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History Happens; Ebbs And Flows. Emotions Are Entrenched

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

On any given day, in any given way we create a foundation for our lives. What we think, say, do, or feel will be with us throughout our existence. Even if we believe, we are no longer where we were, we evolved, [and we all do] the effects of our actions, our reactions, do not change unless we work extremely hard to transform them. Indeed, no matter how diligently we are in our pursuit, attempting to erase the effects of our deeds, our failure to function, or our rejoinders, these will linger in the hearts and minds of those we associate with.

People presume to know who we are, and what we meant way-back-when. Today they are more certain than ever. Emotions are easily entrenched.

Join Bill Moyers Journal: Buying the War

Bill Moyers Journal: Buying the War. Excerpt. PBS.

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert
Today, Friday, April 13, 2007, the airwaves are flooded with talk of the media. Meta-cognition is the message. The esteemed Bill Moyers, joins in. Mister Moyers will host his newest documentary, "Buying the War," on Wednesday April 25, 2007.

Bill Moyers will not discuss racism, sexism, or classism in this forum. Don Imus is not the topic. Shock-jocks are not the focus. In this Moyers special, Journalists and Broadcasters will examine their thoughts, reflect on their knowledge, and assess the factors that influence their beliefs. During the decades of reality reporting, much is in question. Among the most pressing issues is why we, Americans bought the war.

The Price of Paper or Plastic

Plastic Bags - JUST SAY NO! By againstthetide © copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert In 1957, America changed. The first baggies and sandwich bags were introduced to a prospering public. A year later, poly dry cleaning bags begin to compete with the traditional paper. By 1966, American shoppers were packing their produce in plastic sacks. In 1967, the message was solid, the public sure. The psyche throughout the States was transformed and we all knew it. Mister McGuire, from The Graduate, said it for all of us, in a word, "Plastics!" Today plastic consumes us, the consumer; however, cities such as San Francisco are proposing a change. It may no longer be paper or plastic. Compostable is a serious consideration.

Resigning. Bush, Cheney, Gonzales . . .

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

Schumer Calls For Gonzales' Resignation

Eight United States prosecutors were fired. The reasons for their release seemed suspicious. The tales, statements of purpose, the specifics are forever changing. There is reason for concern.

Seven U.S. attorneys were fired on Dec. 7, and another was let go months earlier, with little explanation from Justice Department officials, who later told Congress that the dismissals were related to their performance in office. Several former prosecutors have since alleged intimidation, including improper telephone calls from GOP lawmakers or their aides, and have alleged threats of retaliation by a Justice Department official.

"This department has been so political that I think for the sake of the nation, Attorney General Gonzales should step down," said Senator Chuck Schumer on Sunday March 11, 2007.

President Bush. Katrina Aftermath; Tornado in Alabama

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

Please view the scene in Huge Storm Slams Midwest

Pardon the commercial prologue. Please observe Tornado Tears Up New Orleans March 1, 2007

Today ravaging tempests are wreaking havoc in the Southeast. Tornadoes Kill at Least 14 in 2 States. Eighteen months after another deadly storm, Hurricane Katrina, President Bush travels to New Orleans reassuring the public that he all is well. The Midwest is reeling; devastating snowstorms hit the heartland. The ground is giving way in California. A San Francisco landslide displaced sleepy residents. A wide swath of the North Beach hillside came thundering down on buildings below. Unusual tornadoes are swirling in the skies above Southern Florida. Hail and freezing rains are falling in many regions. America is not alone. Severe weather is everywhere!

Gardasil; Truth and Consequences. Merck Stops Lobby

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

Please view this Gardasil Commercial. Contemplate the truer concerns.

On February 3, 2007, I expressed my distress in an exposé titled, Texas Mandates STD Vaccination for Elementary Age Schoolgirls. In my writing I discussed the executive order imposed by Texas Governor Rick Perry. This Christian conservative concluded young schoolgirls, ages eleven and twelve, must be inoculated against cervical cancer. A series, of three shots, each costing $120 would be required. The consumer would be forced to pay for this state-imposed immunization. Actually, the child would not, or could not possibly purchase such services. Parents would bear the financial burden. The young girls might carry another costly load. Drugs have side effects. The more effective Pap Smears do not. Nonetheless, profits are on the line. I know, you thought saving lives was the greater concern.

