Those People

When my teenage (White) son was about to meet my (Black) partner he asked me about "Black People" - to try to ensure that he didn't mess up with her.    When I was around his current age (21) I met a Black Couple at an interstate highway rest station.  I presumed that Because they were Black and "older", that they'd be into Blues Music.   The man was patient with my naive presumptions and explained that they were into Jazz, not Blues.    They could also have been into classical music, country music or no music.

Frequently it is much easier to Presume that we know what people are like by what we See them being (on the surface).    The person may be seen in seemingly innocuous stereotypes such  as: "that incredibly tall skinny man" or "that tiny girl".     They may also be seen in stereotypes such as: "that Fat Black Woman with those noisy kids" which we may translate into: "the no-good welfare mother".

What do we presume with our initial impressions?   Why do "short men" have "the Napolean Complex"?   Could it be that others presume things by their shortness which they fight through who they become?   Or, do we see these men Not as they are, but rather as we make them out to be?  Are they really little different from other men?

How is the "Asian" affected when we presume:

1.) If female, that she is "exotic"?

2.) The student - must be "brainy"?

3.) They are "good" - (hardworking, middle-class etc.) --- (not like those No Good Black People who are Lazy)?

How is the "fat woman" affected with whatever presumptions we may make about her?

How is the "Young Black Man" affected by police, shopkeepers and others watching him constantly and suspecting him of committing crimes?

How do we Grow in our Coccoons when we don't see people beyond their surface appearances?   When do we Learn to Learn?    

How do we use our own "oppressions" - whatever they may be?   They may help to allow us to listen and move closer often to others we meet.   They don't need to be an excuse - to stay apart - ignorant and missing out.     Often our first impressions may be deceptive.   

Thanks!

Obama vs. McCain - How Different are We - as Voters?

As a “liberal/leftist” I listened to Sarah Palin and John McCain and others speak at the Republican Convention this past week feeling that I live in a “different world” from them. Hearing so much spoken positively about the speeches and similar bothered me when I felt that they were “bad” and ‘wrong” and similar. I would like to try to explore differences between the worlds of McCain and Obama – and why we as individuals may support either one.

Initially I will try to focus upon issues.

The Economy and Taxes:

John McCain talks quite clearly about the needs to continue the Bush tax cuts and to cut taxes in general. He speaks of how cutting business taxes, inheritance taxes and capital gains taxes will help create new, good paying jobs for U.S. citizens. He specifically mentions doubling the tax exemption for minor children to help families. He attacks Obama for his purported desire to raise taxes.

McCain also talks of how he understands the hard times and how he will work to make things better. He talks about cutting federal spending, eliminating waste. He is somewhat vague about how he will do these things besides by trying to continue tax cuts.

Barack Obama talks of increasing taxes for families with incomes of over $200,000 and cutting taxes in several ways for lower income families. He attacks McCain and Bush for cutting taxes primarily for high income families. He has various specified tax proposals for cutting taxes on new/small businesses and is clear that he doesn’t want to eliminate inheritance taxes and lower taxes which will primarily benefit higher income families.

Obama is somewhat vague on his proposals for tax increases in general.

Healthcare Reform:

John McCain talks of having a tax credit of $2500/individual, $500/family to pay for health insurance. His plans call for “free market competition” in healthcare with provisions made to allow people to keep coverage when they retire or leave an employer, not explaining how this would be done. He talks of working with individual states to ensure that “uninsurable” individuals will be able to get health insurance though he is vague about how this will take place.

McCain talks of various ways of making health insurance and health care costs more competitive including “tort reform” to shield doctors “who follow clinical guidelines and adhere to safety protocols”.

Barack Obama talks of requiring all children to have health insurance coverage. He talks of various incentives for employers to have health insurance plans for their employees including tax credits and being required to pay monies related to their payrolls towards a national health insurance plan if they don’t make substantive contributions to an employee health plan. Obama talks of allowing uninsured individuals and families to purchase health insurance at a “reasonable cost” (regardless of their health status) with a group of insurance plans similar to what Congress members have access to. He talks of assisting employer health plans when they incur catastrophic health costs if they pass such savings on to the premiums their employees pay.

Obama talks of cost savings such as through using more effective computer technology and similar not very clear ways.

The Iraq War and related issues:

John McCain speaks of the success of the “surge” and of “winning the war”. He supports George W. Bush’s most recent handling of the war and plans for the future reductions of troops without timetables. He attacks Obama for his opposition to the U.S. involvement in the War, being defeatist and not supporting the troops.

Barack Obama speaks of his opposition to the War and that he will immediately begin a phased withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq upon taking office. Obama focuses significantly upon the need for political dialogue and for Iraqi forces taking over if war continues. Obama speaks of the need to confront Al Quaida in Afghanistan and to not have permanent bases or otherwise be overextended militarily through the Iraqi War.

Abortion Rights and Gays-Lesbians:

“John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned, and as president he will nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench.” http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/95b18512-d5b6-456e-90a2-12028d71df58.htm

Barack Obama understands that abortion is a divisive issue, and respects those who disagree with him. However, he has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women’s rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as President. He opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in that case. http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/womenissues

Barack Obama opposes "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and supports the rights of gay and lesbian soldiers to serve openly.

John McCain believes that gays and lesbians should not be in the military. He supports "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Currently only California and Massachusetts allow gay marriage. Several other states allow civil unions and domestic partnerships.

Barack Obama has said that he supports civil unions, but he is against gay marriage.

John McCain does not support gay marriage and campaigned for a state amendment that would have banned civil unions and domestic partnerships.

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) does two things. First it says that no state shall be required to recognize the laws of another state in regard to same-sex marriage. Second, it defines the words "marriage" and "spouse" in Federal Law.

Barack Obama supports the repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

John McCain voted for and supports the Defense of Marriage Act.

Barack Obama supports a hate crimes bill that will protect the LGBT community from bias-motivated violence.

John McCain has voted against hate crimes legislation three times.

Barack Obama supports adoption by LGBT people.

John McCain opposes adoption by LGBT people.

http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/lesbianactivism/a/McCainObama.htm

Energy:

John McCain has emphasized opening up various areas to oil drilling. He proposes eliminating subsides for ethanol and allowing the free market to help reduce prices.

Barack Obama has emphasized promoting alternative energy. He has proposed a tax on “excess profits” aimed at oil companies and providing short term tax relief for American families

OTHER PERSPECTIVES – DO THE ISSUES MATTER?

