A Campaign Unlike Any Other Before .....

Whatever the outcome of Tuesday's balloting for President of the United States, we are witnessing history ... which also happens to be the title of this special feature on msnbc.com, where three generations of black Americans discuss the impact of Senator Barack Obama's bid for the White House.

Readers are also asked to share their thoughts on what it means to them or the country that an African-American is a serious candidate for the presidency. There are also a number of articles about race and the impact it will - or will not - have on "the upcoming."

Earlier this year, during the height of the primary season, I was in Thailand - a very westward-looking nation, and a longtime ally of the United States. Inevitably, presidential campaigns in the U.S. would come up in discussion. Those that seemed to attract the most attention were the campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama - both of which, it was suggested, could have historic implications for America.

A Month of Life on Mars .....

It has now been one month, four episodes, since "Life on Mars" - the latest in a line of Brit hits to jump the pond in an Americanized version - premiered on ABC. Since that night, I've been tuning-in and turning-on to this blast-from-the-past that takes your average crime drama up a step ... and back in time.

In a post earlier this month, I declined to make comparisons between the Brit and Yank versions of the program, suggesting that comparisons were hard to make so early in the series, and that maybe I should wait till later on that.

And now, it's later ...

First, the story line - and it is an intriguing one ... in 2008, NYPD Detective Sam Tyler (Jason O'Mara), is struck by a car. Getting up from the asphalt, he realizes that something's not right ... the sight of the World Trade Center on the skyline, maybe? Somehow, his clothes, his car, even his identity places him in 1970s New York City, in the tumultuous times of the Vietnam War, Watergate, women's lib and the civil rights movements - without a cell phone, computer, PDA or MP3 player, or the modern-day police procedures in which he was trained. While solving crimes, he's also trying to solve his own personal dilemna, to understand what has just happened to him, and how he can get back home.

If you're a fan of the original British series, as I am, then this all seems very familiar. But if you're new to LOM, think about the possibilities of someone from today suddenly finding himself in the right place, but the wrong time, with sensibilities and values that must seem almost alien.
Next, the re-write ... there were a number of reports in the entertainment press about some serious re-tooling of the American version . That included changing the setting from Los Angeles to New York City. In my humble opinion, a single scene - the aformentioned view of the Twin Towers (with David Bowie's "Life on Mars" playing in the background) - in and of itself, fully justified the decision to re-set and re-write ... and even re-shoot the pilot.

Then there's the re-casting ... with the exception of O'Mara, most of those originally announced for the cast never made it to the second, approved pilot ... Lenny Clarke, Rachelle Lefevre and - most importantly - Colm Meany, who was set to play Lt. Gene Hunt ... a role every bit as important as Tyler's.

Forced to use a different moral code and without hi-tech crime fighting techniques, Sam clashes with his new boss at the 125th Precinct, the irascible Hunt (Harvey Keitel), who would rather use his fists than his brains to solve a crime. Hunt, who has earned the adoration of the men under him, does his best to hide his humanity behind a gruff exterior and great gut instincts, in contrast to Sam's more politically correct cutting edge style. But the two begrudgingly combine to make a powerful team ... whether they like it or not. Keitel is nothing short of wonderful as Lieutenant Hunt! And the supporting cast - which includes Michael Imperioli, Gretchen Mol and Lisa Bonet - is first-rate.

The soundtrack? Can't be beat ... I loved it back in the 70s, and I love it now.

As was the case for so many other American adaptation of British programs, these initial episodes appear to be the British series with an American accent ... but the new product is already starting to set itself apart, establish it's own place and set its own course. ... and I'm happily going along for the ride.

But I do have one question ... Brit series' (Doctor Who notwithstanding) tend to enjoy brief runs. Those that make it here on BBC America, then to run for two or three seasons ... then end. Going out with a flourish, while still in top form, while American series have been known to wither before finally being put out of their misery ... so how long will America's LOM last? How long before we find out whether Sam Tyler gets home?

But, see it for yourself, and decide for yourself. It airs Thursday nights at nine o'clock (central) on ABC (KMID-TV in the Permian Basin). And you can catch-up by watching complete episodes on the ABC/Life on Mars website. It is well worth your giving it a look.

Guess Now I HAVE to Vote for the Guy .....

I'm surprised our local anonymice haven't trumpeted this one ...

ALIEN ENDORSES MCCAIN!

