Should we all be more aware of public policy?

§  While I'm not worthy to criticize the great Bertolt Brecht I have to say I disagree. The truth is that no matter where you go – and all throughout history - most people do not want to study and toil and fight to keep their leaders on track. They want to live their lives. That’s it. They want to work and spend time with their families, have a little fun, eat a nice meal, love and chat. There is nothing wrong with that. Sadly, the powerful will always take advantage of that basic human truth. But the answer isn’t to expect everyone of become aware and educated about public policy and get involved. It’s up to us. Those of who do want to put in the time and energy and passion to get involved.  It’s our job.  When we realize how few of us there actually are, we can’t get discouraged; we need to use that to get even more motivated. We need to work that much harder on behalf of all our neighbors. I’m not the least bit interested in joining the PTO, but I’m damn glad there are others who are. I benefit from their efforts, even though I contribute nothing. We each have a role to play in this world. Don't curse those who have a different part to play. Do your thing like a man or woman possessed so everyone else can do theirs without fear or limits.

Memories of 9/11 - I'm a lucky man!

Every September 11th for the rest of my life, I’ll be reminded both of the depth of evil that humans are capable of and how lucky I am to have the family and friends I have. When it happened I was fortunate enough to have a boss who – even though we were in the middle of a very important meeting people had traveled from all over the state to attend – immediately sent everyone home to “take care of your families.” I was lucky enough to have a good friend who was a child psychologist who coached me through how to talk to my 11 and 13 year-old daughters about the tragedy as I sped home. But most of all I was lucky enough to have two incredible daughters who handled the news better than even the most mature and insightful adults. After I hit all the talking points suggested by my brilliant friend, I asked them what they were feeling. Without a second’s hesitation, the only thing they wanted to know was what they could do to help. I said, “Uh… okay!” We heard about a group who was collecting supplies for the hoped for survivors (we didn’t know at the time there would not be any) and the emergency responders. After a trip to the store we headed to the collection point in a little Ford Escort stuffed with batteries, bottled water and other suggested items. Honestly, my mind was racing and I had no clue what to do – but my young daughters knew the answer was simple: find out what we can do to help and get busy! What amazing girls.