Editor’s Note: The following article was written by Judith Gayle, who has her own blog on the Planet Waves site called Political Waves. Jude also writes for the Friday edition of Planet Waves Astrology News. Today, she writes about Bush’s last day. –RA
Dear Friend and Reader:
IT’S MARTIN’S DAY…It’s our day. All of us.
Once again, the “Left leaning” media has inflated the cost of Obama’s inauguration, giving the Right something to bitch about — hopefully, that kind of misrepresentation will change along with everything else … oh yes, we can.
We’ve spent eight years feeling as though there’s a ticking time bomb in every single MSM piece we read; and there always was one. This piece, although fluffy, has an entirely different energy — and I was thrilled that Pete Seegar was invited to sing with the Boss; he has stood up to be counted for an entire lifetime, and paid a price.
Me, I don’t care how much they spend on this celebration, frankly … the joy on the faces of the participants, widely covered on any television, is worth the price. We are in an amazing period of overlapping energies, including an end of karmic obligation to the founding of this nation on inequality. Now — if we can just pass the ERA, all of us will be full citizens of a country determined to rebirth itself for a new century.
One little piece of Bushian errata of note is that of the customary moving schedule — between the brief period of the inauguration ceremonies, the White House staff customarily does the impossible … they traditionally shift the belongings of the prior president with the new in the space of a few hours, completely erasing the former and having everything in place for the latter. Amazing logistics, that. But unnecessary this time, as Laura started moving out this summer — and that might explain a few things about the vagary of our lame Dubby in these last months. There may have been presidents who wanted to get out of town faster, but not in recent memory.
I hope you have time for some service project today — but metaphysically, that doesn’t have to be painting, as Obama did this morning, or feeding the homeless or whatever … all of those things must become part of our conscious participation each and every day in the months to come. Call a lonely friend — share dinner with someone whose heart would be lifted — pick up the trash on your block — do something that improves the quality of life in general. If you want something more formal, you can go here to find opportunities, and/or create them. I’ve posted a few links and articles that speak to this.
Edgar Cayce said the maxim here on planet Terra was, “Serve or suffer.” As a life-long volunteer, I can testify that happiness and satisfaction can be found in service; give yourself away to find your better angels!
It’s no surprise that there has been a unilateral cease fire announced between Hamas and Israel; one more reminder that everything changes tomorrow. Look at this remarkable picture — and ponder. One more thread in the amazing fabric of what is coming together at this moment.
Obama is set to both close Gitmo [already in progress] and formally order a withdrawal in Iraq [already being configured] on his first day. While I have no illusions that both will take time and care, I trust that we can fully appreciate the enormity of those decisions, and stop picking at the new presidents “moderation” and establishment sensibility. We don’t know what this will look like in three months, or six — but we can absolutely embrace the notion that government will turn its face toward its people and the world with a fresh … and progressive … outlook.
The Pubs are counting on the Left fracturing — they’re looking for any toe-hold, now. But somehow I don’t think the momentum is going to die that quick death they’re counting on. The times will change us all … shove us ahead with fresh challenges and problems; whatever e-brakes on the old systems we face will be under the dominion of our new, responsible Pluto and allow for new choices. Let’s understand that the energy upon us is larger than any of us can estimate. The one thing we know about Obama is that he’s listening — that means that the doors and windows are open on tomorrow; and we’ll be there to help that along! Democracy is messy; but we’re awake and aware, and up for it.
“Now let us begin. Now let us rededicate ourselves to the long and bitter – but beautiful – struggle for the new world.”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., April 4, 1967
Enjoy the hoopla — this doesn’t come often; no matter how tedious or silly some of it seems, after eight years of daily anxiety, dancing naked in the streets with lampshades on our heads feels just fine to me!
As for George W. Bush, I expect most of you missed his farewell address — hell, Uncle Dick slept through most of it. Considering the mayhem that occurred under the direction of this man, you’d think he’d go out with rockets shooting out of his bum, but it was … in the harsh light of reality … more with a whimper than a bang.
Here are a few snips from the bubble that is Dubby’s brain — proving, once again, that there are two America’s, comprising those who believe any of this actually happened on Dub’s watch, and those who snorted so hard, watching it, that they give themselves a seizure.
For eight years, we have also strived to expand opportunity and hope here at home. Across our country, students are rising to meet higher standards in public schools. A new Medicare prescription drug benefit is bringing peace of mind to seniors and the disabled. Every taxpayer pays lower income taxes. The addicted and suffering are finding new hope through faith-based programs. Vulnerable human life is better protected. Funding for our veterans has nearly doubled. America’s air, water, and lands are measurably cleaner. And the Federal bench includes wise new members like Justice Sam Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts.
Uh-HUH.
As we address these challenges – and others we cannot foresee tonight – America must maintain our moral clarity. I have often spoken to you about good and evil. This has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This Nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense and to advance the cause of peace.
Um-HUmph!
Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.
MPPPHFUTHHEHTH!!!
[sound of someone dialing 911]
You’ll find, as bonus and for posterity, a collection of links, �toons and whatnot of Bush errata [and by the way, the Rude Pundit is really really rude!] … if anybody cares, [she giggled happily.]
Hugs of relief and joy to each of you –
Jude
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