For some Americans the differences in the issues are stark and make their choice for president very clear. For me I support Obama’s positions for the most part and oppose McCain’s positions most of the time. For others they may similarly support McCain and oppose Obama.

For other people “the issues” are not what matters most to them. “Change” is the buzzword this year for the candidates. For some “change” would seem to imply changing away from the George W. Bush administration. This however doesn’t appear to be the case for many.

For some “change” and simply feeling “good” about the candidate seems to connote “returning America to greatness” or “restoring traditional values” or similar. Senator McCain appears to many as “The War Hero” and the Man who will “Stand up for America”. Such supporters may support McCain’s “tough guy image in ridiculing Obama’s statements that he would meet with leaders of countries such as Syria and Iran’s leaders to try to reduce tensions between the U.S. and other countries.

For others “change” may be much different. Obama supporters often may feel that George W. Bush been a total failure and that change is something Very Different from Republican policies. Obama’s appeal to the young and others often doesn’t focus upon his issues, but rather his being “different” in many ways from leaders of the past.

Underneath the feelings about the candidates also are issues such as Racism – related to Obama and McCain’s age (72 – is it “too old”?).

I hope that our feelings will reflect the differences in the issues which face us. I hope that “undecided” and “independent” voters - the Reagan Democrats and others who shape election results will recognize the economic and war issues and how they will benefit or not from their support of one or the other candidate.

Thanks!

My Disconnect ?? - Re: Sarah Palin

Reading this morning that Sarah Palin's speech was rated highly by various parts of the news media shows me (I think ???) of a Great Divide between some of us and purported "mainstream America".

I found the speech pathetic! I heard virtually nothing of substance - and what might pass for substance - supported a narrow minded, right-wing view of the US and the world that seems myopic and just wrong to me.

Pandagon (blog) reports that 36 out of the 2380 delegates at the Republican Convention are Black. The world of that Convention seems a "different reality" from the worlds that I live in.

My partner managed a budget two jobs ago in programs for children in California - that was larger than the budget for the town that Palin was the mayor of. An introductory speaker spoke of the town of 10,000 - being of a similar size to "Many American Cities".

Palin's record on earmarks, teen pregnancy, and many other issues seems narrow and right wing. She seems to know little about many issues and what she believes in where she speaks speaks to a country that I'd rather not be a citizen of. Yes, we all want decency and respect, blah, blah, blah, but ....

I have trouble imagining how George Bush is seen as a terrible president - and yet John McCain - with policies very similar is somehow perceived as "different and better". McCain may be a "maverick" and Palin may be "unique" or "different" in some ways, but I hope that enough USians can see through their smoke and mirrors and fear based campaign to help us bring some real, positive change in our country.

Thanks!

Memories of Angie

My Aunt Angie died last evening – as her body couldn’t fight off the pneumonia and related respiratory limitations that ravished her body. Many years of heavy smoking finally took their toll.

Angie’s children – particularly Debbie – her oldest – did their best to make her life comfortable and positive as her life fell apart after a broken hip no longer allowed her to live independently.

Angie grew up in Spanish Harlem with Sicilian immigrant parents whose English never was good. She rebelled against the life there as an intellectual classical dancer. My uncle Josef was “a find” – but she paid a big price in being his “housekeeper”. She helped make the last half of his life be positive and successful, but was often not recognized as the one who raised the children and was the “wonderful hostess” as he lived life much as he wanted it to be.

Angie was widowed in late 1978 – living almost 30 years building a life as an interpreter – taking classes in three languages simultaneously – after City University began its open admissions program – developing a strong life of her own.

She searched for a way to live near the water - leaving Manhattan’s noise – for a part of her life that I never knew much about.

Angie was most welcoming and accepting of me – from my days as a child until the end of her life. Early this year I saw her – in horrible health – knowing that it would be my last time with her. She asked me to come back the next day – which was hard for me –but important. My last visit with her was far more meaningful than I could have hoped for and I really appreciated it at the time.

I am sad at the death of my aunt! I also know that she was not happy living in poor health. She endured some not-good nursing/custodial care as her children struggled to make her life the best that they could. She lived her life and did what was what she could do. My memories are positive and warm and loving. I’m sorry at how hard it’s been on her children – coping with the last period of her life.

Thanks!

Those Hillary Clinton Democrats ......

Listening to "Sasha" - a Democratic Convention delegate on NPR - a Hillary Clinton supporter - say that she doesn't know who she'll vote for in November is bothersome to me. Sasha talked of the flawed selection process and sexism during the primaries, etc.

I didn't hear Sasha, nor do I hear others speaking similarly talking about the election issues which divide Obama and McCain. I don't hear her saying that Obama's position on abortion's contrast with McCain's position is "better" or "worse". I hear nothing of McCain's calls for making the Bush tax cuts permanent vs. Obama's calls for tax cuts targeted at those whose incomes are below $150-200,000 per year. I hear nothing of the differences in the "incentives" that McCain references as critical to health care reform vs. Obama's position.

I hear nothing also of the contrasts in lifestyles and priorities between the two candidates. While one may choose to ignore McCain's gaffe on how many houses his wife and he own, many of his other statements and actions speak of a distinct difference in priorities between the candidates. McCain talks repeatedly of being a POW and patriotism while generally opposing improving benefits for veterans. Obama talks of diversity and change in ways which on the surface seem much more appealing to one who believes in what Hillary Clinton champions.

I would like to think that racism is not the key issue here. I would like to think that supposedly intelligent people recognize that Justice John Paul Stevens, born April 20, 1920 - at age 88, is unlikely to continue on the Supreme Court much longer. The loss of "liberal" Stevens for a "conservative" will tip the Supreme Court - as: Alito, Scalia, Roberts, and Thomas + a new "conservative" - will result in five of the nine justices being firmly "conservative", with Kennedy "in the middle" and "liberal minority" justices being left with: Breyer, Ginsburg and Souter.

"Protecting Marriage

As president, John McCain would nominate judges who understand that the role of the Court is not to subvert the rights of the people by legislating from the bench. Critical to Constitutional balance is ensuring that, where state and local governments do act to preserve the traditional family, the Courts must not overstep their authority and thwart the Constitutional right of the people to decide this question.

