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6:01:00 AM EDT
Priorities (Reply)
(Picture Above: Khaki -- doing very well in new foster home)
MissKean Writes: I respect your point of view and your right to blog about anything you want and your right to vote however you want to come November. I don't get the feeling from your words that the feeling is mutual. This is what bothers me about your political posts. There is nothing wrong with having strong feelings; I just don't get the sense that you have much tolerance for any other point of view, like many of the commentators on political discussions on TV. They speak loudly and everything is totally black-and-white. This election and current affairs and all three candidates are more complicated than that. We all have things to learn from one another.
That's hard to write because I so respect your work and love reading about the animals. I sympathize terribly when your are down about the things you are seeing. And I would so love to hear how Charlotte and Khaki are doing.
Reply: First of all, thanks for taking the time to write and share your thoughtful and obviously informed views, most of which, I agree with.
Regarding your questions of Charlotte and Khaki, Charlotte was recently adopted and Khaki is now doing extremely well in a new foster home with two young women roommates.
It goes to prove that one should never judge or evaluate cats or dogs soley on how they behave in a shelter cage or a vet clinic (something that has been voiced on this blog hundreds of times).
Regarding your critique of my obviously impassioned political views, I understand that there are some who might come to this blog to read about animals and feel dismayed to see political viewpoint. I imagine that there are others moreover, who disagree with those assessments of the candidates and particular world view.
In writing this journal, though my main mission in life is saving and understanding animals, this is not to imply that either myself or anyone else in rescue is a one dimensional character with no life or interests outside of "the work."
On the contrary, I have sometimes voiced frustration on this blog with how those in animal rescue are often derogatively referred to as "cat (or dog) ladies" and totally identified with the work we do. Its as if in fighting for animals, we have somehow given up our identity and connection to the human race.
I can't even remember the last time someone called me to discuss anything other than animals!
So, yes, I occasionally take time on this blog to write about other things I care about from music, to swimming, to walks in the park with my dog to yes, politics.
It is said that if one doesn't want to alienate others, one should not talk of religion or politics.
Screw that.
I think religion and politics (along with animals) are among the MOST interesting things to talk about (or debate) as they are subjective and open to individual interpretation. That's what makes them all so fascinating.
I realize that there are some blogs that are political only and many others that focus on a particular subject.
For the most part, this one does, too: Animals.
But, most of all, this is a personal journal representing the author's viewpoints, experiences, knowledge, moods and opinions. It does not reflect or represent any organization, group, animal shelter or poltical party.
Indeed, I can't even profess to speak for all in animal rescue!
I realize that from time to time, things I say on this blog, whether about animals or anything else are going to rub some people the wrong way. I don't pretend to be a master of subtlety, political correctness or tactfulness.
Anyone who disagrees is free to post comments on the blog (as you did) and if so inclined, I will be happy to respond. In the few years of running this blog, I have only removed one comment and that was from a dog breeder trying to use the blog as some kind of platform to promote breeding or sell her charges.
The only comments not welcomed or allowed here are those completely contrary to the goals of animal sheltering, rescue and adoptions.
Finally, with regard to your analysis of the various flubs of the current poltical candidates, I totally agree with you that some get more media air time and attention than is warrented.
But, others are important because they go to issues of personal character, trustworthyness, judgment and preparedness for the job of President.
I believe that Mccain's mock singing of "Bomb, bomb, bomb, Iran" (though meant as a joke) was totally tasteless, unbecoming to someone running for President, represented bad judgment and is something that should give great pause in considering this man for President.
Hillary Clinton's hesitation, on the other hand, in giving a definitive assessment of Barack Obama's religion on 60 Minutes was to me, understandable. The interviewer pressed her on the question more than once and quite frankly, it is difficult to get inside another's head to know for sure, another's "heart" on religious matters.
I have, for example, mentioned being raised Catholic on this blog several times.
Those who know me would probably say, "She's Catholic -- as far as I know."
Does that make me a good and practicing Catholic? Does that mean I say prayers every night and go to Church?
Only those who know me very well or discussed religion with me personally could possibly answer that question with any kind of certainty.