WASHINGTON, DC - In a shocking reversal, the Alien has switched his endorsement from Barack Obama to John McCain.
Read the rest of the story in the Weekly World News

Pennsylvanians Are Watching .....

… as Texans play football … at least that’s the case for those who follow that brand of the pigskin parade practiced by colleges, in general, and Penn State, in particular.

Last week, I connected by telephone and text with a number of family members and old acquaintances in the Keystone State. More than once, I heard some variation on, “how did that Texas game go?” One of those was from a sibling who was just settling down at a table at Joe’s Grotto, with pizza, beer and Penn State vs. Ohio State on big-screen TV … I did my best to be civil, even though I was burning with envy!

So, why the interest?

Perhaps they’re sizing-up the competition. More than one aficionado of college football has suggested to me that the best championship matchup this season could be the Penn State University Nittany Lions versus the University of Texas Longhorns … which must really torque the wrench of ‘Bama fans!

But they’re also checking out this other school from out west … what is it? … Texas Tech? A great season, both for the Raiders as a whole, and individual team members ... but, let’s face it, back east, no Texas school is even remotely as well-known as UT … and that’s due as much to their cowboy-hatted band - and giant drum - as it is to anything else … though the recent spate of stars from the Longhorn football program has increased UT’s profile among the general public of late.

So, the numbers for this weekend’s broadcast of the UT/Tech game should be pretty good - just ask the producers of ESPN College Gameday – and the numbers from some of the Pennsylvania markets should help.

ON A RELATED NOTE: Then again ... maybe it's not to be ... "College Football Ranking System Could Hurt Penn State" Cary Dunst writes in The Epoch Times. And, "Perception of Nittany Lions is problem" Donnie Collins writes in The Scranton Times-Tribune.

Oh, YEAH !!! .....

When it comes to pro sports, I left a piece of my heart in Yankeeland, particularly that special place where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers join, and the Ohio River is formed ... but not today.

Today, at least, that piece of my heart rests on the banks of the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers, where one can hear the bustle of Broad Street, and the championship cheers that baseball fans in the City of Brotherly Love haven't raised in more than a quarter-century.

Alright, Philly!

Reparation Vouchers for Yankees .....

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Out of respect for the wishes of another, I have re-posted the following without comments)

This post by George at Sleepless in Midland has me asking, "Is it time to profit from my status as a 'dang Yankee from back east?'"

In his post, George asks, "How firm is Mr. Obama's stand against slavery reparations? Does it matter?" In my response, I ask, "If we were to have government-mandated and directed reparations for slavery in the United States, would there be a sliding scale for calculating those reparations?"

Here's why I ask ... one doesn't have to go far in Texas (or throughout the South, where I have also lived) to bump into proud descendants of someone who fought for the Rebel cause, seeking to dissolve the Union and assert states' rights ... including the right to buy and sell people like so many animated widgets.

But me, I'm on the other side (the winning side, he added smugly). I'm a dang Yankee from 'back east' and my great(x4)-grandfather William served with the 23rd Michigan Infantry, seeking to preserve the Union and uphold the Emancipation Proclamation.

So, if we do have to pay reparations for slavery in the United States, can Sons of Union Veterans apply for discount vouchers - or even waivers! - while Sons of Confederate Veterans pay an added premium?

A silly question, perhaps ... but I think reparation for slavery in the U.S. is a silly idea, to begin with.

A Prayer Request from P-A .....

One of West Texas' best friends in the Keystone State, Jim at serotoninrain, is asking for prayers for his wife.

Neo-Con Vindication:The Liberal Media Elite Lied! .....

On that TV show, they say "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" ... so how do they explain THIS?

Timely Reminder .....

... to read this post by Jimmy at Sticky Doorknobs, the best advice yet on getting ready for the Big Show, one week from today.

A Wonderful Man of Wonderful Words .....

... has passed away. Tony Hillerman, whose lyrical, authentic and compelling mystery novels set among the Navajos of the Southwest blazed innovative trails in the American detective story, died Sunday at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque. HERE is a complete obit from the New York Times.

I had the pleasure and privelege of getting to know Tony when I was a student at the University of New Mexico in the 1970s. He was nearing the end of his tenure as a college administrator there - part of what was already a long and accomplished life and career that included distinguished military service in WWII, and a career in journalism - crime reporter for The Borger News-Herald , city editor of The Morning Press-Constitution in Lawton, a political reporter in Oklahoma City, UPI bureau manager in Santa Fe, and executive editor of The Santa Fe New Mexican.