The family represents the foundation of Western Civilization and civil society and John McCain believes the institution of marriage is a union between one man and one woman. It is only this definition that sufficiently recognizes the vital and unique role played by mothers and fathers in the raising of children, and the role of the family in shaping, stabilizing, and strengthening communities and our nation." http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/95b18512-d5b6-456e-90a2-12028d71df58.htm

Human Dignity and the Sanctity of Life

Overturning Roe v. Wade

John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned, and as president he will nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench. http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/95b18512-d5b6-456e-90a2-12028d71df58.htm

vs.

Rated 100% by NARAL on pro-choice votes in 2005, 2006 & 2007

Sen. Obama received the following scores on NARAL Pro-Choice America's Congressional Record on Choice.

• 2007: 100 percent
• 2006: 100 percent
• 2005: 100 percent http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Barack_Obama_Abortion.htm

In 2005 in speaking as to why he was voting against the confirmation of Chief Justice Roberts to the Supreme Court Obama stated: "The problem I had is that when I examined Judge Roberts' record and history of public service, it is my personal estimation that he has far more often used his formidable skills on behalf of the strong in opposition to the weak. In his work in the White House and the Solicitor General's Office, he seemed to have consistently sided with those who were dismissive of efforts to eradicate the remnants of racial discrimination in our political process. In these same positions, he seemed dismissive of the concerns that it is harder to make it in this world and in this economy when you are a woman rather than a man." http://obama.senate.gov/press/050922-remarks_of_sena/

The differences between Obama and McCain appear to me to be dramatic in areas relating to: "women's issues" and "liberal vs. conservative" positions.

Obviously the Sasha's of this day are swayed by emotion (and hopefully not by racism). I can only hope that most of them will wake up and see how supporting McCain by voting for him or Not voting is asking for four more year of right-wing leadership which will hurt most of us A Lot.

I hope that the media is making much more of such individuals than really is there.

Thanks!

Palestine/Israel - Peace ?

Now that Hamas is "the enemy" in Gaza - for both the U.S. and Israel, one might want to look seriously about what is being done to eliminate the threat that it poses.

Clearly the Israeli Government is trying to isolate Gaza and create economic turmoil with its attempts at blockading and isolating it. Hamas clearly has at least had periods where it has sought an end to the bombing/counter-bombing cycle which polarizes things further. Nothing being done by Israel or the U.S. is encouraging economic growth or prosperity in Gaza.

Israel and the U.S. rushed to the support of Mahmoud Abbas and his supporters supporting their takeover of the government in the West Bank when Hamas took over Gaza, despite the fact that Hamas had won elections with a majority of the representatives elected previously.

Abbas can only succeed as "the leader" if he succeeds in "the cause" of his Palestinian supporters. Such success necessitates a move towards a peace agreement with Israel.

An independent Palestinian State under "moderate leadership" is the most viable goal for all except "radical" leaders (such as those of Hamas). Unfortunately as Abbas tries to negotiate with the Israelis, the only clear steps occurring are continued Israeli expansion of settlements and the expansion of its Wall separating Palestinians both from Israel and from much of the Palestinians' land (as well as using such land for the Wall).

If or when peace efforts fail (again) two possible "solutions" will exist:

1.) Continued - "war" - battles between Israeli and Palestinian forces - as terror rears itself probably in small, but important instances - continuing the stalemate of many years or

2.) Building a "single state" solution - where Palestinians will be a majority in a permanently expanded Israel.

Neither solution seems viable for either side.

One hears repeatedly - "Why don't the Palestinians show good faith so the Israelis can learn to trust them and make peace?". Now the "moderate" forces in The West Bank are not in a "state of war" and are trying to build for a peaceful future.

It is time that Israel and the U.S. tackle the tough issues and make peace finally! It is really possible now that the process could succeed. One must hope that Israeli leadership will change its position and strengthen and that the U.S. will finally be a "leader" in helping broker a real, lasting peace in Israel and Palestine.

Thanks!

Guns - and Survival vs. ?

Listening to our local NPR station's talk show this morning the question asked was: "If you had to leave your residence suddenly due to an emergency what would you take first?" (excluding children and pets).

One seemingly rational man indicated that if it wasn't as a result of fire to his dwelling, he would have his assault rifle and small handgun to defend himself (as well as food and other provisions). He further indicated that he has these things ready already.

I applied for conscientious objector status in 1969 and have worked briefly in the past seeking the banning of private ownership of handguns.

This man's words lead me to return to several "divides" which seem to separate us in the U.S. frequently where emotion and core belief differences are quite important.

This man spoke of Katrina - and the need to defend oneself against potential assaults or holdups. I would think of the need to unite amongst neighbors and to work together.

We have divides amongst those who wish to go to a "better world of the past" - focusing sometimes on - returning to "traditional families" - without divorce, abortion, gay/lesbian visibility or "existence", with Christianity being emphasized, or sometimes opposed to women working vs: a "liberal multi-culturalism" and openness to changes such as Gay/Lesbian Marriages and stay-at-home dads and other permutations of family and family life where religion is seen as a private belief system which we don't impose upon others.

We have divides of what government and related community are including perspectives favoring a "strong military", an assertive pro-active "war on terror" and cutting taxes particularly for higher income people with "limited government" vs. people who favor - "talking with the enemy" and living in a world that might not have (or an emphasis on) "terrorist threats", as well as "fair taxes" which tax the wealthy and corporations based upon their ability to pay.

Being a "child of the '60's" - whose never left his "liberal roots" I obviously strongly favor one side of these divides. Finding ways to seek common ground and work for change that isn't simply a battle between polarized forces is hard, but important.

Thanks!

Being Aware - Being Present

It is hard, but important for me to be aware and be present - in the moment. When I'm aware and present in the moment I can feel my hurts and not take them and push them onto others - often my loving partner.

Last evening we were talking on the phone - I'm away - she's not. I asked her where she was and she told me. She was driving to meet up with her cousin who was in town briefly. I misread what she said as to where she was. I felt "stupid" in part in not realizing where she was driving. Usually I'm the one totally on top of where one is and is driving to (and sometimes she's lost without her gps or similar).

I "heard" her ridiculing me - when she responded to my follow-up question related to where she was going. It wasn't her words - but her tone.

It really is irrelevant whether B's tone was condescending or "normal". I was obviously hurting in that moment else it wouldn't have mattered. I snapped at her. She was hurt by both my words and my tone. How I reacted related to me and my space in that moment. Being aware after such moments is of course better than missing what I've done to myself and others I care about, but it isn't enough.

I do try to be in the present and to be aware. I do try to communicate well, to listen and to be aware of my hurts as well as the hurts of B and others I care about. Though I believe that I'm "much better" now than I was a year ago and was better then than a year before that, living and loving and being is a process -that doesn't end and doesn't "arrive" for me in many ways.

