What Nationality Are You? I ask again with a smile...
stood behind this perfectly happy customer in line.. and had to snap a picture "CH!"
-original post Tues March 18th, 2014:
Q: "what nationality are you?" By (me!) Sandra, tvgp
My sister reminded me recently about how we dreaded that question in our youth. -reason being, everyone else seem to have a solid answer that would roll off their tongue, and we never actually -knew. Ask two different parents; get two different vague answers, which seemed to change if and when we asked again. Truth is, I don't think they really knew.. So, 'heinz 57' became the standard reply.. Colloquial term borrowed from whatever kind person thought it up first.. 'A big mix.. 57 different nationalities; american muts'. -now, we've since traced a lot of irish.. Indian, French.. And lots more..But I have always also known, not by blood but by observation, that I have Italian in me. I learned this in the fourth grade when the principal stopped me mid-sentence and said, "sandy I want you to sit on your hands". -and when I did.. I couldn't talk anymore in complete sentences, -only stutter. I need my hands to talk. Word on the street was that Italians talk with their hands.. So obviously then I must have Italian in me. I also learned along the way that I must be part black. I learned this first when I was at the movies.. And the white audience sat so quiet and still.. But the black audience would get all involved in the story and talk out loud to the screen.. I'll never forget the first time i was told to 'shhhhh' at the movies.. 'You are not my people' I thought to myself.. 'They are!'. And so that's how I knew I was part Italian and part black.. But I had this confirmed at church and on the dance floor.. I also remember in elementary school being taught about the spirituality of the native Indians.. How they respected the land and each other and how they were dominated by the 'white man' with guns. In those stories I always related better with the Indians.. I believe in rain dancing and honoring spirits.. So really, I figured things out on my own along the way: I am part Italian, part black, part Indian. I learned I was part Asian during a stroll at a flea market.. My white friends/family always dressed me in matching clothes that were 'in season'. It never much mattered to me.. Well, that is a bit of an exaggeration... What happened is that I observed that this was VERY IMPORTANT to my friends and family, and so it better become important to me too.. But at the flea market I saw a beautiful Asian Woman.. She was wearing striped pants that in no way complemented or matched her print blouse. The colors did not match, the patterns each did their own thing.. And yet she seemed as happy as could be. So even if my family didn't know officially via professional genealogy research or DNA tracking.. I knew I was part asain too. Italian, black, Indian, Asian... The O'Riley sir name would lock in my irish heritage.. And the fact I love beer and green is my favorite color.. But -keeping my arms still when I dance? If I can't talk without my hands it only stands to reason that I cannot dance without my arms.. The same thing happens: my feet can't move only stutter.. So that helped me start figuring out percentages: like I must be only half irish... Also, I shared some kind of connection.. Unexplained but profound the first time I saw Russell crowe on the big screen... And I knew! In that magical, I intuitive, mysterious way, that -whatever he is; I am that too. What is he? Anyway.. One day we will make this all scientifically valid.. And all that.. But I know I have relatives from Spain! And Russia.. And based on my reaction to certain climates: I am Hawaiian.. Took to the hula like a coconut to the tree.. Plus, its what I was designed for; to be cracked open. -what about you? If I pick your brain for your thoughts instead of your finger for blood; who are you? Who are your people?
"thank you!" mr mcmillion from (me!) sandra, tvgp
(me!): "no way.. that's a fun name, -really? McMillion" /because I was sliding his credit card through the machine, and I often read names to find them first in the customer data base.
mr mcmillion customer: "yes.. and my friends like to joke and call me mr. thousands"
(me!): "that's just funny.. what's the origin?"
mr mcmillion customer: "Irish"
(me!) " wonderful! ~those are my people.."
mr mcmillion customer: "you are Irish.."
(me!): "yes.. and you know how I know... it's not because I did a 23 and me, or anything.. or genealogy.. I know i'm part irish because I started drinking beer and writing poetry at a young age"
mr mcmillion customer: laughs. "I'm having my history researched.. turns out I have some (?) /can't remember first thing he told me.. and Indian..
(me!) "that seems like a cool thing to get to learn.. enjoy this gorgeous day"
***
-and forgive me.. but, I don't take it as seriously.. and ive met a number of people now who have traced their origins through dna.. send a sample/receive results via mail.
not one person has ever questioned...
so, I guess everyone assumes 100% accuracy on the part of the system/process/results..
but, ive worked in many places.. 100% accuracy is pretty hard to come by
and I joke with my kids, like.. I swear to you, people put so much faith in the system/results, that they could be obviously one thing (say, physically, obviously -Asian, but if there paper work says, they are African American and Indian, -that is what they believe they are. period.
this fascinates me. and sends my mind on another one of those..
what it means to believe..
