I spent most of Sunday afternoon watching a program that was as twisted as ABC’s “Lost,” as dramatic as Fox’s “24,” and sometimes as funny as a good episode of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”
It was the U.S. House of Representatives debate over the health care reform bill on C-Span.
There was fighting. There was yelling. There were cheers and jeers. But in the nail-biting climax, H.R. 3962 passed 219 to 212 without a Republican voting for it. Moreover, 34 Democrats voted against it. But that’s OK. The beginning of health care reform passed with three votes to spare.
Presidents since Theodore Roosevelt have tried to reform health care in the United States. One of the most famous attempts was by President Bill “Big Dog” Clinton and then-First Lady (now Secretary of State) Hillary Rodham Clinton. Not one succeeded, even when they tried.
Until March 21, 2010. Somewhere President Barack Obama is saying with a smile to himself, “How ya like me now?”
As of this entry, the bill awaits President Obama’s signature.
But getting the bill to the President’s desk was a process that can be compared to making sausage – downright ugly. To get six conservative Democrats to approve the bill, Obama offered to issue an executive order clarifying the ban on federal funding of abortion. According to The Washington Post, Obama will issue the order after the bill is signed.
From what I’ve heard, the Democrats have offered various compromises to the Republicans to get health care reform passed. But there wasn’t a Republican who would support the bill, saying that it was “big government” and that it cost too much for taxpayers. The Los Angeles Times quoted Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-South Carolina) as saying, “This is the Civil Rights Act of the 21st century.”
The measure allocates about $1 trillion (Yes, that’s “trillion” with a “T.”) over the next decade to expanding insurance coverage, with major changes coming in 2014, The Post reported. Individuals will pay fines for refusing to buy insurance, and employers with more than 50 workers that do not provide coverage also face fines.
The smaller changes that will take place in six months include permitting adult children to stay on their parents’ policies until they turn 26, and children with medical conditions will not be denied coverage.
Unfortunately, this battle is not over. Republicans, stung by the Democratic victory, will take their case to the people during this election year. There may be Democratic representatives and senators who face losing their seats this fall. But I’ll still go to the polls supporting Senator Barbara Boxer and Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez.
When President Obama said, “This is what change looks like,” I thought, “This is the change I voted for. Get used to it!”
Writing Diva
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Academy Awards -- My "Super Bowl"
OK, it's been two months since I've posted an entry. I may discuss later why I haven't been writing.
Today's topic is what Joy Behar of ABC's "The View" described as "the gay Super Bowl" --the Academy Awards.
For me, the Oscars have been my big bowl game. As a movie buff and Oscar geek of my family, I look forward to this more than I do Christmas. The day after the Oscar announcements, I try to see every movie nominated for an Oscar. I haven't been as attentive this year, though. So far, I've seen "Precious," "Coraline," and "Julie and Julia," the latter I saw Friday night. (I give the movie a "B." I give best actress nominee Meryl Streep's performance an "A-."
I've been watching the Oscars for 40 years. (Again, I'm dating myself.) I fell head over heels for perennial best supporting/best leading actor nominee Al Pacino ("The Godfather," "Serpico," The Godfather Part II," and "Dog Day Afternoon," to name a few). Each time he was robbed, I tell ya, robbed! It wasn't until he won his best actor Oscar for "Scent of a Woman" that I was satisfied. I know it was more for his body of work than for that particular performance. Works for me, though.
Like life, the Oscars have had their ups and downs for me. I was thrilled when Louis Gossett Jr. became the first African-American actor to win best supporting actor for "An Officer and a Gentleman." I whooped and hollered when Whoopi Goldberg won best supporting actress for "Ghost," one of my favorite movies. The biggest night, though was when Halle Berry became the first African-American woman to win the best actress Oscar for her role in "Monster's Ball." Her win was quickly followed by Denzel Washington garnering his second Oscar, this time for best actor, for "Training Day." (He also won several years earlier for his supporting role in "Glory.") I was watching with two of my older sisters, and we gave a loud, collective "Whoa!"