Life is challenging! It's beauty is often enhanced by being open to so much that I didn't used to see and appreciate. While I may not find meaning in many things (such as the names of plants and birds - which mean a lot to my mother whose house I'm now in), I can appreciate the feelings and thoughts of others around me.

Learning to focus upon my own issues is hard, but important. It doesn't negate what difficult and tough things I may take in from others - but rather lets me go where I can do better and be better and be happier.

Thanks!

"Memorable" Moments of our Recent Trip

Recently we were in Chicago for five nights.

Our cabdriver clearly was in the wrong lane for getting on the Freeway to the Airport. He did what he then "had to do" and got on the Freeway heading the opposite direction from the Airport. I told him that he was heading the wrong direction which initially he didn't seem to realize. He then stopped at the end of the entrance ramp (left side of road) and clearly was intending to try to cross 4 lanes of traffic to exit about 20-30 yards down the road. It was 4:45 p.m. - rush hour and traffic was whizzing by at 50+ mph.

After several blaring horns and my pleading, he went straight ahead and didn't get us all seriously injured and his cab destroyed.

In Chicago I got a telephone call first from the mortgage lending company (Atlanta) asking me if I'd mailed the certified check to them for our refinancing. I told "I" - that I'd given the check to the traveling notary when we signed the papers. Then I was called by the Title Company (Dallas) and told that they'd lost the check. Then I was called by our bank in the northwest. After Many apologies - and Great Assistance from the bank branch manager - I got paperwork faxed to me at a Chicago Fed-Ex - and Fed-Ex'd it back to the bank so they could re-issue the check to the Title Company and expedite it to them. Mission accomplished - with apology gifts to us from the mortgage lender and the title company.

Chicago was muggy -but I enjoyed the trip - seeing a relative and some old friends. I made it once to Mario's Italian Lemonade Stand (Taylor Street) and Manny's Cafeteria/Deli - (Jefferson Street by Roosevelt Road) and we had a nice evening hearing Billy Branch play some wonderful blues music.

Thanks!

"Heroic Actions" - and The Military

I was listening to Air America Radio yesterday and was bothered by the repeated references the program host made to essentially saying that soldiers and veterans of the U.S. military are heroes whom we should honor. Given that repeatedly on Air America one hears of the need to end the War in Iraq and how President Bush was totally wrong in sending troops there for the current War, such references - stand out in my mind.

Obviously it was wrong for Americans to disrespect and do worse towards veterans returning from Vietnam in the late 1960's and early 1970's. The soldiers are not responsible for the war policies that our "leaders" repeatedly take. We should not criticize the soldiers, but rather the "warmakers".

There is a difference between trashing veterans and making them into heroes in one's statements.

Saying that soldiers and veterans are "heroes" glorifies their "sacrifices" and indirectly makes the military and through them Wars out to be a Logical place for young people to go seeking heroism and similar.

IF we really believe in ending racism, sexism, domestic violence, rape, economic injustice and similar we really need to view those who do a lot in such areas as our true heroes. Marion Wright Edelman who founded The Children's Defense Fund in 1973 is a good example of someone I would call a "hero". She has done an incredible amount of wonderful work to help others over many years. Paul Robeson, Cesar Chavez, I.F. Stone, Bayard Rustin and many others - often not famous are some of my heroes.

A civil-rights fixture in Louisville for more than five decades, Anne Braden fought tirelessly for desegregated schools, open housing, equal policing, gay rights and racial tolerance. .... Braden and her husband, Carl Braden, gained national attention in 1954 when they bought a house for an African-American couple in an all-white neighborhood near Shively. .....Since then, she's spoken out on a range of issues, including gay rights, Rubbertown pollution and police shootings of black residents. She taught classes on civil rights and social-justice history at Northern Kentucky University and at the University of Louisville. ....Even after turning 80, Braden continued to show up at local council meetings and protests. She attended an antiwar march in Washington last fall, riding in a wheelchair amid thousands of marchers.
(from her obit - 2006 - http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0308-01.htm). Anne and Carl Braden - were true "heroes".

Many heroes do incredible things in their lives despite facing abuse as a child or as an adult, or simply doing "simple" (complex really) things like caring for a severely handicapped child or helping others in many, many ways. Many such heroes give an incredible amount to others seeing how giving helps them within their spirit - their soul - their essence. Often they see the interconnectedness of many issues and don't see their lives and causes in isolation from the larger worlds around them.

I wouldn't want to say that a soldier could not be a Hero. I would, though say that saving the lives of others and similar in war, while certainly is honorable, supporting the killing of others by being a soldier is Not always "good". It is sad that joining the military is seen by so many as either an economic necessity or as a The Way to be Heroic. Someday I hope that people will see being a nurse or teacher or many other things as being "the way to be heroic" -
in the ways that so many of our young and others see being a soldier and veteran today.

Thanks!

Looking Towards the Election - "Dirty Tricks?"?

In thinking of the coming months towards the election I come back time and again to seeing two related but different paths of Dirty Tricks that might allow McCain to defeat Obama. Guessing specifics are hard, but thinking of possibilities is fairly easy.

It looks to me like it's likely that Obama will be the heavy favorite to win in November. The economy, The War, McCain's - weak base of support and similar make a sizable win by the Democrats including Obama seem likely.

Such a scenario leads me to see a likelihood of Something Major to shake things up.

Iran - an attack on it - making it into a "Gulf of Tonkin" - type - Necessary Defensive Act - to rally the "patriotism" (sic) - behind McCain seems the most logical path for the "necessary drastic" type of situation.

Some other type of dramatic act that creates a warlike fervor - seems quite possible.

I could imagine some trumped up bombing or stopping of a "major plot" - that somehow was building up Bush and through him McCain - and making Obama look - "too radical" - or otherwise out of the mainstream - in the fall.

Related to this or the second scenario - I could imagine - suddenly in about October the Saudi's dramatically increasing their oil production and the price of gas suddenly dropping at least 40 cents to a dollar a gallon.

Assuming that the election is much closer it seems more likely that there would be multiple smaller things that might help McCain.

"Election irregularities" - in Florida - or some other state with a Republican Governor and legislature - could happen again. Ohio - would need to be more guarded - because the Democrats are in power now there.

Right Wing - attacks on Obama - from the Limbaugh types - will of course be there in any case - accusing him of being Muslim and worse - will be there in any case.