A graduate of Oklahoma A&M. he decided to return to school, earning a master's degree and joining the faculty at UNM, eventually becoming chairman of the journalism department.

And it didn't end there ... while recuperaring from the wouunds he suffered in the war, Hillerman witnessed an Enemy Way, a curing ritual for a Navajo soldier who - like himself - was returning home from battle, and needed to be purged of all traces of the enemy. That ceremony inspired the writing of Blessing Way, which would be the first of Hillerman's detective novels set in the Four Corners region of the American Southwest, and following the exploits of Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee.

My dad loved those books, and a sure-thing gift - for birthdays, Fathers Day, Christmas, whatever - was one of Tony's books, inscribed by the author. And that was no problem ... the door to Tony's office, on the first floor of Scholes Hall, was always open, and so was he, ready to not just sign the book, but also pass the day with you, to inquire about your progress ... and where onemight go, and what one might do after college. He was like that with everyone, and in no small way contributed to a wonderful burst of local colorism in literature, ignited by his works as well as those of fellow UNM prof's Leslie Silko and Rudy Anaya, and John Nichols.

A man of great gifts ... and great generosity in sharing those gifts with others ... and great character in doing so much to encourage others to develop and share their own gifts.

Hágoónee'

What's on YOUR Website? Pt. 3.5 .....

Earlier today, I posted this observation about the advantages of reporting news on the internet, as demonstrated by local, breaking news being reported on newspaper and television station websites.

"If you go back throughout the day, you will see those initial reports are already being updated, fleshed-out, with images and/or video being added," I wrote at the time. "Good job, all the way around, today."

And the story IS developing ... earlier this afternoon, the Midland Reporter-Telegram's website offered an expanded report on "a fire that officials suspect could be arson," while KWES-TV's website - which led the pack on reporting the initial story of the fire this morning - reported that "Police are looking for three people suspected of setting a fire at Midland High School this morning." These were followed later in the afternoon by this report on KOSA-TV's website.

And remember, this is all being posted three (or more) hours before the regular television news broadcasts air, and even longer before tomorrow's edition of the newspaper hits the racks ... I think that says something about the changing attitude traditional news media have towards their online component ... perhaps it is now being seen more as a complement, rather than a competitor (as was the case, say, ten years ago).

An Actual Friend of Janie’s .....

… and a virtual addition to Midland’s blogosphere. Janie at Sounding Forth has asked that we offer a warm West Texas welcome to Kellygirl at Life in the Sahara.

What's on YOUR Website? Pt. 3 .....

One of the advantages reporting news on the internet has, as opposed to reporting that news on other media, is the speed with which breaking stories can be reported and updated.

That was demonstrated today, with breaking news of a fire at Midland High School. As reporters, photographers, etc. were gathering material for their reports, later, website editors were posting their material now, getting the word out and - hopefully - encouraging news consumers to tune-in later for "more on this story" ... it's an informational task and a promotional task.

KWES-TV's website was the first to report on the fire, followed by the websites at the Midland Reporter-Telegram and KMID-TV, then by KOSA-TV's website.

True, these initial reports are very brief ... but they do serve a purpose. They are informative - those heading in or out of downtown might want to avoid the area around the school. They are also reassuring - the fire is out, all of the reports state ... teachers and students will be allowed to return, and classes will not be cancelled, one of the reports states.

... and if you go back throughout the day, you will see those initial reports are already being updated, fleshed-out, with images and/or video being added.

Good job, all the way around, today.

Football Outside Texas .....

... it DOES exist ... thrives even ... and it's wonderful! Hard to imagine, I realize ... but it's true. Much talk this week about the approaching matchup between UT and Tech ... but that's NEXT week. THIS week - for me, at least - the focus is on JoePa and the Nittany Lions as they leave the friendly environs of Happy Valley and head into enemy country for a game with rival Ohio State ... now THAT's football!

'Into the Whiteout' as captured by Sports Illustrated's David Bergman

Midland Mission Fair 2008 .....

Think of it as a chance to learn how YOU can become a community organizer, of sorts, right here in the Tall City.

According to this post at West Texas Missioner, "First Presbyterian Church-Midland has something very special planned for this weekend, and we're hoping you can join us. It's Mission Fair 2008 ... please pray, promote and plan on participating."

