An American Tragedy

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “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-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Emma Lazarus, 1883

This sonnet, which most schoolchildren in the United States of American are aware of, was written as part of an arts and literary works auction raising funds for the building of the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty. In 1886, when the auction opened, this was the only entry read to the audience. However, it was not until 1903 when a bronze plaque bearing the poem was affixed to a wall on the inner wall of the pedestal.

Sadly, however, the lamp is now extinguished; the golden door and bronze plaque are tarnished, and the words difficult to read.

In this, the “Greatest Country on Earth”, a tragedy unfolded this December that should have shocked and repulsed every citizen of America. In less than 72 hours, this event passed through the news cycle and remains an unacceptable and yet forgotten blemish on our fair land.

A 38 year old mother of two, distraught and without hope, committed murder/suicide, and took herself, daughter and son out of this earthly existence. They were living on $500 a month child support and her meager earnings as a maker of decorative pillows. Her attempts to receive food stamps and welfare had been denied, and she had been reduced to begging food from restaurants in the area as they approached closing hour. Rachelle walked to these restaurants. Previously, she had sold her truck for $400 to buy food for the family. The children showered outside (there being no running water inside) of the ramshackle camp trailer where they lived, for which she was paying $400 per month rent.

On December 5, 2011, Rachelle Grimmer, her 12 year old daughter Ramie and 10 year old son Timothy walked to the Food Stamp Office, where she asked her case be assigned to a new caseworker. They were taken to a small office, where she took about 2 dozen people hostage. A supervisor in the office convinced Rachelle to release all the hostages. At 11:42 P.M, Rachelle fatally shot her two children, and then took her own life.

This happened in the year 2011, in The United States of America, and this is WRONG. How have we become so calloused, so rigid, that America cannot offer aid and assistance to children and adults in severe cases of need? What has happened to our sense of decency and compassion, of caring for those unable to care for themselves? In our rush to dethrone the “welfare queens” and remove the “leeches on society”, can we not look past them and see the children?

I fear our great country has lost its moral compass.

Ask yourself, “Is this what America means to me?” Inquire of your local, state, and Federal Government, “Is this the best you can do?” In the New Year as we approach the election cycle, with its sound-bites and press releases, question the candidates “What are you going to do about poverty? How can you make America better for all Americans, not just the rich and favored few who give large campaign donations?”

Christmas Day 2011

Its Christmas morning. December 25, 2011. Disclaimer- I am a Christian, and I say Merry Christmas! It does not mean disrespect to my non-Christian friends. It is simply what I believe.

Today, I am very grateful for the gifts I have received; not those under the tree this chilly sunlight Utah morning, but those that came from long ago.

I am thankful for my parents, Harry and Sylvia Hartman, who gave me my existence. They made choices, and I am here today because of choices they made. From my father and mother, I learned the example of hard work, and the result of honest labor. I also learned how to raise children, for which I am ever thankful. Let us remember that every person needs the freedom to make choices, and let us strive to allow that freedom of choice.

My grandmother, Mildred Hunter, who worked so diligently to teach me manners, reading, and math. “No, Robert, a gentleman always opens the door for a woman. He never goes first.”
“There is an interesting article in Readers Digest on (subject). Why don’t you read it, then we will discuss it.” Her living room table contained Time, Newsweek, Readers Digest, U.S. News and World Reports, Arizona, and Family Circle. Talk about diversity!. Numerous games of dominoes and cards; “You have to keep score, my arthritis is hurting me.” Then, after the games were done, she picked up her crotchet needles..you get the picture. Grandmother-never Grandma or (Heaven forbid) Mildred-adults are not addressed by their first name- spent countless hours educating me. But then, what would you expect from someone who taught school in a 1-room schoolhouse in Emporia, Kansas? Rest in Peace, Grandmother; you earned it. May we as a country remember and reward those who educate our children. They are the first line of defense in the “War on Poverty.” Indeed, educators are the first defense in the war on War.

My best friend, Billy, who taught me that friendship knows not the boundaries of fame or family fortune. Hours of bike rides, marbles, Scouting, rockets, and dreams. Hot rods, Air Force planes, and cold beer. He was always there for me, at times when my life seemed to be overwhelmed with grief and sorrow. Great loss, great gains; sadly, he died of cancer at too young a point in his life. Why can America conduct wars against people who never hurt us, and yet deny funding for cancer research?

