Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A Rant and Music For My Mother

For the most part I am avoiding politics for now. It's too depressing and my mind is too mushy to sort it out. But I am going to include a portion of Tom Friedman's op-ed piece in the morning NYT.

I don't know what will do this country in first; our addiction to oil, climate change, Afghanistan or the absolutely stupid members in Congress who fail repeatedly to do anything about the dangers. Here is what Tom had to say:

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Long after BP’s oil is gone, we’ll still be fighting for survival against a much more serious enemy — our sinking, crumbling delta. Our coast is like a cancer patient who has come down with pneumonia. That’s serious, but curable. After the fever breaks, he’ll still have cancer.”

That’s where the Senate has failed miserably. There are three things it should be doing for the gulf and our other vital ecosystems. First, taking out some minimal insurance against climate change by reducing our carbon emissions; this region is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and the more intense storms that climate change will bring. Second, set us on a path to diminish our addiction to oil so we don’t have to drill in ever-deeper waters. And, finally, provide the federal funding to restore America’s critical ecosystems. The Senate abandoned the first two but is still working on the third.

The Senate’s failure to act is a result of many factors, but one is that the climate-energy policy debate got disconnected from average people. We need less talk about “climate” and more about how conservation saves money, renewable energy creates jobs, restoring the gulf’s marshes sustains fishermen and preserving the rain forest helps poor people. Said Glenn Prickett, vice president at the Nature Conservancy: “We have to take climate change out of the atmosphere, bring it down to earth and show how it matters in people’s everyday lives.”

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If that makes your blood boil I am going to post some soothing music. You are free to listen (or not.)

My mother did not play an instrument,but she loved music.
You'll Never Walk Alone and I Believe were two of her favorites. This is for you, Mom. I wish you were here to listen.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings You'll Never Walk Alone.


Kiri Te Kanawa sings I Believe



Morton Gould plays Malaguena



Sasha Cohen ice Skating to Malaguena Mom would have loved this, too. I was unable to decide which Malaguena to embed. Morton Gould has the better orchestration, but you get ice skating with this version. Pick Your Poison.

10 comments:

Ashleigh Burroughs said...

The music was just the balm I needed after (re)reading Friedman's excerpt.
As we wait patiently for our monsoons to live up to their name, I've been playing your embedded music and smiling. We desert rats must stick together, after all!
a/b

Hattie said...

It's the big disconnect. Since no one has to fight in the wars we have going on if they don't want to, we have this idea that we can just go along putting ourselves and our immediate concerns first while the rest of the world goes to hell.
And when the bill comes due we whine and complain about how unfair it all is.

Rain Trueax said...

Well you should be pleased at the judge's decision to suspend most of Arizona's law for now. I am also as I agree with her that this should be settled in the courts before it is implemented. If it's unconstitutional, then it is best it wasn't already applied to the harm of some people. If it turns out to be constitutional, some time right now is good to get it right.

Having a few days on a lake and away from all news was good for me. I get tired of the rants whether I agree or disagree. It just stirs us all up and how healthy can that be? Voting times come soon enough and then we can do something but right now we can only get high bp or ulcers.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Oh my - beautiful songs for the Spirit.
Darlene, have a wonderful day and know in your heart that you are appreciated and loved.

Joy Des Jardins said...

Loved the music Darlene....so calming. Now you know why I don't get into politics on my blog...or in general if I don't have to. I'm not fond of getting embroiled and stirred up in that frustrating way. I lived with a man for 38 years who was VERY into the discussion and debate of politics...that was enough for me; now I tend to add my two cents only when I really feel like it. I find it makes for a much more relaxed and healthier existence. Big hugs to you sweetie...Joy

Darlene said...

*Ashleigh Burroughs - Thank you for your visit. It's so refreshing to see a new name in my comment section. I hope you will return. Are you in Tucson, Phoenix, or another place?

*Hattie - You hit on the right word - disconnect. Well put.

*Rain - You are so right about ranting now raising our BP or causing ulcers. I am just avoiding as much as I can to stay healthy. ;-)

*One Woman's Journey - Thank you so much for your sweet words. You made my day. You are loved, too.

*Joy Des Jardins - I think we are all a little weary of politics right now. I know I am. Big Hugs back 'atcha.

Kay Dennison said...

Ranting is therapeutic!!!!

And I loveeeeeeee the music!!!

Darlene said...

*Kay Dennison - Thank you, Kay. You are a sweetie.

naomi dagen bloom said...

Excellent idea to balance out the politics with music. Yet I expect you will return with more thoughts on issues of importance to you. Looking forward...

Darlene said...

*Naomi Dagen Bloom - Thank you.