On the other hand, I thought the great Ruby Dee was robbed of her supporting actress Oscar in 2007 for "American Gangster." Tilda Swinton came out of nowhere to win that year for "Michael Clayton." (And she wore a dress that looked like a dark plastic garbage bag. But I digress.) The year before Eddie Murphy was the front-runner going into the 2006 Oscars but was beaten by ... himself. He approved the release of the really bad movie "Norbit" weeks before the Oscar telecast. He lost to Alan Arkin for "Little Miss Sunshine."
This year, unless a tsunami washes away the Kodak Theater, Mo'Nique is a lock for best supporting actress for "Precious." (She was a monster in her role as Mary, Precious's mother.)
Christoph Waltz is expected to get his Oscar for best supporting actor for "Inglourious Basterds." (Correct spelling) Jeff Bridges may edge George Clooney as best actor for "Crazy Heart." But the real tossup will be for best actress between the aforementioned Streep and Sandra Bullock, who earned her first Oscar nomination for her role in "The Blind Side."
(Note: I'm typing with a cat [Diva] in my lap.)
Best picture is going to be a tossup, too, between "Avatar" and "The Hurt Locker."
Anyway, time for me to go to my sisters' and bug them to death about Oscar.
Writing Diva
Today's topic is what Joy Behar of ABC's "The View" described as "the gay Super Bowl" --the Academy Awards.
For me, the Oscars have been my big bowl game. As a movie buff and Oscar geek of my family, I look forward to this more than I do Christmas. The day after the Oscar announcements, I try to see every movie nominated for an Oscar. I haven't been as attentive this year, though. So far, I've seen "Precious," "Coraline," and "Julie and Julia," the latter I saw Friday night. (I give the movie a "B." I give best actress nominee Meryl Streep's performance an "A-."
I've been watching the Oscars for 40 years. (Again, I'm dating myself.) I fell head over heels for perennial best supporting/best leading actor nominee Al Pacino ("The Godfather," "Serpico," The Godfather Part II," and "Dog Day Afternoon," to name a few). Each time he was robbed, I tell ya, robbed! It wasn't until he won his best actor Oscar for "Scent of a Woman" that I was satisfied. I know it was more for his body of work than for that particular performance. Works for me, though.
Like life, the Oscars have had their ups and downs for me. I was thrilled when Louis Gossett Jr. became the first African-American actor to win best supporting actor for "An Officer and a Gentleman." I whooped and hollered when Whoopi Goldberg won best supporting actress for "Ghost," one of my favorite movies. The biggest night, though was when Halle Berry became the first African-American woman to win the best actress Oscar for her role in "Monster's Ball." Her win was quickly followed by Denzel Washington garnering his second Oscar, this time for best actor, for "Training Day." (He also won several years earlier for his supporting role in "Glory.") I was watching with two of my older sisters, and we gave a loud, collective "Whoa!"
On the other hand, I thought the great Ruby Dee was robbed of her supporting actress Oscar in 2007 for "American Gangster." Tilda Swinton came out of nowhere to win that year for "Michael Clayton." (And she wore a dress that looked like a dark plastic garbage bag. But I digress.) The year before Eddie Murphy was the front-runner going into the 2006 Oscars but was beaten by ... himself. He approved the release of the really bad movie "Norbit" weeks before the Oscar telecast. He lost to Alan Arkin for "Little Miss Sunshine."
This year, unless a tsunami washes away the Kodak Theater, Mo'Nique is a lock for best supporting actress for "Precious." (She was a monster in her role as Mary, Precious's mother.)
Christoph Waltz is expected to get his Oscar for best supporting actor for "Inglourious Basterds." (Correct spelling) Jeff Bridges may edge George Clooney as best actor for "Crazy Heart." But the real tossup will be for best actress between the aforementioned Streep and Sandra Bullock, who earned her first Oscar nomination for her role in "The Blind Side."
(Note: I'm typing with a cat [Diva] in my lap.)
Best picture is going to be a tossup, too, between "Avatar" and "The Hurt Locker."
Anyway, time for me to go to my sisters' and bug them to death about Oscar.
Writing Diva
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Hang Together or Hang Separately?
