Monday morning water cooler

This is your open thread. Use it to post links, quotes you like, news of upcoming community events, and maybe - this being Thanksgiving week - a few words of gratitude. We'll do this every Monday. Here are two events to get us started:

Tuesday, November 21: The Idaho Peace Coalition will show a film called "Iraq: The Other Side of the Story - Soldiers Speak Out" at 7 p.m. at 1520 N. 12th St., Boise. A discussion will follow the film. Child care will be provided.

Wednesday, November 22: Boise's 24th annual Thanksgiving Ecumenical and Interfaith Service is set for 7:30 p.m. at St. John's Cathedral at the corner of 8th and Hays streets in the capital city. Participants are asked to bring canned food for the Idaho Food Bank, and a collection will be taken to benefit the Interfaith Sanctuary, which offers food and shelter to homeless individuals and families with children.

What are you most thankful for these days?

Comments

[Jessica]

My wonderful friends and family who support me and love me despite my imperfections. Especially my mom and a few other friends who never grumble when I talk about Jana Jones and how wonderful she is.

Lastly, I am thankful for Jana Jones and the class she exhibited during the dirty campaign Lunatic ran against her. Jana is a class act and Idaho's public education will suffer without her at the helm. I am also thankful for the courage she exhibited during the debate with Lunatic when she didn't back down on her stance against HJR 2. Many Idaho Democrats would've backed down when confronted with their views on HJR 2 three consecutive times during a debate, Jana did not. Her courage is awe inspiring, she is my hero.

[Elizabeth]

As four military aircraft flew low over our house yesterday, I was grateful that I don't live in a part of the world where jets and helicopters constantly circle, dropping bombs and missiles.

I’m amazed and thankful that I can turn on the tap and get clean, cool water from my own well, when so many people, especially babies perish every day all over the world, for lack of safe drinking water.

My Mom is 82, relatively healthy, and physically fit, able to drive, garden and travel occasionally. We combined households a few years ago, did a remodel, and now share a property together. I’m very grateful that she can be close by, and that we can continue to care for each other.

You’d think, as old as I am, I would learn not to drink mimosas, without having something to eat too. For putting up with the bad moods and tantrums that result from such indulgences, I’m thankful every day for my kind and loving husband.

And I’m still amazed and humbled by Jerry Brady, Jim Hansen and Larry Grant for providing leadership and inspiration, and being willing to present themselves as candidates for Idaho. We missed a great opportunity with Brady, but I’m grateful that he did run, and that Jim and Larry are still willing to do it all again.

Thanks to Julie for RSR and giving us the up-to-date low-down, a chance to express our opinions, have productive discussions and make connections with other members of our community. Keep up the good work.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

[MountainGoat]

Ah...the wisdom of President Bush. Today's gem:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061120/ap_on_re_as/bush

"I believe the vast majority of people want to live in moderation and not have extremists kill innocent people," the president said. "And so, therefore, our policies are to promote that kind of form of government...."

Yes, I think he's onto something...yes...a majority of people don't want to be killed. Ahhh...such wisdom....

I'm thankful it's less than two more years now.

[Diana Rowe Pauls]

I am thankful that my husband is steadily employed where, even if his hourly wages aren't that great, his 100+ hours/week provide just barely enough income during the summer that I can stay home with our children.

I am thankful that we are all healthy because we don't have insurance. I am thankful my three boys aren't begging me to let them play football. It's hard enough with sledding and "I can fly" accidents!

I am thankful I live in a small town. Even though speaking up about my opinions has lost me friends, my church, and job opportunities, I now know who my REAL friends are. They were the ones who not only showed up to help me stagger through the weeks after the loss of my brother, but have not abandoned me as I process and vent about political issues.

I am thankful for technology which allows me to make new friends, connect with old friends, learn about what's going on, and share my own personal thoughts and feelings. It saves wear and tear on my own household as well as keeps me from throwing bricks through the television during certain Press Conferences!

I am thankful for knowing that there are individuals in Gooding and throughout Idaho who feel the way I do and are willing to speak up about it, so I am not nearly so alone. I am thankful for role models such as Julie, Kathie, Bridget, Cindy Sheehan, and more... who, through their own actions and strength and wisdom, help me feel stronger and braver.

I am thankful for my faith in God, who I believe shares my heartbreak and frustration over my family's loss and divisions, current events, greed, and hypocrisy. He gives me strength to make it through another day. He has provided many blessings in my life and I am grateful to Him. Even on the days where I am overwhelmed with fear about issues and situations which seem bigger than I am, He is here for me and offers me comfort through His many gifts including those in the shape of my face-to-face friends and my on-line friends. Even during the darkest moments, I know that He is providing my strength to survive and helping me learn from those times.

I am very blessed.

[Diana Rowe Pauls]

I forgot to add that I am thankful that I live in District #25 with two Democrat Representatives and one Democrat Senator--all three who ran unopposed in this recent election. I am very thankful for Wendy, Donna, and Clint and all that they do!

[Julie in Boise]

Thank you all for your eloquence.

I am very busy right now, working to finish an update of my Lewis and Clark guidebook by the deadline three weeks from this Friday. I am thankful to usually have good work and plenty of it, though - truth be told - I could have used a bit of a break after the election. I will finally get that break the last two weeks of this year, and I look forward to spending it with my family (for whom I am very thankful).

There was a great cartoon in the paper today, "Mutts" by Patrick McConnell. Its one panel shows a very happy dog bounding toward its owner, who is bearing a big bowl of food. The only other thing in the strip was this quote by Mesier Eckhart:

"If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice."

And for me, that has to suffice right now!

