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Where was all of this uproar when they started making us take off our shoes? This is the next inevitable step in the direction Homeland Security and the TSA have been going since 9/11. Everybody acts like it just got bad. Come on maaaaaaaan?!?!

I am of the INCREDIBLY unpopular opinion (and have been for quite some time) of reverting to what it was on 9/10/01. Sure we may have some more attacks but relinquishing our freedoms makes it hard to be free. It's not even about the terrorists winning. It's about us winning.
The entire world deals with terrorism, why shouldn't we? Are we a better pedigree of human being? No, we're not. My life and my sons life are worth no more than an Afghan family who is torn between alliances with NATO troops and local Taliban. I recognize that I live in a place where I don't have to decide and so that is why I will be on the first flight with security rollbacks...with my son Miles.

Ben, I wholeheartedly agree that we should and could start addressing diplomatic ends to coincide with lessening restrains at the airport, but more importantly, the strains of our fear. What has fear done for you lately? Has it helped? Has it payed your rent or your mortgage? Has it gotten you a job? Has it helped raise your kid? Has it gotten you laid? Has it helped the your favorite team beat the Yankees?

In the words of FDR, "Fuck fear and the Fox News broadcast it rode in on." (I may be paraphrasing.)

War

Happy Veterans Day!



There are two wars being fought that America has a direct involvement in. One war in Iraq. Another in Afghanistan. The one in Iraq started in 2003. Afghanistan even earlier in 2001. These are wars on terror. The total number of American troops killed to date are around 5,500. Total civilian deaths are around 60,000. And the money? Check this out.

What about post traumatic stress disorder? Or is a troop a pussy if they are 'just shell shocked?' Aren't they told to 'get over it?' Isn't there a stigma against troops who try and get help after they have come home from killing people? What if these troops didn't kill anyone? What if they just tortured different locals for information? Why do people on the left scream and yell at the military for torture but now that Obama has taken over the wars, see no issue with the killing of civilians? Would you rather be water boarded or decapitated? Regardless, what is the mental strain of performing these acts? And why is there a stigma?

And what about the husbands and wives of our troops? Are we doing everything we can to ensure their quality of life? Doing everything we can for their families? Does supporting them in any fiscal way go against the Tea Party principles? Isn't it a little socialist of us to provide entitlements for these folks and their families? Shouldn't the Tea Party look into making huge cuts in defense if they want to lower the debt?

What about the countries we are in? What's going on in Iraq right now? Are the vendors in the streets of Baghdad coming back? Are kids going to school in Tikrit? Are girls still being doused with acid on their way to school in the mountains above Kandahar? Is the NE border region, a place appropriately dubbed 'Swat Valley' safe? Are we making progress?

W was interviewed yesterday by Matt Lauer and said that he doesn't regret going into Iraq without WMD's. An apology wouldn't change the way I feel about the man. No matter the amount of rhetoric, I never thought he was an evil man, just stupid. An apology at this point would be like Buckner apologizing for 1986 or Costner apologizing for everything, needless and way too late. But as a self serving exercise, you may want to reconsider Mr. President.

It's no wonder that so many people hate Muslims. We have been killing and torturing each other for awhile now. They hate us in some of the same ways we hate them. For just being who they/we are. I like to think there are a lot of people in Iraq and Afghanistan who think the same way that I do. They don't hate Americans, they hate war. They want this to be done.

This Veterans Day I'm thinking, writing, and asking questions about war. None of the politicians that ran in the midterms on either side did this. Some of my questions have answers. Some don't. Some are skewed by my being a liberal and some are bipartisan, (because all questions involving government and defense have to viewed through this lens right?)

I encourage you to ask questions. Have uncomfortable conversations about war. Write a poem about Kabul. Watch Saving Private Ryan. Tell a person in uniform thank you. Create opportunities to think about it and not ignore it. Understanding and discourse are the only way that war ends.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." - Jesus Christ

Oh yeah, also, end this bullshit.

The Crap Heard Round The World

Let's list off some things that I'm proud of:

1. Being a Red Sox fan
2. Going to Haiti after the earthquake
3. Subsequently getting a non profit job that works in Haiti
4. Traveling around the world by myself
5. Being part of a successful arts non-profit
6. Never hesitating to speak my mind
7. Having an abundance of people to love in my life who also love me
8. My strong relationship with God
9. Dating women that are far more attractive than me
10. Having a strong moral sense

There are a few more but you catch my drift. Many of you know that I have a three year old son named Miles. I am proud of him every single day. Perpetually. That pride stays at a single level, which is pretty high, but from day to day, steady. Last night may have been one of the proudest moments of my life.