When I heard Thursday night that an Alameda County Superior Court judge sided with SEIU Local 1000 and other California state employee unions against the imposed three-day-a-month furloughs, I was at first overjoyed and hopeful for 2010. Judge Frank Roesch ruled that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s decision to furlough about 200,000 state employees, regardless of whether they were paid through the general fund or special funds, was legally flawed. To which I said, “Duh!”
Then reality settled in. The state faces a $21 billion deficit and growing. Tomorrow the Governor makes his last State of the State address, and I expect the other shoe to drop – layoffs for state employees.
I admit that at first I selfishly thought, “Let him do layoffs. I have nine years with the state and I’m in a special fund agency.” Then I remembered I have friends who work for general fund agencies who don’t have as many years of state service as I do. I also have family members who work for the state who may be affected. A prime example is my sister, Black Woman Blogging (http://www.blackwomanblogging.blogspot.com). She is an attorney for a general fund state agency who has been furloughed, as I have been. She and her husband, an attorney for a federal agency, bought their first home together in November 2008. I don’t want them to lose their home and go through more financial struggles.
Last night on KTXL Fox 40 in Sacramento, reporter Rick Boone interviewed Antonio Mitchell, a 19-year state employee. Mitchell looked directly into the camera and told his union SEIU Local 1000, “If you’re listening, union reps, save everyone’s jobs. I think it’s better for us to take the 15 percent (pay cut) than for some to lose their jobs. That’s a no-win situation. I think everyone everybody can share in the pain.”
Mitchell has a valid point. The superior court judge’s ruling and the subsequent appeals are a train wreck waiting to happen. If SEIU Local 1000 wants to help its membership, it should take a poll of its members asking if we should stop the war and take furloughs over firings. If the unions truly represent us, the leadership should listen to us.
I will side with Mr. Mitchell and ask SEIU Local 1000 to stop. As Benjamin Franklin said, “We must hang together, gentlemen,…else, we shall most assuredly hang separately.”
Writing Diva
Then reality settled in. The state faces a $21 billion deficit and growing. Tomorrow the Governor makes his last State of the State address, and I expect the other shoe to drop – layoffs for state employees.
I admit that at first I selfishly thought, “Let him do layoffs. I have nine years with the state and I’m in a special fund agency.” Then I remembered I have friends who work for general fund agencies who don’t have as many years of state service as I do. I also have family members who work for the state who may be affected. A prime example is my sister, Black Woman Blogging (http://www.blackwomanblogging.blogspot.com). She is an attorney for a general fund state agency who has been furloughed, as I have been. She and her husband, an attorney for a federal agency, bought their first home together in November 2008. I don’t want them to lose their home and go through more financial struggles.
Last night on KTXL Fox 40 in Sacramento, reporter Rick Boone interviewed Antonio Mitchell, a 19-year state employee. Mitchell looked directly into the camera and told his union SEIU Local 1000, “If you’re listening, union reps, save everyone’s jobs. I think it’s better for us to take the 15 percent (pay cut) than for some to lose their jobs. That’s a no-win situation. I think everyone everybody can share in the pain.”
Mitchell has a valid point. The superior court judge’s ruling and the subsequent appeals are a train wreck waiting to happen. If SEIU Local 1000 wants to help its membership, it should take a poll of its members asking if we should stop the war and take furloughs over firings. If the unions truly represent us, the leadership should listen to us.
I will side with Mr. Mitchell and ask SEIU Local 1000 to stop. As Benjamin Franklin said, “We must hang together, gentlemen,…else, we shall most assuredly hang separately.”
Writing Diva
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Writing Diva’s Guide to Coping With the Loss of a Parent
My friend E joined a club that is a sad one to join – those who have lost a parent.
Her mother, whom I called “Mrs. C,” passed away on November 18 from an infection following surgery to repair a torn ligament in her knee. She was 63.
Mr. and Mrs. C had been married 40 years and raised five children – two daughters, three sons. E is the oldest. Her sister Em is the youngest. I visited E at her parents’ house yesterday, and she and her siblings were struggling with the loss after Mrs. C’s funeral on November 28.
