Those of you who know me well, know that I am patriotic almost to the point (but not quite) of being jingoist. I consider myself one of this country’s biggest and most enthusiastic cheerleaders.
Occasionally, however, I come across a story that makes me wonder why, if the USA is such a great country, we are still faced by seemingly intractable problems such as homelessness. The story of Bessie Mae Berger, a 97-year-old homeless woman is one of those stories.
Bessie’s story appeared on today’s L.A. Times. As I read about the plight of this sweet 97-year-old woman, forced to live out of her vehicle, I became angrier and angrier. I became angry at the bureaucratic labyrinth that keeps this woman out on the streets. I became angry at a society that turns a cold shoulder to its most vulnerable citizens. Finally, I became angry with a government that spends billions of MINE and YOUR tax dollars to bail out banks and prop up useless ruthless dictators while Bessie and millions of people like her are forced to go hungry and sleep out on the streets.
That something like this happens everyday in Third World nations is unforgiveable – that it should also happen daily in the richest country in the world is downright criminal.
Click here for a photo (video and audio) essay about Bessie and her two sons. (WARNING: Some of the images will break your heart): Bessie’s Story – Photo Slide Show
For previous stories about the plight of the homeless, click on the links below:
I hope that you will become as angry as I became while reading about Bessie. More importantly, however, I hope that Bessie's story moves you to take action. I have previously described some of the things that even ordinary citizens like you and I can do to help the homeless. There is no excuse for sitting on our hands and doing nothing.
The time to take action is NOW.
Tomorrow may be too late for Bessie and for our homeless brothers and sisters.
Dear SP, your mom was well-loved by her friends and family - in fact, by any one who ever met her.
You know how much my daughter and I loved your mom and how much in debt we will always be to her (and to your family). Your mom's generosity of heart and largeness of spirit made a huge difference in our lives. We will always miss her.
Here is a selection of some of your mom's favorite music. The last song, "No Quiero Llanto," really reminds me of her. She did not want tears or sorrow at her death, she wanted everyone to dance a good "guaguanco" together with Celia Cruz.
No Sunday Comics today. I apologize for the missing comics, but today was a busy day for me. I will try harder next Sunday...I promise, really, I promise!
All is not lost, however.
First, here is a version of Baby Blues edited by our very talented Teressa "Tess" Adamski. Thank you Tess!
(Click on image for a large view.)
Finally, some Cuban music, from Ibrahim Ferrer and the Buena Vista Social Club, to get your new week started on the right note. Have a wonderful week!
Today was not a very good day for a bike ride. Highs winds made it difficult to pedal through. Even worse, the high winds carry a lot of dust that gets into your eyes, nose and mouth. Ventura County is an agricultural county – everywhere you go, there are large farms. For the most part, the farmland is beautiful to behold; when it is windy, however, a lot of that farm dust gets airborne and it can present a problem for people engaged in outdoor sports. The airborne dust can carry residual chemical used in farming – this is not good for the lungs of a bike rider or runner (probably not good for the lung of the farmers either).
While the high winds made it difficult for me to pedal for more than 15 miles, the winds provided some beautiful and interesting photo opportunities. So let me share with you a few of the shots that I took today during my ride.
Hope you enjoy looking at the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them!
(Be sure to click on image for larger view.)
Three pelicans flying in formation.
One of the pelicans broke formation, leaving just two flying together.
This is the pelican that broke formation. Look at the beautiful feathers. If you are going to "shoot" animals, this is the way to do it. With a camera and NOT with a rifle.
It was so windy that most of the birds just sat on the rocks and did not take flight. Here is a family of seagulls. The two white ones out in front are the mom and dad, the rest (with the baby grey feathers) are the "kids." Notice how the parents protect the rest of the flock by standing out in front and taking the brunt of the wind's forces. Good parents!
This guy was just staring at me, wondering if I had any food for him.
This seagull flew so close by that I felt like I could almost touch him.
This guy is just looking out at the waves, he is probably wondering where all the beachgoers and surfers had gone to. (Beachgoers bring food that the seagulls eat.) Or maybe he is just wondering when the winds will die down so he can go fishing again.
When it is too windy to fly, many seagulls will just take to the water and ride out the waves.
Waves!
More waves.
Even more waves. On the background you can see the outline of the Channel Islands.
The high winds churned up the waters, making it impossible for surfers and swimmers to take to the water.
A rare Southern California sight - a Sunday without surfers.
I hope that you enjoyed these few shots from a Sunday afternoon by the beach.
Here is a little music to help you get started on your weekend. Remember, you gotta be strong, you gotta be bold, you gotta love and be loved!
DES’REE - You Gotta Be…
You Gotta Be…(lyrics)
Listen as your day unfolds Challenge what the future holds Try and keep your head up to the sky Lovers, they may cause you tears Go ahead release your fears Stand up and be counted Don't be ashamed to cry
You gotta be You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together All I know, all I know, love will save the day
Herald what your mother said Reading the books your father read Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time Some may have more cash than you Others take a different view My oh my, heh, hey
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together All I know, all I know, love will save the day
Don't ask no questions, it goes on without you Leaving you behind if you can't stand the pace The world keeps on spinning You can't stop it, if you try to This time it's danger staring you in the face
Remember Listen as your day unfolds Challenge what the future holds Try and keep your head up to the sky Lovers, they may cause you tears Go ahead release your fears My oh my heh, hey, hey
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together All I know, all I know, love will save the day
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together All I know, all I know, love will save the day
