Idaho Press-Tribune
Sharon Strauss sstrauss@idahopress.com
Tuesday, February 12th, 2008
Prominent local Democrat dies
CANYON COUNTY — Just days after the largest Democratic caucus in Canyon County memory, local party activist Sharon Van Slyke died of cancer Sunday. In addition to her political work, Van Slyke has been lauded as a strong force for women and for her work to help children.
Van Slyke, 69, of Kuna, died Sunday after battling cancer. She resided at Karcher Estates rehabilitation center in Nampa at the time of her death. She lived for more than 20 years in rural Canyon County with her husband, Carl, before the couple moved to Kuna.
A matriarch of the Democratic party, Van Slyke spent a lifetime championing its causes. In particular, she advocated for a greater role for women in Idaho politics.
Van Slyke dedicated countless hours to the Idaho Democratic Women’s Caucus, holding positions both as the president and regional director. Her years of work positively impacted women politicians across the state, her fellow Democrats said.
“She was a very dedicated Democrat. She worked very hard for the party, not only for Canyon County but for the state as a whole,” said Nampa resident Mary Peck, who worked with Van Slyke for decades on Canyon County Democrat issues.
Under Van Slyke’s leadership, a candidate training module was developed by the caucus to help candidates of both genders run successful campaigns.
She also started “Dine and Dialogue with Democratic Divas,” a lunch forum that featured Democratic leaders and spotlighted issues.
When not advancing Democratic principles, she often held Democratic fundraisers at her home.
The Democratic Party was just one of Van Slyke’s many causes.
“Her claim to fame and the thing she enjoyed doing was being the birthing mother of various organizations,” her husband Carl told the Idaho Press-Tribune. “People would ask her what she did, and she would say she was a community activist.”
Among the organizations she helped bring to life were the local Interfaith Alliance, of which she was a founding member in 1998, and the Idaho Refugee Resettlement Program, where she formerly served as director.
She was a “founding mother” of the Idaho Women’s Network, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. She also served as president of the United Way of Canyon County.
“We were sad to hear of Sharon’s passing and deeply appreciated her efforts in the progressive movement,” said Idaho Women’s Network executive director Donna Wade.
Close to her heart was her affiliation with the Church Women United movement, where Van Slyke served on the national board.
Children’s advocacy was also her passion, and she played a key role in helping head up a campaign against childhood hunger with the Idaho Hunger Action Council, her husband said.
Her strong advocacy for children’s issues was inspired by the challenges she faced rearing her own daughter, who had epilepsy, Carl Van Slyke said. Over the years she served on a governor-appointed state youth council and was involved in various other child-advocacy causes, including the Court Appointed Special Advocates program.
“She was always interested in making the community a better place,” said Sally Zive, president and CEO of United Way of Treasure Valley, who first met Van Slyke in 1995. Van Slyke was a long-time United Way board member as well as the organization’s former Canyon County president. “She was one of these classic community volunteers. She just knew what needed to be done, and either recruited people to help her get things done or she got it done herself.”
Van Slyke’s health began to decline this fall after cancer was found in her stomach. Upon biopsy it was determined that it was breast cancer that had spread to her stomach.
Her husband Carl said that even as she grew weaker throughout the winter, “she still (had) that feisty attitude.”
Van Slyke wore her affiliation with the Democratic Party proudly, said those who knew her, despite an often uphill battle in Republican-dominated Canyon County.
Politics continued to be a mainstay in her life, even near the end. Van Slyke even had a life-size cut-out of Hillary Clinton in her hospital room, and the prop moved in with her at Karcher Estates.
“We have been watching Democratic politics on TV each day. We are just sorry that we were not able to participate in the Idaho Caucuses on Feb. 5,” Carl Van Slyke told friends via e-mail in the days before her passing.
In a 2005 interview, Van Slyke told the Idaho Press-Tribune that she hoped her legacy would be that she helped recruit and nurture a new generation of female politicians. “(R)ight now we have younger professional women who I firmly believe will be the senators, mayors and congress people as we progress into the next century,” Van Slyke said.
[I first met Sharon through the Center for New Directions in the early 90s. I was so thrilled to re-connect with her again via the Idaho Democratic Party... what a role model, what a star, what a DIVA! She has touched many lives and our world is a better place because she was here... -drp]
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
My path toward Obama
I support Obama as President of the United States of America.
There. I said it.
It was easier to say than it was to decide, that’s for sure.
First of all, my personality type is ENFP... there are lots of academic ways of describing an ENFP (here and here!), but in simple terms, I “go with my gut”.
In addition, I am not astute at political issues... I'm more of a KISS type of person. I struggle to overcome the barrier that creates and really do try to make an effort to educate myself about the areas I'm most concerned with.
However, as a responsible voter, I know that I owe it to myself, my children, my country, and my candidates to not leave it at that. I really need to do my research before I make a final decision.
I went to Glassbooth and compared my priorities and positions on the various issues with ALL of the Presidential candidates.
Surprise… the results were all Democratic candidates!!
Another surprise, as addressed in another post: the top two in which I had the most in common were Kucinich and Gravel. Then it went Clinton, Edwards, and finally Obama. There was only a percentage point or two apart in difference, but Obama was ranked #5!
But my gut still kept leaning for Obama…
So I looked into the two areas in which Obama and I held different positions… and I researched his argument for his position and compared it to mine. He made sense… I didn’t necessarily agree with him, but I could respect the basis of his position.
I still was undecided, however…
Hillary Clinton… wow, the first woman President! She does have many years of experience in the political arena. But… is being the first woman President a good reason to elect her as the leader of our country? Just because she has experience, does that necessarily mean that she’s the best choice? (Haven’t we all had EXPERIENCED bosses or teachers… who still sucked at their job?) She’s got a lot of baggage… very little do I feel is actually her fault… but I’d really like the country to focus on OUR issues… and not the Clintons’. Her interaction with others, her ego, her marital situation… can we afford to take our eyes off the ball? I don’t think so…
I have to say that one simple sentence pushed me over the fence…
I received an Obama brochure in the mail last week… In this campaign flyer, he states he will “take on the drug and insurance lobbyists to cut health care costs for the typical family…”
That leapt out to me… this isn’t the time or place to discuss “why” but it was something I was waiting to hear from one of the candidates. (You can read more about Obama’s health care plan here.)
After I acknowledged to myself that Obama WAS the candidate I believed in, I learned which other Idahoans had endorsed him. This list contained individuals who I deeply admired and respected. People who I knew were more politically astute than I am and who understood more clearly the issues.
I realized then that I had made the right decision.
There. I said it.
It was easier to say than it was to decide, that’s for sure.
First of all, my personality type is ENFP... there are lots of academic ways of describing an ENFP (here and here!), but in simple terms, I “go with my gut”.
In addition, I am not astute at political issues... I'm more of a KISS type of person. I struggle to overcome the barrier that creates and really do try to make an effort to educate myself about the areas I'm most concerned with.
However, as a responsible voter, I know that I owe it to myself, my children, my country, and my candidates to not leave it at that. I really need to do my research before I make a final decision.
I went to Glassbooth and compared my priorities and positions on the various issues with ALL of the Presidential candidates.
Surprise… the results were all Democratic candidates!!
Another surprise, as addressed in another post: the top two in which I had the most in common were Kucinich and Gravel. Then it went Clinton, Edwards, and finally Obama. There was only a percentage point or two apart in difference, but Obama was ranked #5!
But my gut still kept leaning for Obama…
So I looked into the two areas in which Obama and I held different positions… and I researched his argument for his position and compared it to mine. He made sense… I didn’t necessarily agree with him, but I could respect the basis of his position.