***
also, -because of inter-racial, international, global love/romances/one night stands, etc. between already blended ethnicities.. this will become less and less significant, important over time..
who you are.. how you identify yourself... what you're made of...
fast forward a few scores in your imagination and tell me how important this is:
i'm .03 Mexican, .007 irish.. .5 African American .7 Italian 8. .12 indian 9. .18 Chinese
.3 Polish etc., etc.,
"so, you are all that?"
"yes.. i'm all that.. and then some" /according to this paper...
CH:
I am many things...***
In, Jesus only knows.. name, amen.
Cobra Kai "encore!"
prelude: rewatch the original Karate Kid. then thoroughly enjoy Cobra Kai episodes on netflix. -and "thank you!" here to Pete and Janis for the recommendation. lovin' it
Sidewalk Square Gardening.. by (me!) ~tops
and so i pulled out ALL of the flowers, and started from scratch for the new season... fall colors and some orange and black for halloween. when i showed Brian.. "what might i expect here?" -and he talked about how many were perennials, and should last year after year...
well, i already know, i want no such thing. i just want something seasonal.. if this can bloom, grow, fill out for the next 3 or 4 months.. i would be delighted! and then will be ready to pull everything out, and create something brand new.. -that is my joy,
re-creations in the same space.
which is also, of course, what we are doing with our front yard.. soon, the imaginary koi fish pond will be raked away, and we will create a playful wicked witch for the halloween season
and! our home is already 3/4 decorated for halloween, inside and out.. we will work today on the garage.
due season continues... "thank you!" Jesus... hallo~woo~ya amen.
"Victory Raiders!" and more APA'S
we never stop praying for our fire-fighters, first responders, essential workers..
and oh! to see the return of blue in the skies.. to have clean, fresh air to breathe...
and the return of football season.. janet's best in the world chocolate chip cookies...
and a raider victory on top of all that
let's raise a "chupacabra cheers!" and "amen!" to these back to back answered prayers, shall we..
/correct; the jalapeno, cucumber margarita renamed for halloween
The Heart Seen.. two new fantastic contributions! from (squidmann & spike!)
-how blessed you two must feel! these show up all around you.. and the photos! you've captured -magnificent. very stylistic & artsy.. and i'm always fond of the broken hearts.. but this one on the -write, might be my new favorite; that is a great photo! color contrast; texture; positioning... "thank you!" xoxo ~s.c.
Magic of Macy's! for (me!) ~tops
and the invite said, "bring your suits" -because there is a pool
and so, i re-looked at the swim suit i wore the year before... which, in truth, is the same swimsuit i wore for several years before that too, and so now the material is so worn out, i can't justify not just throwing it in the trashcan
and can justify going to my local macy's to shop for a bran new swimsuit
and so, sexy and i went together, and God bless him for his patience, because shopping for a new swimsuit this late in the season is..
and i poked through this rack, and that rack, actually with the goal of finding the same swimsuit i threw in the trash, just a new version of it..
and i could only find similars, not exact matches.. but i piled a selection of swimsuits to try on over my arms..
several different styles, several different sizes.. because all women know, each manufacturer has their unique set of measurements; so an 8 might fit exactly the same as a 12, or 4 even; it really depends on the year, make & model
and, when i at last had a selection to try on, we go to the only fitting room open to try clothes on,
and it turns out that is all you can do
try -clothes- on
you cannot try on swimsuits -covid restrictions. the kind lady explained that what i could do, is purchase all the swimsuits, try them on at home, and just return the swimsuits i didn't want.
in the meanwhile, my sexy was looking through my selection
"swimsuits sure are expensive!"
and the prices did seem to range from $50's to the over $100's, with some on clearance
"i know! but trust me... if you can find a swimsuit you like... you'll pay whatever you need to!"
/plus, like i have.. star rewards i've earned.. Magic Of Macy money
long blog post short: i purchase like 20 swimsuits, to try them on at home
"OMG! how do you even put this on?"
"you have got to be kidding..."
"absolutely not.."
"that looks really good! -on the hanger.. not on me though"
"i refuse to give up... if i have to try on 100 swimsuits..."
