Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Imcompetence, Greed and Downright Idiocy
While reading the Washington Post article awhile back (below), my sense of outrage escalated with each sentence. The Bush Administration has demonstrated total incompetence on pursuing (or even TRYING to pursue) the terrorists responsible for 9-11. In our fight against the “enemies of freedom/ democracy”, Pres. Bush is leaving the search for the terrorists who killed 3,000 innocent U.S. civilians to the country of Pakistan??? a country run by a military dictator???? (who seized power by coup in 1999?)
Only days after the Sept. 11th attacks, Bush stated that Osama bin Laden would be “sorely mistaken” to think he could “hide from the U.S.” Today, of course, Bush rarely mentions bin Laden -- and now, due to total incompetence and corporate greed/$$$$$, the trail for bin Laden has gone cold, even as more of our dedicated troops lose their lives conducting a “war against terrorism” in IRAQ --- while Halliburton, the Carlyle Group, the Halliburton subsidiary Kellogg, Brown & Root, and other war-profiteering corporations become filthy rich. In fact, Pres. Bush has already given away $40 billion of our hard-earned tax dollars to war profiteering CEOs. Where the hell are America’s priorities and why are 52% of Americans blinded to what is going on???
Found at: http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/images/blbushpic8.htm
Read below article (excerpts only - full article at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6652577/
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By Robin Wright and Peter Baker
Washingtonpost.com
Updated: 12:32 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2004
WASHINGTON - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said yesterday that the search for Osama bin Laden has gone completely cold, with no recent intelligence indicating where he and his top lieutenants are hiding.
More than three years after al Qaeda's attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon killed almost 3,000 people, Musharraf insisted that Pakistani forces are still aggressively pursuing the world's most notorious terrorist. But he acknowledged that recent security force operations and interrogations have been able to determine only one fact — that bin Laden is still alive.
"He is alive, but more than that, where he is, no, it'll be just a guess and it won't have much basis," Musharraf said in an interview with Washington Post editors and reporters. Pressed on whether the trail had gone cold, he said, "Yes, if you mean we don't know, from that point of view, we don't know where he is."
The United States shares major responsibility, Musharraf suggested, because the U.S.-led coalition does not have enough troops in Afghanistan, which has left "voids." The United States and its allies need to expedite training and expansion of the new Afghan army as the only viable alternative, he said.
Challenges in Afghanistan would be better dealt with "if the Afghan national army is raised faster, in more strength, so that they can reach out to fill these voids that I am talking about, where U.S. forces or coalition forces are not there," he said.
Musharraf also pressed the White House to more aggressively press for resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, which he said is the key to defusing tensions in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the Islamic world. "This is the source of all problems," he said. Bush, he added, now appears "more focused and serious" about ending the Middle East conflict. (Emphasis added). "
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Kind of says it all, doesn't it???????????????????????????? Too sad, really.
Only days after the Sept. 11th attacks, Bush stated that Osama bin Laden would be “sorely mistaken” to think he could “hide from the U.S.” Today, of course, Bush rarely mentions bin Laden -- and now, due to total incompetence and corporate greed/$$$$$, the trail for bin Laden has gone cold, even as more of our dedicated troops lose their lives conducting a “war against terrorism” in IRAQ --- while Halliburton, the Carlyle Group, the Halliburton subsidiary Kellogg, Brown & Root, and other war-profiteering corporations become filthy rich. In fact, Pres. Bush has already given away $40 billion of our hard-earned tax dollars to war profiteering CEOs. Where the hell are America’s priorities and why are 52% of Americans blinded to what is going on???
Found at: http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/images/blbushpic8.htm
Read below article (excerpts only - full article at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6652577/
-------------------------
By Robin Wright and Peter Baker
Washingtonpost.com
Updated: 12:32 a.m. ET Dec. 5, 2004
WASHINGTON - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said yesterday that the search for Osama bin Laden has gone completely cold, with no recent intelligence indicating where he and his top lieutenants are hiding.
More than three years after al Qaeda's attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon killed almost 3,000 people, Musharraf insisted that Pakistani forces are still aggressively pursuing the world's most notorious terrorist. But he acknowledged that recent security force operations and interrogations have been able to determine only one fact — that bin Laden is still alive.
"He is alive, but more than that, where he is, no, it'll be just a guess and it won't have much basis," Musharraf said in an interview with Washington Post editors and reporters. Pressed on whether the trail had gone cold, he said, "Yes, if you mean we don't know, from that point of view, we don't know where he is."
The United States shares major responsibility, Musharraf suggested, because the U.S.-led coalition does not have enough troops in Afghanistan, which has left "voids." The United States and its allies need to expedite training and expansion of the new Afghan army as the only viable alternative, he said.
Challenges in Afghanistan would be better dealt with "if the Afghan national army is raised faster, in more strength, so that they can reach out to fill these voids that I am talking about, where U.S. forces or coalition forces are not there," he said.
Musharraf also pressed the White House to more aggressively press for resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, which he said is the key to defusing tensions in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the Islamic world. "This is the source of all problems," he said. Bush, he added, now appears "more focused and serious" about ending the Middle East conflict. (Emphasis added). "
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Kind of says it all, doesn't it???????????????????????????? Too sad, really.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Continual Warfare: The Enemy to Public Liberty
-- James Madison"Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes. And armies, and debts, and taxes are the known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few. In war, too, the discretionary power of the Executive is extended. Its influence in dealing out offices, honors, and emoluments is multiplied; and all the means of seducing the minds, are added to those of subduing the force of the people. The same malignant aspect in republicanism may be traced in the inequality of fortunes, and the opportunities of fraud, growing out of a state of war . . . and in the degeneracy of manners and morals, engendered by both. No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare." -------James Madison, April 20, 1795
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Did everyone hear (by now) about the votes of "No Confidence" for our Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld's job performance in Iraq? Is anyone even surprised? See the Associated Press' article at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6708495/.