“It’s like my life has gone topsy turvy,” she said over dinner.
Having lost my mother 11 years ago, I completely understand. I told her that one doesn’t get over the loss of a parent. One learns to live with it.
The difference between my loss and theirs is that, other than her torn knee ligament, Mrs. C was very healthy. Last year she gave a party for her retirement and was joking, laughing, being the perfect hostess. Her favorite sayings included “Did you eat?” “Here, eat this.” She tended to the needs of her family and friends.
Her family, friends, and I had envisioned Mrs. C living into her late 80s or 90s. She was very active. She had owned her own business and spearheaded a fundraising drive to build a church in the province of Ilolio in the Philippines.
After conferring with my siblings, here are some suggestions for E and her family to get through these trying times.
Take it one day at a time.
Lean on each other. Share memories of your mother. Remember, it’s OK to laugh. (Hey, Mrs. C was a funny lady.) Be with family and friends.
If you get angry and need to let it out physically, walk, run, play tennis, swim, hit a punching bag, give a pillow a beatdown. Just let it out.
If you feel depressed, seek counseling. If the counselor prescribes antidepressants, consider taking them. From personal experience, they got me going again.
There are plenty of books on losing a parent. (E, I’m sending you one, so you don’t have to buy one if you don’t have to.)
Take up a cause that was dear to your mother. Since Mrs. C was helping raise money for the church in the village of Passi, take up her cross and carry it. Also, let people know where they can send their contributions in your mother’s memory.
Finally, be available, physically and emotionally, for your father, Mr. C. He lost the love of his life. Do what you can to give him comfort and a sense of purpose.
That’s all I can think of right now. Your mother will always be a part of you. You may channel her mannerisms, her courage, her work ethic, her love of music. And you can take comfort in those things until she sees you again.
Writing Diva
Her mother, whom I called “Mrs. C,” passed away on November 18 from an infection following surgery to repair a torn ligament in her knee. She was 63.
Mr. and Mrs. C had been married 40 years and raised five children – two daughters, three sons. E is the oldest. Her sister Em is the youngest. I visited E at her parents’ house yesterday, and she and her siblings were struggling with the loss after Mrs. C’s funeral on November 28.
“It’s like my life has gone topsy turvy,” she said over dinner.
Having lost my mother 11 years ago, I completely understand. I told her that one doesn’t get over the loss of a parent. One learns to live with it.
The difference between my loss and theirs is that, other than her torn knee ligament, Mrs. C was very healthy. Last year she gave a party for her retirement and was joking, laughing, being the perfect hostess. Her favorite sayings included “Did you eat?” “Here, eat this.” She tended to the needs of her family and friends.
Her family, friends, and I had envisioned Mrs. C living into her late 80s or 90s. She was very active. She had owned her own business and spearheaded a fundraising drive to build a church in the province of Ilolio in the Philippines.
After conferring with my siblings, here are some suggestions for E and her family to get through these trying times.
Take it one day at a time.
Lean on each other. Share memories of your mother. Remember, it’s OK to laugh. (Hey, Mrs. C was a funny lady.) Be with family and friends.
If you get angry and need to let it out physically, walk, run, play tennis, swim, hit a punching bag, give a pillow a beatdown. Just let it out.
If you feel depressed, seek counseling. If the counselor prescribes antidepressants, consider taking them. From personal experience, they got me going again.
There are plenty of books on losing a parent. (E, I’m sending you one, so you don’t have to buy one if you don’t have to.)
Take up a cause that was dear to your mother. Since Mrs. C was helping raise money for the church in the village of Passi, take up her cross and carry it. Also, let people know where they can send their contributions in your mother’s memory.
Finally, be available, physically and emotionally, for your father, Mr. C. He lost the love of his life. Do what you can to give him comfort and a sense of purpose.
That’s all I can think of right now. Your mother will always be a part of you. You may channel her mannerisms, her courage, her work ethic, her love of music. And you can take comfort in those things until she sees you again.
Writing Diva
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
More Facebook Rules for Single People
I just deleted someone I dated from my life for the second time. This time the deletion was via Facebook.
