Our Nobel Endeavor

A single question has been prominent in my mind since President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday.  Since when do we commence to snipe and backbite when one of our own has been honored by the world? 

Every morning when I come downstairs, I pour myself a cup of coffee and then look at my computer.  I check my e-mail to look for NY Times updates from the overnight and then I turn on NPR's Morning Edition.  I've been especially attentive to headlines this past week, as the Nobel Prizes are annouced.  I  like paying attention to that sort of thing.  On Friday, when I saw that  President Obama had won the Nobel Prize for Peace, my first thought was "he doesn't need this." 

By that I meant that Obama's opponents on the right would surely reflexively reject the selection of the president for the prize.  They'd complain that the honor was undeserved, unwarranted, and unearned.  And of course I was correct.  Within the hour, the right began to bitterly regret that our president had been made the recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace. 

I'm a little embarrassed to admit then my first response was to place the prize in the context of contemporary politics.  I think highly of the prize, not only for the blessing it bestows on people who are working hard to make their world a better place, but also because the prize has the effect of advancing political causes that are meaningful and deserve advancement.  There are many instances of this, so I'll cite just one: in 1984, the Nobel Committee awarded the prize to Bishop Desmond Tutu, a black South African opponent of apartheid.  At the time, apartheid had no shortage of supporters (including our own government).  The Prize gave Tutu and his cause another measure of world legitimacy and it significantly helped to move forward the anti-apartheid movement, especially in terms of world opinion.  In 1993, the apartheid system officially came to an end, and two more South Africans, Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk, were awarded the Nobel that year.  I'm glad that the Nobel Committee honored Tutu along the way; his receipt of the Prize in 1984 served as a significant contribution to the end of apartheid.

While I can certainly understand a respectful disagreement with the president and his political goals, I've had about enough of the bitter sniping that seems to govern the rhetoric of some of our nation's political leaders.  This crowd (Hannity, Limbaugh, Beck, and their disciples) approve of absolutely nothing the president does.  If President Obama said the sky was blue, I've no doubt that they'd disagree.  This is not a debate of ideas or even ideologies.  This is shouting tantrums by ideologues.  And it does not make us better.

Does President Obama deserve the Nobel Prize?  The Nobel committee certainly thinks as much.  A reading of the Prize committee's statement on the award makes very clear that the committee is awarding the prize to President Obama because of the manner in which he has re-positioned the United States as a member in good standing of the world community.    We must make amends for the behavior of our nation during the Bush years.  That Obama brought his so-called "star power" to bear in his speech to Cairo and his trip to Africa is fine by me.  He has begun the process of  mending our frayed diplomatic ties with the world.  It's a noble mission; one we must undertake.  If President Obama prevails, our nation and our world will be better for his efforts.  And if he fails, we'll all pay the price.  President Obama won election to the presidency by persuading a majority of Americans that, "Yes we can."  I would add that we must. 

We must.

All Politics, All the Time

Regular readers will note that I haven't been writing about politics as much as usual.  Part of that is that the return to school finds me once again talking politics every day, and so there is an outlet for my thoughts and ideas.  And yes, my students appreciate your sympathies.

Part of it is due to my frustrations with the political process these days.  The downside to winning control of government when one is a Democrat is that it's only half the battle.  What inevitably follows is the internal bickering about how much progressive policies we can put in place.  I have not been impressed with Democratic Congressional leadership.  But that pales in comparison to the right-wing juggernaut of criticism. 

I believe that better ideas and policies flourish when there is a real engagement of varying viewpoints.  I have a genuine appreciation for some thinkers on the right (emphasis on thinkers).  Folks like David Frum and David Brooks engage my intellect.  I may not agree with them, but I respect the differences of opinion they offer.  But other critics, those who incite ignorance and complain without offering alternatives, for them I have lost my patience.  It's one thing to disagree with the plans advanced by the Democrats in Congress and the Obama Administration, but it's another thing all together to actively wish for our nation to fail.  It's not just selfish, it's short-sided.  I find it enormously frustrating when politics sinks to this level.  So I've been lying low on politics for the last few months.

This week, that's going to change.  For the rest of this week, I'll be writing about politics every day. 

You've been warned.

Food Friday: Wilted Spinach Salad

My mom used to make wilted spinach salad when I was a kid.  I liked it then and I love it now.  It has a pleasant sweet and sour taste combination and the savory egg and bacon add a mellow taste to the salad.  It's easy to make and packed with healthy spinach (thus the name).  The bacon, of course, is less healthy.  But it tastes great, so I make allowances.

The Recipe:
 10 to 12 ounces fresh spinach, washed and torn into bit-size pieces (you can use one of those pre-washed bags and make it that much easier...that's what I do)
 1/4 cup minced red onion
 2 hard-cooked eggs, grated
 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons bacon drippings
 1  tbsp. sugar
 3 tbsp. vinegar
 1 tbsp. water
 1/2  tsp. salt
 1/8 tsp. black pepper

Place prepared spinach in a large bowl. Add onions.  Refrigerate, tightly covered.