I find it rather predictable and really not all that surprising that well-respected, competent military men like Senator John McCain (Republican) and Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf (Independent - but who happened to campaign for Bush -- I suppose no one is "perfect", huh?) find Rumsfeld's handling of the Iraq fiasco a disordered pandemonium of crap -- and describe Rumsfeld as mismanaging, misjudging, and "passing the buck."
McCain also acknowledged that troops are rightly frustrated with involuntary extensions of their Iraqi tours of duty and states that we do not have enough troops present to win the peace. And, what exactly is he implying when he states he has "no confidence" in Rumsfeld but that President Bush can choose "the team that he wants around him.” I think we all know the implication of this statement -- so I will let it remain unstated (but known/obvious).
As many of you likely already know, Sen. McCain served in the navy during the Vietnam War and was a Prisoner of War (POW) for FIVE long years in the infamous Hanoi Hilton (2 of those 5 years in solitary confinement). McCain is a great man of character and accountability as demonstrated during this early time in his career. His father, who had been Admiral during the Vietnam War, was appointed as Commander of all U.S. forces in the Pacific a month or so after McCain became a POW. The North Vietnamese offered (and later actually demanded) McCain an early release for propoganda. McCain, a man of character, referring to the military's code of conduct that POWs should be released in the order they were captured, refused -- and was then savagely beaten for repeatedly refusing. For more information on McCain, go to http://www.gopconvention.com/features/primetime/mccain/. He now is a senior member of the Senate Armed Forces Committee.
Similar to McCain, Schwarzkkopf described the Defense Dept.'s running of the war as a series of poor judgments and mismanagement -- and he actually chided Rumsfeld's lame and arrogant response to the soldier who asked Rumsfeld about their lack of protective armor, stating:
“I was very, very disappointed — no, let me put it stronger — I was angry by the words of the secretary of defense when he laid it all on the Army, as if he, as the secretary of defense, didn’t have anything to do with the Army and the Army was over there doing it themselves, screwing up.”
If Rumsfeld wasn't so arrogant and out of touch (as is most of the entire Bush cabinet, with the exception of Colin Powell --who I respect - but who has now been replaced with Condi Rice), he could learn a thing or two from both McCain and Schwarzkopf.
As many of your recall, Schwarzkopf (aka "the Bear") served as the Commander of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm/Commander in Chief. Schwarzkopf, described by many as both a "burly" and "emotional" leader, has always reminded me and my sisters of my Dad (yes, as most of you have probably figured out by now, my Dad is my true hero and someone I most admire in my life). In fact, Schwarzkopf looks a lot like my Dad and even has his same mannerisms....
I have admired Schwarzkopf for numerous years since Desert Storm, always hoping he would run for office. Something about the way he carries himself (full of confidence and self-assurance), his willingness/courage to display emotion, and his total candor in accountability, inspire loyalty and devotion to those following his command -- as well as to much of the U.S. population. In fact, although he is said to have had very high demands/expectations from his troops (like every good leader), his strong character in motivating/leading/ commanding, etc. also gained the troops' trust/devotion (as well as most of the U.S. population). He serves as a great reminder of what great leadership should look like (and what we are sorely lacking with Rumsfeld).
If you are interested in reading more about Stormin' Norman, go to http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/sch0pro-1 and click on "Biography" for an interesting bio about this highly revered, courageous and remarkable military leader, who is described as a man who would "risk anything for those under his command." His decorations include five Distinguished Service Medals, three Silver Stars, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Order of the Legion of Honor, and decorations from France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Now, contrast McCain and Schwarzkopf's leadership abilities and devoted service to this country with Rumsfeld, who appears indifferent/unsympathetic to the needs of our brave troops -- and who continues to make lame excuses about why our men don't have the armor they need -- "passing the buck" as Schwarzkopf says. Rumsfeld does not evoke a presence of accountability or even reason, that is for certain, although he has tons of "political insider" experience in Washington. Even though he does have experience as a navy pilot (stint from 1954-1957), he is most well-known for having served in the Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Bush Sr. Administrations -- and (not suprisingly with all the corporate corruption this Administration has displayed to the world) also served as the CEO of 2 Fortune 500 companies!!
Wow! Is that a picture of Rumsfeld shaking hands with Sadaam Hussein (the Butcher of Bagdhad)? (See below) Why, yes it is! This was a photo taken during his mission as U.S. envoy in 1983 when he met personally with Hussein to tell him of the U.S. desire to restore full diplomatic relations with Iraq.
(Photo taken from http://www2.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB82/).
In addition, here are some of Rumsfeld's most famous "zingers" (taken from http://www.rotten.com/library/bio/usa/donald-rumsfeld/):
"I'm not into this detail stuff. I'm more concepty."
"(Osama bin Laden is) either alive and well or alive and not too well or not alive."
"If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much."
"Let's hear it for the essential daily briefing, however hollow and empty it might be. We'll do it."
"I can't think of anything funnier than a handful of congressmen walking around (in Iraq).
They'd have to be there for the next 50 years trying to find something. It's a joke."
"Oh, Lord. I didn't mean to say anything quotable."
I think these statements really "say it all" about his potential for leading/guiding/inspiring others... If you want to see another example of Rumsfeld's "zingering", go to http://www.moveon.org/censure/caughtonvideo/ for a video of some of his remarks.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Lynn Stewart's Conviction for Crossing the Line
Troy, Shawn, Lisa and Dylan
Lawchick2005
Under the Model Rules of Professional Responsibility, attorneys should preserve client confidences as well as represent clients zealously -- and, should represent their clients with “reasonable diligence...” However, when does that ‘zeal’ cross the line into possibly violating the law? And when does ‘reasonable’ diligence become ‘unreasonable’? Furthermore, when is it in the public interest, as well as the attorney’s best interest, for an attorney to breach a client’s confidence? The news recently came down that veteran civil rights attorney Lynn Stewart was convicted of ‘crossing the line’ on behalf of her infamous client (and not very 'sympathetic' client), Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman, who is incarcerated in solitary confinement in 1996 for his role in a conspiracy to assassinate Egyptian President Hosni Mubarek -- as well as to blow up famous New York landmarks.