I made the stoopid mistake of befriending someone I used to date via Facebook. In a moment of weakness and loneliness, I sought him out and sent him an e-mail saying "Hi." He, in turn, send me an e-mail saying he wouldn't mind being a Facebook friend. So, I befriended him.
What the $*@! was I thinking?!
I had dated the guy 21 years ago before I joined a journalism program and went to my first journalism job in Bellingham, Wash. Eleven months later when I interviewed for a newspaper job in Northern California, I went to see him and wanted to pick up where we left off. But there was no place to pick up. He uttered those "six words" no lovesick adult wants to hear: "I'm not in love with you."
The plane ride from Sacramento to Seattle and the flight from Seattle to Bellingham were the longest I've ever spent. Even when I flew from Oakland to Miami with a sinus infection, that flight wasn't as long as those.
Anyway, once I signed up for Facebook in February, I became curious about whatever became of the guy. He was indeed on Facebook. It wasn't until a month ago when I sent my e-mail and he responded.
This week he announced on Facebook that he is in a relationship with this trim, petite, beautiful brunette. (He proudly posted the picture. She looked like Sacramento "arm candy.") I mentally kicked myself for befriending him. After 21 years and an involvement that had nothing to do with love on his part, what was the point of being his friend?
I asked a coworker if the guy would know immediately if he'd know that I removed him from my list of friends. When the coworker said, "No," I logged into my Facebook account, found the guy's photo, and clicked the X. When the prompt asked if I was sure I wanted to delete him, I clicked "Proceed." Buh-bye.
I read Facebook's rules and regulations as well as a commonly used list posted by a blogger. I want to add the following: "Unless you are on very good terms with your ex-significant other, do not look him or her up on Facebook. Also, do not befriend him or her on Facebook. It is not worth your dignity."
Writing Diva
I made the stoopid mistake of befriending someone I used to date via Facebook. In a moment of weakness and loneliness, I sought him out and sent him an e-mail saying "Hi." He, in turn, send me an e-mail saying he wouldn't mind being a Facebook friend. So, I befriended him.
What the $*@! was I thinking?!
I had dated the guy 21 years ago before I joined a journalism program and went to my first journalism job in Bellingham, Wash. Eleven months later when I interviewed for a newspaper job in Northern California, I went to see him and wanted to pick up where we left off. But there was no place to pick up. He uttered those "six words" no lovesick adult wants to hear: "I'm not in love with you."
The plane ride from Sacramento to Seattle and the flight from Seattle to Bellingham were the longest I've ever spent. Even when I flew from Oakland to Miami with a sinus infection, that flight wasn't as long as those.
Anyway, once I signed up for Facebook in February, I became curious about whatever became of the guy. He was indeed on Facebook. It wasn't until a month ago when I sent my e-mail and he responded.
This week he announced on Facebook that he is in a relationship with this trim, petite, beautiful brunette. (He proudly posted the picture. She looked like Sacramento "arm candy.") I mentally kicked myself for befriending him. After 21 years and an involvement that had nothing to do with love on his part, what was the point of being his friend?
I asked a coworker if the guy would know immediately if he'd know that I removed him from my list of friends. When the coworker said, "No," I logged into my Facebook account, found the guy's photo, and clicked the X. When the prompt asked if I was sure I wanted to delete him, I clicked "Proceed." Buh-bye.
I read Facebook's rules and regulations as well as a commonly used list posted by a blogger. I want to add the following: "Unless you are on very good terms with your ex-significant other, do not look him or her up on Facebook. Also, do not befriend him or her on Facebook. It is not worth your dignity."
Writing Diva
Monday, October 26, 2009
Halloween as History Lesson
This is my first day back at work after a weeklong vacation. I expected at least 1,500 e-mails when I logged on to my work computer this morning. But a message from my boss made my jaw drop.
Every year my colleagues at the state agency at which I work dress up for Halloween and compete in a chili cookoff. This year my boss suggested that we dress up in 1950s style, a la “Happy Days.” The women would wear poodle skirts and sweaters with pony tails. The men would wear pompadours, duck tails, leather jackets, and jeans.
After closing my mouth, my first thought was, “HELL NO!”
