Sweet Land Of Liberty

I feel so fortunate to be an American. I've watched, with the rest of the world, the death of a young Iranian woman, who in her death has become what a young, larger than life Presidential candidate came to symbolize to Americans, the symbol of hope and change. The tragedy is in the difference. One went on to the Presidency of our great and free nation, the other met an untimely death at the hands of unknown assailants struggling to retain dominance through tyranny.

We've had our bloody battles too. Long ago. The Revolutionary War to gain our independence, the Civil War retain it. Other nations, far older than our own, still struggle with the concept for they can't rid themselves of leadership that cares more for the power than their country. Freedom, in any guise, comes with a price. Nedra exemplifies the current struggle in Iran. There have been others. The Wall Street Journal tells of a 19 year old who was shot in the head for standing at an intersection in Tehran. Others are backing away from the protests because they're not quite ready to die.

To die. That is the high price of freedom. The innocent, the non-political, the elderly and the children, the civilians and the military, the terrorists and the peace makers all die.

It is a deplorable part of the human condition; the necessity to overcome abusive power with human life.

In America we've passed that point. In this country I can sit at my computer and rail against our government without fear of retribution. I have readers that vehemently disagree with many of my positions yet we remain friends. At the very least we remain civil. Or turn away. Without violence. Without fear.

In this country when we want a change in leadership we have elections where the votes are counted. The losers concede, the power shifts and the country continues on. Without violence. Without fear.

What we get are Presidents, appointed and elected officials who are not perfect any more than those who elect them. It's the admission of that lack of perfection that allows the dialogue that keeps the country moving forward. Sure we have our philosophical battles. One has to wonder at times what the rest of the world thinks, but this is our country. We elect them and if they disappoint we'll deal with them. That's how it works when a country is free from the fear the people of Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and so may others constantly experience.

This is probably a reason, in what is some times over exuberance for our ways, that we intrude where we are not welcome. We know what we have and we wish others the same.

Yes. I can be an equal opportunity basher of government, no matter who is in power. I can like our President and disagree with what he does. I can voice it. Without violence. Without fear.

I can walk outside, sit down and scratch my dog's ears. Without violence. Without fear. How great is that? It's America.

One Man's Gas Guzzler Is Another's Sacred Cow!

As I was reading the paper this morning I found an article that pointed out a misconception I had about cows and the gas they produce. Here I thought it was what was expelled from their hind end that was problematic. But, no. It's their belching!

The article tells us this belching causes the diary industry it's biggest problem when it comes to their contribution to global warming. That they contribute a mere 2% of the total doesn't seem to be of any consolation. The total figure includes growing the feed for the cows along with the processing and delivery of milk. It's a rather vicious circle, don't you think? Perhaps if we would quit eating yogurt and butter and drinking milk the problem could easily be solved. No need for dairy cows. But, no.

Research is under way to develop grasses that produce less gas in the cows' systems. The hope is to reduce the gas produced by 25% by 2020. If successful, the dairy industry would then only be responsible for .005% of our greenhouse gases. The bonus for the cows is a more glossy coat and fewer foot and stomach problems. I can understand the better coat. When we got Bacchus off his junk food diet, his coat, too, improved, as well as his stomach problems. I'm not sure where feet figure into the equation.

Now let's equate this to the cap and trade issue. It's basically where a cap is established for emissions. If your operation comes in beneath the cap, you can sell your excess credits to someone who has exceeded them. I never quite understood how this was beneficial since I see the emissions remaining the same while credits are being bandied about, but then I am not a student of the theory. In essence, I see it pointless if one group is trying to clean the environment by altering the food a cow eats while another is trying to save the non-productive of the species which requires feeding them whatever they can afford and is readily available!

My point here can be illustrated by another article I read this morning. This one in the Wall Street Journal telling of how enclaves of Hare Krishnas are putting together fund raising efforts to save cows who are no longer productive. You see cows are sacred to Hindus. They've calculated it takes around $1000 per year to feed a cow with an average lifespan of twenty years! That's a lot of adopt a cow programs! Especially when the majority of American consumers see cows in a somewhat different light. Candle light maybe. On a sizzling platter with a bottle of good red wine!

What to do! In browsing around I find that the research for these low gas grasses is ongoing and not expected to hit the market for several years. In the meantime, perhaps the Krishnas and the researchers should get together. The grasses need to be tested and the cows need to be fed. The Krishna cows would no longer be adding to the problem, instead helping solve it. They would be productive again. Their coats would be shiny, their stomachs and feet would be healthy. How better to treat a creature considered sacred?

There you are. Another Dogwalk solution!

That They Are Muslim Matters Not!

Two things have occurred to me as I've watched the turmoil in Iran escalate into a real time horror story. One is that if a people are pushed hard enough by a dictatorial government, they'll fight back. The United States doesn't have to do it for them.

The second is that it matters not one iota that it's in a Muslim country and it is in fact, Muslim against Muslim. The world is rallying behind the protesters who want nothing more than for their votes to be counted honestly and their freedoms restored.

Though they will probably not win this battle, they may well, in time, win the war. The young woman, Neda, shown just as she was shot, has, in her death, become the symbol of their fight. The horror. The senseless brutality. In real time.