The ‘anonymous’ jury (perhaps for ‘security’ purposes??) convicted Stewart of smuggling her client’s messages of violence to the outside world ---- i.e., to other terrorists. The word is that she will likely get a 20 year jail sentence for “conspiracy, providing material support to terrorists, defrauding the government and making false statements.” Many commentators have stated that this case was simply about thwarting competent attorneys from representing clients charged with terrorism, warning attorneys to stay away from representing such clients -- and certainly not to ‘zealously’ represent them! But, what about the fundamental principle that even the most heinous of criminals are entitled to effective legal representation?
Meanwhile, Lynn Stewart continues to maintain her innocence and states that she is simply a victim of “overzealous prosecution.” While I do not know the entire facts of this story, especially as presented to the jury, etc., I still find this story unsettling. Obviously, the jury found that she DID cross the line representing her client -- but somehow I still can’t help but thinking of the Salem Witch trials (where the community/public opinion at that time, fearful of strong, atypical, nonconformist citizens, and particularly women, condemned some of those citizens -- to death) -- and the McCarthy-driven ‘communist’ hearings/convictions of the 1950’s.
Here, we have a strong, female, apparently left-wing, civil rights attorney, described as a “firebrand,” with a successful record of representing some of the more infamous radicals of our time. What is the most disconcerting about this report is the fact that the prosecution introduced as evidence privileged attorney client conversations between Stewart and her client. While I believe that those properly convicted of terrorism should pay the full penalty for their heinous acts, and even realize that our national perception regarding accused ‘terrorists’ has forever changed since 9-11, I still believe our system should continue to promote/advance/uphold traditional notions of fairness, due process, adequate access to counsel, as well as continue to support the sanctity of the attorney/client relationship. Otherwise we are embarking on a slippery slope of sorts......
One mistake that may have been made by Ms. Stewart could be the fact that she never made a claim that her client's 6th Amendment Rights were being violated under the Constitution when the federal government (aka John Ashcroft) created the 'special rules' which allowed the government to record/eavesdrop on attorney/client conversations. (last time I checked, only Congress can write federal criminal laws -- not the Attorney General!!) As you may recall, the 6th Amendment grants all persons the right to consult with a lawyer in confidence. An article regarding the Stewart conviction can be accessed at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6948450/
Lawchick2005
Under the Model Rules of Professional Responsibility, attorneys should preserve client confidences as well as represent clients zealously -- and, should represent their clients with “reasonable diligence...” However, when does that ‘zeal’ cross the line into possibly violating the law? And when does ‘reasonable’ diligence become ‘unreasonable’? Furthermore, when is it in the public interest, as well as the attorney’s best interest, for an attorney to breach a client’s confidence? The news recently came down that veteran civil rights attorney Lynn Stewart was convicted of ‘crossing the line’ on behalf of her infamous client (and not very 'sympathetic' client), Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman, who is incarcerated in solitary confinement in 1996 for his role in a conspiracy to assassinate Egyptian President Hosni Mubarek -- as well as to blow up famous New York landmarks.
The ‘anonymous’ jury (perhaps for ‘security’ purposes??) convicted Stewart of smuggling her client’s messages of violence to the outside world ---- i.e., to other terrorists. The word is that she will likely get a 20 year jail sentence for “conspiracy, providing material support to terrorists, defrauding the government and making false statements.” Many commentators have stated that this case was simply about thwarting competent attorneys from representing clients charged with terrorism, warning attorneys to stay away from representing such clients -- and certainly not to ‘zealously’ represent them! But, what about the fundamental principle that even the most heinous of criminals are entitled to effective legal representation?
Meanwhile, Lynn Stewart continues to maintain her innocence and states that she is simply a victim of “overzealous prosecution.” While I do not know the entire facts of this story, especially as presented to the jury, etc., I still find this story unsettling. Obviously, the jury found that she DID cross the line representing her client -- but somehow I still can’t help but thinking of the Salem Witch trials (where the community/public opinion at that time, fearful of strong, atypical, nonconformist citizens, and particularly women, condemned some of those citizens -- to death) -- and the McCarthy-driven ‘communist’ hearings/convictions of the 1950’s.
Here, we have a strong, female, apparently left-wing, civil rights attorney, described as a “firebrand,” with a successful record of representing some of the more infamous radicals of our time. What is the most disconcerting about this report is the fact that the prosecution introduced as evidence privileged attorney client conversations between Stewart and her client. While I believe that those properly convicted of terrorism should pay the full penalty for their heinous acts, and even realize that our national perception regarding accused ‘terrorists’ has forever changed since 9-11, I still believe our system should continue to promote/advance/uphold traditional notions of fairness, due process, adequate access to counsel, as well as continue to support the sanctity of the attorney/client relationship. Otherwise we are embarking on a slippery slope of sorts......
One mistake that may have been made by Ms. Stewart could be the fact that she never made a claim that her client's 6th Amendment Rights were being violated under the Constitution when the federal government (aka John Ashcroft) created the 'special rules' which allowed the government to record/eavesdrop on attorney/client conversations. (last time I checked, only Congress can write federal criminal laws -- not the Attorney General!!) As you may recall, the 6th Amendment grants all persons the right to consult with a lawyer in confidence. An article regarding the Stewart conviction can be accessed at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6948450/
Saturday, February 12, 2005
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAH!!!!
Happy Birthday to my sweet niece, Hannah......
Hannah was my little miracle niece, born on February 13, 1995 in Seattle, Washington after her parents, Dana and David, had tried many years to have a child. Dana got pregnant with Hannah her last year of law school. We were all very excited for them!!! I was lucky enough to be invited up to see Hannah the day she came home from the hospital. I can still remember how proud David was of his little beauty, holding her with such adoration and speaking about her with such pride. It was very sweet. Dana was the same, --she was just a little subtler, I guess you could say (LOL).
