It’s spring in Costa Rica, and I think my head needs a good cleaning. There seems to be more clutter in there than needed. I’ve been caught up in our seemingly endless law case (into Limón numerous times, to the courthouse for this and that, a failed attempt at the trial itself, and a meeting with our lawyer), books that need a review written (got that done yesterday), and various and sundry other things (those, whatever they are, are still pending). And the unsettling news from the United States. I’m thinking of turning the TV off and canceling all electronic newspapers. I guess we really can’t call them “papers” anymore, maybe news “feeds” is a better term, and I’m overstuffed.
It’s the news from the US that has me the most upset. It’s no surprise what the GOP and the Astroturf Tea Party is up to, it’s just that I’ve seen it my whole life, and I’m tired of fighting them at every turn.
This whole union busting thing in Wisconsin has me worried for the future of the American worker. Right now, as you probably know, there are thousands of teachers, nurses, and other public employee union members protesting and fighting for their very survival on the steps of the legislature in Madison, Wisconsin. Many of the demands the governor and the Republican leaders want are, if not palatable, at least acceptable to the union members. They have agreed to pay into their health care and to take a pay cut, but that’s not enough for Governor Scott Walker. He wants to strip them of the right to collective bargaining. Why would he want that?
Well, because if he, Karl Rove, and the Koch brothers can break the unions and their ability to organize and give to Democratic causes, there will be no competition for the money in the next election. The Citizens United decision already opened up Big Money for the Republicans in 2008, and the Koch brothers and the Chamber of Commerce flooded the coffers of right-wing candidates across the country. Now, it seems, they are bent on destroying the liberal-leaning unions and stripping the middle class of any collective power it has left.
It is a sad day in America, but the Right has fought to take complete control since the country was founded, and they have certainly worked tirelessly to obliterate any safeguards that Franklin Delano Roosevelt enacted for poor people. The part I find the most ironic (or is that moronic) is that the very people who are supporting these powers will ultimately be hurt by them.
I know that eventually things will come into the open. Perhaps it will become public knowledge that Clarence Thomas should have recused himself from the Citizens United case because he was involved with the Koch brothers. Maybe people will find out that the father of two Republican legislators from Wisconsin is the head of the State Police, a public employee union exempt from Gov. Walker’s red pencil. Maybe. But, if there is no decent education in the country it will be all that much easier to manipulate an ignorant population.
As I said, I think my head needs a good cleaning, but I’m not sure what to use to get it done. I will go for a walk and meditate on my solidarity with the union workers in Wisconsin.
Hi there, Sarah,
I’ve stopped watching 95% of the telly I used to watch, even my guilty pleasure – “Coronation Street” – and I really have no idea what is going on in the world that I don’t see in the 15 mile radius of Amble by the Sea. Well, I heard there have been a couple of revolutions. I’m wanting one here … to get the Conservative-Liberal/Democrat government coalition out of office. Every week they come up with some bizarre scheme to save us from our poverty … They were actually going to sell off all of the public forests. Despite the lack of money to help school children who need it get a hot meal, there’s a royal wedding coming up that we are all supposed to be looking forward to eagerly, which will cost over £70 million. And now we’ve invited the Obamas over for a three-day state visit. That won’t look good here or in the USA, the Obamas waltzing at Buckingham Palace and dining off gold plate.
So … I read a great deal. I’m out 5 days a week now. A mate and I walk our dogs for an hour most days.
And I finally joined a political party. I have never been a paid-up member of a party, though I’ve voted in ever election I was able to since 1968. I joined the British Labour Party. The present leadership of the Labour Party is quite left-wing, socialist if you like. Hurrah!
Sorry to hear that your Green Hell continues. Perhaps you need a revolution and all.
Cailean’s 3rd birthday coming up. I can hardly believe that. His little Yorkshire terrier girlfriend, Sasha, is such a cutie and they get on so well. Nice that we can leave them together in my flat if we go out to dinner.
So it goes.
Cheers!
Ross
PS: I’ve ordered a book that is, apparently, a must-read. “Jerusalem: The Biography” by Simon S. Montefiore. Will let you know what I think.
I admire your resolve, Ross, although, as you probably know, I’m somewhat addicted to politics. It is hard watching what is going on in the USA right now. I know the pendulum will eventually swing, but it is ugly right now. And good for you, joining up. Better late than never, I say!
What is it with the wealthy, anyway? Have they no shame spending millions on a silly wedding when many in the country have little or nothing to eat? bah.
The other day I took my little guys for their afternoon walk in the potrero and smelled monkey flower tree in full bloom. I realized that Kashá died two years ago– on that very day! I took some of the flowers and put them on her grave. The eponymous tree we planted there is now over ten feet tall and healthy. So it goes. Please give Cailean a nose bump for me. One for you, too.
Do let me know about the book. I just finished Stolen World: A Tale of Reptiles, Smuggling, and Skullduggery by science writer Jennie Erin Smith. It was funny, engaging, and very informative. My review is due this week for the Internet Review of Books.
Next up: TC Boyle’s When the Killing’s Done. I love his books and am really looking forward to this one.
Take care, my friend.