Looking at the list of participants in Sunday's event provides a good reminder that there IS something YOU can be doing, whether it's on the far side of the world, or right across the street. Sure, some of the mission opportunities are in Mexico, or Uganda, or Thailand ... but there's also Midland Fair Havens, CASA of West Texas, MAAS, Christmas in Action, Safe Place and Casa De Amigos, to name a few.

An added note: They will be serving lunch this Sunday at First Prez. Admission to the the mission fair is free, but there is a charge for the meal. Having dined at First Prez before, I can tell you - they serve a good meal!

A Healthy Discussion

First Presbyterian Church played host to a large and distinguished gathering for a wide-ranging discussion of international refugees and public health. Both government and non-government agencies at the local, regional and state levels were well-represented at the meeting, which provided an opportunity to address health concerns raised by Midland’s small-but-growing international refugee community.

Those in attendance learned about the stringent guidelines (overseen by the World Health Organization) for those who wish to apply for residence in the United States as refugees, and the interviews, tests and treatment they must undergo before they are deemed eligible for refugee status and can depart for their host country. Attendees also learned about official refugee resettlement programs and locations in the United States (the closest to Midland is in Abilene) and the health and orientation services provided to the new arrivals. The importance of documenting refugees’ medical histories was also stressed.

The meeting included an exchange of names and contact information for all that were present, and a discussion of what various city, county and state agencies and programs, and non-government agencies and caring individuals are prepared to do in order to assist international refugees making their home in the Tall City. After the meeting, organizaers were gratified that so many in attendance - from local representatives of state agencies, to the City of Midland's public health office, and private citizens - came forward and offered to do their part.

What’s on YOUR Website? Pt. 2 .....

It may not be the subject that’s confusing, but how you report that subject … and that’s something you need to remember in whatever medium you use to report the news.

I came across a good example of this while perusing this story on the KWES-TV website. It reported that an early voting location confused some voters in Midland County.

Okay … good story … apparently. Ever since the 2000 debacle in Florida, there has been increased emphasis nationwide on making voter participation simpler, more efficient and more accountable. The only problem with this particular story, though, was this previous report by KWES, that Midland College (general) was the location for early voting … neglecting to mention that the location was actually MC’s Cogdell Learning Center (specific).They could have mentioned it … the specific location was mentioned in similar reports by other television and newspaper websites at the time.

Having worked at KWES-TV for many years in the past, I know the people there are first-rate, and would normally pay attention to the details – hey, that’s part of how they got to be #1. And I don't mean to single-out one news department's website ... all the local sites slip-up and miss details such as this at one time or another.

But it does provide a good example of one of the many things to keep in mind when writing a news script, whether it’s print or radio, television or internet. The Devil is in the details, many of us have been reminded at one time or another … and it's something we ALL need to remember, whatever our profession or past-time.

Blog Action Day - Wrap-Up .....

"Blog Action Day 2008 has now come and gone, and was a HUGE success," event organizers report. "Congratulations to all of you for making the day so fantastic. We've compiled a wrap up page with just some of the amazing highlights of the day, so take a moment and head over to blogactionday.org."

Among the stat's offered by Blog Action Day organizers ...
12,800 Bloggers
14,053 Blog Posts
13,498,280 Readers
17 Top 100 Blogs

Midland Mission Fair 2008 .....

Think of it as a chance to learn how YOU can become a community organizer, of sorts, right here in the Tall City.

According to this post at West Texas Missioner, "First Presbyterian Church-Midland has something very special planned for this weekend, and we're hoping you can join us. It's Mission Fair 2008 ... please pray, promote and plan on participating."

Looking at the list of participants in Sunday's event provides a good reminder that there IS something YOU can be doing, whether it's on the far side of the world, or right across the street. Sure, some of the mission opportunities are in Mexico, or Uganda, or Thailand ... but there's also Midland Fair Havens, CASA of West Texas, MAAS, Christmas in Action, Safe Place and Casa De Amigos, to name a few.

An added note: They will be serving lunch this Sunday at First Prez. Admission to the the mission fair is free, but there is a charge for the meal. Having dined at First Prez before, I can tell you - they serve a good meal!

What's on YOUR Website? .....

One of the advantages reporting news on the internet has, as opposed to reporting that news on other media, is the degree of complementary, interactive features you can add to the story.

