they twist it, spin it and quote snippets out of context that may serve their purpose. I'm a writer. I know the power achievable in rearranging words, altering and cutting here and subtly adding there. But our lives are NOT fiction novels, and not everyone is a wordsmith. Our Constitutional framework is not a draft or an outline. It's a proclamation for the foundation of a Republic. It guarantees certain inalienable rights in the Declaration of Independence, but the Constitution does not dismiss responsibility. No human being, in my opinion, has a 'right' to be irresponsible, apathetic, or cared for unless they are disabled in some way. We are guaranteed the pursuit of happiness, but not happiness itself. Pursuit is an active, not passive, word. We are not guaranteed a job. We are guaranteed equal opportunity to obtain one. That doesn't release us from the requirements for that position. Most importantly, electing someone to an office to serve as our representative leader does not release us from accountability to follow through on making sure it's done. Delgation is only good if it is followed up and evaluated.

And, now I'm seeing the rainbow begin to form. I do believe we the people are beginning to see that if we want anything done, we are going to have to start taking an active role at the bottom. Many are already turning to this path. Parents are getting more involved in schools and after care. Professionals are starting to donate set hours of public service. Several veterinarians in my county are beginning to donate their time to spaying and neutering programs as local animal shelters have had serious funding cuts. Volunteers are organizing events to educate young people on responsible pet ownership in conjunction with adoptive programs.  

I see so many things being taken up by the people as funding cuts seem out of control. People are starting to ask, too, just where are all the tax increases going? People are beginning to demand transparency from the bottom up! More are writing to the Op-Ed columns in daily papers. Good discussion forums are starting on reputable and fair blogs. Oh yes, the clouds are beginning to lighten up.

This year in my column, I'm going to attempt to turn the focus to the positive energy. Energy in motion tends to stay in motion just like physical matter. Instead of choosing which abomination to rant about, or what thought seed to plant, I'd like to address an issue and then focus on what positive things I see 'we the people' attempting to do about it. I'd like input from everyone here. I'd like this column to become a real interactive blog visible to all members. Individual groups focusing on certain issues will still have their place, however. Yana Berlin, in a couple of years has illustrated and proven the potential 'voice' a group of women and gentlemen, too, from all over the country can build in a cyber community. Working with positive attitudes and friendship sans the rush to judgment and backbiting is contagious. I've seen no major bickering, slamming of another's ideas or ideals, or using others for personal gain. Even disagreements are expressed with respect and discussion. We are all given opportunities to share about our businesses, our dreams and our craft. Yet, there is no slanderous competition, more support. Several here have purchased my books just from reading my ramblings in a political column. Not because I hawk it!

I'm inviting everyone to take a role in addressing and solving problems, or at the least, discussing them with civility and sharing ideas and projects they see in their communities. Maybe it's time to teach the top the power potential brewing down here in the bottom tier who pays their salary! Let's show them how to encourage rainbows! We'll make our calls to judgment at the polls in the off year elections. We DO hold the power of which heads will roll. I propose the implementation of the reverse power of fear mongering. Instead of hiring political strategists and fund-raisers, they'll only have to do their job . . . or lose it just like us! We need a powerful new party, the party not FOR the people, but OF the people. Anyone ready to go in the business of building rainbows with me?

Susan Haley, Author/Editor/Columnist

Hoping this finds you all in survival mode and thinking about time left over to relax and reflect. It’s been a whirlwind kind of year and we all became less easily shocked at what just might happen next. It almost came to a point of mystery as the bar continued to rise on the impossible in America expectations. I would imagine nearly everyone is looking forward to a new year as much as I am.

Many have struggled with heartache and health issues, financial hardships and many dreams have moved to back burners for a while. But there’s also been joys and blessings, new dreams and new births. Always the Ying and the Yang. I truly hope this season brings all of you time with your families, some peace, love, rest and regroup time. We’ll be ready to meet 2010 with vigor and determination the new always brings.

For myself, I only ask for a recovery of energy to do so much of what I’ve left unattended the last eight months. I have a lot of unwritten words fluttering around in my yet disorganized mind. There really is so much to be grateful for even when we struggle. I’d like to share my Christmas poem with the Fabulously 40 Family and wish you all the nicest of holidays. It’s called “A Different Kind of Christmas” and I’m eager to make it happen! Everyone consider themselves hugged!  

The calendar is turning;
it's near the end of year.
A different kind of Christmas
is about to be, I fear.  

My list of gifts is growing,
and money's hard to find.
A different kind of Christmas
is forming in my mind.  

Oh, lights will still twinkle,
and snowflakes will still fall.
A different kind of Christmas
won't change that at all.  

Carols will still ring out,
and sleigh bells will still ring.
A different kind of Christmas
will be in the gifts I bring.  

My gifts won't cost money;
new traditions, I can start.
A different kind of Christmas
will come straight from my heart.  

I'll give love and understanding,
share a shoulder and a song.
A different kind of Christmas,
that will last the whole year long.  

I'll stand up for your honor,
and lend a helping hand.
And, hope a different kind of Christmas
will spread across the land.  

I'll offer my forgiveness,
toss old resentments all away.
I’ll wish for yours to be returned
For the times it was me who strayed.  

I'll take the time to thank you
as we gather by the tree,
for your part in our family
and all you've done for me.  