After months of trying, my son finally pooped on the potty.

Now, at first glance, this might seem odd. 'Why all the pride?' Last night was an achievement. I felt last night the way that I will feel when; he brings home his first A+, he hits his first home run, he asks a girl out, or any one of the 'fit for a Tom Hanks' movie moments.

He sat on the potty for 20 minutes like he had done so many times before, while I took a shower. I got out and was putting on deodorant when an unseemly voice behind me said, 'I pooped.' I thought, yeah right and then I looked. My face exploded with joy and pride and so did Miles'. I picked him up and twirled around. We went to get ice cream at 9pm and watched movies WAY past his bed time.

It doesn't feel like it all the time, but the moments as a parent when your hard work pays off, when you feel proud of your kid, are the some of the best moments in life. Way to go buddy.

Wedding Sermon for the Sheltons

Love you Ben and Rach!

Mawidge. Mawidge is what bwings us here togever, today. I had to do it. Please be seated. They call that an ice breaker. Hello and welcome to all of you who have traveled from far away from places like Florida, California, and The Eastside to be with Ben and Rachel this evening. Your presence means the world to them and it is a confirmation that you believe in the love that they posses.

For me to describe the feeling when Ben and Rachel asked me to officiate their wedding as “an honor”, would be an exercise in making an extraordinary understatement. What an opportunity for me, to be here and share this moment with the two of you. What an opportunity for all of us! And what an amazing opportunity for Benjamin Shelton and Rachel Lauritzen. We are all blessed to spending this evening, in what the 14th century poet Hafiz referred to as “drowning in the ambiance of love.”

Love. My assumption is that Ben and Rach asked me to officiate their wedding because of my postulations on love. The truth is that the only reason I have an awareness of how staggering love can be, is that I know people like Ben and Rachel. Watching you move through life together for the last 8 years has been an inspiration for me. I wake up every morning and pray to God that I’ll find the kind of relationship that the two of you have earned.

Having a relationship isn’t easy. I get that. I see both of you put effort into your relationship. I see you cook together (and cook really well. Scrumptious even). I see you stepping out on the town together. I watch you having adventures in all sorts of different places. I have observed a look in both of your eyes that is personally reserved for only the two of you, where the world melts away and you both can just be. Music, movies, and books are created from the energy that you hold together.

Furthermore, something that is undeniable about Ben and Rachel, is that they are different. On a given night, Ben might be spinning some sick house beats, with thirty pounds of pomade in his slanted mohawk, flailing his hands in the air, lost in the rhythm of the beat of this track that he can’t wait to talk about later. And Rachel may be enjoying a glass of Pinot Noir while allowing the Midnight Mambo colored nail polish from Sephora on her fingers dry. Taking in the latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy (possibly crying a few tears at that episode with the elderly woman who didn’t want to do anymore surgeries! Ah! McDreamy!)

These differences make up one of my favorite aspects of this lovely couple. I have walked into an argument of Ben and Rachel’s and felt immediately that I might be in the Northeast border region of Afghanistan. To the untrained eye, this might seem unsettling but I have noticed that this is one of the many ways that Ben and Rachel find forward movement together. It can’t be easy to be so different, but for them, it has been, is, and will always be worth it.

You are different and yet you share a home, you share friends, and you share a commitment that is unshakeable. Be careful to be mindful of one another all the time. Make a point to learn from each other on a daily basis. Understand that the person next to you in the morning will be a reliable, dependable partner, but will also be brand new everyday, as you continue to change and grow.

19th Century statesman, Frederick Douglas said: “There is no progress without struggle.”
Through your struggle in difference, you will find progress in love.

Friday, January 18th, 2002. Rachel got off of work and called Ben and they spoke about grabbing some sushi somewhere. He mentioned that they might be able to score a free meal from his parents and sure enough, that’s what happened. As Rachel raided her closet for the perfect outfit and went back and fourth on the different garments, her friend Kendra made an observation to the tune of, ‘you like him’, ‘you’re so nervous’, you liiiiiike him.’ Rachel protested, Ben was just a friend.

At dinner, she kept looking at him. Studying him between bites and conversation, the looks transformed into a desire to kiss him and at some point during the Japanese cuisine, it struck her that she did indeed have a sizable crush on this guy who she thought was just a friend. Later that night, when they were out dancing, she found the right moment and pecked Ben. Not a second later, they had their first real kiss, the sort of kiss that melts two people into one, a kiss that started a journey that brings us here today.