I sent copies of the e-mail to my siblings. My older brother advised that I “just say no.” Indeed, I am doing just that.
My older sister T1 was blunter. She said the ‘50s “were not great for black people.”
That is true. The 1950s were a bleak period of African-American history. Jim Crow was thriving. Emmett Till, a young black teen, was brutally murdered in August 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman in Mississippi. Four months later on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat at the front of the “colored section” to a white passenger. Her arrest prompted Montgomery, Alabama’s, black community to launch a successful yearlong bus boycott. Montgomery’s buses were desegregated on December 21, 1956.
Although U.S. Supreme Court declared racial desegregation in schools was unconstitutional in the Brown vs. Board of Education, Topeka, Kan., decision in May 1954, the memo must not have reached Arkansas state officials, who tried to block nine high school students from entering Central High School in Little Rock in 1957.
Racial injustices were not limited to the South. In California, there were hundreds of communities that had covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) excluding African-Americans, Jews, Hindus, Eastern Europeans, and Asian-Americans from living in those neighborhoods. I learned San Lorenzo had such CC&Rs when I was a reporter for a San Francisco Bay Area newspaper. Stephen Maganini of The Sacramento Bee wrote a September 12, 2005, article about an Assembly Bill that addressed such racist language in past CC&Rs. Arden Park in North Sacramento had such restrictions.
I realize my boss is trying to raise morale, as my younger sister T2 suggested, by having us all dress up. However, having a Halloween costume theme based on the “Happy Daze” of the 1950s is racially and historically offensive. And I will have no part in it.
My idea was to wear a purple SEIU Local 1000 t-shirt and a pair of distressed (read: holey) jeans and come to work as I am – a disgruntled state worker. Under the circumstances of furloughs and job cuts, I think a disgruntled state worker is scarier than Freddy Krueger or Jason from “Friday the 13th.”
Writing Diva
Every year my colleagues at the state agency at which I work dress up for Halloween and compete in a chili cookoff. This year my boss suggested that we dress up in 1950s style, a la “Happy Days.” The women would wear poodle skirts and sweaters with pony tails. The men would wear pompadours, duck tails, leather jackets, and jeans.
After closing my mouth, my first thought was, “HELL NO!”
I sent copies of the e-mail to my siblings. My older brother advised that I “just say no.” Indeed, I am doing just that.
My older sister T1 was blunter. She said the ‘50s “were not great for black people.”
That is true. The 1950s were a bleak period of African-American history. Jim Crow was thriving. Emmett Till, a young black teen, was brutally murdered in August 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman in Mississippi. Four months later on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat at the front of the “colored section” to a white passenger. Her arrest prompted Montgomery, Alabama’s, black community to launch a successful yearlong bus boycott. Montgomery’s buses were desegregated on December 21, 1956.
Although U.S. Supreme Court declared racial desegregation in schools was unconstitutional in the Brown vs. Board of Education, Topeka, Kan., decision in May 1954, the memo must not have reached Arkansas state officials, who tried to block nine high school students from entering Central High School in Little Rock in 1957.
Racial injustices were not limited to the South. In California, there were hundreds of communities that had covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) excluding African-Americans, Jews, Hindus, Eastern Europeans, and Asian-Americans from living in those neighborhoods. I learned San Lorenzo had such CC&Rs when I was a reporter for a San Francisco Bay Area newspaper. Stephen Maganini of The Sacramento Bee wrote a September 12, 2005, article about an Assembly Bill that addressed such racist language in past CC&Rs. Arden Park in North Sacramento had such restrictions.
I realize my boss is trying to raise morale, as my younger sister T2 suggested, by having us all dress up. However, having a Halloween costume theme based on the “Happy Daze” of the 1950s is racially and historically offensive. And I will have no part in it.
My idea was to wear a purple SEIU Local 1000 t-shirt and a pair of distressed (read: holey) jeans and come to work as I am – a disgruntled state worker. Under the circumstances of furloughs and job cuts, I think a disgruntled state worker is scarier than Freddy Krueger or Jason from “Friday the 13th.”
Writing Diva
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