I still was undecided, however…
Hillary Clinton… wow, the first woman President! She does have many years of experience in the political arena. But… is being the first woman President a good reason to elect her as the leader of our country? Just because she has experience, does that necessarily mean that she’s the best choice? (Haven’t we all had EXPERIENCED bosses or teachers… who still sucked at their job?) She’s got a lot of baggage… very little do I feel is actually her fault… but I’d really like the country to focus on OUR issues… and not the Clintons’. Her interaction with others, her ego, her marital situation… can we afford to take our eyes off the ball? I don’t think so…
I have to say that one simple sentence pushed me over the fence…
I received an Obama brochure in the mail last week… In this campaign flyer, he states he will “take on the drug and insurance lobbyists to cut health care costs for the typical family…”
That leapt out to me… this isn’t the time or place to discuss “why” but it was something I was waiting to hear from one of the candidates. (You can read more about Obama’s health care plan here.)
After I acknowledged to myself that Obama WAS the candidate I believed in, I learned which other Idahoans had endorsed him. This list contained individuals who I deeply admired and respected. People who I knew were more politically astute than I am and who understood more clearly the issues.
I realized then that I had made the right decision.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Just in time for Groundhog's Day...
I'll poke my head out... maybe I'll stay a while this time!
I've been out of the loop obviously, and am trying to catch up on my reading/researching/reviewing... so not to post about old news (even if it's new to me!) or about something that has already been posted about a dozen times...
So... bear with me if I mess up... as always, gentle corrections are appreciated!
I've been out of the loop obviously, and am trying to catch up on my reading/researching/reviewing... so not to post about old news (even if it's new to me!) or about something that has already been posted about a dozen times...
So... bear with me if I mess up... as always, gentle corrections are appreciated!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
My test results...
I also took the test. h/t Binkyboy at 43rd State Blues.
Economic Left/Right: -6.38
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -4.46
Since I completely admit that I'm not very well-informed about labels and definitions (I'm the "I don't know anything about art, but I know what I like" type of person), I'm open to any comments who can help me understand what this means!!
Economic Left/Right: -6.38
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -4.46
Since I completely admit that I'm not very well-informed about labels and definitions (I'm the "I don't know anything about art, but I know what I like" type of person), I'm open to any comments who can help me understand what this means!!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
In my brother's honor, please consider a donation...
This is not about red or blue,
pro-Bush or anti-Bush,
pro-war or pro-peace or anything political...
pro-Bush or anti-Bush,
pro-war or pro-peace or anything political...
This is about honoring a Marine from Idaho
who gave his life in our country's name...
who gave his life in our country's name...
My brother, Major Alan Blake Rowe, was killed in Iraq on Sept. 3, 2004. It was his fourth deployment and he'd been "in country" less than a week. He left behind a wonderful wife and two precious children.
One of my brother's serious interests (along with Broncos!) was Political Science. One of our favorite family stories is about the luncheon Alan attended with my father around age 6, where he sat next to then-Governor of Idaho, Cecil Andrus. From what I've been told, he chatted with Governor Andrus throughout the meal.
In the early 1990s, Alan worked as an intern for Idaho State Senator Laird Noh:
"He was interested in natural resources and natural resources management," Noh said. "He worked under my supervision. He was a marvelous human being and extremely motivated."
"At the time, Idaho was beginning to awaken to the implications of the Endangered Species Act," Noh said. The Legislature and the public didn't have a thorough understanding of the act, he said, so he tasked Rowe with writing a research paper on the potential listing status of various plants and animals in Idaho and what the implications were because of the provisions of the law.
"He just dug into it," Noh said. "He did a very professional job. We circulated it to all the members of the committee and media. I still refer to it periodically."
"He read newspapers and was very interested in the world around him," Noh added. "He was very mature. I was kind of hoping he was looking toward a career in natural resource management. But he was also oriented to a career in the military. He was a class act and a great citizen."
Alan received his Associate Degree at the College of Southern Idaho and his Bachelor Degree at Boise State University, majoring in Political Science.
After his death, one of his professors at CSI started a scholarship fund in Alan's memory and honor: "The Alan Rowe Memorial Political Science Scholarship". The only guideline attached at this point is that it will be used to fund a scholarship for a student studying political science at CSI.
Please consider supporting this opportunity to continue my brother's memory and honor his commitment to education and Political Science. Thank you.
Donations should be made out to:
The College of Southern Idaho Foundation, Inc.
MEMO: Alan Rowe Memorial Scholarship
And mailed to:
CSI Foundation
P.O. Box 1238
Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238
P.O. Box 1238
Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238
Thank you so very much,
Diana Rowe Pauls
Very Proud Sister of Major Alan Blake Rowe of Gooding, Idaho
KIA 9-3-2004 in Iraq
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Three years ago, our family was shattered
WARNING: For the next month or so, my posts here may be more emotional, personal, and angrier than usual (yes, that is possible...)... I promised my mother that I wouldn't mention my brother's name as "propaganda" and I really try to honor her request... but every once in a while I feel the need to remind people of the personal and very human cost of this war...
September 3rd will be the third anniversary of my brother's death in Iraq. He is now laid to rest in the peaceful valley of Fairfield, Idaho.
I think of him every day... little reminders are everywhere...
...walking through the halls of Gooding High School which we attended as teenagers and my two oldest children attend currently...
...classmates and teachers of ours around town ...
...black Broncos ...
...jackrabbits (there's a story behind that!) ...
...squirt guns (another story there also!) ...
...the book -- and now a movie -- "How To Eat Fried Worms" (and yet another story...!)
Every time someone mentions THEIR brother, I grieve for mine...
When I dropped off my two oldest children at church camp last month (their first time attending camp TOGETHER and they squabble like Alan and I did when we were their age!), I talked with them about treasuring their relationship and not to take each other for granted...
... I could go on...
My mother faithfully maintains his grave site in Fairfield... She's planted trees and hauls water up there in the back of her car regularly to help them grow... she's hauled rocks and stumps from where my brother and I used to play as children... many of the flowers she places there are from my yard...
My children regularly tell me "I miss Uncle Alan..." (which is especially heart-breaking considering my 7-year old was only four when his uncle died...)...
I listen to his precious voice as he sang for his children... his last words to them from Iraq...
As over-used and cliche as this label seems to be any more, my brother is a true hero. He showed bravery and loyalty to his men and his country. I respect him for his strength and commitment.
And I miss him so very much...
September 3rd will be the third anniversary of my brother's death in Iraq. He is now laid to rest in the peaceful valley of Fairfield, Idaho.
I think of him every day... little reminders are everywhere...
...walking through the halls of Gooding High School which we attended as teenagers and my two oldest children attend currently...
...classmates and teachers of ours around town ...
...black Broncos ...
...jackrabbits (there's a story behind that!) ...
...squirt guns (another story there also!) ...
...the book -- and now a movie -- "How To Eat Fried Worms" (and yet another story...!)
Every time someone mentions THEIR brother, I grieve for mine...
When I dropped off my two oldest children at church camp last month (their first time attending camp TOGETHER and they squabble like Alan and I did when we were their age!), I talked with them about treasuring their relationship and not to take each other for granted...
... I could go on...
My mother faithfully maintains his grave site in Fairfield... She's planted trees and hauls water up there in the back of her car regularly to help them grow... she's hauled rocks and stumps from where my brother and I used to play as children... many of the flowers she places there are from my yard...
My children regularly tell me "I miss Uncle Alan..." (which is especially heart-breaking considering my 7-year old was only four when his uncle died...)...
I listen to his precious voice as he sang for his children... his last words to them from Iraq...
As over-used and cliche as this label seems to be any more, my brother is a true hero. He showed bravery and loyalty to his men and his country. I respect him for his strength and commitment.
And I miss him so very much...
Where was this DICK when my family needed him?
Monday, August 13, 2007
Today's bumper sticker...
Right before we left for our trip to Oregon, I added a few more bumper stickers to my van. So far, nobody has tried to run me off the road, my van hasn't been "keyed", and nobody has flipped me off (that I've noticed, anyway).