I came across a good example of this - or, actually, the lack of it - while perusing this story on the KOSA-TV website. It told of a Midland County woman who learned that she was no longer registered to vote, in spite of her past active status and record of voting in previous elections.

As a news consumer, one of my first reactions was something like, "wow, I wonder if I've been dropped from the voter rolls?" There is a place on Midland County's website where you can check your status - along with your polling location, and so on - and a link to that page would have been a perfect complement to the text, photo and video that accompanied CBS7's story.

But it's not there. I know that it could be there, because I worked on their website in late 2007/early 2008, and I know what it's capable of. The same with the people who worked on the website while I was there, who were first-rate. And I don't mean to single-out one news department's website ... all the local sites slip-up and miss details such as this at one time or another.

But it does provide a good example of how writing a web script can differ from writing a print, radio or television script ... and an example of how the internet can offer something that other media cannot.

Community College Community: Arts .....

While attending the recent opening of an art exhibit, I was reminded that Midland College is not only a place where I work ... it's a place where I live, as well.

The occasion was the Fall Juried Art Exhibition hosted by Midland College and the Midland Arts Association, now showing at MC's McCormick Gallery. My Favorite Landman and I attended the opening reception, earlier this month, and were not only entertained about the works chosen for exhibition, but excited by many of the artists' names that accompanied those works.

It's a diverse exhibition, featuring works in a variety of media. There were paintings, including a pair of Texas landscapes by Merle Taylor - a member of our church family, and an accomplished artist. Another landscape - this one of the Grand Canyon - was created by our neighbor, Arthur Oldham. There were also ceramics, including a pair of works by Jesse Trejo, whose boy is a classmate and soccer-mate with our Elder Son. Photographs were also well-represented, including one submission by H.A. Tuck, who I got to know many years ago when he was Public Information Officer for Midland College, and I was a Public Service Director for KMID-TV, Big 2.

It's a good show, and a good reminder that ours is a diverse community, enriched by people of diverse talents ... and I appreciate the opportunity provided by MC and MAA to enjoy those talents. The exhibition will continue through November 21, and admission is free. You definitely want to check this one out.

Timely Reminder .....

... to read this post by Jimmy at Sticky Doorknobs, the best advice yet on getting ready for the Big Show, two weeks from today.

296.2 .....

296.2

Singing a Birthday Song .....

... for Samuel Francis Smith - Baptist minister, journalist and author, who wrote the lyrics to "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," which he entitled "America" - who was born on this day in 1808.

Many will say Smith's homage to our country is the best to ever be set to music, and it did serve as a national anthem of sorts for many years. Posts on the song and its history include this one from the Library of Congress, this one on Cyber Hymnal, and this one on Wikipedia.

Life on Mars in America .....

"Life on Mars," the latest in a line of Brit hits to jump the pond in an Americanized version, has me tuning-in and turning-on to a blast-from-the-past that takes your average crime drama up a step ... and back in time.

The story line is an intriguing one ... in 2008, NYPD Detective Sam Tyler (Jason O'Mara), is struck by a car. Getting up from the asphalt, he realizes that something's not right ... the sight of the World Trade Center on the skyline, maybe? Somehow, his clothes, his car, even his identity places him in 1970s New York City, in the tumultuous times of the Vietnam War, Watergate, women's lib and the civil rights movements - without a cell phone, computer, PDA or MP3 player, or the modern-day police procedures in which he was trained. While solving crimes, he's also trying to solve his own personal dilemna, to understand what has just happened to him, and how he can get back home.

If you're a fan of the original British series, as I am, then this all seems very familiar. But if you're new to LOM, think about the possibilities of someone from today suddenly finding himself in the right place, but the wrong time, with sensibilities and values that must seem almost alien.

As was the case for so many other American adaptation of British programs, these initial episodes appear to be the British series with an American accent ... but the new product is already starting to set itself apart, establish it's own place and set its own course. Really, comparisons are hard to make so early in the series ... maybe I should wait till later on that.

But for now, see it for yourself, and decide for yourself. It airs Thursday nights at nine o'clock (central) on ABC (KMID-TV in the Permian Basin). It is well worth your giving it a look.

Coincidence or Connection? .....

Is it a simple coincidence, or a wonderful example of the connectivity that is possible through the internet? I like to think it's the latter.

