A story part 1

"It's been said that Roosevelt knew about the attack on Pearl Harbor before the Japanese struck. What I'm proposing is no different."

Harold Krenshaw adjusted his jacket lapels and tugged his sleeves out of his Armani suit. He cleared his throat and looked expectantly at the Chancellor. When no reply came, Krenshaw continued, "We have an opportunity here. If you decide to turn a blind eye here, we can gain the power needed toeradicate the growing threats from rising extremist groups."

The Chancellor looked at Krenshaw silently then turned his head to face the bookcase by the picture window of his office. He stared intensely at the spines of the books that had inspired him to reach his office. Could they offer him any moral guidance to such a pressing question? His eyes drifted off into the city beyond.

Flash Bang

Take a step through the existential
doorway to tomorrow never comes
clean your mouth of bad words
unspoken truths spread the gap
teeth bared in the heat of battle
scars on a broken body
bag the filthy trash
can of cornbread mix
well of despair

Wake up and see the night
sky blue paintings hang
man with noose in hand
balls fly through the room
temperature rises higher
grounds for arrest

Fall into the daily swing
dance away the clock
face the reflection

jealous

I realized the other day that I am jealous of women. This arises from my desire to have children, specifically Jewish children. If you are aware of tradition, my children will not be Jewish unless their mother is a Jew. It seems that my power to share great heritage, culture, history is non-existent. I can only find the woman and choose there, but I feel it is wrong to deny love for that. I just wish I could pass that along.

Say What?

So, I watched Ann Coulter on the Big Deal with Donnie Deutsch tonight and I feel compelled to mention two (yes, I'm holding back) really stupid things she said/implied.

1. Democrats were too weak during the Cold War and should have been aggressive. This can only mean that she believes America should have gone to war with the USSR and to hell with nuclear weapons. If we hit them first we win. Also, weren't most of the presidents during those years republican? If the democrats weren't doing things right, why were the republicans doing the same?

2. "It took the Germans 50 years to set up a running democracy after World War II." Yes it took 50 years for all of Germany to become a democracy. It took three years for West Germany and then another 47 years for East and West Germany to combine. Well shit, I bet if Germany wasn't occuppied by the USSR the whole country would have got it together within four years. Ignoring major facts weaken arguments. Oops.

Remember to watch and read what the Right is saying, because they are in charge and most of the country buys what they are selling.

Childhood

Having turned 22 recently and the recent release of Disney's The Little Mermaid on DVD, I feel it is time to state this to the world at large. The Little Mermaid is by and far my favorite Disney film. I remember going to see it in the theaters when I was five--cute, naive, and happy. I went with a little girl named, Ariel. Coincidence, I think so. The film reminds me of that when, a time where I can only remember blue sunny skies and complete freedom to be whoever I wanted to be. After all of these years, the film still gives me hope of succeeding at life, finding love, and living happily ever after. Also, the music is amazing. I think it is partly responsible for my love of theater and especially musical theater.

All of that being said, I'd like to add that I think Ariel was my first crush and she will probably always have a little hold on my heart.

Consider this

You've just finished your $30 thousand a year education. You are returning to your home country and applying for a job. You've dressed in your interview attire, a strong make a good impression business suit with coordinating power tie. Everything about you says, "Yes, I am ready to succeed." As you walk up to the building, which is certainly more of a warehouse than offices, you start to think about the advertisement in the paper. Work. Fast-paced, exciting opportunities. On-site training. Wages--a typo if you've ever seen one. You are eager to become a member of the working world.
You are greeted at the door and led in. Entering the building you can feel the muffled air and a staleness, not so foreign to spending the late nights finishing assignments in the library basement. The manager takes you into his office.
"So, what makes you think you would be good for this job?"
"Well, I graduated SSU (so and so university) with honors."
"Yes, your resumé does seem impressive."
"Thank you, sir."
"However, I regret to say that I do not think you are quite qualified for the job."
"How so? I can learn fast and am hard-working. The advertisement even states that there is 'on-site training.'"
"Yes, I am aware of what the advertisement says. Even so, we cannot hire you. I am sorry."
As you walk out the manager's office, you survey the factory-like setting and start to realize...you've just applied to work at a sweatshop. You, who were told you could get a job anywhere and paid anything, just applied at a sweatshop. Not only that, but you weren't even hired. You applied to work in a sweatshop and were denied.

Pants

I bought a pair of jeans today. I hadn't bought a pair of jeans for many years and I'd cleaned my drawers of any ill fitting pairs--all of them. So, I've gone a year without jeans and haven't had much difficulty other than occassionally wanting the comfort and durability of denim. Naturally I was pleased to buy the jeans, but as the day progressed I kept finding more and more joy from such an ordinary purchase. It amazes me how excited I can get by owning a pair of Old Navy, regualr cut, 30x30 jeans.