In fact, the only reaction I've ever received from my bumper stickers happened a year or so ago. I was getting gas at Costco in Twin Falls and the man behind me asked me if I was "Diana Rowe Pauls"... since I had NO idea who HE was, it made me a little nervous... but I 'fessed up. Come to find out, he is one my my e-mail pals and I guess he just took a wild guess (how many loud-mouth liberal soccer moms can there be in Gooding, Idaho?)!!
One of these days I'll post a picture of the back of my van... if you ever see me out and about, please wave! I'm seriously thinking about writing the current casualty count on my windows, big and red...
Today's number is...
3,690
August 22... my date of release
That is when my days can be my own again, hopefully! My two little ones start school on that day, and my two older ones start the next day...
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining (too much!)... the last three months have been filled wonderfully with swimming lessons, ball games, camping, and some traveling.
In between running around doing "summer stuff", there have been three big projects going on (new windows and doors, new HVAC system, and electrical work) which have tossed my house upside down and inside out... impacting housework, laundry, yard work, and so on.
For fun, my oldest son and I (he provides the manual labor, I "supervise"!) have built a fire pit (completed), a fish pond (in progress--for those who told me that it's "easy to do", may an elephant fly up your nose!!), and other yard stuff.
On top of that, I swear my boys have tape worms... I need to just get out a big trough for them, like we do with cattle and PIGS!
Of course, it doesn't help that my computer is acting stupid... sigh... time to clean up old files, I guess!
So, on August 22, I may actually be able to think in complete sentences, finish a task I started within a reasonable amount of time (okay, I'll be honest, I hope to COMPLETE a task, PERIOD!), and start paying attention to something besides what is left in the house to feed my youngest before he expires from his hunger pangs... he's very dramatic and requires sustenance every 30 minutes!
So thank you for those who leave comments here and have been e-mailing me... it's been great to peek out into the bigger world via the "internets" and hear from you all!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining (too much!)... the last three months have been filled wonderfully with swimming lessons, ball games, camping, and some traveling.
In between running around doing "summer stuff", there have been three big projects going on (new windows and doors, new HVAC system, and electrical work) which have tossed my house upside down and inside out... impacting housework, laundry, yard work, and so on.
For fun, my oldest son and I (he provides the manual labor, I "supervise"!) have built a fire pit (completed), a fish pond (in progress--for those who told me that it's "easy to do", may an elephant fly up your nose!!), and other yard stuff.
On top of that, I swear my boys have tape worms... I need to just get out a big trough for them, like we do with cattle and PIGS!
Of course, it doesn't help that my computer is acting stupid... sigh... time to clean up old files, I guess!
So, on August 22, I may actually be able to think in complete sentences, finish a task I started within a reasonable amount of time (okay, I'll be honest, I hope to COMPLETE a task, PERIOD!), and start paying attention to something besides what is left in the house to feed my youngest before he expires from his hunger pangs... he's very dramatic and requires sustenance every 30 minutes!
So thank you for those who leave comments here and have been e-mailing me... it's been great to peek out into the bigger world via the "internets" and hear from you all!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Our local paper DID provide coverage...
Last night's demonstration felt rewarding to those who were there. I don't think I'm the only one who wishes there were more of us participating but the fellowship and support was still energizing even among our small number.
I think that we had about 30 participants, if we include those who were not able to stay the whole hour. It was great to see some familiar faces and really great to see some new ones.
What was even MORE wonderful was the responses from the people who drove by... we received many honks and waves. My favorite was the guys in desert camo (National Guard?) who hollered and gave us a "thumbs up"! THAT IS WHY MANY OF US WERE THERE... to protect those who have sworn to protect US.
Yeah, we had a couple negative reactions. A "couple" means literally that! TWO. (That I saw anyway...) One guy gave us the bird and another guy hollered "California is THAT way!" Ummmm... yeah, really intelligent response, "dude". Whatever.
The saddest part for me was the drivers who avoided eye contact with us. They were deliberately ignoring our presence and our signs and our message. To me, they symbolize the many Americans who have turned their backs on our troops, who have ignored truth and reality, who are unaware of our soldiers' sacrifices and how many of our politicians... our IDAHO politicians ... are betraying our military and our veterans in the name of pride, arrogance, and blind loyalty.
Like I told the Times-News reporter, you don't have to agree with me... just make the effort to be aware and informed. Don't turn away from the issues because you are too lazy, too selfish, too "busy", or too arrogant.
Speaking of the Times-News, I am pleased to say that the reporter spent a lot of time talking to us about our concerns and our reasons for being there. The photographer also visited with us. Both were respectful and considerate. The article seemed accurate in my opinion and they both respected my "off the record" requests.
And if you ever visit Mr. Greenwood, attorney at law, please pass on our appreciation for sharing his parking lot with us. Maybe that will make him a bit happier than he was last night...
In closing, our signs last night reminded the public about the 3616 casualties (which means dead American soldiers and Marines...)
Since then, our numbers have increased to 3,619 confirmed casualties.
There are four waiting to be confirmed "pending notification" (totaling 3623 casualties).
As you read this, there are four families whose lives are being shattered forever. There are four mothers who are screaming. Four fathers who are crying.
How many more days... months... years... will this be acceptable to the American public? Call your senator and representatives NOW... before another mother gets "the visit" that will break her heart and shatter her life.
Right now, please pray for the families of Jeffrey Chaney and Patrick Wade. They were killed today...
I think that we had about 30 participants, if we include those who were not able to stay the whole hour. It was great to see some familiar faces and really great to see some new ones.
What was even MORE wonderful was the responses from the people who drove by... we received many honks and waves. My favorite was the guys in desert camo (National Guard?) who hollered and gave us a "thumbs up"! THAT IS WHY MANY OF US WERE THERE... to protect those who have sworn to protect US.
Yeah, we had a couple negative reactions. A "couple" means literally that! TWO. (That I saw anyway...) One guy gave us the bird and another guy hollered "California is THAT way!" Ummmm... yeah, really intelligent response, "dude". Whatever.
The saddest part for me was the drivers who avoided eye contact with us. They were deliberately ignoring our presence and our signs and our message. To me, they symbolize the many Americans who have turned their backs on our troops, who have ignored truth and reality, who are unaware of our soldiers' sacrifices and how many of our politicians... our IDAHO politicians ... are betraying our military and our veterans in the name of pride, arrogance, and blind loyalty.
Like I told the Times-News reporter, you don't have to agree with me... just make the effort to be aware and informed. Don't turn away from the issues because you are too lazy, too selfish, too "busy", or too arrogant.
Speaking of the Times-News, I am pleased to say that the reporter spent a lot of time talking to us about our concerns and our reasons for being there. The photographer also visited with us. Both were respectful and considerate. The article seemed accurate in my opinion and they both respected my "off the record" requests.
And if you ever visit Mr. Greenwood, attorney at law, please pass on our appreciation for sharing his parking lot with us. Maybe that will make him a bit happier than he was last night...
In closing, our signs last night reminded the public about the 3616 casualties (which means dead American soldiers and Marines...)
Since then, our numbers have increased to 3,619 confirmed casualties.
There are four waiting to be confirmed "pending notification" (totaling 3623 casualties).
As you read this, there are four families whose lives are being shattered forever. There are four mothers who are screaming. Four fathers who are crying.
How many more days... months... years... will this be acceptable to the American public? Call your senator and representatives NOW... before another mother gets "the visit" that will break her heart and shatter her life.
Right now, please pray for the families of Jeffrey Chaney and Patrick Wade. They were killed today...
Monday, March 26, 2007
"Goodnight... I love you... give Mommy a hug from me..."
A daddy, a husband, a son, a friend, a brother...
So loved... so missed...
"Cap'n Rowe"
Oct. 3, 1968 - Sept. 3, 2004
Thank you, Newsweek, for this week's theme.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Groundhog behavior...
You know the story of Groundhog Day, right?
Well, that is probably the best way to explain what I experience and why I "disappear" every so often. I stick my head out of my hole and become "frightened"... not because of bright and clear weather, but because of the cloudiness of this administration and the despair I feel over the situation. I see the continuation of "misinformation", lack of mainstream media coverage, and I hear the echoes of the still-bleating sheep ("Give Bush's plan a chance!").