Climate Change; An Impeachable Offense?

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

Please Help the Polar Bears. View the video and act. Save the Polar Bears: The Coca-Cola Bear Ad Mash Up

The Bush/Cheney Administration denied global warming for years. Denouncing scientific evidence served this presidential pair and their business partners well. Entrepreneurial enterprises prospered. Profits grew as the icecaps melted. Ocean waters warmed, so too did the hearts of Chief Executives. Corporate coffers swelled. Misters Bush and Cheney benefited.

Is Biden a Racist? Was Kerry "Electable"? America Decides.

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

Please view the video and listen to Presidential hopeful Joseph Biden describe the dreaded "incident."
Biden Responds to Obama 'Clean' Black Comment.

For former Governor Howard Dean, the end began with a passionate scream. Apparently, some thought expressing excitement is not Presidential. For Senator Joseph Biden, the close of a Presidential campaign may have started with a stumble. Say it ain't so Joe. This foot-in-mouth blunder may have profoundly altered a campaign that began only hours earlier. The elder statesman offered this assessment of his fellow Senator and Democratic candidate Barrack Obama, "I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy. I mean that's a storybook, man."

Years ago, Joseph Biden tripped on his own tongue. He made a disparaging remark about Indians. For decades, many of the electorate thought Biden the storybook man. Senator Joseph Biden was often thought of as an electable candidate. He seemed to have it all, good looks, a strong and consistently liberal voting record, a grasp of the issues, a white face, and a male body. Yet, Senator Biden consistently creates what he cannot control, an endless downward spiral. Perchance, Americans join him. Our fellow citizens make arbitrary assessments again and again.

Can a Muslim, Christian, Jew Be A Good American Citizen? ©

Mo Amer: Testing Americans On Muslim I.Q.

Dearest Reader . . .

Again, I received an electronic communiqué that left me feeling nauseous. This one is titled, "Can A Muslim Become A Good American Citizen? Can they be a good person?"

This communication is from an individual that barely knows me. She is a devout and practicing Christian. This woman attends church regularly and speaks of the Lord religiously. She often states she would never wish to hurt another; yet . . .

On the holiest of all Christian holidays, on the day that believers, throughout the globe honor their Lord Jesus Christ, this religious disciple sent me a bigoted letter in support of "racial profiling." In truth, this "epistle" seems to justify "ethnic cleansing." This patriotic preaching professes, people are not created equal, or after birth, they become evil. According to this missive, in America, the Constitutional right establishing freedom of religion is unwise. Muslims must be damned. Please ponder the passage and decide for yourself.

I Am An Anorexic, Bulimic, A Person! ©

Once you label me, you negate me.
~ Soren Kierkegaard [Danish Philosopher]

An article in the New York Times grabbed my attention instantly.  It appeared in the health section.  The title, One Spoonful at a Time.  This writing was heartfelt. Author, Harriet Brown tells a gripping tale.  It took me to memories of my own struggle with anorexia and bulimia and how these affected my family.  In this exposé, the dilemma of how to treat the condition was thoroughly discussed.  I wish to share my response to this situation and story.  My personal experience of this is vast.  I hope my thoughts, realizations, and rejoinders on this topic will be helpful to those grappling with similar issues.  I trust that the effects of anorexia and bulimia are trials and tribulations for all those afflicted by these.

The subject of weight alone is a sensitive probing.  An individual need not starve, binge, or purge in wrestling with weight.  On the same day another New York Times essay loomed large entitled "Big People on Campus."  This commentary contemplated the plight of being "fat."  I was once that too.  Many may muse in this moment, all anorexics believe they are chubby, and while that may or may not be true, I actually was at times in my life.  My weight rarely was stable; nor was I when reflecting upon it.  However, my weight was never the issue; it was a distraction, a symptom of what was within.