Getting the campaign - against Obama - rather than exposing McCain's weaknesses - will of course be a prime aim of the Republicans and their supporters.

We are fortunate that McCain - lacks a clear support - except as: "not a Black man" and "Not a Democrat" - among so many of his potential supporters.

I hope for the best, but....

Thanks!

Loving Day - Some Thoughts

Today is Loving Day.

For many people including myself until a few years ago, I’d not have had a clue what this might signify (wondering if it related to “loving”). Being a White Man partnered with a Black Woman, it has become meaningful to me.

Mildred and Richard Loving were married in Washington, D.C. in 1958. They returned home to Virginia where their marriage was illegal. He was White and She Black. Six months later they were arrested and their one year prison sentence was suspended with the agreement that they would leave Virginia and not return. After Mildred Loving wrote Robert Kennedy (then Attorney General of the U.S.) and much legal effort on his part The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 12, 1967 that states could not deny the right to marriage based upon Race. This invalidated the laws of 16 states in 1967.

“On November 7, voters in Alabama erased from that state's Constitution a provision dating from 1901 that declared that "the legislature shall never pass any law to authorize or legalize any marriage between any white person and a Negro, or descendant of a Negro." (The Nation: December 7, 2000) Alabama was the last state to eliminate a (by then non-enforceable) ban on interracial marriage less than eight years ago after multiple efforts over the years.

In thinking of this, I think also of how we live insular lives, forgetting parts of history that are often omitted from the stories we hear, as well as Never Knowing that which is not deemed “relevant” to our lives. Paul Robeson, once the best known Black Man in the U.S. became “forgotten” because he was a Communist and otherwise “bad” in the minds of many. Many Black people don’t know of him (as well as most of us White Folks). Pele, the great soccer player, was unknown to most USians until relatively late in his career because soccer didn’t used to be important here. I am certainly ignorant about many icons who my step-sons know much of.

Hopefully over time we will learn more of others who have changed the lives of others in important ways! Thanks!

Sadness - at hearing of the Death of U. Utah Phillips

At age 57 icons of my younger days are dying off in increasing numbers. I am sad at hearing of the death of U. Utah Philips. Though his music and persona were never really, really important to me, he was always one I admired - thinking of on a path from Woody Guthrie through many others to my present.

I know that we are all affected by various people who we came to know of in our formative years. For me, though I don't follow them greatly, people like: Arlo Guthrie and Holly Near remind me of various parts of my younger life. I remember seeing Holly Near in a large theater in Chicago with perhaps 4000 women and maybe 50 men. It was the only time I remember being a "minority" in a men's restroom being male.

Unique people like U. Utah Philips - are a wonderful part of being alive and "different". He lived his life as he wanted to - with a strong commitment to social justice - which I admired and admire very much. He will be missed!

Thanks!

Clinton and the Democratic Race - Hopes for the Future

The self-destructive statement Hillary Clinton made yesterday seems to me only the latest part of a disturbing pattern on her part. Clearly she has faced sexism in her race for the Democratic nomination. It is hard to doubt that! It seems though that things are deeper in a way that is disturbing to me.

Clearly there are areas where one might prefer Clinton over Obama. Her health care plan seems better. Some of her other policy positions may be slightly better thought out and/or better.

At the same time it is hard for me to see the race in such terms. There seem to be three areas related to the competition now which bother me greatly. Clearly Obama has worked the system better in the race for delegates and the nomination. He has grown from a charismatic underdog to the favorite. Clinton has correspondingly dropped from the clear favorite to an underdog struggling on against great odds.

To say that this process has been Because of Sexism seems grossly simplistic. It is dismissive of the issue of racism which has made Obama's successes difficult to have foreseen.

Secondly the issue of racism itself has been in a sense denied by Clinton. Her pose as the wife of "the first Black President" has been called into question by repeated statements which nibble around the edges of racism. She has used "electability" and "White Working Class Voters" as tools to play upon persistent racism in this country. Unlike Obama she has evaded the issues of race and how it is affecting the nomination competition in her desperate effort to get nominated.

The latest statement about the assassination of Robert Kennedy has rightfully created an outpouring of anger and frustration. Thinking of the very recent news that Edward Kennedy has malignant brain cancer alone would make the statement insensitive. Adding to this the substantial fear that many (particularly Black People) have that Obama will be assassinated if elected (and the death threats he has already received) adds greatly to this. This statement neatly fits as a "bipartisan" companion statement to Huckabee's NRA blunder which I would summarize as - "I am Not a racist" (but my words call that into question in terms of my sensitivity to the feelings of Black people).

So Why does Clinton do what she does? The third and I believe most important part of this is a feeling of entitlement. Hillary and Bill Clinton clearly feel that she is "entitled" to be President! Recent political history shows plenty of favorites or "good contenders" who faded in the primary sweepstakes through poorly stated things, rubbing some the wrong way, the loss of key primaries and various other reasons.

Clinton seems to struggle on because "she should be President"! Such words are bizarre to me. It is bad enough that we've had two Bushes as President!

I do not see how there is some magical entitlement path to the Presidency!

It seems very sad that she seems willing to lead the Democrats to defeat in November because of her feelings that she "should be President". It is bizarre to believe that the feminist supporters of Clinton could be willing to sit the election out or even vote for McCain in preference to Obama.

McCain's open stance on the appointment of judges alone should terrify any real feminist who believes in the importance of safe, legal abortions in the U.S. Other "conservative stances" of McCain are equally "wrong" from a faintly progressive feminist outlook.

Obama is far from perfect. He is dramatically preferable to McCain for many, many reasons. I can only hope that McCain's words including his doubletalk (lies), his "jokes" (which often aren't funny), his demeanor (a horrible temper which he has trouble controlling) and most importantly his positions on the issues will wake up Americans including Clinton supporters to the necessity of supporting Obama asap!

Thanks!

Gay/Lesbian Rights - My Total Confusion !

I'm somewhat puzzled by some of the confusion regarding the recent California State Supreme Court Decision - which indicated that same gender couples have equal rights to marriage - and that denying them such rights would deny them equal protection under the law.

I've heard various criticisms such as: 1.) It violates the will of the people - as per prior referendums in California - which defined marriage as "a man and a woman", 2.) It grants "special privileges" to same gender couples, 3.) It will destroy the institution of marriage, etc.