[Adam Graham]

One thing I'll talk about here:

Presient Bill Sali of the 2006 House Republican Freshman class.

[Diana Rowe Pauls]

I'll add to that...
I'm thankful for all forms of amusement... Laughter is the best medicine and all.

[Julie Fanselow]

I seriously thought maybe Adam was playing a prank on us, but he's not. And yet it's still hilarious. Thanks, Adam. Frankly, I can't wait to see BS' extremist views run through the national wringer.

[Alan]

I just wonder which letter Adam left out of the word "Presient." Was it a "d" or a "c"? I know Adam's a big fan, but does he think Bill is prescient?

[MountainGoat]

Alan, that's some funny stuff right there.

[Mary E. Rohlfing]

I'm thankful for the gift of life and all that goes with it.
Peace, ya'll.

[Jessica]

I am thankful that even though I will be alone on Thanksgiving, I will be okay and even if I didn't want to be alone, I have lots of friends and co-workers who have offered their homes as places I could celebrate.

[Irwin Horowitz]

I'm not going to post a "thankful" post, even though I am thankful that it appears our long national nightmare is coming to an end with the recent election results (despite the tragedy that continues to be Idaho). Rather, I am commenting on a letter that appeared in the Nov. 18 edition of the Idaho Statesman (BTW, I saw your letter Julie) and the op-ed piece that I just wrote in response. The letter was written by Mr. Shaun Frederick and the link is
http://www.idahostatesman.com/127/story/60542.html

Below, I've appended the text of my response, in the event the Statesman chooses not to publish it.
----------------------------------
In modern society, devout Christians don't understand why they are frequently the target of ridicule, scorn and animosity. A letter by Mr. Shaun Frederick, published in the Nov. 18 edition of the Idaho Statesman, aptly demonstrates why this occurs. In this letter, in which Mr. Frederick attempts to defend the practice of openly celebrating Christmas by rejecting the use of the more universal greeting of "Happy holidays", he manages instead to offend anyone who chooses not to celebrate this holiday. He writes "So if you don't like Christ in front of mas this year, go ahead and celebrate. Just kindly keep it to yourselves, or move your holiday to another date." This statement reeks of intolerance and religious bigotry. Is this the image that Christians wish to project in our multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society? If it is, then it certainly seems to speak poorly of so-called "Christian values." Most practicing Christians that I know would want nothing to do with Mr. Frederick's brand of religious intolerance. He goes on to claim that "this just seems, well, normal and right to rational-minded people like myself." I hadn't realized that intolerance and narrow-mindedness were hallmarks of rational-minded people. I consider myself quite rational and open-minded and to me, Mr. Frederick's venomous letter isn't normal nor is it right.

As for his call that others should move the dates of their celebrations, perhaps a little history lesson is in order. These other celebrations generally predate the early celebrations of Christmas by several centuries or more. The Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah, addresses events that occurred over 150 years before the assumed birth of Jesus. Pagan celebrations of the winter solstice have apparently been around for thousands of years, perhaps dating back to the dawn of civilization itself. And most biblical scholars tend to agree that the birth of Jesus did not occur in the latter part of December, but rather in the late springtime. The primary reason that Christmas is celebrated at this time of year is that the Roman emperor Constantine, in the 4th century, A.D., decreed that December 25th be chosen as the date for this holiday in order to consolidate it with the various pagan religious festivals celebrating the solstice in Roman society. Indeed, some of the traditions associated with Christmas have their origins in those ancient pagan festivals, such as decorating trees and exchanging gifts. Given the historical evidence, I would be inclined to suggest that if anyone should move the date of their holiday, it is the Christians. However, I am not an intolerant bigot, so if Christians wish to continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus in late December, those of us who choose to honor other traditions, or no traditions at all, should have no problem with this choice. Just don't try to impose upon us or limit our rights to religious freedom. I close by offering my greetings to all during this holiday season: Have a Merry Solstice and a Happy Perihelion!

[Diana Rowe Pauls]

If I understood his letter accurately, perhaps he didn't notice that Idaho does NOT have an MLK Day... it's "Civil Rights Day"... I remember hearing lots of jokes about being unwilling to name a holiday after an African American... now I know people who call it "Black Monday"... which is MUCH more offensive than "Happy Holidays".

{gee, did I give a glimpse into how FUN my world is down here in Magic Valley??}

Great letter, BTW...

[Julie Fanselow]

Good letter, Irwin. Yes, the "War on Christmas" is here again. I recently wrote an essay on this topic that I hope to sell to a national outlet. I'll post a link if I do ...

Diana, actually the Idaho holiday is called Martin Luther King Jr-Idaho Human Rights Day. Click my name for the 2006 proclamation. Though I have a vague memory that you may be right and originally MLK *wasn't* mentioned in Idaho, or that the holiday went for some years without being declared here. But in any case, we're up to speed now.

[Jessica]

I want to give a special shout out to my best friends, because they put up with me and sometimes I wonder why. Moon, Kristi, Toni, Kim, and Chrissy are all wonderful people and have taught me so much. I love you all and I hope we always remain friends.

[sharon fisher]

I am thankful that I have my daughter, my family (even if technically I'm divorced), a roof over my head, food to eat, good health, freedom, and an audience for my writing.

[Diana Rowe Pauls]

Thanks, Julie, for clarifying that for me. It may not be a surprise to you (as a former Magic Valley resident) that the local media and citizens probably do not discuss MLK or civil rights in general very often. ha ha

[Julie Fanselow]

I hear ya, Diana.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and enjoy some more time with family and friends - or even just some quality time with your favorite couch - this weekend.

Thank you all for your words of gratitude.