Last week, I posted this birthday notice for Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi, political and spiritual leader, advocate of truth and non-violence, and community organizer.

That post attracted a visit and a comment from "Tushar," who expressed his appreciation for the post. The language of the comment suggested it was written by someone for whom English was not - or had not been - a primary language. This was the first time I had encountered the name 'Tushar.' I was curious, so I "Googled" the name. The first link to come up was this entry in Wikipedia for Tushar Arun Gandhi. Tushar, it was noted, was born 17 January 1960, near Mumbai, India, and is a great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, and the son of journalist Arun Manilal Gandhi. Tushar lives in Mumbai with his wife and two children, and runs the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation ... a job that might include tracking and polling the media ... and expressing appreciation for positive notices in the media.

Coincidence, or comnnection? I like to think it's the latter.

Pack the House for MAAS

Admission for Thursday night's show (starring Midland native Matt Hinkley) is $20 per person, with proceeds benefiting Midland/Odessa Area AIDS Support. Tickets are available at the Yucca Theater door, or in advanceFirst Presbyterian Church-Midland, Iron Press Cleaners, Midland Community Theatre and Lat's Face It Makeup Studio.

MAAS is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization funded by donations from concerned individuals and foundations. Services are confidential and free of charge. Contributions are tax deductible.

MAAS is an organization set up for support and education. It is our mission to provide compassionate care and support of all kinds of people with AIDS, people who are HIV positive, and to the families and friends of people affected by this disease.

It is also MAAS' mission to provide all people with education, as well as accurate and timely information regarding AIDS. AIDS pertains to all of us. Proper knowledge of AIDS prevention is vitally important for everyone to know. MAAS provides a weekly support group for people with AIDS, People who are HIV positive and for their families and friends. MAAS trains and equips volunteers to serve on care teams. Approximately 5 to 7 people are on a care team. Each care team is assigned to care for one person living with AIDS and their family members. This groups offers on going instruction in grief recovery as well as warm, compassionate love and support.

MAAS was started in June of 1991 and is facilitated by an AIDS family member who is also a Stephen Minister at First Presbyterian Church of Midland. Private counseling is made available to individuals, families, and friends affected by this disease, as well as spiritual guidance.

For more information, please contact:
Judy Warren - Executive Director
Midland/Odessa Area AIDS Support,Inc.(MAAS)
800 W. Texas Street
Midland, Texas 79701
(432) 520-3055
(432) 684-7821

Blog Action Day - Poverty and Christian Faith .....

Today is Blog Action Day, an annual nonprofit event that aims to unite the world’s bloggers, podcasters and videocasters, to post about the same issue on the same day, with the goal of raising awareness and triggering a global discussion. The focus this year is on poverty.

The stance of various churches, various denominations, various faiths in regards to poverty varies. The following is from my own denomination - Presbyterian Church USA, which produced this page on hunger. One of the features on that page states ...

Hunger and poverty increases in the United States

While the U.S. government can help alleviate hunger by improving and expanding the national nutritional programs, ending hunger ultimately requires broader efforts to reduce poverty in America through decent, good-paying jobs.

Toward that end, PHP supports living wage campaigns and Let Justice Roll. Learn more about Let Justice Roll and educate yourself and people in your congregation through the resources available through PHP.

Learn about poverty in your state

View the Poverty Tour flash video

The numbers are staggering. Today 37 million Americans live in a state of poverty, hunger and hardship. That's more than last year. More than ever before. But working together, we can reverse the trend. By joining with those in need, we can change the picture of poverty to one of hope. Hope comes through the Hunger Program grants and through our work with partners to collaboratively solve this problem.

Blog Action Day - The Politics of Poverty .....

Today is Blog Action Day, an annual nonprofit event that aims to unite the world’s bloggers, podcasters and videocasters, to post about the same issue on the same day, with the goal of raising awareness and triggering a global discussion. The focus this year is on poverty.

As the 2008 campaign for United States President enters its final weeks, we've heard all kinds of statements about all kinds of issues ... everything from vagueness on home ownership, to vague connections with undesirables. But what about the issue of poverty in America?

Senator Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate for President, has devoted a page on his website to the problem of poverty, and his proposed solution, noting "I'm in this race for the same reason that I fought for jobs for the jobless and hope for the hopeless — to keep the American Dream alive for those who still hunger for opportunity, who still thirst for equality." You can view the entire page here.

