Outrageous!

As if we needed any more proof that the privatization of functions that are essentially public functions is a bad idea, here's a piece from NPR about a really bad law passed for a really bad reason.

Profiting from the senseless incarceration of people is a gross injustice.  You can read the story here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130833741&ft=1&f=1001

"An extraordinary apology"

The LA Times today reports on an apology made to a USDA worker who was fired for comments she made that were taken out of context and then sent flying on the internet. The worker, who happens to be African-American, was thus mistakenly shown to have used reverse discrimination against a person who happens to be White. In reality, the entire context of her speech (according to the article publicized by the NAACP) revealed the worker's sincere desire to help all poor people:

"'They could be black, white and Hispanic,' she said, adding that 'it made me realize then that I need to work to help poor people.'" (LA Times, July 22, 2010, A12).

The article reveals what some have been saying for a long time: that those in the power elite like to pit oppressed peoples against one-another: it keeps people from uniting against their oppressors. It's a handy tool that's been used by all kinds of despotic structures: dictatorships, religions and the like.

How wonderfully refreshing to see someone transcending initial prejudice and emerging in a place where she can truly work for justice for the oppressed, no matter who they are.

That smell!

This morning I was riding the Metro Blue Line down to Long Beach. About halfway down the tracks a man got on the train and took the seat in front of me. I wouldn't have even noticed, except for the smell that wafted my way. I'm normally one with a high tolerance for odors of all kinds, but this was really nasty. The guy was neatly dressed, but clearly hadn't had a bath in a while.

I struggled for a bit, thought about moving, and decided that I would stay right where I was without really knowing why.

Later, over lunch, I walked by an open dumpster in downtown Long Beach and smelled the same smell.

We treat people like garbage. We pick and choose our favorites, we care for those we love, and the rest--the nameless troubled masses--we leave for garbage. And after a while, it all starts to smell pretty bad.

In fact, it stinks.

Consider the costs

With the lastest plan including a mega-memorial to Michael Jackson at Los Angeles' downtown Staples Center, one has to ask about the costs. Estimates are running in the millions for the added police and security that will be needed when tens of thousands of fans descend on the area next week. Who should bear the burden of cost?

While I find the whole Michael Jackson phenomenon interesting, and his personal story tragic, I really can't condone this kind of wasteful spending, particularly during a time when the city is strapped for cash and (once again!) the most vulnerable in society are being further marginalized. What does it say about us as a people, as a culture, that we will jump at the chance to underwrite the memorializing of a pop music figure and simultaneously consider cutting funding for programs that help people who don't have enough to eat and no place to sleep, whose education opportunities are substandard?

Why should the poor, once again, be forced to pay for the rich?

Sad, tragic, but....

The untimely death of Michael Jackson is a sad and tragic end to a storied life and career, and clearly is affecting many. It's heartbreaking.

But can we please keep this in perspective? I just heard a woman say that Michael Jackson was like "Ghandi" and a newscaster likening his death to that of Jack Kennedy.

Really? Ghandi, the great peacemaker? Kennedy, President of the United States, assassinated?

Talented, yes. Meaningful, yes. Someone who did many good things in his life, certainly. But are we seriously saying that our culture of celebrity somehow elevates a pop music star to the same plane as a Ghandi or a Kennedy?

Strewn across the water

The news services are reporting that hundreds of personal items belonging to the victims of the Air France disaster, strewn across the South Atlantic, have been recovered.

I can't help but picture it...eyeglasses, maybe, or a child's doll...a novel half-read or a wallet or the photo of an unmet grandchild? And I wonder, as I trudge through life, worrying about the stuff that I need to pack for my next trip up the freeway or across the continent, whether my life can be any different knowing that one day the little treasures that I can't seem to do without will be strewn and forgotten.

Our hearts go out to those left behind in the wake of such unexpected tragedy. How might we best remember them and work to make the world better for everyone?

People can change...