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The current on-air discussion has been powerful, and a reminder that acknowledgement of injustice in all forms is more important than we can imagine . . . because we cannot walk in the shoes of everyone offended and/or mistreated. As a past facilitator of interracial dialogues, I cannot emphacize enough the value of listening to a person's own account of having lived in a racist society . . . and the value of having one's personal story recognized.
Financial payment for injustices is important in cases like this one, but intellectual recognition of these travesties, followed up by actions to avoid them in the future, is where it's at . . . what we hope for in the long run.

Eileen

posted 4 years, 11 months ago
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Patriotism. Good topic for the times.

The first New Year's Eve after 9-11, I, along with hundreds of others, attended the annual New Year's concert at Portland's Trinity Episcopal Church. I was drawn, more than in previous years, to that lovely event for its sense of community . . . for the feeling of transcendence that comes with celebrating, and sometimes crying for, humanity. And I recall that, as we sang America, the Beautiful, many of us choked back tears?or shed them. That moment of sharing brought to mind not only the agony of those poor victims, beyond help now, but the state of our country and its place in the world community. I don't think I had ever felt more patriotic. Still, in that spirit, I had never felt more strongly that America needed to change to survive in a tough, new century few had envisioned.

If you love your country, and I do love the United States of America, you want to be free to contribute to its evolution in a changing world. So, when I think of patriots, I see the wonderful mix of American pioneers whose efforts make us all a little better, and our path a little straighter, through their contributions?whether they be in the battlefield, or in Congress, on a picket line. I see those who dare to stand alone, often with severe consequences these days, to make a difference.

This talk of what patriotism means brings to mind a high school friend who put her graduation in jeopardy by refusing to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at her graduation ceremony. She was not unpatriotic, but, rather, an atheist who felt that as an American she had the right not to utter the words, "under God" when she pledged her loyalty as an American citizen. I got the irony, even then. What is better than to live in a country where its citizens may criticize the status quo and attempt positive change? And what is sadder than restricting the creative and talented and brave among us from contributing to their country's development? Pretty sad. Maybe even unpatriotic.


?Eileen

posted 4 years, 12 months ago
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The last time I checked, art museum admission was $10. Forests, canyons, and other untamed wonders are my personal museums, so minor user fees seem a bargain when one considers how much it costs to maintain our parks and trails.

Eileen
Beaverton

posted 5 years ago
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These days, the recreational crowd is older (Boomers, et al) and thus there are more and more folks out there with mild to serious disabilities . . . yet, everyone would like to, and deserves to enjoy the great natural resources we are lucky enough to have. One of the most beautiful and moving natural sites I have visited is in Colorado, between Copper Mountain and Vail?a forest trail designed to be enjoyed by all, but especially outfitted to serve the blind. A lovely, wide trail lined by a rope rail, and accessible by wheelchair, drew hikers into the woods, where Braille signage identified each tree, and invited those with and without sight to touch the bark of each tree, noting how the trees differed. I experienced the trail while blindfolded, and was touched by the wonderful experience that had been created for those without sight . . . and with such simple materials.

While such projects cost money that comes dear these days, the thoughtfulness and spirited invitation for all to participate in outdoors activities is well worth it. Each park service and local recreation department should take great care to communicate which facilities provide handicapped access, and other special amenities.

Eileen
Beaverton

posted 5 years ago
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