The rights of women - to vote and to not be the chattel of men - were denied for a long, long time. Blacks were legally slaves as well as later on not entitled to attend schools with Whites, not allowed to vote in many jurisdictions and similar. Popular will, laws and legal distinctions were all central to deny such rights in the past. The "framers of The Constitution" - wrote of a world where - White, Male, Landowners - had basic rights and where "the people" did not elect senators. Until the 17th Amendment was passed in 1914 - senators were chosen by state legislatures.

Having the right to marry as a "special privilege" - mystifies me! IF - Gays and Lesbians - uniquely had the right to Both marry an individual of the opposite gender and while still married, marry a same gendered partner, While Straight individuals were denied this right, this would be a "special privilege"! I've heard no one talk of this.

The idea that it is "easy" to be Gay or Lesbian - and "hard" to be Heterosexual - and that somehow rights "for all" somehow favor non-heterosexuals seems laughable. It ranks similar to the ideas that disabled folks and other "oppressed classes" - have "special rights" that discriminates against "normal people" seems part of this strange world to me.

It is most confusing how rights to marriage - will destroy - heterosexual marriages - if granted to non-heterosexual couples. Marriage seems rather weak - as an institution - where it is "destroyed" by expanding those who may marry. Are religious people hurt by others marrying? What would happen if atheists were denied the rights to marry - because it is a "religious right" and they were determined to have "no religion" or similar. Are many people now going to be "tempted" to marry - who wouldn't otherwise marry? What's the problem?

I think that marriage is a personal relationship which has a basic right to be a level of commitment made to another person. How I can have "special rights" - because I want to be lined to a woman (as a man) or as a White Man - because I'm not "of Color" or similar - seems ridiculous to me!

Thanks!

Aging - a Story

One significant part of my life is playing duplicate bridge (competitive card game) one or two mornings a week. As one whose 57^th birthday is tomorrow, I’m generally considerably younger than the average player. One quite good player at the club I attend is 95 years old. She’s not quite the player she was years ago I guess, but she’s still quite good.

Aging in this world is a “fact of life”. Recently a regular partner of mine “P” quit playing entirely. I heard that he said that his game was worsening, because his memory wasn’t as good. He evidently preferred to stick to his artwork, and not play. A new husband/wife couple at the club are 87 and 86. The wife has Alzheimer’s Disease. She is much louder than everyone and in some ways is “off the wall” with most of what she says. Her husband told me that playing bridge is the one way he can keep her going out and doing something that she enjoys.

Several weeks ago I watched several rounds of play at another club. A most genial man welcomed me and I watched him play with his 97 or 98 year old partner. He looked to be close to 75 or 80 himself. Watching him play it was evident that he forgot what he was doing in the middle of one hand. Later someone who knew him told me that he too has Alzheimer’s.

It is important as we age that we stay in touch as much as we can. Maintaining our social ties and “living normal” is important. We can not always do some things requiring exertion and significant stress. We may choose to not do things that are less pleasurable or more complicated for our lives.

Hearing others talk of the serious illnesses and deaths of their friends is common also.

It is difficult to watch my mother’s memory have its lapses. Occasionally I may catch myself forgetting something small or otherwise acting well beyond my age.

It is also important that we think and talk about aging in our lives and not pretend that it doesn’t exist. Thanks!

Reverend Wright Revised

Unfortunately Reverend Wright seems lost in his "preaching" and his ego. Tis a pity that all the Good Things that he's done and said will obviously be lost in how he is hurting Barack Obama's presidential campaign with his perceived "craziness". Twenty Years ago I heard Louis Farrakhan speak at the University of Wisconsin. The good things that he said and his charisma as a speaker were squashed by his insistent Anti-Semitism. Reverend Wright seems similarly "irrational" - brilliant, but ....

Rape - Lynching and Our Masculinity

INTRODUCTION: LYNCHING (towards Rape)

Similarities and differences between racism and sexism interest me greatly. The lynching of Blacks is an important part of our racist past. I’d like to discuss below some similarities and differences between the lynching of Blacks and rape as they relate to racism and sexism.

A definition of lynching that I find helpful is: “…a murder committed by a conspiracy of private citizens, with malice aforethought and an expectation of impunity.”

(Judge Garth – stated:) “I see no likeness in principle whatever between burning Southern Negroes in public and hanging Wyoming horse-thieves in private…. We do not torture our criminals when we lynch them. We do not invite spectators to enjoy their death agony….We execute our criminals by the swiftest means, and in the quietest way.”

(both quotes from: “When Race Becomes Real: Black and White Writers Confront Their Personal Histories” [Bernestine Singley editor, 2002, Lawrence Hill Books]- {essay of David Bradley} [1^st quote p. 119, 2^nd quote p. 121-quoting Owen Wister’s - The Virginian { p. 21, published in 1902})

Media portrayals of the lynching of Black men have often pictured them as the consequence of the rape of “innocent White women” or other heinous crimes. Jealousy and anger at perceived economic success seems a much more common precipitating factor. Some White people didn’t appreciate the implication that individual Blacks might be at least their equals.

I find discussion of such purported rapes ironic. White men (and boys) often had the freedom to sexually exploit Black slaves and later their maids and other hired help. A majority of US native born Blacks have White ancestors. “Interracial relationships” were generally forbidden. I’ve never heard of Black women or girls successfully pursuing rape charges against White men and boys.

Where there was sexual activity between White women and Black men it frequently was either initiated by the women or was otherwise consensual. Black men and boys were rarely naïve enough to think that their word would mean anything if accused of the rape of White females.

To publicly plan and then kill someone (as in a lynching) required a group of people to either not see the victim as “human” or convince themselves that the “other” had done something extremely horrific. To feel immune from punishment for killing says a lot. To gather a complete White community to “enjoy” such an event magnifies the cruelty of watching the torturing and killing of animals for me many times over.

THE OPPRESSOR - Flipping the Victim (Strangely) into THE OPPRESSOR

Perceiving Blacks as the “oppressor” seems bizarre. Blacks had little power or influence. Some Blacks committed crimes against Whites. The criminal justice system was hardly lax in punishing such transgressions. To gather a group, plan and publicly mutilate and kill another person takes more than a simple desire for “justice”. Blacks were scapegoated due to Racism as well as the poverty and economic inequalities amongst Whites.

The sexual assault of women by men is both similar and different from lynching. Well known men such as athletes and entertainers often have significant access to sex with large numbers of women and girls. When accused of rape the well known man oft is portrayed as the victim of an “opportunistic woman”.