So I just crawl back in my hole and try to find comfort in the safety of my home and the distraction of my family's needs and activities.
But fortunately, I am blessed with friends (old and new) who are supportive, compassionate, patient, informed, intelligent, and kind.
I want to especially thank the following for all that you have done for me:
Donna P., Julie F., AK, Janet G., Deborah and Leroy, Jessica, Paula E-H, LeeAnn H., Tara R., Wendy J., Cousin Caroline, and my daughter's own Mr. "T".
I could list even more folks but as I sit here at this moment, these are the faces who pop up in my head (except for Tara, who I haven't met yet!). I want to especially thank them today for their support through their e-mails, their kind words, and their warm hugs. I cannot tell you enough how your thoughtfulness has made it easier for me to go through each day...
Thank you for making a difference in my life.
In traditional weather lore, if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and fails to see its shadow because the weather is cloudy, winter will soon end. If the groundhog sees its shadow because the weather is bright and clear, it will be frightened and run back into its hole, and the winter will continue for six more weeks.
Well, that is probably the best way to explain what I experience and why I "disappear" every so often. I stick my head out of my hole and become "frightened"... not because of bright and clear weather, but because of the cloudiness of this administration and the despair I feel over the situation. I see the continuation of "misinformation", lack of mainstream media coverage, and I hear the echoes of the still-bleating sheep ("Give Bush's plan a chance!").
So I just crawl back in my hole and try to find comfort in the safety of my home and the distraction of my family's needs and activities.
But fortunately, I am blessed with friends (old and new) who are supportive, compassionate, patient, informed, intelligent, and kind.
I want to especially thank the following for all that you have done for me:
Donna P., Julie F., AK, Janet G., Deborah and Leroy, Jessica, Paula E-H, LeeAnn H., Tara R., Wendy J., Cousin Caroline, and my daughter's own Mr. "T".
I could list even more folks but as I sit here at this moment, these are the faces who pop up in my head (except for Tara, who I haven't met yet!). I want to especially thank them today for their support through their e-mails, their kind words, and their warm hugs. I cannot tell you enough how your thoughtfulness has made it easier for me to go through each day...
Thank you for making a difference in my life.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Otters for sale...?
Like many other blogs and websites, I have a counter at the bottom of my blog. I check it occasionally to see how many people have clicked on my blog and where they've come from... just out of curiosity. (Well, actually, it's because I blog so I can have some place to express my opinions and share things that I've found... and it's sometimes pretty lonely. I eagerly look for comments just to see if anybody pays any attention...)
Don't worry, it doesn't tell me WHO you are! I just know the general vicinity of your location (or at least the location of your server... it lists me in Boise!) and usually what brought you to my blog. I see locations from across the United States... some who probably just accidentally stumbled on my blog looking for something else and who knows how others found me. I wish they'd leave comments... just to see why they stopped by. I have had several hits from places like Canada, England, India, and Japan. I'm SURE they were lost! (Were you? Let me know!)
I see a lots of clicks from LeftyBlogs and my blog was mentioned at Democratic Underground, which led to a LOT of hits. I can see that people stop by after Google searches for Larry Craig, Mike Simpson, or Tom Luna--I am happy to see that because I'd like to think that my posts will provide a little bit of information which may be helpful to them as they evaluate our representatives and the job they do. I wish I'd see a few more hits on my posts about Dirk Kempthorne, but nobody really seems to be paying much attention to him.
My favorite hit is when I see that someone clicked on my grandmother's prayer after doing a Google search for "grandmother prayer". I don't know what they are looking for, but my grandmother was an awesome woman and I like to think that she is continuing to touch people with her spirit when they read her favorite prayer.
But what REALLY is strange... is ALL the hits that I get from people who Google "Otters for Sale"... they come from the northeast mostly, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and so on. I bet they weren't expecting MY post when they stopped by! I had NO idea that buying otters is such a big business!! (I can think of a lot other jokes but I'll let you make up your own!)
So, tell me... how did you end up here? Was this what you were looking for?
Don't worry, it doesn't tell me WHO you are! I just know the general vicinity of your location (or at least the location of your server... it lists me in Boise!) and usually what brought you to my blog. I see locations from across the United States... some who probably just accidentally stumbled on my blog looking for something else and who knows how others found me. I wish they'd leave comments... just to see why they stopped by. I have had several hits from places like Canada, England, India, and Japan. I'm SURE they were lost! (Were you? Let me know!)
I see a lots of clicks from LeftyBlogs and my blog was mentioned at Democratic Underground, which led to a LOT of hits. I can see that people stop by after Google searches for Larry Craig, Mike Simpson, or Tom Luna--I am happy to see that because I'd like to think that my posts will provide a little bit of information which may be helpful to them as they evaluate our representatives and the job they do. I wish I'd see a few more hits on my posts about Dirk Kempthorne, but nobody really seems to be paying much attention to him.
My favorite hit is when I see that someone clicked on my grandmother's prayer after doing a Google search for "grandmother prayer". I don't know what they are looking for, but my grandmother was an awesome woman and I like to think that she is continuing to touch people with her spirit when they read her favorite prayer.
But what REALLY is strange... is ALL the hits that I get from people who Google "Otters for Sale"... they come from the northeast mostly, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and so on. I bet they weren't expecting MY post when they stopped by! I had NO idea that buying otters is such a big business!! (I can think of a lot other jokes but I'll let you make up your own!)
So, tell me... how did you end up here? Was this what you were looking for?
Sunday, December 17, 2006
What do they think now?
UPDATED...
As I mentioned in a previous post, certain family members and members of my church congregation reacted negatively to the Candlelight Peace Vigil which I coordinated in Gooding, Idaho fall of 2005.
As more and more people seem to realize that this war in Iraq is NOT about terrorism, I've wondered if these individuals would react the same if I held another Peace Vigil now.
It was announced in March that this administration is denying that they ever claimed that the war in Iraq was related to terrorism. "I never said there was a direct connection between Saddam Hussein and terrorism."
Excuse me? Haven't we heard "fight them over there so we don't have to fight them here" for three years? Haven't we been told that we are there to protect our freedoms and to keep America safe? How come over 70% of our military in Iraq thought that they were deployed to Iraq to protect America from further terrorist attacks? It sure makes me remember fondly when America's biggest concern was about definition of the word "is"...
So, I sit listening to Keith Obermann discuss Bush's denial of ever linking Iraq to 9/11 (as well as how Bush failed to prevent 9/11 in the FIRST PLACE!) and I'm truly wondering what those family members and church members are thinking now...
As I said before, the article regarding the Peace Vigil contained my picture and I was quoted as saying: "Let me tell you that my brother was killed in Iraq. And then let's see if you can say he died for an honorable cause." I truly don't remember saying those particular words, but my friend said that I did. Even though I wouldn't ever intend to state my opinion like I obviously did, I do confess that I don't think he died for an honorable cause. Was he brave? Was he loyal? Was he honorable? Yes, yes, yes. Was the cause honorable? NO. His life was wasted and it angers me to no end that people keep saying that he died to keep us free, to keep us safe, etc. Bullshit.
After the article was published, my cousins e-mailed me to tell me:
I received the following from a "fellow Christian" at my church:
I wonder what my family and fellow church members are thinking now... can they still say that they trust the president and that we are right not to question him? Can they still attempt to explain the so-called honorable cause my brother died for?
As I mentioned in a previous post, certain family members and members of my church congregation reacted negatively to the Candlelight Peace Vigil which I coordinated in Gooding, Idaho fall of 2005.
As more and more people seem to realize that this war in Iraq is NOT about terrorism, I've wondered if these individuals would react the same if I held another Peace Vigil now.
It was announced in March that this administration is denying that they ever claimed that the war in Iraq was related to terrorism. "I never said there was a direct connection between Saddam Hussein and terrorism."