Cook bacon until crisp; remove to paper towel to drain; set aside. In a small jar or measuring cup combine reserved bacon drippings with sugar, vinegar, water, salt and pepper.   You want the dressing hot, so move quickly.  If the dressing cools, heat it in the microwave.

Toss the grated egg with the greens then pour the hot dressing over greens mixture; toss again lightly. Top with crumbled bacon.

When I made the salad this week, I served it with pumpkin soup and sour dough rolls.  It tasted just like fall should taste.

The JT Spice

Lately, JT has taken to saying, "Dang flab-it, I lost my rabbit."  The phrase is most often invoked when he's made a mistake.  The other day, I asked him just where it came from.  And he explained, "Dang flab-it came from Hannah Montana but I can't just use her line so I added the 'I lost my rabbit' part....it's a little JT spice."

Good lord, I'm not ready for this.

On Duty

Fourth graders at my school have the opportunity to join the Safety Team.  Team members are responsible for helping their fellow students and serving as leaders within the Lower School.  Last spring, when he was first advised of the opportunity to apply to join the team, my 9 year old told me that it wasn't for him.  He said it was too much responsibility; I suspected it was the specter of possible rejection that caused his application hesitation.  But I said it was his call and I let the matter rest.

This fall,  fourth graders interested in joining the Safety Team were asked to write the principal a letter in which they outlined the ways in which they were prepared to be a responsible member of the team.  To my surprise, JT decided to give it a try.  Consumed by the spirit, he wrote Mrs. R a thoughtful letter in which he outlined the ways in which he was already a responsible 9 year old and could also be a responsible member of the Safety Team.  He submitted the application and then eagerly waited for his interview with Mrs. R.  That interview was last Friday and JT spent the weekend in a fire of excitement.  Would he make the team?  On Monday morning, the news was delivered: he'd made the team!

My boy was proudly wearing his Safety Team badge when I picked him up after school that day and he was filled with the fire of responsibility.  That night, he called Grandma and Grandpa and breathlessly shared the details of his triumph.  We celebrated with some chocolate cake for dessert and I reminded him that I was proud he had taken the risk and applied in the first place.  His pride and excitement was so palpable that I wondered if he would even be able to fall asleep that night.  The next morning, he grabbed a school shirt to wear and then carefully put on his Safety Team badge.

When we pulled into the parking lot at school on Tuesday morning, JT straightened his collar, pulled out his badge, and announced that he was "on duty."  I can't be sure, but I think he was just a bit taller as he walked to class.  

Restful

For some time now, I've been in the market for a new quilt for my bed.  It's not that I lacked for bedding; far from it in fact.  I rather enjoy bed linens and have built up something of a collection.  On the other hand, new bedding would offer a welcome break with a past life.  I'm picky and wanted to spend my money on something that I really loved.  I'd had my eye on a couple of quilts I liked but the Pottery Barn catalog that arrived in July turned up the perfect quilt.  So now I sleep under the mantle of a new quilt; one that represents a break both figurative and real from a past life that still confuses me.

After some initial concerned sniffing, Tiger has concluded that it will serve his napping needs quite nicely.

Tiger and Lucy at 3

This weekend, we are celebrating the fact that Tiger and Lucy have been a part of our family for 3 years.  A few weeks ago, JT was reviewing his memories of happy events and the Monday that we picked out Tiger and Lucy was the very first day on his list.  He remembers it in great detail, starting with my (to him) startling morning announcement that we'd go and get some kittens that day, our trip to the animal shelter that afternoon, and ending with cuddling his tiny new kittens that first night.  I was surprised and pleased that JT could remember so many details with such accuracy.  I know how much he loves them, but I just hadn't realized how much he truly understands why they are so important to him.

Caring for Tiger and Lucy is a joint project.  Each morning and evening, JT checks to make sure their bowl is full of kibble and fresh water.  Because of these kittens, he is learning that loving someone means caring for them in ways both big and small, a valuable lesson.

In the three years that they have stalked our house, Tiger and Lucy have contributed so much to our sense of home.  They greet us at the front door when we return from school in the afternoon; they join us in JT's bed for stories each night; they curl up by our side and on our laps whenever the opportunity arises (and even when it doesn't....I am writing this post with just one hand thanks to Tiger's presence on my lap).  They provide comfort, affection, and laughter in our home.  They may be little and four-legged, but they loom large in our lives.

They are family.

Honeycrisp Apples

Usually my food posts feature something I have cooked.  But today I intend to blather on about Honeycrisp apples.   I do my best to buy local, fresh and in-season produce.  That's a pretty easy practice to follow come fall apple season; there are plenty of local apple crops to choose from.  But no apple can match up with the Honeycrisp variety.