Isn't that what Christmas means?
Aren't all its treasures free?
I think my different kind of Christmas
Is what was truly meant to be.  

_{Susan Haley}

See you in the new year and we’ll get back to politics!

Thanksgiving is but a week away and I'm still lingering back between the Fourth of July and Labor Day! The speed of time passing has become a real bafflement to me! Though often accused of dwelling on another wave length, I'm beginning to believe it myself! Is it me? :)

I wanted to take an opportunity to wish all the Fab 40 girls and guys, and my faithful readers a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving. I'm thankful to Yana for giving me the chance to rant and loll back into journalism for a while. I really hadn't done much pure journalism since college. I'm now more inclined to write prose and poem. I'm thankful, too, for the girls that have followed my column and participated in the discussions, even those that disagree with my ideas and opinions. Unlike the Congress that is supposed to represent us, I welcome debate and discussion of ideas and I don't worry about my re-election as I'm not running for anything but the employment of common sense and critical thinking. Last but not least, I'm especially thankful that I was able to regain the wherewithal to do the writing I so love doing.

This is a bit early to begin season wishes, but I will be leaving Sunday to spend the holiday with my cousins at the Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary out in the Ozarks. Some time in the pastures with the majestic animals finally running free after years of use and abuse by humankind will continue in aiding my mental therapy and lowering my stress levels. This trip, the computer is staying home. Not so, when I went north.

I would like to leave you with some timely questions to ponder in my absence, and possibly, any comments left could educate me upon my return. There've been a few issues these past few days that have both amused and confused me. Perhaps, some of you feel the same way.

It was said today in a couple of different media spots that the insurance lobbyists would be gathering in droves in the hallways outside the Senate chamber as the senators decide on the cloture vote to be held tomorrow evening. This isn't for a bill to be passed, but only to allow debate to come to the floor!
My question is: Why is this even allowed? When we go to the polls to vote, it's a law that campaigns or candidates cannot influence voters within so many feet of the polling place. When a jury makes a critical deliberation on the guilt or innocence of a defendant, they are sequestered. Why is the undue influence of lobbyists with checkbooks allowed inside the halls of our legislative branch of government when a vote that affects every citizen in this country is being taken? Why does no one ask this question?

I think most of us here, including Yana who immigrated here herself, would agree that when you visit another country, or decide to settle there, it's proper to at least attempt to respect that culture. When Hillary Clinton, visits the Middle East as our Secretary of State, out of respect for the culture there, she covers her head with a scarf. When other foreign leaders visit here, they extend their hands, as here a handshake is the epitome of respect. When former President Bush visited Saudi Arabia, he kissed the cheeks of the leader and walked with him hand in hand, as is the custom there. That was acceptable and respectful behavior.

Some of the folks here in America scream the loudest about immigrants learning the language and merging into our culture. English being the 'official' language is on many a ballot. And, that's okay. When in Rome, do as the Romans do . . . right?
Could someone, then, please explain to me why all the furor this past week because President Obama saw fit to bow to the Japanese Emperor as he entered the Royal residence in Japan? How can ex-Vice President Cheney claim that, "America Bows to No One" when we have no problem asking to borrow billions of dollars from these far Eastern nations? Instead of being so arrogant, it might behoove our leaders to get on their knees and hope the Chinese don't call in their debt and destroy us completely! Where does this man get off, anyway? Surely, he doesn't speak for America? Does he? Is it me?

And then the last thing, that probably affected me most adversely. Perhaps, I am green with envy! How can a woman who quits her job mid- way through, who has been proven to propagate ridiculous fears such as death panels, who claims to have foreign policy experience because she can see Russia from her home state, not her porch, she didn't say that, but 'from her home state‘, who advocates shooting wolves from airplanes, who has never written a word between the covers of a book, and casts doubt on if she ever even read one, can get paid millions of dollars to get someone else to write a book for her, and then tour around the country in a fully-equipped, publisher-supplied bus and have massive crowds standing in the cold and rain to drop $20 of their admittedly scarce money to obtain her scrawl on an inside cover without even as much as looking up and asking a patron's name? I observe these things closely. Are the citizenry of this country that desperate for reading material?

Can you, who've toiled hard for years, punched a clock, or poured out your heart to build a business or create something unique, or me, and a lot of other talented writers who've poured out their very soul, or the creative corridors of their minds onto pages, crawling through rewrite after rewrite for five years while holding down two jobs to keep a roof over head, and then STILL have to grovel, suffer rejection after rejection, and beg  people to visit your shop or publish your book, or attend your book signing that you practically had to bribe a bookseller to host, not be amazed by this phenomenon? I really didn't know whether to laugh, have another fit, or just cry. Where is the justice?! This is Capitalism, where work and effort are supposed to be rewarded? Is it me??

Perhaps you could all take pity on me and go to Amazon and order "Rainy Day People" as a gift for someone? Or be watching for the release of my new book to be released in early 2010, "Songs of the Soul". Or at the least, visit my website and allow me to accumulate some hits?! www.sucarha.com  Oh, this shameless promoting is embarrassing! And, I am kidding, girls. Or am I?

Enjoy your families and I wish you a Thanksgiving wrapped in rainbows!    

Susan Haley