It's Not Okay

So now I'm angry.  This whole "find a way, anyway, just get it done no matter the cost to democracy" attitude of our politicians is making me ill.  It wasn't acceptable when George W. Bush did it and it's not acceptable now.  (PS, has anyone else taken note of the face that Obama re-signed the Patriot Act?  Why isn't that bigger news?) 

The government answers to US.  If you can't pass a bill because our representatives are afraid to vote or not vote--then YOU DON'T PASS A BILL.  It's pretty simple and I'm tired of the republicans, democrats, independents and all of them weaseling their way around what the people want. 

For all of you who are okay with how Obama and the majority of democrats are maneuvering to get this Health Care Bill passed, think about how ticked off you were when Bush signed executive order after executive order to prevent open discussion about outrageous changes in policy.  It wasn't okay then; it's not okay now.  Somewhere along the line we have to insist on a better way of doing things.

Find Your Voice: Roger Ebert Hits The Oprah Set

After years of Ebert's story going relatively under the radar--his movie review site shows an older, pre-surgery photograph--it's about to be common knowledge.  The Esquire piece and now an appearance on Oprah means the news will spread fast. 

Ebert debuted his "new voice" on Tuesday's Oprah show--a company in Scotland was able to use the movie critic's film commentaries from old DVDs to create a computerized version of his speech that sounds an awful lot like him.  Watching him and his wife Chaz listen to Ebert talk was unbelievable.  Imagine not hearing yourself for years...and then suddenly your voice is back in a whole new way.  It made me think of the expression so often repeated in writing classes..."Find your voice."  This man's life proves it can be found in the most profound of ways.

Watch a clip of this amazing moment here.  It will make you think about how strong you are, how blessed, and how truly capable you are of doing more than you think you can.

I'll leave you today with these words from Roger...

“I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn’t always know this, and I am happy that I lived long enough to find it out.”

Let me know what you think...feel free to leave a comment!