SHE SAYS IT BETTER

As you are well aware, I basically read only fiction but claim I learn a lot of basic psychology from those books

Recently I wrote about favoring one child over another in your family depending on the circumstances. In reading the book “Lone Wolf” by Jodi Picoult, I was struck by how well one of the main characters spoke about her own feelings which parallels mine. Probably the same feelings that other parents feel about their own children, so I’m going to quote you a paragraph.

It’s not politically correct to say that you love one child more than you love your others. I love all my kids, period, and they’re all my favorites in different ways. But ask any parent who’s been through some kind of crisis surrounding a child---a health scare, an academic snarl, an emotional problem---and we will tell you the truth. When something upends the equilibrium---when one child needs you more than the others---that imbalance becomes a black hole. You may never admit it out loud, but the one you love most is the one who needs you more desperately than his siblings. What we really hope is that each child gets a turn. That we have deep enough reserves to be there for each of them, at different times.

Amen

RELUCTANCE

I’ve been reluctant to write about the two presidential conventions because there is so much to be said “for and against” the events.

I found it difficult to even watch the Republican one because of the things said which I think are total lies. Unfortunately, the Republicans say the same about the Democrats.

The R’s had a diverse bunch of people down in front who always appeared on camera showing that other people of color are welcome to the Party. The D’s had diversity in every group of people shown anywhere on the convention floor.

The R’s had fences, lots of bus difficulties and very few small businesses reaping the rewards because the large groups of wealthy people seemed only to attend catered parties. You could say “there was no joy in Mudville tonight”. You never saw any of the beautiful scenery we have in Florida. Tampa has also been left with an enormous bill for which the Republicans were supposed to pay. The R’s say they don’t have the money to pay for the services they asked for.

In Charlotte, everyone seemed exuberant and all the speeches seemed meaningful. I believed with everything said. My husband said ‘Wouldn’t you rather associate with these people instead of the other ones?” Charlotte, (in a Republican state) welcomed everyone with open arms and weren’t afraid of those D’s.

It’s now a week later and I still feel that the Democrats had a wonderful convention and it’s showing in the polls.

Mitt’s wife had on a bright red shirtwaist dress. (I wore one like that thirty years ago) Michelle wore a beautiful designer one which was basically pink and glowed on her skin. I thought it spectacular, as was her speech.

I think the future of the Democratic Party has been assured. I think the Republicans have a lot of work ahead of them because of all the radicals who have emerged in the last years and all the “”money people” who are trying to buy offices for their own benefits. It’s time they started paying attention to the people who really need help in this economic downturn for which they have been responsible.

After hearing all the young Democratic politicians giving speeches, I feel our party is in good hands. I welcome seeing and hearing from them in the future.

 

SCHOOL TESTING

I saw a commercial recently featuring our “Tea Party Governor” saying he was now planning on getting rid of the “teaching to the test” policy in Florida. Meaning he is planning on doing away with the FCAT testing done in the Florida Public Schools.

On seeing this ad was supposedly paid for by the Republican Party, I was totally shocked. I have always been against that test which I felt was not an effective way to educate our children. I’m all for getting rid of this test, but I found it strange that the Governor was coming out with this ad and it was paid for by the Republican Party.

Why was I confused? Jeb Bush was the one who pushed this through when he was our "education" Governor and his brother, George, was called the “education” President. Now Jeb is planning on his big run in several years. He would not be happy with Scott doing away with his “baby”.

What I concluded is that Scott is getting ready for his re-election campaign and ridding the state of the test would make our residents very happy and maybe feel better about voting for him. I waited for an article in the newspapers about this because it would be big news, maybe even a huge headline for him.

But what happened? I have not seen the ad on television since the one time I did see it, nor was there any news about it on TV or in our newspapers. I really think he sneaked this by the state party and when they and Bush saw it, it was immediately pulled off the airways. Interesting huh?