Thank You For The Opportunity

Well the moment I’d been dreading all week came today, my Grandmother’s memorial. For obvious reasons, of course, but, rather selfishly, I was nervous about being asked if the piece I wrote after her passing could be read as “part of the proceedings.”

You know, if I’d been asked earlier this week, I’m quite sure I’d have said no. There’s something about having the words I write, read back to me that leaves me feeling awkward and subtlety embarrassed. Sounds strange, I know. Because it is. What can I say? It’s the introvert in me.

But, more to my point, I was “dreading” being asked, mostly, on account of it was an exceptionally hard bit to write so soon after hearing she was gone. And I wasn’t at all comfortable with my reaction in response to my ramblings being spoken aloud, not only to myself, but a room full of people…

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ZNet Strikes Again

This is a little late, I received it last week, October 2nd. But it’s not one bit less relevant today, here in Canada and around the world, after yesterday. Thanks again to my ZNet monthly sustainer status I received a piece written by Howard Zinn titled From Empire To Democracy.

In it he outlines the various things, relating to American history of course, that he feels, and history has proven, will fix the current mess a bunch of needledick “neo-cons” created through reckless “incompetence and greed.”

I’m not too sure of any legal rights I have as a “sustainer,” or any permission I’ve been granted or denied in reproducing any commentator’s words here, or anywhere. So I’ll play it safe and post only some of what he wrote. But I urge everyone who is even half interested in where we’re headed to sign-up for ZNet.

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The World Has One Less Hero

This morning my Grandmother passed away. I don’t have much detail at this point, but if the last two weeks are any indication, she finally fell victim to a long and painful bout with Alzheimer’s. A nasty, unrelenting disease.

What could I ever hope to say about such an inspirational figure in my life? Except, of course, I love you so very much and you will be sorely missed. Plus I’d be remiss not to highlight something I’ve already said;

“I am the person I am because of the people they are. Growing up I’ve witnessed my Grandparents having to face peoples often misguided expectations. And although they never showed one bit of frustration towards peoples unawareness they had every right to be irritated. Ignorance of peoples feelings is purely a reason for treating people indifferently. It’s NOT an excuse…”

Or in other words, not only was my Grandmother an important half of an unstoppable team of personal motivation, she was so much more. She was an image of an individual who had lived with difficulties most, all but 7 years, of her 84 year stint on this planet. I can’t help but feel great sorrow for all she represented and, much more pressing is, what we’ve lost…

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How Conservatives Rule

I’ve been reading Thomas Frank’s latest book, The Wrecking Crew: How Conservatives Rule. And I couldn’t have chosen a better book to get a hold on what’s currently happening with world economies. From a reason as to why it’s happening. But, more importantly, what small-minded American “wingers” have, in fact, done.

Why should I care? Well a few days ago I heard about our “leader,” Steven Harper, giving a speech supporting “Dubya’s” insane motives to invade Iraq. As troubling as that is, it’s not the most concerning aspect of this story. Turns out Harper, when leader of the Canadian Alliance, gave the exact same speech, three days later, word for word, as Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard.

I think it goes without saying that I expected it. But it goes deeper. Much deeper. Conspiracy theories aside, seems to me, that his “Conservative” ploy is just a front for more sinister motives…

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