The good Reverend Morale, who strived to create some peace and understanding in a young man torn by the war in Vietnam. A retired man who had been a cleric in the Korean war, he drove 50 miles each way to be in the pulpit on Sunday mornings in Beulah. He was truly a “Man of God”; he could, and did, speak well about the trials of mankind, and of the peace of God. I never heard him speak in anger, or in mistrust; he reached out to help his congregation, and the community at large. Even after he retired from this work, I could talk to him, seek his counsel, and feel better for it. And, perhaps not surprisingly, he could tap a keg of beer (and showed Mom and I how to do it). From the dogs of war, come men of peace. May the youth of today be coached by people like this gentle man.

Mickey and Elaine Neelan, and John Scott; all taught me how to work in a kitchen, how to not only cook but how to create food. In doing this, they also taught me many other lessons. Mickey and Elaine helped my sister and I through some ugly times; gave us good work, good pay, a safe haven, and most importantly, good examples. Wonderful examples of good people, good employers, who knew the job we were doing at the time was not what we would grow up to do, rather, they demanded we keep up with our education; that we understood a waitress or a dishwasher was not a life-long employment. “Scotty”, John Scott, taught me to prepare not just food, but an experience of eating, the total environment of taste and refinement. Every time I prepare a dinner or event, I am giving thanks for these wonderful examples in my life; an example I try to emulate to those surrounding me.

I am very thankful for my sister, who overcame her childhood to become an amazing teacher, parent, and friend. While she does not willingly talk about the ugliness and the poverty we knew and faced, she is an example of what a person can do when they set their mind to it. If ever a book is written about the Great American Dream, certainly several chapters should be written about her; her drive, her determination, and her ability to hold my hand in the dark hours.

On this bright, sunny day, I give thanks for my very existence and for the many people in my life, and there will always be a special place in my heart and life for the people I have mentioned here. Today, and every day that follows, when you have a special person who has uplifted and promoted you, be sure to thank and acknowledge them.

Merry Christmas! May God Bless and keep you! To my friends who read this, I thank you for allowing me to be in your lives. May this day be all, and more, than you desire. May the days that come be even greater than we expect!

$1.03 per year

$1.03 per year-Would you help a National Guardsman deployed to (out of state) active duty for that amount? Utah Senate Majority “Leader” Scott Jenkins (R) will not. Instead, he states that we have done enough for our National Guard Troops, According to the “leader” of the Senate majority party, we do more than enough for our Guardsmen, after all, we provide them uniforms, allow the families to shop at the PX (basically allowing them not to pay state sales tax) and we even give them some aid for education. Heck, Senator, we even provide them with all the hot lead and IED’s they want!
State Senator Luz Robles (D) introduced SB116 (and SB116S01), which would extend our current state Military Exemptions for active duty military to include Utah National Guard members. This would enable a Utah State Consitional amendment to be placed before the voters, allowing the citizens of Utah to decide if homeowners should give this minuscule amount to exempt members of the Guard from property taxes while they are on active duty for 200 or more consecutive days. The cost to the homeowners would be $1.03 for a residence of approximately $200,000 valuation. $1.03 per year-less than a fast-food hamburger- to give some aid to our men and women in harms way? And the Republican Senate Leader says no? This slap in the face to our National Guard troops, from a Senator who has the right to State-funded health insurance –for life if he is an elected official for 10 years? This- from a Senator who wants to exempt private country clubs from state sales tax? (SB96, passed, sponsor-Senator Scott Jenkins)
$1.03 per year. Senator that is less than the sales tax on the user fees for a country club.
This is NOT “leadership.”
I’ll proudly give this amount for our National Guard Troops! And I call on Senator Jenkins to do the same. (But-he already has said he won’t)
Here is Senator Jenkins’ speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BlZbsJ5ycc&feature=youtu.be

As always, your comments are appreciated.

Rick Perry

Texas Governor (and Republican Presidential hopeful) Rick Perry has a television commercial currently running in which he proclaims his Christian beliefs. More exactly, he proclaims his homophobic fears of gays; and decries the lack of public prayer in schools.
The good Governor and I share a “growing up” background. Both of us were raised in small towns, both were involved in Methodist churches in our youth. Here is where we split, if you will.

