The Great Melting Pot

From its foundation, the United States has been a country of immigrants.  Whether fleeing persecution, seeking opportunity, or in some cases, brought against their will, people have come from all parts of the world to settle and build the USA.  We have earned our nickname of “melting pot” because of the broad diversity that makes up our population.

Because we originate from so many countries, our national mindset includes ideas, beliefs, and backgrounds from nearly every major religion, philosophy, and culture.  Our diversity is a blessing to the country, and without this breadth of background, we would be less than we are today.  Many still dream of coming to America to find a better life, and we want to welcome those that will help continue to build our country’s greatness.

To reach our country’s full potential, and to protect the opportunities for those that will immigrate in the future, we need to ensure that our policies and processes support our goals.  How to best support immigration is a highly-debated topic in our country today.  Let’s cut through the rhetoric and the partisanship, and talk about the merits of the different potential solutions.

To be, or not to be...

"To be, or not to be…" Anyone who has made it through high school English probably recognizes these words from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.  Have you considered what Hamlet is talking about in this famous monologue?  To put it simply, he is contemplating suicide.

Data from the CDC indicates that suicide is a large and growing issue in the United States.  Based on the CDC numbers, someone dies from suicide every 13 minutes in the US.  And given the relatively low “success” rates of suicide attempts, that means two people attempt suicide every minute in this country.   For some demographics, suicide is a bigger killer than cancer, than drug use, than texting while driving.  Think about the times you hear about these other dangers in an average week.  Now think about the last time you heard a commercial or a discussion on how to prevent suicide.  Scary, isn’t it?

National studies indicate that about 25% of the US population will experience clinical depression in their lifetime.  Similar studies suggest that 9-10% of people contemplated suicide in the last year, with estimates that 20-25% of Americans will contemplate suicide some time in their lives.  Those numbers indicate that most of us know someone who has thought about killing themselves.

Sadly, most people have no idea how to respond to these feelings in themselves or others.  I don't mean that people don’t care.  On the contrary, I think most people would like to prevent suicide.  The problem is knowing what to say or how to react.  Luckily, you have found the answer (if you finish reading this article).  Let’s first look at some of the worst myths about suicide.  Then we will talk about how to best respond to suicidal thoughts.

Wicked Good Friends

For years, I have been an enormous fan of the musical Wicked.  I have read the book, seen the Broadway performance, and seen the touring group as well.  I love the music, the story, the creativity, and the message.  So, it was just a matter of time before I decided to write something about Wicked.

For those that aren’t familiar with this musical, congratulations!  There are so few people that recover from decade-long comas.  I am so glad that you arefeeling better, and that you have chosen my blog as part of your important catching up.  Let me give you the short background.  

Wicked was first conceived as a book by Gregory Maguire in 1995.  It is a retelling of the beloved “Wizard of Oz” that we all know from growing up.  However, this time, the story centers on Elphaba, the green witch from the East.  The premise of Wicked is that maybe Elphaba wasn’t evil.  Maybe she was someone trying to do good who had bad luck, or was just misunderstood.  And maybe the heroes from the original story weren’t as noble as we all thought.

Yes, Mr. Morris, there is joy this Christmas

This morning’s newspaper brought an editorial from Mr. Phillip Morris sadly titled, “It’s tough to find joy amid sorrow.” (The Plain Dealer, Dec 23, 2012, B1) The essay reminds us again of the recent difficult events in our nation: the economy, Sandy, and the tragedy in Newtown among others.  Citing these sorrows, the author sees no reason for celebration.  Instead, the words are a plea for a solution to stop such events in the future so we can have joy again.

I am sure Mr. Morris is not alone in his feelings.  Many struggle with the suffering, and find themselves unable to see joy and happiness.  They search for someone to solve the problems and prevent future heartache.  They want a program, or a law, or a new invention to put an end to suffering.  While there will be valiant efforts to prevent future sadness, that hope is vain.

Can YOU survive diabetes?

So, are you up for a challenge? 

My son Jacob was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes November 9, 2007, at the age of 3 years, 4 months.  Since then, there has not been a single day when Jacob did not require specific treatment and care to survive until tomorrow.  Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t kill immediately, but it also never takes a day off.  For Jacob, and for his family, it is a way of life.  

Now to the challenge:

The Morning After

Like so many others, we woke to a clear, bright day that morning ten years ago.  We got ready quickly; the movers would arrive soon.  Looking around our small half of the duplex, on our Mister Roger’s Neighborhood street, I saw the boxes stacked everywhere.  On the table with our wallet and cell phone were the airplane tickets for this evening: Pittsburgh to Boston. 

Corporations are people, too!

On Thursday, Mitt Romney was quoted as saying that "Corporations are people."  While the DNC has chosen to make fun of the statement, it is actually quite insightful.  In fact, the insight is one that I hope Congress members keep in mind as they attack the deficit over the next few months.  No, I don't mean they should keep in mind that corporations are people and should not be taxed.  I mean that they need to think past the obvious, and realize the implications of their actions and decisions.  Our government has a long history of missing the "unintended" consequences -- we can't afford that now!

NON-random acts of kindness

Most of us have read about, or perhaps been involved in, a "random act of kindness."  We hear of someone paying the bill for the car behind them in the drive-thru, or putting coins in expired parking meters.  Many people contribute to overseas efforts to feed the poor, or provide health care to the sick.  All of these are great acts of charity, and certainly contribute to helping improve others' lives.
Sometime in the effort to do the charitable acts for "random strangers," we miss great opportunities to assist someone closer to home.  In fact, there are things you could do today, right now, that would make a difference, and will inspire others as well.  AND it will only take you about 10 minutes!  How is that for a chance to change the world?

"I cannot live without books" - Thomas Jefferson

On July 7th, 2000, I had just finished watching the news.  Nightline came on, and they were live at a bookstore.  In every scene, I saw hundreds of kids and teenagers, many dressed in costumes.  As the reporter conducted interviews, 11 and 12 year-olds described lemonade stands, mowing lawns, and babysitting to save up dimes and quarters and dollars.  All of them were waiting to buy copies of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. 

Liars and Taxes and (Medi)cares, oh my!

Are you constantly amazed by our elected officials in Washington?  It is like watching a bunch of Kindergartners throwing temper tantrums and pointing fingers at each other.  Nobody seems to understand the real issue, and everyone is blaming someone else.  Obviously, the issue is just too complex for our simple politicians.

Here is your chance to make a difference!!  Just print out the letter below and send it off to your Representative or Senator.  Don't worry, it has lots of pictures so they can understand.  (And besides, they all have staffers who are literate and can read the letter to them.)