The Golden Girls have enjoyed our trips to run and play off lead. When we return, they are content to nap and snooze in the sun.
Several times a day Ellie will bring tennis balls from the den. I usually see them and take them back to the den. Occasionallly I don't notice that she has tennis balls.
Here she is with Lucy using her as a pillow. She holds on to her tennis balls.
Ellie knows she is not supposed to bring tennis balls here. So she will never look me directly in the eye when I catch her.
I wish all phases of life were as wonderful and fulfilling as our days with our two favorite dogs. Alas, that is not true. Every day we are bombarded with revelations that concern us.
It seems that everything in the US has become polarizing and political, even one of our favorite charities. With ever-changing explanations the organization tries to soften the blow it has given to women everywhere, especially the uninsured. The blow is not huge in and of itself. The message it sends is of far greater importance. The explanations haven't worked for me and I have decided that I will no longer contribute to an organization that changes its practice for political reasons. I will call my friends whom I have always sponsored in the race for the cure to tell them that I will no longer give any money to the organization. Sorry, I know the organization does good things but so do many others who are now more worthy of my contributions. I am not advocating that everyone do the same, but it is a small message that I feel the need to send. [Late entry: The organization has reversed its decision. For me the reversal is too late. The damage has been done and cannot be undone. More politics, i.e., "if we lose money with this decision we will rescind it. Sort of try to forget all the responses we made publically these past three days. And please continue to give us money even though we have proven we can be bought."]
The 2012 election rhetoric is nasty and filled with words spoken out of context. The Supreme Court of the United States has allowed so much more money to be poured into the candidate coffers that we are sure to have an election bought by the very rich unless we all become active. Every one of us is obligated to find the truth and not react to one-liners.
Politics during election years and politics that now infects a worthy charitable organization both remind me of a quote from one of my favorite people, Maya Angelou. We would all be wise to reflect on what she has said:
"There's a world of difference between truth and facts. Facts can obscure truth."
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND, EVERYONE
16 comments:
I'm just astounded that they didn't realize their decision would have such a profound impact - really? My post today is a guest post by a friend who has long been disillusioned with that organization...
The golden girls are a fine antidote to all the madness...
I love the tennis ball thing. Dogs do that don't they...no eye contact when they are up to no good :0)
I fear the warmer weather does mess nature up a little .....we are just getting a true taste of winter here, and to be honest I am relieved. Feels more like it should at this time of year.
Your dogs are a wonderful way for you to put all the other stuff out of your mind and enjoy the truly good things! I need a dog!
She cracks me up with those two tennis balls.
I feel the same way about the reversal. They have soured themselves for me. I had read that they had also stopped contributing to stem cell research. If that's true, I wonder if they reversed themselves on that one. As a friend says, from now on when one goes on a two-day bender and then tries to get back into good graces, it'll be called "pulling a Komen."
Ironic that a movie is coming out about the pink ribbon commercialism: http://www.care2.com/causes/pink-ribbons-inc-a-devastating-new-film-on-komen-breast-cancer-and-pink.html
I can honestly say, without reservation, that I love you for this post. It is both profound and silly, and that is as good as it gets. Peace to you and yours in these troubling times. The Bug and I have, in healthier days, walked for the cure, and we have too many friends whose lives have been touched by this disease. But once an organization has demonstrated that it can be bought, and that it will reverse course so quickly when it realizes it is losing support, then it becomes just like any run of the mill politician, not a donation-worthy charity. Amen, my sister-friend...amen!
The backlash to the Komen Foundation has been incredible to watch unfold. It's remarkable that they back pedaled, but you're right...too little and too late.
Having participated in three of Komen's 3 day events, I can't begin to tell you how much pressure there was to raise that money. It was intense, for if I could not raise it, I could not participate unless I funded the remains out of my own pocket. I was proud I did it on my own, but wish I could take the effort back and put it elsewhere.
I'm with you...I will look for other places who may want and respect my time, effort and money.
I love Ellie's subterfuge! Oh, what wonderful girls. Enjoy these healthy and happy days.
I couldn't agree more about our political world. I literally feel sick as I watch some of the news channels, although "The Daily Show" with John Stewart can make me fall out of my chair laughing. Our DVR now records it every day.
I was so impressed with the power of the people to cause the reversal of a very wrong decision. Still the original decision has tarnished that foundation.
The upside of this debacle is the knowledge that the social media can be as strong a force as on the street protest.
Life is golden for a golden with golden tennis balls in its golden mouth!!! Think I need to go chew on a few now!
AROOOOOOF!
Boondocks & The Love Shack Pack
Your girls are so entertaining and sweet...I never tire of their antics.
Politics....oh, so frustrating!
I try to enjoy the mild weather but I fear we will pay for it in so many ways. Your ladies are so photogenic!
I have never supported Susan G Komen...not at the grocery store, not in a walk, not by wearing pink. They have funded an organization that refers young women to abortion clinics who have no education about their circumstances or their options. You have your opinion and I have mine. I'm glad you aren't supporting them anymore.
Thank you for your comments everyone.
Calamity Janet - Thanks for visiting. We need a variety of opinions and I respect yours as well.
This whole Komen issue is nuts. I am glad they reversed their decision, though they have shot themselves in the proverbial foot. No money or support from me. Planned Parenthood was and will always be my choice of support. Safe and legal.
Komen sure made a big big mistake.
I have to disagree with Calamity Jane..
first of all the referral to Abortion Clinics is a small percentage of what Planned Parenthood does.
My niece worked there and they must educate everyone in their options..this is not taken lightly.
I think the Republican religious right shot and is going to end up killing this organization by their wrong actions....I will be surprised the foundation will last after this Issue!
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