I think back to my college days. We had a large contingent of Iranian students on campus. Many were sons of government workers or the well-to-do. They were mostly studying engineering or agriculture with the intent of returning to Iran and bettering their country. I dated several of them and you know what? They were just like any other guy on campus. Thoroughly westernized and enjoying every minute of it. If they had chauvinistic attitudes toward women they kept them well hidden.

As I watch the students in these protests I can't help think that they are very much the same as those I knew at the same age. Many could actually be their grandchildren!

I applaud the fact these young people have stolen the march on the stodgy old theocrats who have had their way with their people far too long. It is our contribution to the cause of freedom around the world and may, in fact, be far more powerful an influence than any politician could ever hope to be. The development of the web as a means of instant communication. Who would have thought, even a few weeks ago, that Twitter would become instrumental in the dissemination of news on this scale?

The Iranian leadership never saw it coming. The question that remains is what happens now? Will they continue to bully their way through knowing the world is watching? Do they realize they cannot block the Internet forever and the amount of information stored on cell phones and digital cameras will be damning?

Time will tell. One thing I am sure of is that oppressive governments around the world have now been put on notice. When people have the will they will fight for their rights. And the world will know it immediately!

A President Is No Better Than His Advisors!

I'm beginning to wonder if it's pure arrogance or the epitome of naivete. We're seeing more and more of one, the other, or a combination of both.

First we witnessed a multitude of lapses in protocol that left many of us shaking our heads. Currently we're watching two pieces of additional evidence unfold. The first, and most serious, is Obama's utter silence on the happenings in Iran. As he spoke of not wanting to be seen as meddling they were accusing him of doing just that. If he and his advisers really believe his silence will encourage the Mullahs and Ahmejinedad to enter into meaningful dialog with us, I'd like to know their hallucinogen of choice! This on top of his "conciliatory" speech in Cairo enforces, to me, that they think he can be played. I'm beginning to consider that possibility.

On a less serious note, but equally as telling, are the jokes he told at the Radio and TV Correspondents' Dinner. It's one more indication to me that he is either tone deaf, he needs new writers and advisers other than campaign workers and Chicago style politicians or he is ill suited for the job.

Was it funny when he suggested Ambassador Holbrooke, who wanted Hillary's job, sprayed the floor with WD 40 to cause her fall and subsequent injury and that she was willing to "settle"? Was it funny when he alluded to being in "bed" with Brian Williams, that he was a sloppy guest and may have even clogged the toilet? Was it funny when he "complained" the dinner had interrupted one of his and Michelle's infamous "date" nights? That they had planned to go out for Thai - in Thailand?

Maybe I'm losing my sense of humor as I age, but I find none of these particularly side splitting. I would consider both Holbrooke and Hillary had been mildly insulted. The Brian Williams joke was tasteless. The auto makers were pilloried for going to Capitol Hill to testify, in their private jets, yet Obama and Michelle tool around the country for "date nights", with their entourage and fleet of vehicles, at our expense. Air Force One is not the Obama's private jet!

Those who are suggesting Mr. Obama spend less time in front of the cameras are giving good advice. He may continue making the same gaffes but at least they would be less obvious. But, alas, I don't see that Mr. Obama as one who is a seeker of wisdom. With the heavy handedness his administration is demonstrating, I fear he's believing his publicity by the media he is being accused of controlling.

He best remember the lessons being learned by Iran's governing body. Twitter can be a more powerful force for change than rhetoric.

Sotomayor And The Belizean Grove

I've often wondered why the Boy Scouts shouldn't be just that - for boys. And the Girl Scouts and Campfire for girls. And the Seven Sisters, the Ivy League's counterpart, remain institutions of higher learning for women. Somewhere along the line political correctness got in the way of good sense.

That in mind, I was surprised to learn Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor is a member of an all woman's club. I hadn't realized there were any, at least not on the scale of this one. Why should I be surprised? Men have them. Everything from smoking clubs and service organizations to golf clubs and yes, a counterpart to the woman's organization to which Sotomayor belongs.

The men's club, The Bohemian Grove, is a 130 year old organization made up of men of many persuasions including former Presidents, military men, business men, leaders from the non-profit sector, musicians, artists and academics. A pretty impressive cross section of successful men.

Realizing women had no such organization, a group of twenty six got together around ten years ago and founded The Belizean Grove. Sotomayor has been a member about a year.

If they actually do what their website claims, it would be wonderful if there were more like them. As with the men's organization, members are highly accomplished women from a variety of fields and nations. They claim to be a network dedicated to helping women achieve their dreams and ambitions; literally raising the bar.

That Sotomayor has been invited into this group says a lot about her level of accomplishment. I'm disappointed, however, that there seems to be no trickle down in their mission. It is an open yet closed group. What they have to offer in the nurturing of women could have an enormous impact on those with great potential.

That they mentor one another is wonderful. Should they at some time decide to expand that effort to another level, it could do wonders toward breaking that glass ceiling once and for all!

Footnote: It is learned today, Saturday, June 20, That Sotomayor has resigned her membership in this organization.

According to the The New York Times, "Judge Sotomayor said she was convinced that the club, the Belizean Grove, did not practice “invidious discrimination” and that her membership in it did not violate judicial ethics."

Federal judges are bound by a code that says they should not join any group that discriminates by race, sex, religion or nationality.

I am not sure she is the best person to make this judgement since the club does indeed discriminate by sex. If this is her judgement I question her ability to make judgements in a court of law. The question is not the intent of the organization, it is that it discriminates by sex. Period.