My first response on hearing the reports of the New Yorker cover of
Barack and Michelle described before actually seeing the cover was,
hmmm, interesting satire and pretty close to the absurd internet
whispers that have arrived in my inbox about the Obamas. I finally saw
the image as all the protests over it were breaking.
My sister, a graduate student at NYU and someone who has pretty
sophisticated tastes objected to the cover, saying she thought that it
would be hurtful to someone like Obama who is so earnest and sincere
about his presidential bid. Living in New York among a very educated
peer group, she was unaware of the internet whispers the cover is
aiming to debunk. I see her point. Aside from all the intellectural
deconstructions of the image, there are real humans at the heart of the
satirical cover.
As tasteless as the cover may be, in the dog-days of summer and with
the presidential campaigns lately without much traction, it certainly
gives us something to talk about. Here’s a few interesting videos, one
from the Arabic network Al Jezeera and New Yorker editors David Remnick
and Hertzburg explaining/justifying the cover.
In my lifelong quest to live better several ideas turn up again and again. Reading Daniel H. Pink’s excellent “A Whole New Mind - Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future” this weekend reminds me of how important gratitude is to living well. Pink
recommends readers make a list as long as your years of things to be
grateful for.
Here’s mine - in no particular order (except for the first two).
1. Mark Leib
2. Jeremy Leib
3. beach weekends with #1 & #2
4. jagermeister
5. Emily Dickenson
6. our house
7. Hillel School of Tampa
8.poets 9. Harriet/Trish Leib
10. living in the internet age
11. sandy little shoes
12. roasted vegetables 13.clean air & water
14. writers
15. my childhood
16. Florida Health Kids Insurance
17. tai-chi
18.sound of frogs in our lake after it rains
19. good health
20. Studio@620
21. everything about my past life up to this point
22.WMNF
23. my little sister Lauren Brannon
24. Cafe Kili
25. good health of husband&son
26. Mary’s new baby girl
27. playing in the rain on the beach with Jeremy
28.kosher meat
29. Marla Grant
30. Jim Teixeira
31. Jeremy’s toothless grin
32.Miki
33. Paralounge Drum Festival
34. Virginia Woolf
35. my laptop computer
36. sound of beach waves
37. Brian Lau
38. Lesley Spencer 39. Micah
40. Phoebe
41. Jeremy sitting quietly
42. Mark’s new play
43. opportunities to publish
44. cloud formations
45. lavender
46. Tampa Day Summer Camp
Media coverage is often politically motivated or influenced by powerful people like Rupert Murdock. This article by Kevin Hassett, director of economic-policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute,
is no exception. As a columnist for Bloomberg News, Hasset makes the
case that current coverage of economic data pointing to recession
favors Obama’s
bid for the presidency. On the other hand, many argue that economic
measurements favor corporations and the wealthy at a time when the
majority of individuals and small businesses struggle
disproportionately.
Responses to what we believe about the present and future state of
the economy can be colorful and highly subjective. Paranoid? Then our
economic system is manipulated by a powerful banking system,
multi-national corporations and foreign governments. Believe the end of
time is coming? Read the book of Revelations
to find clues about how the digital economy may be a tool of the
antichrist (think of the number 666 in a digital chip embedded on your
forehead). Depressed? No one is in control and we’re all doomed.
So many articles and talk about parenting are at best silly claptrap
and at worst, self-serving rambles by people convinced of their
superior knowledge and skills. This one has a child in law school, that
one in a prestigious prep school. We must endure with good grace their
golden droppings as they strut and fluff atop a nest feathered by their children’s
accomplishments. It’s tiresome to be in the company of such a person
who never tires of the smell of their proven theories.
The good news is the world is filled with the wise and the foolish.
I happened to be leafing through Natural Awakenings, a free health
magazine published locally and found one of the most helpful articles on parenting by Thomas Moore I’ve read recently. In college I enjoyed reading his book Care of the Soul (not to be confused with Thomas Merton’s Seeds of Contemplation).
Moore writes personally, sharing a story about when his daughter is
diagnosed with an autoimmune illness. He connects spirituality with
parenting and the ways it can, for those who are alert, remove false
virtue and increase faith. I particularly share his idea of the end
goal: to help a child become a thoughtful, engaged adult. For me and my
parenting partner it’s a goal worthy of the effort.
***
McCain - Change You Can Believe In? June 4th, 2008
by Elizabeth A. Leib
Last night Obama makes it across the finish line in a photo finish with Clinton and McCain cleverly shows up to make a labored speech about his trustworthiness. Clinton sounded as if she’d won. And certainly she has - seventeen million votes is nothing to sneeze at. I admire her, as much as I’m left breathless by her outsized power hunger.
Obama’s speech was riviting by all accounts, but do we really trust him? McCain is our old soft shoe, we know what we’re getting, and at a time when the country is mired in a war, struggling economically and without the moral leadership in the world we imagine is our proper place - who can we trust to bring the country successfully into the future? McCain’s suggestion that Obama is a young man who has bought old liberal ideas sounds like an effective and valid criticism. We’ll have to wait for Obama to make clear the details of his vision.