The Christ I learned about was one of compassion, love, forgiveness, kindness. My Jesus believed all people to be created with an ability to look past the outer shell and find the person within, a person who had battled his own devils and triumphed; a person who believed in good in all people. The Jesus I grew up with did not mock those of different persuasions; he opened his cloak to all, and said, come unto me.

I live, by choice, in a state where I am not of the dominate faith. I understand well the ease to dictate prayers, symbols and attitudes when you are in a position of domination. I also understand that this country was founded on a reliance on a Supreme Being; and it is our choice in this country what we call this Supreme Being, and how we choose to worship. I do not believe that the government has the right, privilege, or duty to dictate prayer or worship of any deity, be it in school, business, or government entity.

This discussion is one Governor Perry will not have with me, or with you. Governor Perry is casting down a gauntlet, in effect; saying you either hate someone for their love and beliefs, and side with him; or you are not a Christian; and with that statement, he puts those whose lives are outside his realm of comprehension into a place of sin.

America! My country, has been and will continue to be, a melting pot of the best and the brightest. It is a country, free and wild, founded on multitudes of freedoms. A country where you can walk down the street, openly, without regard or concern as to which section of town you are in; where your religion or your ancestry matters not. America is, at her best, a place where individuals can succeed beyond their wildest dreams; create, innovate, and profit from their dreams; building a better future for themselves and their families, however those families are structured. America, our country, was founded with the belief in representation from all sectors and beliefs, a place where good overcomes evil, and the basic interests of all are well served.

Governor Perry is certainly entitled to his opinions, and I do not take his right to voice those opinions away from him. It is my opinion, however, that a person with so narrow a view on life does not deserve the nomination of the Republican Party, or accession into the high office he craves.

Surface Transportation Bill

An article in the Salt Lake Tribune (Sept. 7, 2011) entitled “Highway bill holdup in D.C. could cost Utah 8,910 jobs”, and a subsequent editorial has me asking, what is the rest of the story? As the sage said, “when in doubt, follow the money.” So that is what I did. Here, in my opinion, is “The Rest of the Story.”

The holdup is the re-authorization of the Surface Transportation Bill, which in essence is the mechanism for taking Federal monies and using the money to pay for roads and public transportation throughout the United States. Here in Utah, this money is used for new construction and rebuilding of highways and interstates, and partial funding of TRAX and other public transportation. At risk currently are (among others) the completion of the I-15 rebuild in Utah County, the completion of the Mountain View Corridor, and the payment of work already done on other projects; including the Front-Runner system, the Mid-Jordan and West Valley TRAX lines, all of which are currently in operation. Additionally, UTA depends on $50 million in annual appropriations to fund the operation of TRAX and Front-Runner, which was approved by previous congressional actions. The President has asked for a clean extension of the Bill, (including holding the Federal tax on fuel at 18.4 cents per gallon) which has been done 7 times over the past 2 years. This would give the “SuperCommittee” time to debate how and what government spending to reduce, and revenues to increase, in order to bring our Federal Budget into balance.

So, what’s the problem? The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by John Mica (R-FL) has proposed, rather then extend the bill as requested, that a new $230 billion, 6 year extension be enacted. This would cut, by 30% annually, the amounts authorized for the program. It would also eliminate any funding for mass transit. While we may disagree about the “value” of mass transit, it cannot be argued that we need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce our pollution levels; both of which are addressed in part by the use of mass transit. Why would we not want to achieve these goals, which are promoted by both sides of the aisle?

The answer, again, is money. Not the spending of Federal money, but the donations to campaign funds of various politicians. Here’s the outline. (My figures are from the Center for Responsive Politics (OpenSecrets.org.), and are taken from the Federal Election Commission data available as of August 8, 2011.)

This House Committee consists of 33 Republicans and 26 Democrats. The fundraising of the members of this Committee follows: The Republicans collected $83,152,420 dollars from various donors; the Democrats collected $122,177,917. OK, so?

So, if you look at the industry groups that would be affected by either an increase in gas taxes, or a reduction in fuel consumption, you are drawn to three major industry groups: Agribusiness, Energy, and Transportation (as broken down by FEC data).