Senator John McCain, the Republican candidate for President, has devoted a page on his website to his statement on poverty, promising to "make the eradication of poverty a top priority of the McCain Administration" and set aside the needs of the special interests to advance the interests of the American people, especially those 12-million children who deserve every opportunity to achieve the American Dream." You can read the entire statement here.

And the rest of the candidates for President? A good start for learning their stance on the issue of poverty would be ontheissues.org

Blog Action Day - Defining, Meeting the Threshold of Poverty .....

For more than 800 years, a variation of the word poverty has been used to describe a "state or condition of having little or no money, goods, or means of support; condition of being poor; indigence."

Today is Blog Action Day, an annual nonprofit event that aims to unite the world’s bloggers, podcasters and videocasters, to post about the same issue on the same day, with the goal of raising awareness and triggering a global discussion. The focus this year is on poverty.

So, what is poverty? ... what defines it? ... what measures it? Nothing like a little data to aid a discussion and answer a question. A good source for data on poverty in the United States can be found at the U.S. Census Bureau website, particularly their Poverty Main Page. Here you can find basic facts about poverty and how it is measured; view the most recent reports, briefs, and data on poverty for the past twelve months; find definitions to poverty-related terms and links to other agencies or organizations that provide poverty data and information ... and lots more.

Timely Reminder .....

... to read this post by Jimmy at Sticky Doorknobs, the best advice yet on getting ready for the Big Show, three weeks from today.

Happy Birthday to the First Pennsylvanian .....

William Penn - champion of democracy and religious freedom, scholar and theoretician, and one of colonial America's foremost community organizers - was born on this day in 1644.

Penn's legacy is felt to this day, in many different ways, from the sublime (how his Pennsylvania Frame of Government laid the foundation for the United States Constitution) to the ridiculous (how the "Curse of Bill Penn" haunts professional sports in Philadelphia). And no, say the people at Quaker Oats, the guy on their oatmeal box is not William Penn.

Here is Wikipedia's write-up on Penn's life and times, which includes several good links to writings about Penn, and writings BY Penn.

Recommended Reading in the MRT .....

A few months ago, I suggested in this post that the 'golden door' * that Lady Liberty spoke of opens into the West Texas community of Midland. I was referring, briefly, to this post at West Texas Missioner, about a small-but-growing community of refugees from Burma/Myanmar, right here in the Tall City. An oppressed people, they have been allowed to emigrate from refugee camps in Asia, to the United States, where they are now making new homes and new lives for themselves.

Now comes Sunday's reports from the MRT's Audrie Palmer, "From Myanmar to Midland," which provides a more detailed look at these people, the incidents that drove them from their country, and they welcome they are receiving in our country.
● They wanted a better life — a free life — and they got it
● Touched by refugees' plight, one Midland woman does what she can
● Midland schools get creative in effort to educate Myanmar students

Recommended reading, all of them ... highly recommended.

* The "Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.At the base of the statue is a appears on a plaque with the poem, “The New Colossus,” by poet Emma Lazarus. “The New Colossus,” delivered in the voice of Lady Liberty herself:Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:I lift my lamp beside the golden door." Read Missioner's post, and the stories linked above, to find out how this applies to a community-within-a-community, here in the Tall City.

299.8 .....

299.8

Aware, and "Out of Hand" .....

Friday afternoon, I offered this post about how one school responded to rumors spreading around the Tall City all this week, with people sharing what they'd heard about the potential for violence at that school Friday - a day that passed without incident, and with the only noticeable effect being missing students, kept home by concerned parents.

"The school and the police were aware and pro-active ... and that was good," I commented in that post, praising how the situation was handled at that campus.

Now comes this report from KWES-TV about similar rumors at another Midland ISD campus, stating, "a rumor that got out of hand put the brakes on the Midland Lee Freshman pep rally."

304.6 .....

304.6

Aware, and Pro-active .....

Wednesday night, I offered this post about e-mails shooting around the Tall City, with people sharing what they'd heard about the potential for violence at a school later in the week.

"Is that a good thing, or a bad thing, or what," I asked at the time.

IMHO, much of the e-exchange was a bad thing, raising anxiety over something they heard from someone ... who had heard from someone ... who had heard from someone. There were a number of variations on what might happen, on the race or ethnicity of the perpretators and the victims, the reason that all this was coming up in the first place, and how parents planned to keep their kiddos home today. There were those who counseled patience, speaking directly to authorities, and waiting to get the facts before acting ... but they were in the minority

But there was a good thing - again, IMHO - that arose from all of this, and that was the school's response.