Excuse me? Haven't we heard "fight them over there so we don't have to fight them here" for three years? Haven't we been told that we are there to protect our freedoms and to keep America safe? How come over 70% of our military in Iraq thought that they were deployed to Iraq to protect America from further terrorist attacks? It sure makes me remember fondly when America's biggest concern was about definition of the word "is"...
So, I sit listening to Keith Obermann discuss Bush's denial of ever linking Iraq to 9/11 (as well as how Bush failed to prevent 9/11 in the FIRST PLACE!) and I'm truly wondering what those family members and church members are thinking now...
As I said before, the article regarding the Peace Vigil contained my picture and I was quoted as saying: "Let me tell you that my brother was killed in Iraq. And then let's see if you can say he died for an honorable cause." I truly don't remember saying those particular words, but my friend said that I did. Even though I wouldn't ever intend to state my opinion like I obviously did, I do confess that I don't think he died for an honorable cause. Was he brave? Was he loyal? Was he honorable? Yes, yes, yes. Was the cause honorable? NO. His life was wasted and it angers me to no end that people keep saying that he died to keep us free, to keep us safe, etc. Bullshit.
After the article was published, my cousins e-mailed me to tell me:
"Just wanted to say that [your brother] would have been horrified to see his name being used as political propaganda. Your comments in the article made me physically react and it staggers me. I am beyond words as to how you can think that your comments in anyway uplift our nation's troops ... I am saddened that you would blindside your entire family with an article that acted like a gut punch. ... I would hope that you see that all of us are affected by [your brother]'s death and treating it as solely your sorrow is purely selfish."
I received the following from a "fellow Christian" at my church:
"I have done a lot of praying about this email but ... I feel I must respond. You try so hard to sound , more knowledgeable, more moral and are more lost on topic than I ever imagined ... At first I tried to ignore it as just you seeking more attention but as you seem to feel the need to persist in attacking all of us who have children in the military, yes attacking, please don't deny, because that is what you are doing. You are attacking OUR belief system through the guise of the military and the President.... Diana, you seem to need to have to have yourself quoted and photographed weekly and that , I guess is your right, but just stop and think for a minute. How many of us are you hurting by your action and words? When did you decide that you knew more than the majority of us and especially our government? When did you get a degree in how to conduct government policy ? What do you say to all of the families of the 9/11 tragedy? That we should not have responded to the attack? That we should ignore and bury our heads in the sand? That we should just turn tail and run now because you don't believe in our government and our military? What would it look like to the enemies of our way of live, if we turned tail and ran now? What would it say to the families of the sacrifices they have made with the loss of their loved one? What does it say to our enemies? How does your actions as a "peace at all cost" help our country? Words and actions all have consequences and yours are causing many of us pain. Instead of addressing we the people with your propaganda, why don't you address the President and the military directly. I'm sure they need and would welcome your very wise and knowledgeable council. How could they not since you have all these degrees in foreign policy and seem to know what is best for all of us. Diana, you are hurting me, our community, our church, our military families and causing embarrassment and pain to your family. Is your need to be seen as more knowledgeable than most, more important that everything and everyone else? I feel betrayed and I feel you are hurting and causing harm to our country and our community. ...You are wrong to think now is the time to "turn tail" and run. It would only weaken our military by giving them another defeat, it would destroy the Iraqi people's chance for a better life, it would embolden the terrorist and it would weaken our country. Is that what you strive for? Now is the time for us to support our President, our military our families who are sacrificing all. I believe our President is a man of God. He is doing what he feels is best for our Country. We have to support and trust. We have to pull together as a nation. Now is not the time to question ,now is the time to support and get the job done. ... If you really believe in what you are doing and not just seeking attention then think your thoughts but please also think and respect all of us who disagree with your thoughts. You are causing a number of people to not even want to return to church because of your very "vocal" stand. I being one of them. It is very hard for me to even think of looking at you or have anything to do with you. You are hurting many, just understand that, you are hurting many of us. Our loyalty is to our troops, out President , our Country and to the lost soldiers and their families. I thank God every day for their sacrifices and I pray every day for this to be over soon but if it isn't then I will support and pray until the mission is accomplished no matter how long it takes. The terrorists will hit us again, I have no doubt, and I would much rather have the people who believe in our Country and the Military and the President covering my back than you. Think Diana of the pain you are causing and then pray for the people you have hurt by your words and actions. I am not expectations a response from you nor do I want one. It would be too difficult for me to be civil right now so please do not contact me."The letter to the editor in the Times-News from my parents and sister-in-law stated:
"[my brother] would be further offended to be used as a pawn for those attempting to undermine our country's effort to combat terrorism and to bring freedom to the Iraqi people. He died for us and for all those people who may some day enjoy the freedom that we take for granted."It has been over a year since those letters were written. Bush's approval rating is about 38% nationwide. Iraq seems to be in the middle of a civil war. Their well-publicized elections have not seemed to help our progress much. The President is denies the war in Iraq was ever directly linked to terrorists. Osama bin Laden seems to have been forgotten. The freedoms that America stands for are becoming a global joke... from the detainees and torture to wiretapping. Our citizens are suffering from lack of medical care, educational funding, energy costs, and natural disasters. Our environment (which my brother valued also) is becoming polluted and developed and sold to the highest bidder. The government has betrayed not only our citizens but also their own people. Over a two thousand more of my brother's men and women have died for this "cause".
I wonder what my family and fellow church members are thinking now... can they still say that they trust the president and that we are right not to question him? Can they still attempt to explain the so-called honorable cause my brother died for?
In honor of my brother...
This is a re-post... just in case someone needs an end-of-the-year tax write-off! For the sake of this scholarship, I have NO pride!! (except the pride I feel for my brother...)
On my blog, per my family's request, I have deliberately tried to avoid any mention of my brother, especially by name. The following request has nothing to do with Democrats or Republicans, but it is to honor my brother, his memory, and one of his passions.
My brother, Major Alan Blake Rowe, was killed in Iraq on Sept. 3, 2004. It was his fourth deployment and he'd been "in country" less than a week. He left behind a wonderful wife and two precious children.
One of my brother's serious interests (along with Broncos!) was Political Science. One of our favorite family stories is about the luncheon Alan attended with my father around age 6, where he sat next to then-Governor of Idaho, Cecil Andrus. From what I've been told, he chatted with Governor Andrus throughout the meal.
In the early 1990s, Alan worked as an intern for Idaho State Senator Laird Noh:
Alan received his Associates at the College of Southern Idaho and his Bachelor's at Boise State University, majoring in Political Science. After his death, one of his professors at CSI started a scholarship fund, "The Alan Rowe Memorial Political Science Scholarship". The only guideline attached at this point is that it will be used to fund a scholarship for a student studying political science at CSI.
No funds have been distributed because we need to raise the balance to a $10,000 endowment level. Since my brother was killed, our first concerns were for the educational fund for the children, then a fundraiser for families of local (Magic Valley) deployed Guard members, and then another fundraiser for TAPS (for families of other KIAs), so this is our first major request for donations.
Please consider supporting this opportunity to continue my brother's memory and honor his commitment to education and Political Science.
Thank you.
Donations should be made out to:
And mailed to:
Thank you so very much,
Diana Rowe Pauls
Very Proud Sister of Major Alan Blake Rowe of Gooding, Idaho
KIA 9-3-2004 in Iraq
On my blog, per my family's request, I have deliberately tried to avoid any mention of my brother, especially by name. The following request has nothing to do with Democrats or Republicans, but it is to honor my brother, his memory, and one of his passions.
My brother, Major Alan Blake Rowe, was killed in Iraq on Sept. 3, 2004. It was his fourth deployment and he'd been "in country" less than a week. He left behind a wonderful wife and two precious children.
One of my brother's serious interests (along with Broncos!) was Political Science. One of our favorite family stories is about the luncheon Alan attended with my father around age 6, where he sat next to then-Governor of Idaho, Cecil Andrus. From what I've been told, he chatted with Governor Andrus throughout the meal.