"one day, i will earn enough money to pay a professional to custom create a suit that flatters my body just the way it is! Jesus... amen"
"the enemy is trying to discourage me... i know this is you devil"
until,
"wow! i love this suit!"
but, it gets even better, because the ONE swimsuit that i will keep and buy
-the least expensive of the bunch! $36.99
"God! i know that's you! hallelujah! and a~swimen
and speaking of magic of macy's
did i share about my 6 pairs of shoes for under $100? -awesome! shopping experience
Public "Thank You!" to (valerie! & sebastian!) AKA: the sugarbears
in a prior visit, they told us about this treasure of a less known place they had landed upon.. and they described how beautiful the beach was.. and the charming barn in the area, with goats to feed, and chickens sharing the walkways, and cute gift store and bakery.. the delicious corn and roasted artichokes
and, then "thank you!" because they invited us to join them on their next visit -return to the scene of great times!
and it was exactly as they had described! the avila valley barn.. friend, family and dog friendly. valerie & sebastians celebrity corgi's, cashew & almond, had a great time! curious and unbothered by the goats, chickens, emu.. just enjoying each other's company and the new sights and sounds
and we set ourselves up at avila state beach for a nice long picnic and visit .. clear skies, warm weather, music and "cheers!" all around, plenty of sand for the corgi's to run around and play in. -there was a temporary issue with yellow jackets, but a toss of a fresh piece of cantaloupe seem to help keep them at bay. and we are still curious about how so many boats are not in docks... but seem to be anchored in their own individual locations within the water itself.. it's a strange visual, because it first looks as if all kinds of people are out in their boats; until you realize none of the boats are moving..
but,
again.. it was the very definition of a blessed day. good friends, good food, good times in good places
-safe travels there and back.
but don't want to leave out that we stopped for dinner in paso robles.. and wow! to this enchanting community.. the parks, restaurants, businesses, homes. i had no idea..
i've known of paso robles reputation for being another wine country.. great place, like livermore, for wine tasting
but, the town itself.. "encore!" and we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner outdoors at the street side ale house & eatery -way de~lish
my last, and only memory of paso robles, until this most recent visit, was my time there way back in..
in?
i was in my earliest 20's, i think; like, maybe 20 itself -and drove exclusively to the paso robles mid state fair for only one reason, and one reason only:
rod stewart
and it is a story i've repeated many times -how i stood tip toe on a folding chair, screaming like all fans do, and how "rod stewart winked at me!" -i was certain..
i was certain he winked at me, and not the beautiful blond with the big boobs that was next to me...
***
for fresh avila & new paso robles memories "thank you! Jesus & sebastian & valerie!" -amen.
Etsy Artist Friends! (anne jewett! & naty martinez!)
fan of this opportunity for artists, for creatives: etsy.com and i find myself doing more and more gift shopping via this site. and, "congratulations!" to two of my artist friends for their launch out into the cyber e-commerce world:
anne jewett -purplefullmoonstudios
naty matinez -natyscorner
way to go! i'm inspired -plan to join in, eventually...
"911! Scissors! It's an emergency!" cries (me!) ~tops
my mom.. she wanted to print out and display a current picture of Robert & I
and she showed me the picture of us at the lone cypress..
and it is a very current picture; and it is a very good memory! a wonderful memory..
but it is NOT a flattering picture!
Good God.. i practically raced to a pair of scissors and started chopping my bangs
i can't be that ugly! please no! my sexy had to look at me like that all day?!?
and, the climate was cool and damp, so it was good for a long ride, i was glad the sun was not beating down on us while we were pushing those bikes up steep hills
but it was awful for my hair! and i worked so hard on it before we left, wanting to look good for my sexy
anyway..
i gave my mom a look, that translated said,
please do not display THAT picture...
and then she pointed to the picture i keep as a screen saver on my phone
and we were able to track that one down.
it is one of my all time favorites, and much more flattering
all good memories attached too: barones, where we met...
and my sister's 50th bday, which was an utter, total, and complete blessed time!
and i do wish..
that every good memory i captured was also a personally flattering picture
but the odds are against that..
so, i try to focus on the memory/experience.. and block out those unflattering pictures
and keep them all
but display more selectively.
Thanks Mom! I love YOU! xoxo
and for the record: i over-reacted and over-chopped my bangs, until they were way too short, and very crooked... "911! bang extensions... someone help!"
it's just hard getting it write sometimes, write ladies...
amen.
CH= how i saved a little boys life (me!) sandra, tvgp
this is currently up at alden lane nursery. the second i noticed it, i remembered...