It's a relatively new apple, the result of a University of Minnesota breed made of Macoun and Honeygold apples.  The University still owns the patent and growers must pay the University to get the seeds.  So this apple does cost a bit more in the market.  But let me note here and now that it's worth it.

I've been buying Honeycrisps for the last few years, ever since they first appeared at my local Wegmans.  Seen in my kitchen fruit bowl, this year's crop are amazingly large and as sweet and crisp as the name implies.  Every year, Wegmans sells out of Honeycrisp and I'm always disappointed when the time comes to switch to another variety.  There is no better apple for your eating pleasure.  You should get some......but not from my local Wegmans, please.  Go find your own.

Family Viewing: Live-Blogging the New Jersey Governor's Debate

On the way home from school this afternoon, JT casually mentioned what he had read in the Star-Ledger today.  For the uninitiated, the Star-Ledger is a leading newspaper here in the Garden State.  And my fourth grader was reading it as part of his social studies lessons this year. 

Allrighty then.  No excuses for ignorance about local politics will be tolerated at Sassafras House.  Thus it is that we are sitting in front of the telly tonight, watching incumbent Democratic Governor face-off against two challengers: Republican Chris Christie and Independent Chris Daggett.

8:05 pm
JT's opening observation: "If these guys were a cartoon, Christie would be the fat guy, Daggett the really skinny guy, and Corzine the in-between guy."  True that.

And then JT notes, "They're all bagging on Corzine."

Daggett mentions raising the gas tax (NJ's is the lowest in the nation).  The proceeds could be used to repair our roads.  JT's assessment: "good idea."  That's my boy.

8:20 pm
For the non-Jerseyans among you, Incumbent Corzine is facing a bit of an uphill challenge.  For many Democrats, his failure to reform the Jersey political system has been a disappointment.  And governing in a recession hasn't been particularly easy, either.

Christie was a federal attorney in New Jersey and he has record of prosecuting corrupt politicians on both sides of the aisle (and there is no shortage of corruption in this state).  But Christie was a Bush appointee, no asset in blue Jersey.  And he's very conservative, also out of touch with the state.  He led this race for a while, but the August arrival of Independent Chris Daggett, who regularly polls in the 10% range, has closed the window of Christie's lead.

The race has tightened considerably and though Corzine is still behind, it's only by a few points.  Turns out that Christie's support was pretty shallow.

8:25 pm
Christie has been asked to justify his traffic-ticket dodges (there have been a few).  The question: "Is there a different standard for your behavior?"  JT says yes.....Christie says no.

And JT notes that Corzine isn't fit to discuss traffic violations either (Corzine was in a high-profile traffic accident a few years back; it was the result of speeding and the Gov was not wearing his seat belt).

9 year olds have no patience with hypocrisy on either side of the political divide.

8:33 pm
Daggett calls for state employees to accept salary cuts (they already have) and changes to the pension and insurance plans for public employees.  Christie agrees.  Corzine pays lip service to fixing the NJ pension plan.  None of these guys is willing to point out that state employee unions won't just lie back and accept these cuts.

And now we go to questions from the public.  The first one: how will you cut the budget and close our 8 billion dollar budget gap? "That's a lot of baseball  cards," the boy notes.

Christie proposes kicking people out of the state health insurance plan.  JT does not approve.

8:45 pm
And now the topic of abortion comes up.  Because that's what I want to explain to my son on a Thursday evening.   We're pro-choice around here and that's what I explained to JT.

Suddenly talking about property taxes sounds much more appealing.  JT notes that property taxes have been high in New Jersey forever.  He's right.

8:52 pm
Medical marijuana: yea or nea?  Corzine says yup.  Daggett thinks it might be okay.  Christie says he's down with a little pot if safeguards are in place.  JT thinks smoking is bad.

9:00 pm
The debate still has 30 minutes to go but bedtime looms....JT is going to cast his ballot for Corzine.  His second choice would be Daggett and his third choice one of the many other small potato candidates in the mix.  Sorry Chris Christie.

October 1st: Hostas

The hostas are looking pretty tired about now.  The summer was cooler and wetter than usual and much of the garden paid the price (tomato yield was especially unimpressive).  Other plants in my garden are still lush and green, but not the hostas.  They are ready for some rest.  And though I'm not entirely ready to say goodbye to warm summer afternoons, the hostas are a little more in tune with Mother Nature.  They sense a change in the air and are preparing to shut down for the fall and winter.  It's hard to believe that the summer's thick, lush bed will soon be a dried patch of earth.  But that's exactly what's coming.  Before the year is out, I'll likely make a picture of this bed covered with snow.

I think that's what I love the garden so much.  In the rapid growth and then the quiet slumber of the plants is a regular reminder of the pattern of life.