I thus think Hillary Clinton was unfairly attacked for her answer on 60 Minutes.
There is, after all, a lot we don't know about Barack Obama's "Christian Trinity Church." As I understand, there are some controversies about it. The IRS is investigating it.
Finally, I wrote about Samantha Power's (former Foreign Relations Advisor to Barack Obama) bizarre name-calling and profanity-driven comments to a Scottish Reporter this past week, because of the grave and serious questions it raises.
Was this Harvard graduate and renowed author so naive and unprofessional that she had no clue her comments would be printed?
Or, was it a strategic decision betweenher and Obama to brand and smear his Presidential rival in a way that would surely garner headlines and world attention?
The Scottish paper that the journalist wrote for, ran a full page picture of Hillary Clinton with the one word quote, "Monster" on its cover.
I could be wrong but I don't think Ms. Power's comments were "accidental" and unplanned. Especially when she said, (Hillary) "will stoop to anything."
Barack Obama has personally said, "Hillary Clinton will do anything to win."
But, while one cannot prove intent here, one thing we do know:
At best, Power's comments were gutteral, extremely unprofessional and immature (something seemingly very out of character for an educated scholar).
Or, at worst, they were planned as way of viciously labeling Hillary Clinton.
In either case, we as voters with the responsibility of electing the next President of the United States should be very, very concerned.
In summation, although this blog is primarily about animals, animal rescue and adoption, when the circumstances call for it, it can and will be about other matters and issues.
We have to choose priorities carefully. -- PCA
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Part 1:
Thank you for your response. As I told you in my original post, I support your right to post whatever views you care to on your blog.
We all have a different way of looking at the world. Because of our different views, you look at Senator Clinton's remarks on 60 Minutes in a forgiving light, and I do the same for the "monster" remark. This is what makes life interesting. I just wish we could all speak with one another in this country in a more accepting and less divisive way. What a toll the last eight years have taken on us! When I read some of the comments people post on political forums on the internet, it can turn my stomach. Not only do people use the n-word, but they still, endlessly accuse Obama of being a Muslim as well as the "Antichrist." A Congressman from Ohio said the other day (in front of TV cameras) that Muslim terrorists would dance in the streets if Obama were elected! I would decry words like that about any of the three candidates. It's appalling.
Lisa -
Sure am glad to hear the good news about Charlotte and fairly good news about Khaki, who I hope lands his perfect home soon.
And from this non-Christian lifelong catlover/advocate, I may or may not agree with your political views, but I defend your right to blog about 'em and hey, if I disagree, I can either shut up and refrain from posting (my usual choice) or I can post and engage in what I suppose might be a spirited debate.
But animals, particularly cats, will always be my #1 love and priority, conversationally and otherwise. Keep up your wonderful work on their behalf -- and whoever gets elected, may they exercise their compassion and leadership on behalf of the voiceless, the blameless, and the vulnerable. That's all I ask!
3/9/08 8:14 PM
As to the IRS investigating Obama's church, I hope you might think about it pretty carefully in spite of your feelings about him. Are you aware of how many right wing Christian churches had their preachers advocating for the Bush-Cheney ticket four years ago? Churches are non-profit organizations and as such are not permitted to endorse or support any political candidate. Senator Obama gave a talk a year ago in his church about faith and public life. It was scheduled long before he declared for the presidency, and no politicking was done inside the church. Patti, four years ago the President of the Southern Baptist Convention hosted a huge reception for Bush and Cheney, not in a church building, but his views went out to thousands of pastors and then to millions of parishioners. Churches have been turned into PACS by the Republicans. What hypocrisy to now turn around and investigate the church of a contender for the Democratic nomination for President! Please think about who the real villain is in this scenario.
And now I'll pipe down....
How incredible that Charlotte, who was described by ACC as giving up on life, has found a new home, and kudos to the person who adopted her for taking in a dog who is older and whose housetraining is spotty. Wonderful. Please keep giving us the good news like this as it brightens up what can seem like such a troubled world. Good luck with Khaki. And thanks for helping them.
Lisa