Hannah has grown up to be a smart (gifted, in fact), athletically-talented (basketball -team went to nationals, etc. volleyball), musical (she plays the piano and the guitar), a wonderful chef (bakes gourmet cakes/goodies) and a very beautiful young girl. Everyone in my family is extremely proud of her and her accomplishments. I know she will always continue to make all of us proud of her! She is also very wise for her age -- a lot like her mother was when she was growing up. We Love You Hannah! Happy Birthday!
Hannah was my little miracle niece, born on February 13, 1995 in Seattle, Washington after her parents, Dana and David, had tried many years to have a child. Dana got pregnant with Hannah her last year of law school. We were all very excited for them!!! I was lucky enough to be invited up to see Hannah the day she came home from the hospital. I can still remember how proud David was of his little beauty, holding her with such adoration and speaking about her with such pride. It was very sweet. Dana was the same, --she was just a little subtler, I guess you could say (LOL).
Hannah has grown up to be a smart (gifted, in fact), athletically-talented (basketball -team went to nationals, etc. volleyball), musical (she plays the piano and the guitar), a wonderful chef (bakes gourmet cakes/goodies) and a very beautiful young girl. Everyone in my family is extremely proud of her and her accomplishments. I know she will always continue to make all of us proud of her! She is also very wise for her age -- a lot like her mother was when she was growing up. We Love You Hannah! Happy Birthday!
Hannah w/her cousins (my kids), Ryan and Taylor -- 2004
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Hannah and her cousins (my sons) - Ryan and Dylan - ice skating
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Hannah's parents - Dana (my sis) and David
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Two sweet girls -- Taylor and her baby doll, Hannah
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Hannah & Taylor - Camping out at Mt Rainer
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Taylor and her baby, Hannah - Seattle, WA
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Hannah -- the serious -- very intelligent baby!
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Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Grannie & Papa Carter Wedding photo - (Beatrice Gipson Carter and Atlas Carter) - my great-grandparents
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Grannie Carter -- 88 years old - Nov. 30, 1987
Lawchick2005
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One Truly Remarkable Woman -- A Woman Worth Admiring
My Grannie Carter served as a major role model in my life and in many others. In addition to her gracious and loving character, she led a truly remarkable life.
My Great-Grandmother (aka Grannie Carter) was born Beatrice Gipson on November 30, 1899 in Azle, Texas. Her Mother died when Grannie was only 4 years old and her Father, a man of great character, raised eight children by himself. My Grannie often expressed a wish that she could recall more about her mother. She only had one or two memory flashes about her mother -- and that always seemed to distress her. One of her most vivid memories was the night her mother died. She remembered that everyone was crying but could not understand the concept of her mother never returning. She cherished the portraits of her mother, always speaking of how pretty she was and how she wished she could look as pretty as her mother. My Grannie could never really see how beautiful she was -- always speaking of the beauty of her sisters. Everyone who knew her believed she was beautiful as well.....
Despite losing his wife, Papa Gipson (my Great-Great Grandpa) successfully raised all 8 children to be great and wonderful, loving human beings. As a founding father of Azle, a housing edition and several streets were named after him (the Gipson edition, including "Gipson Road" and the streets "William" and Thomas"). Serving as the Trustee of the School Board for numerous years, he emphasized the importance of education to each of his children and all were successful. I was lucky enough to know five of them, Aunt Elsie, Aunt Mamie, Aunt Laura (the oldest daughter), and Uncle Bill, as they all lived long lives! They were all a very close-knit, loving family -- every single one of them sweet and genuine, almost to a fault. Unfortunately, I never knew Sam, Charlie, or Luther (although I vaguely remember meeting Luther a time or two). My mother remembers that Papa Gipson was a very kind man.
My Great-Grandfather (Grannie Carter's husband) was born Atlas Carter on October 23, 1897 in Reno, Texas. He and Grannie Carter were married on September 14, 1918, which makes my Grannie Carter almost 19 when she married. Following her formal education in Denton, Texas, my Grannie Carter became a school teacher. Her first teaching job was at Dido-- and later taught in Azle in a red brick building on Church Street. She then had three sons, all born in Azle, Texas. She later went to work at the Azle Post Office in 1941 -- her sons serving in the armed forces during WWII, one on land, one in the air and the other on the sea.
She later became Assistant Postmaster in 1952. She retired in 1966. I clearly remember one day when she set off for work in her house shoes -- and I stopped her before she could get to the car. She thanked me pointing it out! and laughed at herself... (makes me think of the time that I wore two different pairs of shoes, one black and the other brown, to work about 10 years ago-- I sure wish someone had caught me before I made it in to work).
My Great-Grandfather was a baseball player, beginning his baseball career soon after his marriage to my Grannie. He served as a pitcher with the Rangers of the West Texas League. My Grannie wrote that Papa Carter had never thought much about becoming a professional until his team in Azle had played a team from Fort Worth, wherein he struck out twenty-one men in a single game. The very next day, he received a phone call from the Ranger's manager, asking him to play ball. He had a successful career in baseball as pitcher, pitching several no-hitters, in Texas and Oklahoma. Grannie Carter and their three sons traveled all over Texas and Oklahoma with Papa Carter for all of his games.
After my Papa's ball playing days, they settled in Azle, Texas, buying land on the then "new" Jacksboro highway -- their house was the first on the "new" highway to Lake Worth. My great-grandparents built their own house. Once they completed the house, my Papa worked for the Parks Dept. in Ft. Worth as a park policeman. My Papa died in 1958 (before I got the chance to meet him) from injuries from a gas explosion/fire in their house.
