Arches National Park

Arches National Park is a fascinating area! We spent the week end in Moab and hiked in the Park. The first picture is of Landscape Arch. What a span it is! A few years ago, a large slab fell from the right of the arch and we are no longer allowed to walk up under the arch. It is interesting to imagine the formation of this area over millenia, and one wonders how long it will be until Landscape Arch falls. Earth is ever changing! The second photo is of the balanced rock. On seeing these beautiful formations, I think how fortunate we are that there are no earthquakes in this area.

Remembering a great man.....

The 16th of January this year is a special day honoring one of the great men in the history of the United States. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., more than any other person, reminded us that we are all brothers and sisters. He spoke not only for the dark-skinned people, but for all of us, ever reminding us of the dignity of every human being. In a world in which violence plays such a large role, we need to remember his firm belief that only through non-violence can we change the world in a positive way. I hope that we all can not only know, but also live by, the principles which were such an important part of his life.

Alito for the Supreme Court

I watched some of the confirmation hearings for Samuel Alito. I watched the Senators questioning him, and I watched how he answered. I hear so many conflicting responses to this that I decided I should put down my own response to what I see.

As I watched, I was struck by the feeling that Alito, in his responses, was so much better prepared than any of his questioners, whether they were in favor or against him. Some say that he evades really answering the questions. However, it appeared to me, as a person with no judicial background, that he did a good job. Maybe better questions were needed, but he certainly responded within the context of the questions, and without expressing how he might deal with future cases. I was also struck by how very much more intelligent he appeared than the president who suggested him as the one to fill the vacant spot on the Supreme Court.

I realize that this is a lifetime appointment. I also know that I have some misgivings, particularly about his attitude toward executive power, and about his attitude toward abortion and women's rights. I think he will not be an exact replacement for the so-called swing vote of Sandra Day O'Connor. He will be himself, which always is somewhat different from the predecessor. Also, I have not read as much background material as have the Senators. However, from my limited perspective, if I had to vote on his confirmation, I would, at this time, vote to confirm him.

A new Knee!

January 6 was a special day. Arleta had a complete knee replacement. All went well, and after she gets over the pain and heals, it should be much better. She will be able to go up and down stairs again! Isn't it amazing what we can do with modern technology!

Please, No Spying On Us!

There has been a lot of controversy about the wiretapping that President Bush has allowed. Perhaps if I were a lawyer with some idea of all the complex issues involved, I could make a more informed assessment. But I am not. So I write down my thoughts and feelings about the situation as I see it.

I very much oppose the use of such powers. It seems to me that it takes away valuable, basic freedoms of Americans, freedoms on which the very nature of the life we believe in is based. From a layman's perspective, it seems to me that the President is behaving almost as a king. If so, he believes himself to be a benevolent king, only doing these things for the protection of us, his vassals. There has been far too much secrecy associated with this administration, and this secrecy is inimical to the way of life and the way of government that have developed since this country began. One of the arguments used is that Congress, after 9/11, gave the President the power to conduct the war. Which war? We first went into Afghanistan, then, without justification, into Iraq. Now the continuing justification is that we are in a global "war on terrorism." There have been too many mistakes made, and no admittance of the mistakes. Somehow, we need to change course, to find better ways of relating to the rest of the world, ways that do not have to take away our basic freedoms. My hope is that somehow, the Presicent will realize and admit this and make an effort to change the direction we are going. In the meantime, I say "please, no spying on us!"

A new day, a new week, a new month, a new year...

It is interesting to have the first of the year on a Sunday. Is the first of January significant? Only so far as we humans are concerned. Perhaps the 21st of December is, in a way, more significant because it represents the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, and days after that will be getting longer. However, celebration is built into us as humans. We need to celebrate. An what better celebration than the celebration of something new, of new beginnings.

We celebrated the passing of the old year by watching the New York Philharmonic Orchestra live from Lincoln Center, on PBS. What a treat it was! The orchestra was simply outstanding. Romainian soprano Angela Gheorgyiu sang a number of pieces from Italian opera. She is beautiful! And what a wonderful voice. I thought how great it would have been to have a seat in Lincoln Center, to see, to feel and to hear the program. But, through the miracle of television, it was brought into our living room. And, in a way, we had a better seat than any in Lincoln Center, because we could see the sweep of the auditorium at times, and at times we could focus in on each member of the orchestra.

We began the new year with the Vienna Philharmonic in a 250th birthday tribute to Mozart, again on PBS. It reminds us what a genius Mozart was, and the gift his life has given to humanity. Wonderful music! And some wonderful dancing, as well. Sometimes I think we are almost unaware of the great wonder of the human spirit. Programs like these remind us us this.