McCain talks in black and white terms, comfortingly simplistic. Except when he tries in tortured prose to explain a policy position. Obama is a speechmaker extraordinare - but what is the meaning of all those beautiful phrases? He’s young and untested. Do we really need someone whose inexperience will lead world leaders will try to take advantage like some say happened to Kennedy with the Cuban missile crisis? This appears to be the McCain strategy. He’s backed down from his 100 year war and is now saying that he can guide the war to a successful conclusion and a safe (if distant) withdrawal.
McCain sounded at times like he was on a date with America, wooing a woman with phrases like, “I’m imperfect, but I’m her servant first last and always…I seek the office in humility, America saved me.” Unlike his rival Obama, he says he won’t be the star of the show, but will serve with a deep commitment. Very appealing.
For both candidates who appear convinced they will win NYT’s columnist David Brooks outlines reasons why they both should be anxious in this NYT’s op-ed.
I flipped back and forth last night watching the coverage from CNN, MSNBC and Fox. Karl Rove, newly hired as a Fox commentator, was promoting an article he has coming out in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday analyzing the state of the McCain and Obama campaign organizations. It’ll be interesting to hear what he has to say given the new ground Obama has broken by using the internet so effectively.
No word from McCain yet this morning, I’ve signed up at his website to receive updates. But last night I received another of the many heartfelt, personal emails from Obama:
Elizabeth – I’m about to take the stage in St. Paul and announce that we have won the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. It’s been a long journey, and we should all pause to thank Hillary Clinton, who made history in this campaign. Our party and our country are better off because of her. I want to make sure you understand what’s ahead of us. Earlier tonight, John McCain outlined a vision of America that’s very different from ours — a vision that continues the disastrous policies of George W. Bush. But this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past and bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love. It’s going to take hard work, but thanks to you and millions of other donors and volunteers, no one has ever been more prepared for such a challenge. Thank you for everything you’ve done to get us here. Let’s keep making history. Barack
***
Tolerance of Intolerance is Cowardice April 23rd, 2008
by Elizabeth A. Leib
I hopped out of bed this morning after hearing an NPR story about a film attacking Christianity. The film titled Schism was made by a young Saudi man in response to the incendiary Dutch film connecting verses of the Koran with terrorism. Raed al Saeed is a credit to law-abiding Muslims around the world by responding to Gert Wilder’s film Fitna with a counter film rather than with violence.
Saeed joined YouTube this month to post the six minute film because he wanted to do something to point out what he felt was an inaccurate characterization of Islam in the film Fitna. He quotes Old Testament verses he believes are comparable to those in the Koran of G-d calling believers to use violence to solve various grievances.
I was raised a Southern Baptist and spent a year in Germany and England after graduating high school at Capernwray Bible Schools. The particular verses Saeed uses in his film are vaguely familiar. There are fringe groups in this country who interpret religious texts literally and out of context. But if they violate the law they will be punished. Religion in this country is expected to submit to the rule of secular law. Ask the polygamist sect in West Texas where over 400 kids have been taken into protective custody. In my ten years of Bible study the Old Testament calls to violence were never taught as something relevant to the modern practice of Christianity and outside the rule of law.
The film is poorly made and illogical. The many comments posted about the film say alot about the general public’s level of critical thinking compared to the filmmaker. However Saeed can be certain that his film won’t be met with the threat of violence. I’ll be interested in what he learns from the experience as he reads the public dialogue sparked by his film. For me, Schism represents an important step called for by those like Ayann Hirsi Ali for Islam to modernize. The tagline on her blog is “tolerance of intolerance is cowardice.” Ouch - she’s aiming directly at us tolerant multiculturalists! Now could we please hear from the Muslim women?
As long as we’re talking about attacks on religious beliefs lets not forget that our great American system tolerates even those who are against religion itself. I’ve enjoyed viewing the discussions online of the four horseman of Atheism, Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennett. If you have trouble sleeping try as an antidote these conversations posted on YouTube.
As much fun as it is to listen to these thinkers talk about the inferiority of religion, I’ve chosen to live as a Jew and to raise and educate my son within the Jewish community. I’m thankful to live in a country where I have access to all points of view and can express my own. I only hope that the Muslims who have chosen to live in this country will take an active role in protecting this precious freedom.
***
Opposed to Universal Health Coverage? April 15, 2008
To take the attitude of some in this country that access to affordable, quality healthcare is a privilege best left to market forces - a survival of the fittest - is barbaric. In particular, for any child be without basic healthcare is unconscionable. The United States market-based “system” of healthcare delivery is ranked #37 in the world. I just viewed PBS/Frontline’s “Sick Around the World” program reporting on how five capitalist countries - Japan, Taiwan, England, Germany and Switzerland offer their citizens affordable, quality healthcare. In Japan doctors receive a bonus based on the health of patients. All these countries shared several fundamental similarities: the system - doctors and insurance companies - don’t profit from providing basic care; no one can be denied coverage; and hospitals and doctors accept a government mandated fee structure.The time has come to recognize that healthcare for US citizens cannot be left purely to market forces. Visit http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sickaroundtheworld/ to view before posting comments please.