Following Papa's tragic death, my Grannie traveled the world. She had told me over and over again while I was growing up that her greatest wish was to travel to the moon. I truly wish she could have gone to the moon! I know she would have gone to the moon if she had actually had the opportunity to do so. She was one of the most adventurous people I ever met. She traveled to Alaska for an exciting fishing trip where she and her group caught 250 pounds of fish in one day. She traveled to all of the states in the U.S. (except Maine). She went to the Holy Land -- and rode on a camel's back at the ripe age of 80! She traveled to Hawaii and Europe as well.
In addition to loving her family and making friends everywhere she visited, Grannie served as a leader of her community, proud of Azle and its heritage/roots. Grannie Carter was a Charter member of the Gipson Rebekah Lodge and was voted the Outstanding Rebekah of Tarrant County in 1965. She took me and my sisters to a few of her Rebekah Christmas parties, where all of the sweet ladies would fuss over us the entire night. She always loved taking us to such events. She also worked for the Cancer Society for numerous years; and also served as the President and Secretary of the PTA Grannie also served as a Charter Member and President of the Home Demonstration Club and the Azle Woman's Club.
In addition to her wonderful efforts at making Azle a better community, she also worked and contributed her time/energy, as well as her own artifacts, to the Azle Historical Museum -which she helped to found/establish -- and where she donated numerous items, including Papa Gipson's violin, an old wooden post office mail divider, her old school slate/board, an extremely old organ, and numerous other items. She also served as the Treasurer of the Azle Cemetery Board for many years. In addition, she was instrumental in obtaining at least three historical markers in Azle.
Before she died, she was working on her third book which was to be about her travels to foreign countries, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. Her first book entitled "My Home Town" concerned Azle, Texas and its founding fathers, roots, families, etc. Her second book, entitled "The Gipson Family from 1647 to 1981" concerned her father's family. She traced our family roots to England to Sir John Gipson, a baronet. She was also instrumental in organizing the book entitled "Azle Community History", for which she wrote numerous histories and stories.
Grannie Carter exemplified ---for me ---the ultimate human "role model", teaching (by example) all who knew her about the true purity of truly loving others. And, in all of the years we were blessed to have her with us on earth, I NEVER heard her utter even a SINGLE unkind, demeaning, judgmental word about ANY individual. Although not perfect, she indeed, embodied the most Christ-like person I have ever known, focusing on finding/seeking out the absolute "good" in others -- and everyone who knew her has said the same.
Rather than even MENTION a fault in someone else, she focused on finding/seeking out the absolute "good" in others -- and built strong, positive bonds based on those "goods." Rather than criticize or demean, she graciously made "suggestions" or "propositions" regarding life, with the sole purpose of merely showing/teaching/guiding an individual towards another way of thinking/considering something. Indeed, she was the most Christ-like person I have ever known -- and everyone who knew her has said the same. She taught all of us TRUE lessons in genuinely and selflessly loving others/your family.
Grannie Carter's example made me specifically think of the way people should strive to treat others in this world -- especially family members... Everyone should know that there is a world of difference between gracious, kind constructive criticism of someone that loves you and looks out for your well-being v. the person that eyeballs you under a microscope in order to find some fault to parade before the eyes of the world.
The notion of hypercriticism (a.k.a. judgmentalism) takes me back to one of my favorite readings/lessons in the Bible wherein Jesus asks the Pharisees: “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” ----I believe Jesus’ intent here is to point out that some people spend far too much time and attention looking at others, and far too little time considering their own lives.
In fact, a person intent on relentlessly judging others seems to takes great pains to avoid self-inspection ---lest (s)he finds something unpleasant or repulsive within; So, (s)he persistently probes others’ lives in search of “specks” of debris in others while painstakingly declining to perceive or take notice of the failings/aberrant things in his/her own character. In fact, this individual likely finds some sort of “self-approval” by disapproving others.
In stark contrast to using “judgmentalism” or “hypercriticism” towards others, a person can choose (like my Grannie Carter did) to use “constructive criticism.” Some examples of “constructive criticism” include: (1) when a professor critiques a paper you have written. The professor will point out your mistakes/weaknesses so that you are able to understand how you can improve; (2) when your boss gives you a job performance evaluation. Your boss will point out growth areas so you know where you stand and how you can improve your performance; and (3) when as a parent, you seek to provide constructive guidance/discipline to your child, while at the same time, giving that child the autonomy, as well as trust/confidence, to think on his/her own. This allows your child to continue to feel valued, actually encouraging your child’s cooperation/collaboration, and even motivates your child to create/develop positive life strategies.
Hypercriticism, on the other hand, is a judgmental, faultfinding spirit, rearing its ugly head as the hypercritical person finds actual delight in finding weaknesses/faults in others --- combined with an inherent tendency to make small, insignificant things seem large.
But, don’t get me wrong or misunderstand what I am saying: I do not think that Jesus was saying, or that my Grannie was conveying the idea that we cannot or should not make judgments about others under any circumstances. Rather, Jesus seems to be trying to convey the notion that the character judgments people make about others should be based on principles and not bias/prejudice/delight in finding fault. In fact, when a person is in the hypercritical/judgmental mode, (s)he is actually substituting prejudice for true principles. For example, the hypercritical person does not wait until the facts are in. In fact, the hypercritical person does not really even attempt to seek out or care about the real facts --
My Grannie Carter's example/Jesus’ lesson also reminds me that love is more than mere “words” -- and is also more than a “feeling.” Rather, love is action, based on a sincere, kind, non-faultfinding attitude. In contrast, a person with a judgmental spirit not only has a fundamental attitude problem, but also has a problem with love/loving, e.g., has a lack of genuine, pure, unadulterated love in his/her heart. And, although people in general like to consider themselves as “loving” individuals, people with hypocritical spirits towards others (sadly) cannot really fully love others. Why are they unable to selflessly and genuinely love others? Well, if i look specifically at my Grannie Carter's example, it is because true, genuine (and Christ-like) “love” does NOT rejoice at other’s wrongdoings or weaknesses -- and, moreover, genuine love NEVER attaches conditions/strings for gaining and retaining that “love”...