The male alleged perpetrator may be seen as going through a trauma in facing such accusations. The female alleged victim may be pictured as taking an easy path in alleging rape. It is difficult to know what goes through the minds of most men accused of rape. There seems little evidence to suggest that large numbers of men are seeking therapy for trauma caused by false accusations.

Rape accusations may be seen as more complex when the accuser is White and the alleged perpetrator is Black. It is not clear to me how racism enters into some of these situations, though obviously it may be a significant factor.

For the girl or woman alleging assault, contrary to some popular images, making a public accusation is very difficult. Where the woman or girl was assaulted by a man or boy she knew, recognizing the assault as not being: “I asked for it by what I did” alone often is a major hurdle. The: “I shouldn’t have been drinking”, “I shouldn’t have let him kiss me”, “I shouldn’t have gone into that room with him” kinds of rationalizations alone lead many women and girls to blame themselves rather than their perpetrators.

Despite many years of community education, rapists are often still seen as “deranged” men grabbing “innocent” women. A majority of rapists are “normal” men, similar to those lynching Blacks. Often when women do pursue acquaintance rape charges they are pressured by others to “get over it”, “move on with your life”, “don’t make trouble” or similar and don’t get the support that they need.

RAPE and LYNCHING - some similarities

Unlike lynching most rapists do not intend to kill. Where one woman or girl is assaulted by multiple men, there certainly is a similarity to lynching. The male bonding has similarities to the group spectacle of lynching. Peer pressure may push individual men into doing something that they’d not do alone, similar to what might have occurred in some lynching situations.

In rapes where there was one man (boy) and one woman (girl) the male perpetrator may have had various motivations. Males often boast to their peers of purported “sexual conquests”. Sex is “scoring”. Talking of or showing any doubts or related insecurities is admitting failure.

OUR MALENESS - relevancy to the issues

Men may in such situations see the female as the powerful one and see themselves as the weaker oppressed person. “She can go and get most any guy to s__w her while I have to try to sweet talk her and risk humiliation”. Such limited silly perceptions may flip the perceived power dynamics similar to how Blacks were seen as “powerful” and then lynched.

We men often have limited emotional outlets. We have sexual energy. We have pressures upon us to be successful. We often lack the caring support of others. We don’t know how to deal with our frustrations and fears. Big time sports culture, the popular media, advertisements and pornography all feed us myths both of women and “real men”. We find it hard to trust anyone to talk of with about our feelings. It is hard to be in touch with all that may be going on within us.

The myths of “the powerful male” seem a lie to most of us men. Where we do have power, we often see more of what power we lack. I take it for granted that I won’t be sexually assaulted when walking in the dark. I don’t fear sexual assault when someone I don’t know starts talking with me or comes to the door of my house. Few men will see these as privileges of being male.

Being (basically) heterosexual does not make me feel privileged. (It is simply a part of “normalcy” that I take for granted.). I don’t see myself as being “wealthy” though our family income is relatively high. I see our substantial debts. While I don’t feel “poor”, I frequently fail to see our relative “wealth”.

We men often feel like important things parts of our lives are beyond our control. We feel constrained in our jobs. We see limitations in our relationships. We feel imprisoned by our mortgages/car loans/credit card debts.

So how do we, as men, translate our frustrations, angers and fears into raping women and girls and other sexist violence? We often have rigid images of what “maleness” and “femaleness” are. A majority of our violence is likely directed at other males. We fight for “honor”, control, survival or whatever.

To assault both males and females requires us to devalue both the “other” as well as ourselves as men/boys. Where we feel a deep, heart felt connection to others, we may hurt them on occasion, but are unlikely to brutalize them.

To rape, batter and otherwise abuse women and girls, we as men/boys emotionally need to dehumanize the individual-female, as well as desensitize ourselves. The female may become the: “b-word”, “c-word” or similar, not a friend or lover we care about. We may have a consistent contempt for this woman/girl or for all females. Otherwise we probably live in a schizophrenic world where she is both put on a pedestal and trashed as we emotionally run from extreme to extreme.

Recently I was troubled to read in a local paper of the path of missteps of a professional athlete. From his high school days through the present alcohol abuse and the abuse of women seemingly get him “almost in trouble” over and over again. He is now tottering to maintain his career after numerous incidents.

It was particularly painful to read of a college incident where he anally assaulted a very drunken freshman acquaintance. Despite the support and evidence of her friends as well as minimal evidence from his friends, he escaped substantive consequences. His university and the local authorities wanted a sports championship. They did not want bad publicity. They silenced the young woman. Her only option is to sue him now that he has money, which won’t heal the hurts she will no doubt have for life.

Rape is similar to lynching in that the victim often is turned into the “bad guy”, while the perpetrator commonly is at least excused for his actions.

I do not see rape, domestic violence and other sexist violence being seriously confronted until we, as men, begin working seriously on our issues. Our issues relate to our excuses. “Boys being boys” and “testosterone” justify our violence. Such violence is directed at others, both male and female. Left not discussed here are the men who are sexually assaulted by other men and are really extremely emotionally alone.

While most of us do not rape women or fight other men, we are affected by our “maleness”. Being labeled a “p-word” or “f-word” as a boy may impact us significantly as men. We may be taught in sports that we are a failure unless we win. As adults we may judge ourselves in narrow ways as failures. We may not seeing how life can be a far more beautiful spectrum as well as a path where we should build up and support others. We view “patriotism” often in a narrow way, not seeing the heroism of many caring, giving people who nurture the lives of others.

Our hatreds – of others and ourselves are based upon various things. We are homophobic. We are scared of other men, regardless of our gender orientation. Such limitations stunt our growth as people.

As boys we may be given different messages. We may be taught that we are special because of our maleness. Through this we may learn of an entitlement – a privilege - that belongs to us because we are male.

We may also learn that “it’s a tough world out there” and we need to “be a man”. To be a man may then mean that we need to fight and need to win.

We may learn either or both of these messages. We generally don’t learn that we are a “caretaker” of others. We don’t learn to help heal the emotional wounds of younger siblings. We don’t listen deeply hearing the hurts of our peers’ hearts. We frequently manage the financial and logistical needs of our aging parents. We often find it much harder to be with them emotionally, because being “male” doesn’t include such deep emotional bonding.

OUR DENIAL - as The Dominant "Class"

Racism in the U.S. continues to be a major problem. Its persistence relates strongly to the fact that it is perceived as a “Black Problem” not a “White Problem”. Black people don’t share the luxury that we White Folks have of ignoring our ethnocentrism. We can and do choose to look at racism only briefly when forced to face a racist incident or similar. We are blind to the realities of Racism that People of Color have repeated reminders of.