Last night, after an amazing rehearsal dinner, as Ben and I arranged music to play here tonight, I asked him the question that I had been meaning to ask him all week. What was the moment you fell for Rachel? Now, you can call it the cosmos, the universe, call it God, maybe that it was written, or chance. He said that it was when he went to get sushi with her and I stopped him right there. It was the same story Rachel had told me earlier and it occurred to me how rare it is when two people find true symmetry.

For all of the arguments yet to be had. For all of the adventures that haven’t been traveled yet. To all of the kisses that have yet to be kissed. To all the back scratches yet to be given. All of the chapters of your book that have become history. This poetic moment right now and all of the scenes of your movie to come. The lessons that you will learn from the world and from each other. The song of your love is one that I feel like I’ve heard a million times and yet when I hear the tune, it seems fresh, like I’ve never heard it.

This wedding is beautiful. Such a golden setting for such a golden occasion. And the both of you look absolutely stunning. But, this day is just for celebration. You’ve already done the hard part; you’ve both found someone to be a best friend and partner with for the rest of your life. In this moment, we look forward to what the two of you have ahead as we admire your past. I am indeed proud to be here and wish for you with my entire heart, a long and beautiful life together.

Day After The Election Debate On Facebook

Tea Party Guy: Funny thing is that they almost are all for public sector jobs and services. Than the other are pieces of the stimulus that did nothing for private industry which is what directly affects you and I. As well as passing a healthcare bill that we cant pay for, has no cost saving measure for medicare. He's added more debt than presidents Washington through Reagan combined, hes done alot.

Me: Don't you want to cut Medicare? It is a government run entitlement program. How much debt did Bush give us again? Didn't the CBO say that the healthcare bill would save money in the long run?

Jobs are jobs are jobs, no matter where there are created. Why do you completely pass over the fact that there has been 9 months of private sector job growth? 9 months. 9 MONTHS. That means for the latter half of his first 18 months in office, the private sector has grown.

I don't know if you make more than $250,000 a year (and if you do, can I borrow $5?) but if you don't, know that all these mostly white men that got elected yesterday don't have much of a platform for you. The idea that rich people are going to give to the poor didn't work in the 80's and it won't work now.

But, ok. You guys won. Credit where credit is due. Let's see how Bohner's house governs. There's been a whole lot of blocking and even more 'no' for the last two years. If they don't govern and govern fast, there's going to be a bunch of cauckus sucking.

Watch your Ochocinco touchdown celebration big guy, you haven't done anything yet. The American people aren't too psyched about the GOP. To do anything, we're going to have to do what most Americans do all the time, work together.

Yes, even on facebook, so let's start now. I like Tom Hanks, how about you?

Election Day 2010 Disjointed Thoughts

November 4th, 2008 feel like it was generations ago.

I am a capitol L Liberal. Please note this as I blog. I do not run from that label because at the foundation, I am a small l liberal. I believe in having the freedom to choose, marry, travel, love, fucking curse, work, and go out my front door.

I feel that giving tax breaks to the mega rich and expecting them to "trickle down" is foolish. I believe that a government that spends more on education than defense is a good idea, however I fully understand that America needs a strong defense. The two wars we are in are ridiculous (what's even more ridiculous is how little it has been talked about. Why? Would it make Obama look too presidential?)

The Rally to Restore Sanity put on by Jon Stewart made sense to me. While I completely understand that this is hardly the first time that the country has been in hard times, there is a reality about our reality shows that makes us a reality show. We are insane as a country right now. We all need to SLOW DOWN!

I have hope for my country. We're ok. We need less Jersey Shore and more discourse. We need to have Muslims as drinking buddies. We need Tea Party family members to put their hands on our shoulders. We need Glenn Beck to have an awakening. We need the media to stop demonizing Sarah Palin. We need to give Obama time.

We need more jobs. Here's a job...chill the fuck out. Everybody.

The End Of A Journey

This is the last entry in my travel journal for my trip around the world. I arrived back in Seattle and it was, surprise, raining. Seeing Bethany was like (insert a thousand metaphors here for relief, love, and longing). We embraced and it was better than I thought it was going to be. We went back to our new place and just chilled. The place is real nice. A lot nicer than I thought it would be. We spent the next couple of days just spending time together and talking about everything. We did some Christmas shopping and had our Christmas with each other a little early. We got baby stuff and Beth got a lot of stuff from around the world.

Christmas was a great time this year. We exchanged presents and spent time with her family in the daytime and by nightfall we spent time with my friends. It was nice to be just home, but no time for that, the day after Christmas was Beth's Moms Bday and so we celebrated by seeing the Dead Sea Scrolls and having dinner. The 27th was just killing time until tomorrow when we would leave to get married.