The life of my beloved Grannie Carter, who chose to so closely embody Jesus' teachings/life, taught all who knew her about the fundamental truths in loving others. I am so fortunate and blessed to now remember/recall and (try to) selflessly embrace, and acknowledge these lessons today... She taught all of us who knew her the TRUE lessons in genuinely and selflessly loving others/your family. She died in 1989 at the age of 89. I truly miss her physical presence in my life -- although I am certain that she is watching over me and her other family members/friends as one of God’s chosen.........
My Great-Grandmother (aka Grannie Carter) was born Beatrice Gipson on November 30, 1899 in Azle, Texas. Her Mother died when Grannie was only 4 years old and her Father, a man of great character, raised eight children by himself. My Grannie often expressed a wish that she could recall more about her mother. She only had one or two memory flashes about her mother -- and that always seemed to distress her. One of her most vivid memories was the night her mother died. She remembered that everyone was crying but could not understand the concept of her mother never returning. She cherished the portraits of her mother, always speaking of how pretty she was and how she wished she could look as pretty as her mother. My Grannie could never really see how beautiful she was -- always speaking of the beauty of her sisters. Everyone who knew her believed she was beautiful as well.....
Despite losing his wife, Papa Gipson (my Great-Great Grandpa) successfully raised all 8 children to be great and wonderful, loving human beings. As a founding father of Azle, a housing edition and several streets were named after him (the Gipson edition, including "Gipson Road" and the streets "William" and Thomas"). Serving as the Trustee of the School Board for numerous years, he emphasized the importance of education to each of his children and all were successful. I was lucky enough to know five of them, Aunt Elsie, Aunt Mamie, Aunt Laura (the oldest daughter), and Uncle Bill, as they all lived long lives! They were all a very close-knit, loving family -- every single one of them sweet and genuine, almost to a fault. Unfortunately, I never knew Sam, Charlie, or Luther (although I vaguely remember meeting Luther a time or two). My mother remembers that Papa Gipson was a very kind man.
My Great-Grandfather (Grannie Carter's husband) was born Atlas Carter on October 23, 1897 in Reno, Texas. He and Grannie Carter were married on September 14, 1918, which makes my Grannie Carter almost 19 when she married. Following her formal education in Denton, Texas, my Grannie Carter became a school teacher. Her first teaching job was at Dido-- and later taught in Azle in a red brick building on Church Street. She then had three sons, all born in Azle, Texas. She later went to work at the Azle Post Office in 1941 -- her sons serving in the armed forces during WWII, one on land, one in the air and the other on the sea.
She later became Assistant Postmaster in 1952. She retired in 1966. I clearly remember one day when she set off for work in her house shoes -- and I stopped her before she could get to the car. She thanked me pointing it out! and laughed at herself... (makes me think of the time that I wore two different pairs of shoes, one black and the other brown, to work about 10 years ago-- I sure wish someone had caught me before I made it in to work).
My Great-Grandfather was a baseball player, beginning his baseball career soon after his marriage to my Grannie. He served as a pitcher with the Rangers of the West Texas League. My Grannie wrote that Papa Carter had never thought much about becoming a professional until his team in Azle had played a team from Fort Worth, wherein he struck out twenty-one men in a single game. The very next day, he received a phone call from the Ranger's manager, asking him to play ball. He had a successful career in baseball as pitcher, pitching several no-hitters, in Texas and Oklahoma. Grannie Carter and their three sons traveled all over Texas and Oklahoma with Papa Carter for all of his games.
After my Papa's ball playing days, they settled in Azle, Texas, buying land on the then "new" Jacksboro highway -- their house was the first on the "new" highway to Lake Worth. My great-grandparents built their own house. Once they completed the house, my Papa worked for the Parks Dept. in Ft. Worth as a park policeman. My Papa died in 1958 (before I got the chance to meet him) from injuries from a gas explosion/fire in their house.
Following Papa's tragic death, my Grannie traveled the world. She had told me over and over again while I was growing up that her greatest wish was to travel to the moon. I truly wish she could have gone to the moon! I know she would have gone to the moon if she had actually had the opportunity to do so. She was one of the most adventurous people I ever met. She traveled to Alaska for an exciting fishing trip where she and her group caught 250 pounds of fish in one day. She traveled to all of the states in the U.S. (except Maine). She went to the Holy Land -- and rode on a camel's back at the ripe age of 80! She traveled to Hawaii and Europe as well.
In addition to loving her family and making friends everywhere she visited, Grannie served as a leader of her community, proud of Azle and its heritage/roots. Grannie Carter was a Charter member of the Gipson Rebekah Lodge and was voted the Outstanding Rebekah of Tarrant County in 1965. She took me and my sisters to a few of her Rebekah Christmas parties, where all of the sweet ladies would fuss over us the entire night. She always loved taking us to such events. She also worked for the Cancer Society for numerous years; and also served as the President and Secretary of the PTA Grannie also served as a Charter Member and President of the Home Demonstration Club and the Azle Woman's Club.
In addition to her wonderful efforts at making Azle a better community, she also worked and contributed her time/energy, as well as her own artifacts, to the Azle Historical Museum -which she helped to found/establish -- and where she donated numerous items, including Papa Gipson's violin, an old wooden post office mail divider, her old school slate/board, an extremely old organ, and numerous other items. She also served as the Treasurer of the Azle Cemetery Board for many years. In addition, she was instrumental in obtaining at least three historical markers in Azle.
Before she died, she was working on her third book which was to be about her travels to foreign countries, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. Her first book entitled "My Home Town" concerned Azle, Texas and its founding fathers, roots, families, etc. Her second book, entitled "The Gipson Family from 1647 to 1981" concerned her father's family. She traced our family roots to England to Sir John Gipson, a baronet. She was also instrumental in organizing the book entitled "Azle Community History", for which she wrote numerous histories and stories.
