I get political - a word for Tony Trupiano

As the writing in this blog can attest, I have passion for both spirituality and politics. I care about how people are doing, whether our lives are full of hope and a can-do feeling, or whether we are trailing our wings in the dust. True, we are each responsible for what we do with our own wings, but also how we add to the whole. We matter - very much - even if we are afraid our voices don't matter at all.

So I am very heartened when men and women rise up among us and give us hope for a much better America. This campaign season I have found exciting common ground with a new development on the political landscape - Progressive Democrats of America http://www.pdamerica.org/ Click on that link and see the remarkable diversity and energy of this group. My small role is to help edit materials before they are published.

Here, for example, is a piece by Bill Shaw, in support of Tony Trupiano, running for US Congress in Michigan:
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Tony Trupiano, is one of us and he needs our help!

The dividends from your donation are Tax-Free! https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/8931

Tony Trupiano is running for US Congress (D-MI). Tony has a powerful connection with everyday Americans. His call for social and economic equality by investing in our future are what makes his campaign connect with most Americans regardless of party affiliation.

His strong stances include:
** achieving energy independence and creating real jobs – by investing in alternative energy technologies;
** cutting middle class taxes while reforming millionaire and big corporate tax loop holes to alleviate the tax burden on property owners; and
** delivering affordable healthcare for all Americans.

Tony is a fiscally, responsible, passionate progressive Democrat, a working Congressman, the peoples’ voice – a voice for all Americans. Many consider Tony the voice of the middle class and labor and a 70’s style Democrat, referring to his likeability, independence and building bridges, not walls views. To see Tony’s site go to http://www.tony4congress2006.com/.

Tony’s campaign is for the people, our kids and our seniors. Tony needs your help, just as children need your help, and America needs your help. The Congressional seat in Michigan’s 11th district is a seat that needs a bright working Congressman.

Tony is in a race with the (R)Deputy Whip. Tony's campaign was originally written off until he won his primary and is racing to the top. Currently even Tony’s political opponent's campaign team admits he is within 3-5% points of winning. His endorsements are incredible, including the CPC Congressional Progressive Caucus that currently has 62 elected congressional men/women as members in the house.

Progressive Democrats of America are proud endorsers of Tony's campaign. We have been leading the campaign from day one. Tony also is an extremely popular radio talk show host, http://www.TheTonyShow.com , and one of us. Please help him with whatever you can! Dig into your ashtray, pennies jar and even look under the cushions of your couch. I guarantee you'll come up with at least $10! Hell, even $10 would go a long way over this last week. Contribute to Tony Trupiano and help elect one of us to Congress. The dividends will make you rich with peace of mind. Click here to Contribute NOW! https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/8931

The grassroots community has always been underestimated! You can help prove the critics wrong AGAIN. And for a laugh, check out this You-Tube video, it's hilarious!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLWeCSD4Xfo Have you had enough?

Your children, our children, and our children’s children thank you in advance.

William Shaw
National Ally Coordinator
Progressive Democrats of America

Perfect Match

Like a tennis game,
I offer a thought,
and my Inner Being,
the soul of me,
sends back a feeling.
Thus offering and feeling,
I make my way
through the multilayered moments
of my life.

gg murray 10/24/06

A Disquieting Incident

This week a new Super Wal-Mart opened in my town. Since I have long appreciated shopping at the now-closed regular Wal-Mart in the next town, I showed up on opening day to see what the new store could offer.

It's a good thing I have my own electric scooter to get around, because the store is immense! Almost every kind of errand you could think of, except maybe a quiet place to rest and pray, is offered there. The sheer stimulation of all those products and services is nearly overwhelming. Still, I did find a few things I was looking for.

After purchasing the items, I was on my way out, when I passed by a hair salon. How convenient. I did need a haircut, and the price was very reasonable, so I stopped and got one. Turns out the salon - and all the little shops along the outer wall - are separate companies that sublet space from Wal-Mart. My hairdresser said she likes her company and that the benefits are good, which I was glad to hear.

But there was an older woman also getting her hair done and I couldn't help overhearing her conversation with her hairdresser. She just had surgery the day before - don't know what kind - was employed by this same Super Wal-Mart we were in, and was going back to work the next day! I thought that was odd, and silently hoped it wasn't because of some Wal-Mart policy about sick days. You never know.

I have to say that I do not feel comfortable bashing Wal-Mart corporation for its inadequate health care policies. I don't think every company should be on its own to figure this one out. Everyone should help to pay for it, companies included, but this is too big to handle except in a big way - like Medicare.

But I do think if Wal-Mart really cared about this issue and its employees’ well-being, it could join with the millions of Americans who are longing for a universal health care plan, and put it's considerable muscle behind every legislative effort toward that end.

I still believe government is capable of designing a good health care program - when its heart and mind are in gear. Other countries have figured this out, so we know it's not rocket science. It just boils down to political will.

Gail Murray 10/21/2006

How can you ever say we're sorry?

To put a human face on the shocking estimate of over 600,000 Iraqi dead, take a look at the Oct 18, 2006 post in the powerful blog Baghdad Burning. Writing from a Baghdad under siege, this young woman paints a very personal picture of what that figure means.

Life is so different here in America where life seems to go on as usual. But I can sense a great uneasiness about this war, and as we approach the November elections, I expect to see a change in Congress. I surely hope so, for that is the realistic way for this war to end. Bush will still be President. He can issue his proclamations. But it is the Congress that allows the money to be spent - for war or anything else.

I have wondered - ever since I marched along with millions of others in different parts of the world, in opposition to this war months before it began - how can you ever say "I'm sorry - it was a mistake" - when you ruin a country's infrastructure and slaughter its people. What can you ever do to make it right?

I think these are times to pray for humility... for guidance... for the courage to act with justice and love. What that will look like, I do not know. We each can do our part by speaking truth, and by imagining a life that shines - beyond these dreadful times.

Gail Murray 10/20/06