In the early 1990s, Alan worked as an intern for Idaho State Senator Laird Noh:
"He was interested in natural resources and natural resources management," Noh said. "He worked under my supervision. He was a marvelous human being and extremely motivated."
"At the time, Idaho was beginning to awaken to the implications of the Endangered Species Act," Noh said. The Legislature and the public didn't have a thorough understanding of the act, he said, so he tasked Rowe with writing a research paper on the potential listing status of various plants and animals in Idaho and what the implications were because of the provisions of the law.
"He just dug into it," Noh said. "He did a very professional job. We circulated it to all the members of the committee and media. I still refer to it periodically."
"He read newspapers and was very interested in the world around him," Noh added. "He was very mature. I was kind of hoping he was looking toward a career in natural resource management. But he was also oriented to a career in the military. He was a class act and a great citizen."
Alan received his Associates at the College of Southern Idaho and his Bachelor's at Boise State University, majoring in Political Science. After his death, one of his professors at CSI started a scholarship fund, "The Alan Rowe Memorial Political Science Scholarship". The only guideline attached at this point is that it will be used to fund a scholarship for a student studying political science at CSI.
No funds have been distributed because we need to raise the balance to a $10,000 endowment level. Since my brother was killed, our first concerns were for the educational fund for the children, then a fundraiser for families of local (Magic Valley) deployed Guard members, and then another fundraiser for TAPS (for families of other KIAs), so this is our first major request for donations.
Please consider supporting this opportunity to continue my brother's memory and honor his commitment to education and Political Science.
Thank you.
Donations should be made out to:
The College of Southern Idaho Foundation, Inc.
MEMO: Alan Rowe Memorial Scholarship
And mailed to:
CSI Foundation
P.O. Box 1238
Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238
Thank you so very much,
Diana Rowe Pauls
Very Proud Sister of Major Alan Blake Rowe of Gooding, Idaho
KIA 9-3-2004 in Iraq
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Casualties In Iraq
Click on this map of Iraq and watch the casualties add up over the last three years.
If you toggle the box which show the "place names", you will see a flash at Al Qaim on Sept. 3, 2004. That was the day our family's life changed forever.
If you toggle the box which show the "place names", you will see a flash at Al Qaim on Sept. 3, 2004. That was the day our family's life changed forever.
We have failed our duty...
When I speak about how I feel about the war in Iraq, I am told I dishonor the military and my own fallen hero with my "lack of support for the troops". I'm told that our troops feel betrayed and insulted by people like me. I'm told that our military believes in this "noble cause" and any criticism of the war or our president is "unpatriotic" and "treasonous" to our country.
I've tried to explain my belief that our troops have no other choice but to obey their commander-in-chief. They are not allowed to disagree with their orders or express contrasting opinions or criticize their commanding officer. That is how the military is designed, that is how it should be, and that is why we have the best military in the world. Our troops have pledged loyalty to our country and they are willing to sacrifice their lives for us. Their job is to protect America and its citizens.
It is OUR job to protect THEM. It is our duty to protect them by intelligently and diligently electing ethical and diligent public servants to run our government. It is our responsibility to hold these officials accountable for their decisions and to demand honesty from them.
I named my blog "We have failed our duty as citizens..." because I believe WE HAVE FAILED OUR DUTY to protect our troops. We have failed to demand responsible decisions from our government. We have failed to demand accountability from their commander-in-chief and his administration. We failed by allowing our government to get our country into this war, by allowing them to lie to us, and by being too stupid and lazy to demand honesty and accountability. As a result, our troops are left without OUR protection while they sacrifice their lives for us. I had hoped that the election in 2004 would provide some hope for our men and women in Iraq but Americans let them down.
Now, two years after I started my blog, two years after Bush was supposedly re-elected, two years after Cindy Sheehan went public with her questions... our military men and women have finally ended up in not only fighting "them over there" but having to defend themselves from our own government here at home.
We have failed Kyle Snyder, Ivan Brobeck, Agustin Aguayo, Suzanne Swift, Ricky Clousing, Lt. Ehren Watada, Darrell Anderson, Mark Wilkerson, and Katherine Jashinski. These brave and honorable men and women depended on Americans to protect them... and we failed. Now some are AWOL and some are being court-martialed. Whether or not you support their actions, it still remains that WE HAVE FAILED OUR DUTY to protect them by allowing Bush to "stay the course" despite all efforts to influence him to make changes (increase troops, etc.).
There is now An Appeal for Redress from the War in Iraq which states that:
The wording of the Appeal for Redress is short and simple. It is patriotic and respectful in tone:
We have failed our duty...
I've tried to explain my belief that our troops have no other choice but to obey their commander-in-chief. They are not allowed to disagree with their orders or express contrasting opinions or criticize their commanding officer. That is how the military is designed, that is how it should be, and that is why we have the best military in the world. Our troops have pledged loyalty to our country and they are willing to sacrifice their lives for us. Their job is to protect America and its citizens.
It is OUR job to protect THEM. It is our duty to protect them by intelligently and diligently electing ethical and diligent public servants to run our government. It is our responsibility to hold these officials accountable for their decisions and to demand honesty from them.
I named my blog "We have failed our duty as citizens..." because I believe WE HAVE FAILED OUR DUTY to protect our troops. We have failed to demand responsible decisions from our government. We have failed to demand accountability from their commander-in-chief and his administration. We failed by allowing our government to get our country into this war, by allowing them to lie to us, and by being too stupid and lazy to demand honesty and accountability. As a result, our troops are left without OUR protection while they sacrifice their lives for us. I had hoped that the election in 2004 would provide some hope for our men and women in Iraq but Americans let them down.
Now, two years after I started my blog, two years after Bush was supposedly re-elected, two years after Cindy Sheehan went public with her questions... our military men and women have finally ended up in not only fighting "them over there" but having to defend themselves from our own government here at home.
We have failed Kyle Snyder, Ivan Brobeck, Agustin Aguayo, Suzanne Swift, Ricky Clousing, Lt. Ehren Watada, Darrell Anderson, Mark Wilkerson, and Katherine Jashinski. These brave and honorable men and women depended on Americans to protect them... and we failed. Now some are AWOL and some are being court-martialed. Whether or not you support their actions, it still remains that WE HAVE FAILED OUR DUTY to protect them by allowing Bush to "stay the course" despite all efforts to influence him to make changes (increase troops, etc.).
There is now An Appeal for Redress from the War in Iraq which states that:
"Many active duty, reserve, and guard service members are concerned about the war in Iraq and support the withdrawal of U.S. troops. The Appeal for Redress provides a way in which individual service members can appeal to their Congressional Representative and US Senators to urge an end to the U.S. military occupation. The Appeal messages will be delivered to members of Congress at the time of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January 2007."
The wording of the Appeal for Redress is short and simple. It is patriotic and respectful in tone:
Americans should be ashamed of themselves... we have deserted our troops, and "there is no more serious crime in the law of war".As a patriotic American proud to serve the nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to support the prompt withdrawal of all American military forces and bases from Iraq . Staying in Iraq will not work and is not worth the price. It is time for U.S. troops to come home.
We have failed our duty...
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Heartbreaking story, lessons learned
Last night's episode of Anderson Cooper covered the tragic death of James Kim and the horrific experience of his family. I'd heard the bits and pieces over the news, but I hadn't seen the videos of the road, the mountains, the car, the burned tires. I hadn't seen the maps showing the location of where Kim's family was found and Kim's long trek away from the car to where, tragically, his body was located. I was able to see how they took the wrong road and could understand why they kept driving, thinking that civilization would be just around the corner. I've been on mountains like those... here in Idaho, going to California, and up in northern Idaho where it borders Washington and Oregon.
I have two thoughts I want to share...