Similarly we men generally ignore rape, domestic violence and less visible sexist incidents. We see “the blood and gore” of the moment, but stay clear of the deeper issues.

For some of us things such as parenting and our own aging may help us grow as individual men. We may develop empathy for the women in our lives.

We find it hard to move beyond being “the good guy”. Our support of our children rarely leads us to become an activist for children. We become active often only when pushed by our experiences parenting an autistic child, or facing a similar daunting challenge.

Our support of women and girls rarely leads us to activism.

We generally don’t develop support systems with other men to help us confront our drives towards gender based violence. We certainly do little to systemically work to end male violence. (Despite the fact that we kill men and boys as well as women and girls this is seen as a “women’s issue” not a “men’s issue”.)

MOVING TOWARDS CHANGE - ending the Violence

I hope that eventually we as men will see how “quarterback kills” are us as men maiming and in the end killing ourselves. Being the “strong silent man” may be just as bad as the “strong tough guy”. In either case we are likely lonely, always on guard and hurting in our hearts – as men. When we feel cornered we may lash out doing things like calling other men “p-word” or “f-word” – tying our homophobia with sexism.

We often have lonely lives as men. Where we appear popular to others, we may still feel like we’re never good enough. We may also feel like we’re putting on a show, not being our real selves. We often lack deep, caring friendships. Touch may be ensnarled within us as “sex”. We can pound the guy on the back. We can’t be hugged by him, because then obviously one of us is an “f-word”. With women we can’t be a friend without a sexual edge. If hugged, we don’t feel the caring of the hugs. More likely we only have touch through sex or showing how tough we are.

I’m not optimistic that we will end the rape of women and girls out of “our humanity” as “caring men”. The forces which support sexist violence are strong. For most of us men “helping women” isn’t a strong enough motivation to drastically change our masculinity.

I hope though that we will see how masculinity kills and maims us as men. We pay a horrific price being male. Youth violence kills and cripples far too many. Our emotional isolation tears us apart. Being “a man” can be deadly. Equating “heroism” with being killed in wars is a very limited view of our masculinity. Where we have “male issues” such as how many of us as boys have major learning disabilities or dealing with our potential for getting and surviving prostate cancer, we ignore the issues unless we can’t do it any longer similar to how we generally deal with male violence issues.

Our (U.S.) mortality rates per 100,000 population (2004 data) are shown below:

AGE	Male	Female	%F/M
0-1	754	613	0.812997
1-5	32	27	0.84375
5-14	19	14	0.736842
15-24	115	44	0.382609
25-34	140	64	0.457143
35-44	244	144	0.590164
45-54	544	314	0.577206
55-64	1129	707	0.626218
65-74	2645	1761	0.665784
75-84	6394	4522	0.707226

http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/births_deaths_marriages_divorces.html

From birth on we males are significantly more likely to die than girls and women are. Our death rates jump relative to women as we move into our teen years. In our mid to late 20’s the rates start to move gradually closer to the rates of women. I’d guess that our “maleness” hits its peak in its deadliness as we drive, drink, use drugs, and kill each other the most as teens and just beyond. As we age, if we survive, I think we get a little “wiser”.

If we as men do see our real need to take better care of ourselves, we may start to change how we view masculinity. Our “saving ourselves” as men for ourselves may start by us looking at how we hurt other men and ourselves. Out of this “self-interest” we hopefully will learn to respect and learn from women and girls. Through this we may finally begin to end rape and other sexual violence.

I would rather that male support for women would come much more directly from ethical choices and “doing the right thing”. History tells me that this is unlikely to happen. We White People have to date not made ending racism a “White Issue”.

Blacks did not achieve a path towards equal rights by Whites “doing the right thing”. Black soldiers coming back from both World Wars fought for equality. College students in historically Black Colleges used sit-ins and boycotts to demand their rights.

I hope that sexist violence and racism will both disappear as we become part of a better world. We should support diversity and respect each other both at home and abroad. It will take a lot of difficult work to get there.

Feedback is most welcome! Thanks!

Hearing - Really Hearing Reverend Wright

Having just heard Bill Moyers interviewing Reverend Jeremiah Wright, I can only say that Reverend Wright is a caring, brilliant man. The sound bites that we are fed distort his words. He certainly is "out there" in terms of some of his rhetoric. Hearing his message, not simply the sound bites, makes clear why he says what he says.

It is sad that Barack Obama must defend both himself and seemingly criticize Reverend Wright to avoid being labeled "UnAmerican" or worse.

Thinking of "Wealth" and Taxes

I believe that our current US taxation system unfairly taxes many of our poorer people and is unduly generous to many amongst us who can readily afford to pay more in taxes. I can't lay out a simple formula for exactly how things should be changed, but certain things jump out at me.

Working is fairly heavily taxed. Most workers pay quite a few taxes related to their work.

Wealth - is often very lightly taxed. IF one makes huge amounts of "taxable income" it is certainly taxed. Relative to the "normal worker" who might in the US work and earn roughly $40-150,000 or under $100,000 or under $75,000 - if you wish - the person with wealth need not necessarily pay a lot in taxes.

I would think, logically thinking, that IF beyond perhaps a base exemption of $500,000 maximum in home value for a Single residence (not a vacation home and a primary residence), those whose worth is in excess of benchpoints of say: $1,000,000, $10,000,000 and $100,000,000 might logically be expected to pay certain minimums in taxes based upon their wealth.

I'd have no problem with the individual or couple who is worth $10,000,000 paying a substantial amount of taxes in interest/dividend/capital gains income - which might be above the "benchpoint" and thus not due a "wealth tax".

I would have difficulty though in general with the idea that a household whose worth might be $10,000,000 paying say: $20,000 or even $50,000 in income taxes in a given year. Saying that this is a "small business owner" or otherwise "humble" individual or couple seems to me to mock the idea of what a "worker" really is.

I would think that a progressive "wealth tax" which would have several benchmarks and exemptions that would take into account federal income taxes paid by the household would be a good idea. Obviously keeping estate taxes for the wealthy would also be important in this area.

When talking of taxes, I presume that Someone has to pay the bill. Most people do pay and often pay as much as they can afford and should have to pay. Taxing wealth seems one way to make things more fair in allowing us to have necessary government services without creating tax burdens that are impossible or simply unfair for those of middle and lower income.

Thanks!