On the Democrats side: of the $122,177,917 in donations (yes, that is $122 MILLION) these three sectors donated $16,256,076, or 13.31% of the money raised.

The Republicans on the committee, although they raised less in total donations, fared better: the three sectors donated $21,756,523, or 26.16% of the total raised, to the members of this committee. These three industries, which have a lot at stake if the fuel tax is raised, or fuel consumption declines, made their case to the Republicans of the committee, who responded to the donations.

This brief discussion of the effects of political posturing does not begin to address the social-economic results of non-extension of the Bill; the jobs that will be lost, the businesses that will suffer the “ripple effect” of the unemployment, and the increased monies needed to fund unemployment benefits to those who will lose their jobs. It does not discuss in detail the roads and bridges that will not be repaired, nor the increase in cost to the public of mass transit.

It does bring me to some conclusions: we need aggressive campaign finance reform; we should require our politicians to be responsive to the needs of the public, not of the corporate donors; and we must have a reasoned, sound, and bi-partisan discussion of the Federal budget. All of the above having been said, I hope that the voters will let their Congressmen know how they feel about the extension of the Surface Transportation Program, as requested by the President of the United States.

Thank you for reading; if you wish to see the data I collected, email me and I will provide it. As always, comments and responses are welcome, please post them here!

The Madness Continues, Part II: Conviction and Punishment

On July 16, 2010, I posted an article here concerning the so-called “list of 1300 illegal aliens” accused publicly of wrongfully receiving Medicaid and Medicare benefits. Leah D. Carson and Teresa Bassett, the creators and distributors of this list (to the press and public safety officers) have been charged, convicted, and sentences handed down. Carson was convicted of a misdemeanor and sentenced to 12 months of probation and $440.00 in fines. Bassett, who has now changed her name to London Grace Wellington, entered an Alford plea, has been sentenced to 36 months of probation and 250 hours of community service. (The Alford plea as entered is a plea of guilty that allows her to maintain her innocence but acknowledged prosecutors had enough evidence to convict her on two felony charges.) Both were employees of the Department of Workforce Services, the department entrusted with dispersing these benefits. Carson and Bassett have been terminated from their jobs. Bassett claims to have lost her retirement due to this incident, however, it is not clear if her retirement was stripped from her or if she has used it in the interim to cover her living and legal expenses. Carson, a mother of five children, has now been separated from her husband. While Carson expressed remorse at her actions, Bassett remained clearly defiant in front of Judge Hilder.

Governor Gary Herbert had promised, at the outset of this issue, a through and complete investigation, which in my opinion has been carried out. The question remains, did the punishment fit the crime? This list contained the names, address, and (in some cases) the social security numbers and birthdates of the “illegal aliens.” Consider that “The Utah Department of Workforce Services, from which the information on the list originated, has said most of the names on the list were people legally receiving benefits or the parents of U.S.-born children receiving benefits.” (SL Tribune, June 7, 2011) If you were the victim, would you feel justice had been served?

Don’t misunderstand me; I firmly believe that no one should receive benefits from our governments to which they are not legally entitled. I also believe no one, regardless of national origin, circumstances of birth, language, state of wedlock, sexual orientation, or any other reason, should live in fear of being erroneously “outed” by any person or group of people acting out of “principles” of vigilante justice. The Utah State Attorney General’s office has failed to use punishment of a crime as a tool to prevent further crimes of this nature from occurring.

Update on GARMA

Miracles do happen! In response to an outcry from the public, our legislature wisely repealed HB477. GARMA is currently safe; however, this same legislature does intend to "revisit" GARMA and "adjust" it to better serve their needs. The voting public in Utah needs to stay focused on this, and many other issues; and remember, come the next election, the hubris and arrogance shown by "our" elected officials.

Good Bye GRAMA

The arrogance displayed by the Republican members of the Utah State Senate should be warning to all of the state’s residents, as well as a call to action for the voters. Sadly, we do not have the ability to call for their immediate removal from office for the passing of HB477, which will result in the effective closing of elected official’s phone, text, and email records. The new, as yet unpublished, fees and charges to be leveled for access to these records will, in effect, push them into the shadows for all but the most well-heeled researchers.

