I was gratified to hear that POTUS is also going to "have fun" in his "last quarter." One of the fun things he is doing is starting the process to normalise relations with the nation of Cuba. Of course Ted Cruz and Mark-what's-his-face are having hissy fits. I, and a lot of others, think this move is the right thing to do. The husband and I are going to Havana in March on a photographic trip. Arranged by a Cultural Council that has been sanctioned by the US State Dept., because, as we know, the restriction on individual travel to Cuba is still banned by the US. I have not done much travel outside the US, and Cuba seems like a pretty huge departure from what I am used to, and I'm looking forward to it. Looking forward to working with a world-class photojournalist in a land that is destined to change dramatically in the next few years.
Reading Facecrack this a.m. and it got me to wondering if there is a snowball's chance in hell that Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren could run for, and win, the presidency? I think it's a stretch, but a gal can dream, can't she? I don't want Clinton and I certainly don't want another Bush. I want people who are going to be real game changers. But maybe that's asking for too much. Things move very very slowly in this country and I'm not at all sure that we are ready for such monumental shifts in our national paradigm.
And, finally, Anne Lamott has a great post today on Facebook. If you have the time, go take a look. Revelatory. Though not Christian, I share her love for St. Francis. He was a revolutionary. I'll leave you with this/his prayer.
- Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
- Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
- Where there is injury, pardon;
- Where there is discord, harmony;
- Where there is error, truth;
- Where there is doubt, faith;
- Where there is despair, hope;
- Where there is darkness, light;
- And where there is sadness, joy.
- O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek
- To be consoled as to console;
- To be understood as to understand;
- To be loved as to love.
- For it is in giving that we receive;
- It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
- And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
I loved that Obama only called on women at his less press conference of the year. A grand gesture. Your timing for a trip to Cuba is great. Looking forward to seeing what you see there.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful news and opportunity! You'll be able to see the enchanting old Cuba, its Deco architecture and 50's cars before ir is ruined by McDonald's and friends. I hope you'll post lots of pics.
ReplyDeleteoh, I will, you KNOW I will.
DeleteA friend visited Cuba years ago, and it's gorgeous! But also a bit frozen in time due to the embargo. I'm re-reading Telex from Cuba, by Rachel Kushner -- which is a novel, but it suggests a lot of complicated history.
ReplyDeleteAnne Lamott is always worth reading. Thank you for your own poem!
thanks for the book recommendation. I still have your book on Sonia. Shall I send it back or pass it along?
DeleteI envy your trip to Cuba. You will be among the last to see a country unspoiled by exposure to the madness of capitalism run amok. I have mixed feelings about lifting the embargo; surely, it should be lifted, but I hate that it will introduce a virulent strain of "I want more" to the island. And thanks, again, Tara, for the prayer. I am an atheist in awe of the words!
DeleteGreat post -- and not just because I agree with you on all fronts! I love the idea of a Sanders/Warren ticket, but I don't think that could possibly happen in our lifetimes! They would have virtually no chance of winning. I guess it remains to be seen WHAT will happen, and I'm relieved that it's two years away. I intend not to pay much attention until September before the election.
ReplyDeletethe only hope i can hold onto is that we didn't believe a black (mixed heritage) American could be President in our lifetime, and look what happened.
Delete