Sonia Sotomayor the anti-absolutist

Surely there will be some furor over the "qualifications" of Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court. She, as a longtime jurist (18 years) meets any reasonable definition of at least basic experience, but it is much, much more important that she represents the diversity of American culture and compassion for fellow humans. In that regard, from all I have read, I would attest that she would be almost overqualified for the job.

I believe that "qualifications" are not necessarily synonymous with credentials or experience. In this case our new President, so wise beyond his years, has emphasized empathy, which is not a function of longevity or persistence or number of judicial decisions rendered. Instead it is a trait of innate goodness of character. Empathy can't be quantified in tangible form nor on ledger sheets. Empathy is immeasurable as a ghost, but obvious as the bright morning sunshine. Ms. Sotomayor has shown this in her concern for the oppressed and the victims of injustice.

I would find it ironic that much of her opposition is from the "Christian right," which more often than not seems to be neither. The literalist point of view makes an idol not just of the Bible but the Constitution in the form of exact words. Isn't idolatry supposed to be unChristian?

We live in an age of enlightened awareness of and respect for subtlety and nuance. I would like to think that we as intellectual humans would be more mature and sophisticated in our thought processes than to take any document or book at face value, but instead probe for true meaning beyond the black letters. Must we be so absolute, so rigid, so constricting of ourselves so as to blind ourselves to the greater understanding present between and outside the lines?

My view of the Constitution is similar to the way I see the Christian Bible. Both are collectives of fluid and imperfect human writings, malleable in the context of the mores of the day and subject to as many interpretations as there are people who read them. And all these interpretations have equal validity, none either subservient or superior to any other. I see Ms. Sotomayor as an embodiment of the flexibility and fluidity that allows for interpretive leeway in favor of justice for the least powerful among us. This is why I will support her nomination.

Peace, love and compassion for all, Susan

http://www.codepink4peace.org

Farewell my dear friend

Yesterday was a profound day of both mourning and celebration for us. Gandalf, our devoted companion of five years, passed away sometime the previous night. I knew something wasn't quite right when he didn't come to greet me in the morning, and especially when he failed to appear at the door upon my return from my run. He was lying peacefully stretched out on the rug under our futon, but he was stiff, lifeless, cold, and not breathing.

Once I got over the shock, and cried perhaps as hard as I have in years, I bundled Gandalf's body in some towels and took him to the vet, who believes he may have had an internal rupture or aneurysm of some kind. An autopsy would cost more than we would wish to spend just to satisfy curiosity, and wouldn't bring our beloved friend back anyway. He also turned out to be much older than DL and I believed, at least by 5 years, which means he was no younger than 11 and probably closer to 12 or 14. That's the nominal lifespan of his breed, but he never acted "old" even near the end.

Gandalf already was full grown when we found him outside our apartment stoop shortly after we moved in. He was crouched in the snow behind the landscaping, shivering and wet. Maine Coons have water resistant coats, but he was so emaciated that his natural weather resistance was gone. So was my resistance for taking him in, not that I would have had an ounce of hesitancy anyway. I'm a passionate animal lover/rescuer and a natural born softie for long haired tabbies, so this was nothing but sheer destiny.

We fell in love with him right away, those big golden eyes and that friendly personality destined him for us, and us for him. He was such a beautiful, wonderful and enlightening creature! He gained plenty of weight after we had him vaccinated, neutered, wormed and well fed for a few months. He became my constant home companion and creature comfort when DL was away. Gandalf slept with us on cold nights and mostly on our futon the rest of the time. Since he was a very large kitty, I would surmise that he probably provided me with more warmth than I was able to give him. The photo above was on our balcony two summers ago. Isn't he gorgeous?

I called DL, who is on a dig in Tanzania, to report the sad news. We agreed not to be too stricken any more over his passing, but to celebrate the joy, comfort and love he brought us in his short time here, and to celebrate that we were able to provide for him the loving and quiet home such a sweet and magnificent being so deserves. I'll miss you Gandalf, you were the best. Thank you for all the love you brought to our lives.

Peacefully yours, Susan
http://www.codepink4peace.org

Insightful discoveries

It was another gray day, but I was able to soothe away the cloudy sullenness with a smooth and warm latte before heading off to my art project. Early to rise, healthy and wealthy and wise, right? Well, maybe healthy and wise. Given the inherent injustice of economic wealth under capitalism, perhaps instead we should amend that cliche?

I've been roaming assorted religious, agnostic and atheist blogs of late for insights. When arising from one who is well written and considerate, isn't insight wonderful?

Then there are dark insights and ill vibes given off by the negative thinkers and antagonistic polemics out there. We all know about the likes of Rush Limbaugh, but I'm afraid to report there are some bloggers who make him seem tame by comparison, mainly in the extremities religious and atheist writing.

If you are religious, please pray the gangrenous extremes on the deistic and non deistic sides of their arguments don't spread their bitter toxins to the heart of America, and if non religious like me, hope and encourage positive thinking and expression everywhere you can? I may try to do so, now that I suppose I am a "virtual card" carrying member of the blogosphere. Please wish me luck with some of the most blustery amongst them. I'm finding some very interesting reading amidst it all, nonetheless.

Peace and kindness!
www.codepink4peace.org

The start of a dream

Good morning, friends. If you know me, you would not be all too surprised that I have begun to enter the world of blogging. Yes, I've had hesitations and concerns about doing so since the blog world can be so polarizing and antagonistic. Conflict is so foreign to my character, and I hope to avoid it, but I mustn't fear the possibility anymore that unpleasant words may be directed my way merely for advocating peace and love everywhere. Fortunately my partner has taught me remarkable ways to set aside the dark karma of those who would rather fight than love, so..

I only have staked one tiny corner of the blogosphere but perhaps I might make a peaceful and calming difference by doing so. That is my hope and dream, if you will join me in the few brief moments it my take to read and ponder my occasional musings.

Peacefully yours, Susan
http://www.codepink4peace.org