On December 28th, 2006, Bethany and I set out north to the San Juan Islands to get married. We arrived very early as we were told that on occasion the ferry will be full and people would be turned away. Not us. We walked around a little before the ferry arrived and soaked in the crisp and beautiful day ahead of us. After awhile, the ferry finally arrived and we embarked on a trip through the archipelago. Soaking in some amazing scenery on the way over our destination of Orcas Island had been reached. We drove off the ferry and both of us realized that it might be a little bit before we got the chance to eat again and so we went to a cute little place near the ferry landing called Mamie's Restaurant. Mamie herself was about the cutest old woman you could ask for and told us stories while we had lunch. We ended up staying for well over an hour and when we left we told Mamie we'd be back before we left. She gave her blessing and we drove into the island to find the last place we'd be single in.

The Turtleback Farm Inn is rated highly in all these different books. It won awards and accolades from all sorts of reviewers and agents. For Bethany and I, it was just the perfect place to get married. Sitting on some 50 acres of farmland, the Inn was as rustic as it was beautiful. We had the distinct impression that a great deal of love and care went into making this place very special. Inside the home, we felt warm and welcomed. This is the kind of place that when you walk in you feel immediately like you're home (which, incidentally, is how I've always felt about Bethany). Each room had a name and ours was Maple View, a lovely little room on the second floor with a great view of the acreage. It had a claw footed bathtub and probably the comfiest bed I've been in, ever. After taking in all Turtleback Farm had to offer we looked at the clock and realized we were getting married soon. I kissed Bethany, left the room, and went downstairs so we could get ready for the moment.

I got dressed and was walking around the downstairs for awhile talking to the photographer, the woman who ran the Inn, and the cook. Mostly I was just meandering until Bethany came down those steps. When she did it was like a scene from a movie (God knows I've tried to put the kibosh on thinking my life is a movie but if you saw Bethany at that moment and the way that she walked down the stairs, undulating downward toward me. My whole life stopped for a little bit and I tried as hard as I could to keep that moment in my heart. File that one under "very lucky man").

We sat down for awhile, waiting for the minister to arrive, and talked to the ladies between just being with genuinely happy with each other. Francis was the minister, the man running the show. He graced us a little after 5:30 and we got started with the ceremony. In front of the fireplace and in front of God we heard what we both agreed was the best wedding sermon we'd ever heard. It was filled with such wonderful, thoughtful things. Far too much to write here (and honestly, my heart was going so fast that I was really just listening in the moment, meaning it was all I could do to not pass out). One thing that he did say was that marriage was the only spiritual path that he knew of that two people could walk together. He finished his sermon and Bethany read her vows from a piece of paper and fought back the tears as did I. I said my vows from the hip and could almost feel my heart trying to work its way up through my throat. Needless to say what came out of my mouth was directly from the soul. After that Francis did the traditional vows, we put on some rings and kissed our way into the rest of our lives.

We went to the dining room where there was a gleaming strawberry cheesecake and sparkling cider waiting for us. It was our own little mini-reception. We cut the cake together then I fed her a piece and she returned the favor. Because it seems I am never done talking, I gave Bethany a toast and told her again how much she means to me and how much I love her (somehow on this day, saying it and hearing it couldn't't happen enough). We locked arms as we drank the cider and went back into the living room to get a few pictures. After that was all over, well, let's just say there are no more pictures for this day.

The next day we spent our honeymoon on the island and had just a perfect time. We returned to Seattle after our whirlwind up north and I went to get my old job back slinging meatballs and chianti. I did and then New Years happened. We spent it with friends watching the fireworks go off the top of the space needle. I had my new wife to kiss at midnight and what is better than that? It was like my trip just kept going. This was all surely just another country I was privileged to be in. Nope, this is my life.

I've been slowly getting back to life here in Seattle doing what the Bed, Bath, and Beyond crowd calls "nesting". I think when I started I thought this trip would change my life but I should have known better. My dear friend Jamison asked if it had changed me and I said that I wasn't a 23 year old girl searching for myself. What I meant was that life changing events don't just happen when you're traveling around the world, they can happen when you're traveling to the grocery store. Meeting people from Africa and Nepal can be just as rewarding as meeting people from Ballard and Texas. Everyone and everything in this world, in this life has something to offer. Did my life change? Yeah, it did but there is so much more. This isn't a phase for me. Spiritually, this isn't a phase for me. Life will change no matter what I do and the best thing I can do is try and stay open to it and embrace it when it happens. I went out and married the best woman I could find and now I'm going to try and raise my boy to be the type of person that will never stop searching, never stop looking, and never, EVER stop traveling. God bless all those whom I met on this trip and my deepest thanks to all those who are in my life. I am so blessed to be living the dream that is my life.

Peace and Love