First of all, am I the only wife who can visualize my own family in this situation? I did not know Mr. Kim and, from what I saw last night, he obviously was a devoted family man, hard worker, and extremely intelligent. So, please do not think that my comments are in ANY WAY disparaging to his devotion, wisdom, or memory. But it occured to me that I could see MY husband (also a devoted family man, hard worker, and extremely intelligent) in the driver's seat... sincerely believing that his desired destination is just around the next bend. I don't know what happened between Mr. Kim and his wife during those hours of driving in the dark snowy frigid night... or during the nine days they were trapped in the lonely unforgiving wilderness with their two small children... but I know what it would have been like for my husband and me. Oh, I'd be pissed! I would have been the nagging wife for a while during the drive ("Do you know where you are going? Are you sure? Shouldn't we just turn around?") and then I would have been silently fuming ("Whatever. Just do what you want." Well, maybe NOT so silent, I guess!). While we were stuck on top of the mountain, I can picture us both frustrated and scared, neither emotions bringing out the best in us. Would we be snapping at each other? Would we be able to be strong and calm for our children? I don't know... I just know that my heart breaks for this family. I sincerely pray that Mr. Kim and his wife were stronger than I think my husband and I would be in the same situation. If they weren't, then I pray even harder for Mrs. Kim and her children, that God will help heal the wounds that came not from the cold or the lack of food, but from simply being scared human beings doing the best they could under the circumstances.
Those were the first thoughts that went through my head last night, as I watched and learned about the Kims' experience and trauma. As I realized how easily this tragedy happened to them, I became aware that my own family/vehicle would not be prepared for such an experience.
Remember the Stolpa family? When they were lost, I heard people criticizing their decisions... but do we really know how we would handle it if we were in the same situation? Surely, the Stolpas, the Kims, and my family aren't the ONLY ones who have taken wrong turns either due to unfamiliarity with the roads, fatigue, and/or poor visibility.
I want to take a moment to ask all of you who read this to take a few moments out of YOUR busy lives (especially busy during this holiday season) and make sure you have some emergency tools tucked away in your vehicles.
Rick Sanchez, CNN Correspondent, posted the following:
I want to add that coffee cans are rarely metal any more so just look for a large metal can like V-8 or pork-n-beans come in. I also want to suggest that the matches are kept in a waterproof container, whether Tupperware or Ziplock, just make SURE it's water proof. (Not all containers really are, as proven in my husband's lunchbox!)
We MUST also remember the THREE RULES:
I have two thoughts I want to share...
First of all, am I the only wife who can visualize my own family in this situation? I did not know Mr. Kim and, from what I saw last night, he obviously was a devoted family man, hard worker, and extremely intelligent. So, please do not think that my comments are in ANY WAY disparaging to his devotion, wisdom, or memory. But it occured to me that I could see MY husband (also a devoted family man, hard worker, and extremely intelligent) in the driver's seat... sincerely believing that his desired destination is just around the next bend. I don't know what happened between Mr. Kim and his wife during those hours of driving in the dark snowy frigid night... or during the nine days they were trapped in the lonely unforgiving wilderness with their two small children... but I know what it would have been like for my husband and me. Oh, I'd be pissed! I would have been the nagging wife for a while during the drive ("Do you know where you are going? Are you sure? Shouldn't we just turn around?") and then I would have been silently fuming ("Whatever. Just do what you want." Well, maybe NOT so silent, I guess!). While we were stuck on top of the mountain, I can picture us both frustrated and scared, neither emotions bringing out the best in us. Would we be snapping at each other? Would we be able to be strong and calm for our children? I don't know... I just know that my heart breaks for this family. I sincerely pray that Mr. Kim and his wife were stronger than I think my husband and I would be in the same situation. If they weren't, then I pray even harder for Mrs. Kim and her children, that God will help heal the wounds that came not from the cold or the lack of food, but from simply being scared human beings doing the best they could under the circumstances.
Those were the first thoughts that went through my head last night, as I watched and learned about the Kims' experience and trauma. As I realized how easily this tragedy happened to them, I became aware that my own family/vehicle would not be prepared for such an experience.
Remember the Stolpa family? When they were lost, I heard people criticizing their decisions... but do we really know how we would handle it if we were in the same situation? Surely, the Stolpas, the Kims, and my family aren't the ONLY ones who have taken wrong turns either due to unfamiliarity with the roads, fatigue, and/or poor visibility.
I want to take a moment to ask all of you who read this to take a few moments out of YOUR busy lives (especially busy during this holiday season) and make sure you have some emergency tools tucked away in your vehicles.
Rick Sanchez, CNN Correspondent, posted the following:
Here are a few things that Ken Brinks, a ranger with the Colorado State Parks, suggests keeping in the car at all times:
But the most important thing you can do, Ken says, is to tell somebody where you are going and when you expect to get there. If nobody knows where you are going, nobody knows where to look for you. Just like a pilot would, you gotta file a flight plan. [Read the complete posting here...]
- Blanket
- Candles
- Matches
- Flashlight
- Fluorescent tape (even just one piece of orange tape can be spotted by a helicopter)
- Shovel
- Water
- Couple of candy bars (but not chocolate -- chocolate can dehydrate you and so can, say, salted nuts)
- Coffee can to hold the candle (and melted water)
- CD to use as a reflector in case you see a helicopter
I want to add that coffee cans are rarely metal any more so just look for a large metal can like V-8 or pork-n-beans come in. I also want to suggest that the matches are kept in a waterproof container, whether Tupperware or Ziplock, just make SURE it's water proof. (Not all containers really are, as proven in my husband's lunchbox!)
We MUST also remember the THREE RULES:
- You can survive for three hours without shelter.
- You can survive for three days without water.
- You can survive for three weeks without food.
Pass this on to those you love. One of the biggest lessons I've learned from the Kims' tragedy is that it REALLY could happen to just about anyone.
Something more to think about (from Wikipedia):
Map and route controversy
The Kim incident produced rumors that the Kims had used online mapping to find their route.[25] However, later reports derived from police interviews with Kati Kim indicate that the Kims did not consult their laptop computers, but used a paper road map.[26] According to the Oregon State Police, the map they used was issued by the state of Oregon.[27]
During the hunt for the Kims, a number of computer users tested programs such as Google Maps and MapQuest to map the shortest route between the two towns. The programs reportedly listed Bear Camp Road, where the Kims got stuck, as the most efficient shortcut. The online mapping programs have apparently changed. As of December 7, 2006, maps indicate the drive along Interstate 5 and Oregon State Route 42 to U.S. Highway 101 as the preferred route between Roseburg and Gold Beach. Google Maps does recommend Bear Camp Road, however, as the route between Grants Pass and Gold Beach.
Bear Camp Road is rarely used even by local residents due to its difficult terrain and often inclement weather.[28] Furthermore, there are three yellow road signs that state: "Bear Camp Rd. May be blocked by snowdrifts"[29]
Bear Camp Road signage
However, the road on which the Kims got stuck was an offshoot of Bear Creek Rd. that was supposed to be locked by the Bureau of Land Management during the winter. BLM spokeswoman Patty Burel said, "It's supposed to be locked so people don't make that mistake." An investigation revealed that a vandal had cut the lock.[30]
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
These poor pathetic confused people...
When I first read it, I started laughing.
But after a minute, I pitied the author. She is so ignorant that she just doesn't get it.
BACKGROUND: During a LTE back and forth about politics where I (a liberal) was being criticized by others (conservatives), another letter basically stating "thumbs up" was sent in by someone I knew personally (NOT A FRIEND) in support of the conservative who vehemently disagreed with me. The intent of that letter was less supportive of the conservative's position and more to get a dig into me... but oh, how it actually backfired... and they are both too ignorant to see it.
This was my response to the poor pathetic fool who just doesn't know any better...
*****, you just don't understand that the Republicans hate everything your life represents. They object on moral and religious grounds your right to use legal abortion as a method of birth control. They want to eliminate the illegals/immigrants who have fathered two of your children (and the twins you aborted). They wouldn't understand why you do not have custody of your third child. They resent paying to house your oldest two children as guests of the correctional system. They wouldn't approve of your "living in sin" and having children out of wedlock. They want to take away the social services which have supported you as an uneducated single parent. I'm glad you have bettered your life, but did you access financial aid for your education? Republicans are slashing those resources as well.