"Thank you for notifying me. Student safety is our priority," a campus administrator responded. "I was sent a copy of the e-mail that went around to all PTA members. We do have extra security on hand provided by MPD gang unit, as well as an extra MISD policeman on duty. We have had no incidents that have resulted from the 'tagging' of our building on Tuesday. All teachers are on duty during passing periods. We investigate all CrimeStoppers tips immediately and thoroughly. If anyone's child sees something that does not belong at school or hears names of students that might be involved, we need to know. All CrimeStoppers tips remain anonymous. We have no names or groups ..... just the rumor itself."

And the school didn't just talk-the-talk. There was a noticable police presence (both district and city officers) on the campus today ... not confrontational or intrusive, just present. It had a reassuring effect ... and if there was any foundation to the rumors, I believe that presence would have served as a deterrent.

The school and the police were aware and pro-active ... and that was good. As for Wednesday's and Thursday's e-exchange, one good suggestion followed the administrator's response, noting the school, "is well aware of the situation and seems to have a grasp on how to handle it. I think the very best thing we can do ... is to send our kids to school and pray for their safety and for the kids who are in gangs to find the love and support they need. Never underestimate the power of prayer."

Amen

Speakin' of Boithdays .....

Julis Henry "Groucho" Marx, star of stage and film, radio and television - and the funniest thing I ever hoid - was born on this day in 1890, in New York City.

I am not the only one to hold in high regard that particular brand of zaniness served-up by Groucho and his brothers. In a 2005 poll, Groucho was voted the 5th-greatest comedy act ever by fellow comedians and comedy insiders. His glasses, eyebrows and moustache are comic icons. "Groucho Marx was the best comedian this country ever produced," Woody Allen once said. "He is simply unique in the same way that Picasso or Stravinsky are." French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard reportedly described his politics by saying, "I'm a Marxist of the Groucho variety,"

Here is Wikipedia's write-up on Marx, which ends with a number of links where you can find out more about the man, his life and his career. My favorite links include this post by snopes.com about Groucho's famous 'Casablanca' letter to Warner Brothers. There are also a number of wonderful audio/video clips on YouTube, including 7-cent Nickle, Hello, I Must be Going, Stateroom and Hail, Hail Fredonia.

Birthday Blessings, Bapu .....

Political and spiritual leader, advocate of truth and non-violence, and community organizer Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on this day in 1869.

Gandhi lived modestly, practiced the truth and non-violence that he preached, and advocated that others do the same. He was the pioneer of resistance to tyranny through mass civil disobedience. He was a tireless advocate for India's independence, and for civil rights (which included ending untouchability and expanding women's rights), building religious and ethnic amity, tax relief, easing poverty and increasing economic self-reliance.

Here is Wikipedia's write-up on Gandhi. And while there does not appear to be an "official" Gandhi website, there is www.gandhismriti.gov.in/ (created by the Indian government). Other good links include Works by Mahatma Gandhi at Project Gutenberg, and the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya Gandhi Museum & Library.

Good, or Bad or What? .....

The Internet can be a good thing, or a bad thing ... time will tell whether Midland's corner of the world wide web has been good - or bad - tonight.

E-mails have been shooting around the Tall City for the last few hours, with people sharing what they've heard about the potential for violence at a school. Is that a good thing, or a bad thing, or what?

Are they spreading unfounded rumors or sharing timely warnings about something that is on the minds of many parents with school-age children. Can we dismiss something, anything easily, nonchalantly in the wake of Paradise, Virginia Tech and Columbine?

Or, can we take it too far? Something that begins as a smart-aleck remark in the cafeteria, makes it's way around the campus ... nothing new there, I remember me - and most everyone else in school - buzzing about whether or not Paul McCartney was really dead ... different era, different fears, but same old rumor-mill.

But whatever the source for the information - and however valid it may or may not be - it makes it into an e-mail that's Cc'd to fifty or sixty people, who turn around and forward it to others ... now it has legs it never could have gotten before, reaching more people in less time than was ever possible by telephone or word-of-mouth.

Time will tell whether Midland's corner of the world wide web has been good - or bad - tonight. Whatever the case, the Midland school system needs to address it before this thing gets out-of-hand.