More old ... 4

I have been neglecting this blog, but that doesn't mean I haven't been trying to pay attention.

Two issues are currently catching my attention.

1. The Radicalization of the American Presidency by the current administration. Watched a talk by Larry Wilkinson that started this research. More later.

2. Immigration Reform. Gathering information that I will post pretty soon. This is the date of the "Day Without Immigrants" demonstrations. Watched the Senate Judiciary hearing on the economic impact of immigration, illegal or legal. There is the promise to conduct more hearings, but it seems there is not much chance now of a bill passing, since the Sensenbrenner House bill and the Senate debate seem so far apart on this issue.

3. I'm currently reading, The Barbary Plague: The black death in Victorian San Francisco by Marilyn Chase. So another issue I intend to tackle next is our preparation planning for handling a bioterrorist attack. Watched the news conference (Collins and Lieberman) on the recommendations for changes to Homeland Security and the abolishment of FEMA after the evaluation of the governments' (all levels) response to the Katrina hurricane. All these smart well paid individuals. What is up with this? They can not seem to get any of this right! We are doomed!

4. Watched Susan Sarandon and heard her speak of the threats she has received due to her stand on the Iraq war. Which incidentally I had grave concerns about and did not approve of. And the more I read the worse it seems. But who is going to listen to an old lady from Needles, CA, USA. She is hoping a Democrat or Republican of principles runs for President. Would such a person even consider it? The American people, starting with the young people, need to make the effort to learn about the issues, make up their own minds, and then keep up the pressure on the folks who end up in government to do what is "principled." Until that happens, we will have more of the same. I will speak out where I can, but Susan Sarandon and her like need to give up on their very lucrative careers, they probably have made more than enough to survive, and mount a campaign to educate the American people. It can be done, with respect and determination. How do I tell them that? Haven't a clue. Right now, they all seem irrelevant.