Grannie Carter exemplified ---for me ---the ultimate human "role model", teaching (by example) all who knew her about the true purity of truly loving others. And, in all of the years we were blessed to have her with us on earth, I NEVER heard her utter even a SINGLE unkind, demeaning, judgmental word about ANY individual. Although not perfect, she indeed, embodied the most Christ-like person I have ever known, focusing on finding/seeking out the absolute "good" in others -- and everyone who knew her has said the same.
Rather than even MENTION a fault in someone else, she focused on finding/seeking out the absolute "good" in others -- and built strong, positive bonds based on those "goods." Rather than criticize or demean, she graciously made "suggestions" or "propositions" regarding life, with the sole purpose of merely showing/teaching/guiding an individual towards another way of thinking/considering something. Indeed, she was the most Christ-like person I have ever known -- and everyone who knew her has said the same. She taught all of us TRUE lessons in genuinely and selflessly loving others/your family.
Grannie Carter's example made me specifically think of the way people should strive to treat others in this world -- especially family members... Everyone should know that there is a world of difference between gracious, kind constructive criticism of someone that loves you and looks out for your well-being v. the person that eyeballs you under a microscope in order to find some fault to parade before the eyes of the world.
The notion of hypercriticism (a.k.a. judgmentalism) takes me back to one of my favorite readings/lessons in the Bible wherein Jesus asks the Pharisees: “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” ----I believe Jesus’ intent here is to point out that some people spend far too much time and attention looking at others, and far too little time considering their own lives.
In fact, a person intent on relentlessly judging others seems to takes great pains to avoid self-inspection ---lest (s)he finds something unpleasant or repulsive within; So, (s)he persistently probes others’ lives in search of “specks” of debris in others while painstakingly declining to perceive or take notice of the failings/aberrant things in his/her own character. In fact, this individual likely finds some sort of “self-approval” by disapproving others.
In stark contrast to using “judgmentalism” or “hypercriticism” towards others, a person can choose (like my Grannie Carter did) to use “constructive criticism.” Some examples of “constructive criticism” include: (1) when a professor critiques a paper you have written. The professor will point out your mistakes/weaknesses so that you are able to understand how you can improve; (2) when your boss gives you a job performance evaluation. Your boss will point out growth areas so you know where you stand and how you can improve your performance; and (3) when as a parent, you seek to provide constructive guidance/discipline to your child, while at the same time, giving that child the autonomy, as well as trust/confidence, to think on his/her own. This allows your child to continue to feel valued, actually encouraging your child’s cooperation/collaboration, and even motivates your child to create/develop positive life strategies.
Hypercriticism, on the other hand, is a judgmental, faultfinding spirit, rearing its ugly head as the hypercritical person finds actual delight in finding weaknesses/faults in others --- combined with an inherent tendency to make small, insignificant things seem large.
But, don’t get me wrong or misunderstand what I am saying: I do not think that Jesus was saying, or that my Grannie was conveying the idea that we cannot or should not make judgments about others under any circumstances. Rather, Jesus seems to be trying to convey the notion that the character judgments people make about others should be based on principles and not bias/prejudice/delight in finding fault. In fact, when a person is in the hypercritical/judgmental mode, (s)he is actually substituting prejudice for true principles. For example, the hypercritical person does not wait until the facts are in. In fact, the hypercritical person does not really even attempt to seek out or care about the real facts --
My Grannie Carter's example/Jesus’ lesson also reminds me that love is more than mere “words” -- and is also more than a “feeling.” Rather, love is action, based on a sincere, kind, non-faultfinding attitude. In contrast, a person with a judgmental spirit not only has a fundamental attitude problem, but also has a problem with love/loving, e.g., has a lack of genuine, pure, unadulterated love in his/her heart. And, although people in general like to consider themselves as “loving” individuals, people with hypocritical spirits towards others (sadly) cannot really fully love others. Why are they unable to selflessly and genuinely love others? Well, if i look specifically at my Grannie Carter's example, it is because true, genuine (and Christ-like) “love” does NOT rejoice at other’s wrongdoings or weaknesses -- and, moreover, genuine love NEVER attaches conditions/strings for gaining and retaining that “love”...
The life of my beloved Grannie Carter, who chose to so closely embody Jesus' teachings/life, taught all who knew her about the fundamental truths in loving others. I am so fortunate and blessed to now remember/recall and (try to) selflessly embrace, and acknowledge these lessons today... She taught all of us who knew her the TRUE lessons in genuinely and selflessly loving others/your family. She died in 1989 at the age of 89. I truly miss her physical presence in my life -- although I am certain that she is watching over me and her other family members/friends as one of God’s chosen.........
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Perhaps there is Light at the End of the Tunnel????
First, I want to say that I am so proud of my three children! While each of them have their unique characteristics, all of them are intelligent, creative, talented, funny, inquisitive, good-natured, caring, sensitive, with beautiful souls.
Taylor Terrasa (now Taylor Terreau) -- Isn't she beautiful?????
Ryan Terrasa - a handsome and sweet young man!
Dylan Reichle - My little man!
Taylor and Justin's Wedding Reception - Summer 2004: (L to R: Ryan, Max, Megan, Hannah,Taylor, Riley, Justin,Tera and Cody):
--Today I am beginning work on my Research and Writing requirement -- which is supposed to be a "rigorous writing experience evidencing legal analysis resulting in a paper of professional quality." Fun, fun, fun .... (not). I am truly behind this semester in all of my courses! I do have a pretty heavy load this semester -- 16 hours (Professional Responsibility, Remedies, Evidence, Administrative Law, Constitutional Law II and Research & Writing). Fortunately, I do have an office at the law school, so I can get a lot more done this year than last year (although I do have more work than last year).... Oh well, only one more semester left after this one (assuming I take 6 hours in the summer session). I am hoping to be looking at graduation in Dec. 2005!! I am VERY excited about that.... I can start paying off my student loans and (hopefully) start bringing in the big bucks, getting my family back on its feet (after all the many sacrifices that were made which allowed me to go back to school).