A government that feels it must operate in secrecy is, defacto, operating as a dictatorship rather than a democracy. If we, the public who “hires” these legislators, have no knowledge of the individuals or groups contacting our legislators, and of the deals and trade-offs they are making, we have no choice but to suffer loss of control of our government for their gain. (Remember the I-15 “bidding error” that cost the state of Utah $13 Million?)

It is OUR government, and OUR money. The computers, cell phones, I-phones and Blackberrys they use are paid for - by us. In the private sector, anything you generate or communicate on a company computer or cell phone is considered to be non-private, and accessible by management. Why should the communication of our elected public officials be off limits to us, their employers?

There is hope, albeit faint, that the legislators will actually repeal HB477 today, as the governor has belatedly suggested. (This is the same governor who signed the bill, declaring that it will make our government more open and transparent???) The House has indicated that it is in favor of repeal, the senate leadership has come out against repealing the bill. We can hope, but we should be prepared to sign a petition (www.savegrama.org) to repeal this legislation.

Sunlight

Through my kitchen window, I see the sun finally making an appearance through a cleft in the Wasatch. It’s bright yellow hue promises glory to this day, to the future, and warmth and light into my life. The cold of this long bitter winter, while not totally exhausted, will no longer be the focal point of my life, no longer the center of my attention. The seemingly endless monochromatic winter sky with its rare pinpricks of light is turning, thankfully, to vivid shades of blue.
Spring approaches, and I anticipate..eagerly.. the greening of the earth, the tantalizing scent of flowers and grass as day replaces night. Now, my world will return to a proper course, and life become joyful, even jubilant. I have used this winter to reflect, to analyze, and grow; but like the bear waking from hibernation, I am now hungry for new adventures, new sights, new people and the input I crave so deeply. Through movement, my muscles will overcome the aches and pains of this listless existence; through experience, my mind will stretch, expand, and absorb. Life is not perfect, as the sage states; but it certainly is improving.

I wrote this for someone special, who has been held back for far too long.

There is a feeling of peace and empowerment that has overtaken me. I know that events will unfold over which I have no control, nor do I desire such control, I know I am changing, for the better; that I will continue to change, for me. It’s time for me; it is now my time to be.

The last 2 years have been the most unusual in my life. I have learned, again, what is important and what is not. I understand now that I am the most important person in my own life, that I need to be selfish (in a strict Webster meaning) with my life. I am learning to say no. Not in anger, not in frustration, but simply no. While I continue to have concern, respect and a degree of joint responsibility to and for those around me, no one else is in control my life’s direction, or my life’s purpose, any longer. I have but a short time (in the grand scheme) to be here, and I need to place myself before all others, to accomplish my goals. And those goals are mine, chosen by me, for my benefit; they are what I need to do.

I will choose, now, to do what is best for me, what is in my overall best interest. Do not expect me to refute myself for your uses, or your benefit. Expect me instead, to do what I can that is good for me, and perhaps therefore all of us; bearing in mind that I am of value to myself, and that I will no longer deny or degrade my own value for your, or any other persons', needs, wants, or desires.

This is not a narcissistic point of view; rather it is a point of view that allows me to uphold my self as a person of good, of value, and in control of myself. I am not going to use that view to cause undue suffering, harm or hurt, but I am not afraid any longer to exercise my ability to control my life, my work, and my dreams.

In making this statement, I acknowledge and accept that you have or may make a similar statement of your own design, which I respect; as I ask you to respect my words here given. If we choose to travel together, so be it; if our paths separate, know I wish you the best in your journey, and I accept your best wishes for mine.

January

She is a curious thing, this January. She arrives in the cold quiet of night, with high expectations and low temperatures. In her luggage, she brings promises of warmth, flowers, and sunshine; yet she herself is not any of those things. From her, flow copious tears shed for the past year; the dreams not materialized; the wants and needs unmet. Broken promises large and small trail her, like the torn veil train of a forsaken bride.

Yet, she stands as tall and proud as any, raising a glass of hope and enthusiasm to all in her presence. With the vigor and strength of youth, January casts her spell about; from the shredded fabric of the past she weaves a new garment, a promise of new hope. Like a heroine from a romantic novel, she exudes laughter and joy; the vow of renewal and rebirth.

Let’s join her in a toast: to the First Lady of the New Year!