So it's Kagan. All in all, I'm pleased and optimistic. When I speculated on an appointment, I said that we needed someone who could surprise us; someone who hadn't already locked in her positions. That someone could be Kagan. Since she's never … [Read more...] about Kagan and the Supremes
Our “coalition” government
In explaining to our children the new "coalition government" formed in the United Kingdom by the Conservative Party with the Liberal Democrats I found myself realizing that the Democratic Party in leadership has long been a coalition government. … [Read more...] about Our “coalition” government
Roger Dickinson for Assembly
Six years ago I worked hard for Dave Jones against Roger Dickinson in the Democratic primary to fill Sacramento's assembly district. I argued that Dave was a real progressive and that despite Dickinson's length of public service, Dave would be the … [Read more...] about Roger Dickinson for Assembly
The Help revisited
Just a note to say that at least one of my readers (who shall remain anonymous for now) found The Help "dangerously paternalistic and verging on stereotyping." I have to say, I can see why she thought that. I can see the paternalism. It is … [Read more...] about The Help revisited
4 Snouts Up for The Help by Kathryn Stockett
(:)(:)(:)(:) for The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Not every 'New York Times Bestseller' is worth a read, but this one is. The book, set in Jackson, Mississippi in the mid-1960's (at the time of Medgar Evers' murder) is a fictional account of life in … [Read more...] about 4 Snouts Up for The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Wire is Alive and Well in Sacramento
In response to the Sacramento Bee's article on the front page of today's local section, "DA challenger faces uphill fight" I wrote this letter to the Bee:Andy Furillo (the Bee's best reporter) undoubtedly gets it right: Jan Scully's challenger … [Read more...] about The Wire is Alive and Well in Sacramento
Papa and that Napalm Girl
Writing about our father yesterday, I found memories flooding back. I woke up this morning resolved to write more about my time with the man I now refer to as "Dad"--he was Papa growing up. As I joined my husband in front of the television this … [Read more...] about Papa and that Napalm Girl
Picketing Safeway for Life
Our father never met a picket line he would cross and seldom met one he wouldn't join. The right of workers to organize was sacred to him. I was brought up in his church listening to the hymns of Woodie Guthrie, the International, and Utah … [Read more...] about Picketing Safeway for Life
Busted at the Co-op
Sometimes it can be difficult to live a coherent lifestyle. A former friendly supervisor once explained to her boss upon my departure why I could afford to quit my job, "She and her husband are hippies. They live in a commune. They eat rice and … [Read more...] about Busted at the Co-op
Who’s Earl Warren, 2010?
Caveat: different versions of this same rant can no doubt be found all over the internet for the past few weeks. I have not read them. This is just my obligatory rant on the Supreme Court. I am sick of the White House and Senate Dems whining that … [Read more...] about Who’s Earl Warren, 2010?
5 Snouts Up for Someone to Watch Over Me at Capital Stage Closing this Week
(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) A combination of homework and computer problems has conspired to keep me from raving sooner about this amazing play in its last week at the Capital Stage.This is the best production of any play that I have seen at Capital Stage and … [Read more...] about 5 Snouts Up for Someone to Watch Over Me at Capital Stage Closing this Week
Day 4–San Francisco
Got up at dawn to move my car that took me freakin' 45 minutes to park and had to park 7 blocks away at a meter, legal, but oh so moveable. Drove to Safeway to buy provisions for my Good Friday party.Later walked with daughter to Mission Dolores. … [Read more...] about Day 4–San Francisco