*****, I won't pretend to know (the conservative) well, but from many of the conversations that she and I have had in the past, I have a pretty good idea that she would consider you something to scrape off the bottom of her shoe. If you continue to support people like (the conservative), you are going to support removing all of the resources that have helped you to be where you are today. Unfortunately, not only do you represent the type of American despised by conservatives but people like you also make it more difficult for liberals to fight for the rights that you've abused. In addition, I truly doubt (the conservative) would appreciate your "thumbs up".
I pity you for your ignorance.
As much as I find your letter amusing, I also find it pathetic. You are a poster child for Republican arguments against social programs and you don't even realize it.
[Edited 12/16/2006 and again 04/3/2016]
But after a minute, I pitied the author. She is so ignorant that she just doesn't get it.
BACKGROUND: During a LTE back and forth about politics where I (a liberal) was being criticized by others (conservatives), another letter basically stating "thumbs up" was sent in by someone I knew personally (NOT A FRIEND) in support of the conservative who vehemently disagreed with me. The intent of that letter was less supportive of the conservative's position and more to get a dig into me... but oh, how it actually backfired... and they are both too ignorant to see it.
This was my response to the poor pathetic fool who just doesn't know any better...
*****, you just don't understand that the Republicans hate everything your life represents. They object on moral and religious grounds your right to use legal abortion as a method of birth control. They want to eliminate the illegals/immigrants who have fathered two of your children (and the twins you aborted). They wouldn't understand why you do not have custody of your third child. They resent paying to house your oldest two children as guests of the correctional system. They wouldn't approve of your "living in sin" and having children out of wedlock. They want to take away the social services which have supported you as an uneducated single parent. I'm glad you have bettered your life, but did you access financial aid for your education? Republicans are slashing those resources as well.
*****, I won't pretend to know (the conservative) well, but from many of the conversations that she and I have had in the past, I have a pretty good idea that she would consider you something to scrape off the bottom of her shoe. If you continue to support people like (the conservative), you are going to support removing all of the resources that have helped you to be where you are today. Unfortunately, not only do you represent the type of American despised by conservatives but people like you also make it more difficult for liberals to fight for the rights that you've abused. In addition, I truly doubt (the conservative) would appreciate your "thumbs up".
I pity you for your ignorance.
As much as I find your letter amusing, I also find it pathetic. You are a poster child for Republican arguments against social programs and you don't even realize it.
[Edited 12/16/2006 and again 04/3/2016]
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Can't win with these people!
I would like to introduce you to two women in my town of Gooding.
One of them I've already mentioned in my blog, as she is the "compassionate conservative" Christian from my church who sent me that critical e-mail (asking me to pray and to stop hurting everybody with my political propaganda, etc.) after the Candlelight Vigil. I will call her "Bonnie" to protect her identity as she has only attacked me in private.
The other woman is Kathy Rooney. I will tell you HER name because she was willing to have her letter to the editor published in our local weekly. She and I started talking a couple of years ago regarding another local issue and, even though we have different philosophies, we could still have interesting discussions. Until the Candlelight Vigil. After the article came out in the Times-News, she also sent me a very angry e-mail with the usual Republican rant of how I'm unAmerican and dishonoring my brother, etc., and I was never to speak to her again.
Jump forward seven months.
After the news release came out in the Times-News about the start of Gooding Drinking Liberally, "Bonnie" (the Christian) became quite upset and has told others in my church about how angry she is at me. I truly doubt that she is concerned that I have developed a drinking problem or that she is praying for my soul. I guess she only wants me to stop causing her pain by reminding her that not everybody believes the way she does. Not that I've ever initiated any Democratic, liberal, antiBush, pro-peace discussions with her or even on church property... maybe she feels that she must protect the whole town of Gooding from my pagan influence or something.
As a result of her actions at my church and similar misperceptions, I wrote a letter to the editor to both the Leader and the Times-News in an attempt to clarify the situation. However, in order to satisfy "Bonnie's" needs, I upset Kathy.
Here is HER letter to the editor published in the Gooding County Leader:
"Bonnie", please call Kathy and explain to her why you were upset so because she seems to be very confused about it. Or Kathy, will you call "Bonnie" and explain to her why it isn't any big deal? Maybe she'll find it as hysterical as you do. Just leave ME out of your psychotic, control freak mental issues.
If anybody would like to respond to Kathy's letter, send it to Gooding County Leader.
One of them I've already mentioned in my blog, as she is the "compassionate conservative" Christian from my church who sent me that critical e-mail (asking me to pray and to stop hurting everybody with my political propaganda, etc.) after the Candlelight Vigil. I will call her "Bonnie" to protect her identity as she has only attacked me in private.
The other woman is Kathy Rooney. I will tell you HER name because she was willing to have her letter to the editor published in our local weekly. She and I started talking a couple of years ago regarding another local issue and, even though we have different philosophies, we could still have interesting discussions. Until the Candlelight Vigil. After the article came out in the Times-News, she also sent me a very angry e-mail with the usual Republican rant of how I'm unAmerican and dishonoring my brother, etc., and I was never to speak to her again.
Jump forward seven months.
After the news release came out in the Times-News about the start of Gooding Drinking Liberally, "Bonnie" (the Christian) became quite upset and has told others in my church about how angry she is at me. I truly doubt that she is concerned that I have developed a drinking problem or that she is praying for my soul. I guess she only wants me to stop causing her pain by reminding her that not everybody believes the way she does. Not that I've ever initiated any Democratic, liberal, antiBush, pro-peace discussions with her or even on church property... maybe she feels that she must protect the whole town of Gooding from my pagan influence or something.
As a result of her actions at my church and similar misperceptions, I wrote a letter to the editor to both the Leader and the Times-News in an attempt to clarify the situation. However, in order to satisfy "Bonnie's" needs, I upset Kathy.
Here is HER letter to the editor published in the Gooding County Leader:
An Opinion On Drinking Liberally
After reading the letter to the Editor by Diana Pauls in the March 16 paper, I couldn't help wondering if the prose was supposed to be tongue in cheek or serious. My reaction was total hilarity. It seems as if she were trying to reach three different groups of people about something that very few even care about.
When I first heard of "Drinking Liberally", I thought that the play on words was amusing and was somewhat surprised as I didn't think the far left possessed senses of humor. But then Diana had to make it even more amusing by having to explain the obvious to us. It certainly seemed condescending on her part but, to whom was she addressing? First the implications were that the conservative community would take umbrage at "drinking liberally".
That would imply that all conservatives practice "drinking conservatively" which, in my experience, definitely is not the case. I do admit that the whole idea of the "drinking Liberally" group did get some rather loud guffaws but these people that I encountered were not laughing at the message, but at the messengers.
The real conundrum is why Diana had to reassure everyone that she and her group are "good Christians" (making me think that is a prerequisite for joining the group) and had to divorce herself from the mainstream Democrat party. Possibly the party wanted to divorce the group. I'm sure that everyone wishes "Drinking Liberally" well in their networking as Long as not too many doorbells will be ringing in Gooding.
So, life will go on and nobody will care about the "Drinking Liberally" group and the only difference will be that some conservatives may be "drinking liberally" on Friday nights at another bar.
You might even find some people from the educational community there as they will probably feel safe that some "liberal Drinker" isn't lurking outside taking down their license plate numbers. But, that is another story in a very long saga of overly zealous causes.
Kathy Rooney
Gooding
"Bonnie", please call Kathy and explain to her why you were upset so because she seems to be very confused about it. Or Kathy, will you call "Bonnie" and explain to her why it isn't any big deal? Maybe she'll find it as hysterical as you do. Just leave ME out of your psychotic, control freak mental issues.
If anybody would like to respond to Kathy's letter, send it to Gooding County Leader.
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