Susan wants me to eventually partner with her when I finish where I will continue to do employment related immigration law (faculty members, outstanding researchers/professors, national interest waivers, EB-2/EB-3 professionals, multi-national managers/executives, etc.), which I totally love and enjoy, having done this type of law for the last 13+ years (first with Howard Eisberg and for the last three years, and for going on 3 years, with Susan)-- and she will do the family related and temporary employment related immigration law (H-1B's, TN's, and family marriage immigration cases). Susan's practice is really taking off---- now that our website is up and running, I am sure it will expand so much more (we just need time to update/work on it!! -- but we are far too busy, even turning clients away at this point) -- It doesn't help that I can only work a maximum of 20 hours a week right now until I am out of school!!!
http://www.usdoj.gov/jmd/osdbu/justice.gif">
My sister Dana also has an exciting practice in Southlake, Texas -- wherein she specializes in family law and employment law. In addition to her regular office, she and her partner have an office at the Grapevine mall called "Justice and White" where they help clients with quick types of legal issues.
I am so ready to be out of school and back to a "civilian" life (ha!!!). These last years have wreaked a sort of havoc in my personal/family life (no longer get to do everything I enjoyed and took for granted, like read a good book or watch much t.v. or go for my usual LONG walks in the park, or talk on the phone with friends/family) --- so all this bullcrap stress must pay off in the end!! I can see light at the end of this crappy tunnel!!!
Taylor Terrasa (now Taylor Terreau) -- Isn't she beautiful?????
Ryan Terrasa - a handsome and sweet young man!
Dylan Reichle - My little man!
Taylor and Justin's Wedding Reception - Summer 2004: (L to R: Ryan, Max, Megan, Hannah,Taylor, Riley, Justin,Tera and Cody):
--Today I am beginning work on my Research and Writing requirement -- which is supposed to be a "rigorous writing experience evidencing legal analysis resulting in a paper of professional quality." Fun, fun, fun .... (not). I am truly behind this semester in all of my courses! I do have a pretty heavy load this semester -- 16 hours (Professional Responsibility, Remedies, Evidence, Administrative Law, Constitutional Law II and Research & Writing). Fortunately, I do have an office at the law school, so I can get a lot more done this year than last year (although I do have more work than last year).... Oh well, only one more semester left after this one (assuming I take 6 hours in the summer session). I am hoping to be looking at graduation in Dec. 2005!! I am VERY excited about that.... I can start paying off my student loans and (hopefully) start bringing in the big bucks, getting my family back on its feet (after all the many sacrifices that were made which allowed me to go back to school).
Susan wants me to eventually partner with her when I finish where I will continue to do employment related immigration law (faculty members, outstanding researchers/professors, national interest waivers, EB-2/EB-3 professionals, multi-national managers/executives, etc.), which I totally love and enjoy, having done this type of law for the last 13+ years (first with Howard Eisberg and for the last three years, and for going on 3 years, with Susan)-- and she will do the family related and temporary employment related immigration law (H-1B's, TN's, and family marriage immigration cases). Susan's practice is really taking off---- now that our website is up and running, I am sure it will expand so much more (we just need time to update/work on it!! -- but we are far too busy, even turning clients away at this point) -- It doesn't help that I can only work a maximum of 20 hours a week right now until I am out of school!!!
http://www.usdoj.gov/jmd/osdbu/justice.gif">
My sister Dana also has an exciting practice in Southlake, Texas -- wherein she specializes in family law and employment law. In addition to her regular office, she and her partner have an office at the Grapevine mall called "Justice and White" where they help clients with quick types of legal issues.
I am so ready to be out of school and back to a "civilian" life (ha!!!). These last years have wreaked a sort of havoc in my personal/family life (no longer get to do everything I enjoyed and took for granted, like read a good book or watch much t.v. or go for my usual LONG walks in the park, or talk on the phone with friends/family) --- so all this bullcrap stress must pay off in the end!! I can see light at the end of this crappy tunnel!!!
Saturday, February 05, 2005
The Words of Abraham Lincoln - Still Ring True Today
"I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and cause me to tremble for the sake of my country. Corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed."
-----------Abraham Lincoln, 1864
Our 16th president can provide a great example to the current Bush administration on how to effectively heal the wounds of our divided nation and join together highly partisan/divisive parties. Following the end of the Civil War (when our nation was at its most divided), President Lincoln successfully planned for peace and unity in our divided nation --- He was “...flexible and generous, encouraging Southerners to lay down their arms and join speedily in reunion....”
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/al16.html.
His second Inaugural Address further embodied his true beliefs and intent -- and are now inscribed on one wall of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C.:
"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle....- to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."
As an aside, Abraham Lincoln also was the president who said: “..."What is conservatism? Is it not adherence to the old and tried, against the new and untried?" ...” at his Lincoln's Cooper Institute Address, February 27, 1860.
If you want more information about this truly great president, I recommend the following website: http://members.aol.com/RVSNorton/Lincoln2.html
-----------Abraham Lincoln, 1864
Our 16th president can provide a great example to the current Bush administration on how to effectively heal the wounds of our divided nation and join together highly partisan/divisive parties. Following the end of the Civil War (when our nation was at its most divided), President Lincoln successfully planned for peace and unity in our divided nation --- He was “...flexible and generous, encouraging Southerners to lay down their arms and join speedily in reunion....”
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/al16.html.
His second Inaugural Address further embodied his true beliefs and intent -- and are now inscribed on one wall of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C.:
"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle....- to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."
As an aside, Abraham Lincoln also was the president who said: “..."What is conservatism? Is it not adherence to the old and tried, against the new and untried?" ...” at his Lincoln's Cooper Institute Address, February 27, 1860.
If you want more information about this truly great president, I recommend the following website: http://members.aol.com/RVSNorton/Lincoln2.html