***
Toxin and Cruelty-Free Living – Not Scary at All November 3rd, 2007
By Elizabeth A. Leib
The American Cancer Society estimates that one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer over the course of their lifetime. Self-employed, the $8,000 a year we now spend to buy catastrophic health insurance for our family helps me appreciate what a gift it is to enjoy good physical health. And so far – the three of us have been incredibly blessed. But more and more I’m engaged in a struggle to maintain our health by weeding out copious amounts of toxin to be found in our food, household and personal care products. Never mind the child-labor that produced the Ralph Lauren Polo shirts given as presents to Jeremy for his birthday – more on that in a later post.
If there is one dominant message I’ve taken from observing the atypical lives of my parents, both of whom have enjoyed exceptionally good health, it’s that daily we make our own choices. And by paying attention and taking responsibility for those choices, we can satisfy our needs, give consequence to our values and live in a way that contributes to the happiness and well-being of others. Why shouldn’t we live well and do good?
These days, all available time left over after fulfilling work and home responsibilities is spent identifying and weeding from our family life the abundant varieties of environmental toxicity. A month ago, a new friend introduced me to a website produced by the Environmental Working Group called Skin Deep (http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/) designed to help women identify carcinogenic chemicals found in their personal care products. What I learned about the products I’ve been using called for immediate action. Like most women I know, changing my hair stylist is something I do rarely and with great trepidation. But I was freaked out by what I’d learned about the toxins I’ve been putting on my scalp uncomfortably close to my brain. Unfortunately, the staff at the salon I’d been going to wasn’t very interested in my concerns about toxins and animal testing. Happily this week I discovered Julie at Asonipse Aveda Concepts Salon. Her work is really good and the salon is more attractive and less costly than the one I was using.
I’ve signed up to receive alerts from EWG and on Halloween they sent out a notice about lead in lipstick. “An October report by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, of which EWG is a founding member, found lead in 61% of the 33 top-brand lipsticks tested — including L’Oreal, Cover Girl, and Christian Dior. Lead is linked to learning and behavioral problems, but alarmingly, FDA doesn’t regulate it in cosmetics.” Eureka! Now I know why I couldn’t follow the rules in high school - it was the lead in the lipstick!
But seriously, this can of worms just keeps getting messier. Information found at the website Caring Consumer (http://www.caringconsumer.com/) has this to say: “Hundreds of thousands of these animals are poisoned, blinded, and killed every year in outdated and ineffective product tests for shampoos, household cleaners, cosmetics, hairsprays, and other personal care and household items. Although more than 500 companies have banned all animal tests forever, some corporations still force substances into animals’ stomachs and drip chemicals into rabbits’ eyes. These tests are not required by law, and they often produce inaccurate and misleading results—even if a product has blinded an animal, it can still be marketed to you.”
I haven’t been a big cosmetics user since high school. Some years ago I gravitated to the plant based product line sold by L’Occtaine for my skin care needs. Happily I just learned the company maintains the highest standards, avoiding the use of toxins and has pledged against animal testing. Forget about the misogynistic behavior of cosmetic companies who continue using unregulated toxic ingredients in their products. It’s disgusting, but predictable. But now with so many companies offering better options, how can I, or any thinking, caring person be comfortable choosing to buy and use products to look attractive when cruelty is involved?
No fan of ideologues, and nothing shuts the lights off on a party like demagoguery - I’m not suggesting we drain away our fun and joy with obsessive preoccupation with causes. Few of us by circumstances or birth have the calling or platform to take-up action on a grand scale. But if many ordinary people make decent informed choices about what we consume and what we place in and on our bodies, the collective result is likely to make a better world. Now who wants to fix the healthcare system - anyone?
My skin care company of choice: plant based products: http://usa.loccitane.com/FO/Content/Philosophy/respect.aspx
Good report/overview on personal care products: http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=31891
Local company Aubrey Organics produces toxin, cruelty-free products! http://www.aubrey-organics.com/
The following companies either openly use animal-tested chemicals, or fail to demonstrate that the finished product and the ingredients they use have not been tested on animals since a fixed cut-off date.
For more information visit: http://www.uncaged.co.uk/crueltyfree.htm Avon Cosmetics Jeyes Beiersdorf Johnson & Johnson The Body Shop / L’Oreal+ Lancome Chanel Lever Fabergé Christion Dior L’Oreal / Nestlé Clinique Miners Cosmetics Colgate Palmolive PZ Cussons Coty Reckitt Benckiser Ecover* Revlon Estée Lauder SC Johnson Virgin Vie Garnier Yardley Givenchy Proctor & Gamble Yves Rocher GlaxoSmithKline Yves Saint Laurent Helena Rubenstein Unilever