Memorable Day

No, that isn't a misspelling. Our Memorial Day is Monday. It was just that kind of day. We headed out at 5:30 this morning to be among some of the first at the annual bare root sale at a nursery outside of Plains, Montana.

There's a pretty little community park in Thompson Falls where we usually stop to dewater and decoffee. Today the grassy areas were filled with Canadian Geese and their goslings. Until Bacchus disembarked - then the feathers flew!

All was well, though, as families got themselves together and cruised right on down the Clark Fork. It was a delightful few seconds!

Now we've got those bare roots and what's left of a three day week end to get them planted. Political rantings will just have to take a back seat! 'Tis spring - finally.

Dick Cheney Interests Me

I find the present Dick Cheney fascinating. Rarely do you see someone stand up for what he believes as adamantly and as publicly . It should make one wonder how much credibility there may actually be in what he says.

The two main issues are the closing of the prison at Guantanamo; the other the use of "enhanced interrogation". Both go to the issue of keeping America safe from future attacks by Islamic extremists. When you see Obama inching ever closer to Bush policies, one could conclude campaign rhetoric can't always be backed up by fact.

The idea that this has become a political hot potato bothers me. I have to agree with Secretary of Defense Gates and former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge when they state that
Obama has not done anything to undermine our security.

What I do agree with is that Cheney has been the point man for the Republicans in his criticism, as exaggerated as it may be. According to Bloomberg.com he has taken the fight to Obama because he has no further political ambitions. That indicates other Republicans agree with him but don't have the courage to stand with him.

When John Feehery, a Republican strategist says whats being argued is how far is it necessary to go to protect the country. The Bush administration did everything they could. The Obama administration is asking if "everything" was necessary.

It's an interesting argument. It's also interesting that Dick Cheney is doing better in opinion polls. He's resonating with someone!

Somewhere between the two opinions is probably the best option. The question in my mind is whether or not the Republicans can get beyond their own political ambitions to do what's right for the country? They had help from the Democrats in holding back funding for Gitmo's closure but they're going to have to find their own voice.

If Cheney alone is their voice and there is another attack, he wins. Not the Republicans. And certainly not the country.

Preferred Camouflage

Some days it's good to get away from the tube and the computer and do something useful.

It's a beautiful spring day. The trees and shrubs are finally beginning to bud and the birds are morphing from mating season into parenting!

The Killdeer that have nested between our fence and the road have four new chicks. I always fear for them for they often get hit by cars which race by, the drivers paying no attention.

The ones in the back of our five acres tend to fare better. Hub is very conscientious. He had to get started on the mowing today before the field grass gets completely out of hand. Suddenly there was a clamor from the Killdeer that indicated he was in dangerous territory. They even woke up Bacchus who was snoozing in the shade while I was doing some planting.

As is the usual routine, Hub stopped the tractor, sought me out and sent me off to find the nest. Right. But I comply. For about 15 minutes I made my around a patch he had not yet mowed looking for the nest. It isn't easy to see! Of course, that's the idea!

But alas, I finally spotted four eggs nestled in a tiny bed of grass. Huge eggs considering they are small birds. I called to Hub to bring a flag and mark the area. He had missed them by a fraction of an inch.

It made my day.

There Are Times When NIMBY Makes Sense

Republicans and Democrats working together to keep the administration in line is something out of the ordinary but it has actually happened!

Yesterday the Senate cut $80 million slated to be used for closing Guantanamo Bay. Now if only the media quits over reacting by insisting it's a huge setback for Obama, things will be fine. Yes. He pledged to close the prison. There's just one little detail he has overlooked and that's what to do with the prisoners.

Their own countries don't want them nor does anyone else. Including us! I can't say that I think it's a great idea to house these people on our soil. It's too much of a reminder of the injustices they've suffered under international law, like not ever being charged, that could cause resentment to bubble over. Should revenge be sought having those prisoners in the U.S. might not bode well!

That of course is the reason for closing the prison - those injustices. There comes a time, however, when symbolism isn't always the best avenue. The prison itself is functional. No one has ever escaped.

Maybe keeping the prison open and extending the prisoners their rights would be just as effective as trying to relocate everyone. How often are prisons closed because of unpleasant happenings within? Change the behavior!

Regardless of the solution decided upon, I applaud the Senate for denying funds for a proposed action without a plan. Bailing out car companies and making up the rules as you go along is one thing. Making up the rules as you go along for dealing with alleged terrorists just to change a perception is something entirely different.

I go back to raising that cautionary hand of mine. It's better to proceed after things are thought through. Victories are empty when more harm than good is done!

Back To The Future

If one could take policy out of the equation, our young President would be very hard to dislike. He has a smile that knocks your socks off. He's poised, confident, articulate and has a great sense of humor. He's a loving father and husband. He has breakfast with his kids every day and dinner as often as possible when he's in town. He is America.

I've put up a cautionary hand often these past few months. It seems like he's everywhere but where he's supposed to be. Governing. I've complained about his piling the plate too high. Too much too soon.

As I watched his announcement regarding his plans for standardized requirements for the auto industry today, he oozed vitality. Ahhh. It got me to thinking why I supported him in the first place and why I did not support John McCain. I felt strongly it was time for some new and younger blood to start moving into our country's leadership.

I knew at the time I would have differences with him regarding policy. Boy, do I! What hadn't become clear up until lately is how much of a generational difference there is. I didn't grow up when the emphasis was on climate change, air quality and fuel efficiency. Then there's affordable health care and education. Last and certainly not least are the chaotic situations in the world around us. A lot of what's piled on that plate is not of his making as much as circumstance!

I'm more convinced than ever the Presidency is a job for a man old enough to have experienced life on a multitude of levels, yet young enough to withstand the rigors of the job. I see that in Obama.

I see, too, that many of his appointees and trusted advisers are in the same age range. I may not agree with a lot of what's being done, but I realize that the way they think and the policy they bring forth is the reality of their generation. They and their children are the ones who will have to deal with the results. I'll be long gone.

Obama had a busy day today. He was in Washington doing what he's supposed to be doing. He announced his policy for fuel efficiency surrounded by governors, auto makers, cabinet members and members of Congress who have come together to make it possible. An incredible array of people the likes we've not seen in Washington in a very long time. He had his daily briefings, finished up talks with the Israeli Prime Minister and who knows what else!

Such days take an enormous amount of energy and we see him doing it day in and day out. Town meetings here and plant tours there. Soccer games for his kids, followed by a game of golf for himself. Whew!

I cannot imagine McCain keeping such a pace at seventy two, no matter how vigorous he seems in news clips! Let's face it, the new ideas aren't coming from the old war horses. They're much more like me. Resisting change because it's not my reality!

I doubt I'll put that cautionary hand down. That's one thing we more mature types can do - share what we've learned over a longer period of time. I take a deep breath and admit I don't know everything. I can do no less than trust that younger generations will listen when listening is vital, continue to learn from times past and move the country forward so that it can be again what it once was.