(me!): "Brian, -remember how i saved that little boys life?" /said with a smile
Brian Perrin: "hmm? oh... oh yeah..."
-because i pointed to the sweet pea board.. and we both knew i was exaggerating for the fun of it,
but here is the real deal: excerpt from longer blog post dated thurs. oct 19th, 2017:
***
SWEET PEA -oh! I was provided an opportunity to rescue a toddler. and it was such a sweet moment
but it started out not sweet at all. it started out with a child screaming, crying..
and that sometimes happens just about anywhere children go.. but it is usually pretty short lived. in this case.. the crying, screaming seemed to be lasting longer..
I was working with Daniel.. who I just love! so funny.. hardworking.. and he had visual access from his side of the kiosk, I said,
what happen, did a kid fall? can't have a pumpkin he wants?
and pretty casual Daniel says, "no. a kid just got his head stuck in a hole."
I was like, "STUCK IN A HOLE -HIS HEAD IS STUCK IN A HOLE?!?"
and so speed walked toward the sound of the crying and screaming which was increasing in intensity and volume
"oh... you're just nervous.. that's okay" I said,
as I landed upon the planet's cutest little blond two or three year old (?) boy with his parent holding him up so he could put his precious face through one of the cut out circles of a painted wood board which allow up to two people at a time to poke their heads through and become part of a sweet pea painting
and don't they make the cutest memories and pictures!
the problem was.. the cut-out for the sweet pea is not exactly a perfect circle. it is oblong, and tilted slightly. very easy to see you need to tilt your head slightly to enter through; you have visual access going in
-but not memory. and while the back of all mom's heads have eyes, this is not so for our children.
-the instinct and nature then of a toddler: pull your face and head straight back out.
by the time I reached the scene this effort had been tried several times unsuccessfully, and the little boy was in a very big panic -trapped for life! with his head on one side of the world and his parent on the other
and the parents.. their efforts to guide and help.. well, he was just a little too panicked to hear or take instruction
I touched his cheek very gently, and he immediately calmed and quieted -such a beautiful moment! and I said with a smile, I said,
"honey.. if your head went through the hole this way.. it will for 100% certain go back out too! but what I'm noticing is that..
well, I'm going to need to turn your head a little bit, would that be okay?"
and in under one second..
out! safe and sound, quiet and calm.
and now, did I a little bit expect a gesture of gratitude from this precious toddler I had just calmed and rescued from having his head stuck for life; the toddler I spared from becoming a permanent sweet pea picture icon
from being separated from his parents... being fed and read and talked to through a hole at alden lane into his middle age
I did.
but, you know what he did instead.. he brushed me off and clung to his parents like he may never see them again; ever! he held on so tight. very quiet. -recovering.
but on my way home, I said to Jesus..
"thank you!" I'm so glad that kid got his head stuck in that board..
and that's not write is it.. but, did it ever feel good to help calm and rescue someone.
***
DID YOU JUST SAY RESCUE?
there is no counting how many customers pass through alden lane with dogs, that will share in conversation that their dog is a rescue
just yesterday a customer said she and her husband will go to the pound and determine just what dog is in the most need out of all of them.. and that's the one the take home and nurture..
and these rescues are not overnight adventures.. in many cases.. it took three years before..
or longer.
and, alden lane's famous dog.. haley.. she herself was rescued by the general manager, cyndee.. at 6 months.. and what a win/win that has turned out to be..
but,
so often I want to share.. I want to say in response,
and only one time I did
"I'm a rescue." -because that's how I feel: rescued and restored by Jesus.
do we refer to humans this same way? children in foster care, that were abandoned, but placed eventually with healthy families.. people who care
the lost or lonely or addicted.. who eventually are found, loved, made free..
I like this word: rescue. and I love this pairing: rescued and restored.
"to human restoration!" amen
APA! Answered Prayer Alert... from (me!) sandra, tvgp
Pacific Grove/Lover's Point is OPEN again.. you can handfeed those charming squirrels! "Thank You!" Jesus, amen.
"We Did It!" 17 million mile scenic bike ride (sexy! & tops!) #monterey #bikeride #17miledrive #pebblebeach
brief recap:
from el estero to pacific grove/lovers point: Best Bike Ride Ever!
from el estero to pacific grove/lovers point and on to asilomar state beach: Best Bike Ride Ever, Ever!
from el estero to pacific grove/lovers point to asilomar and then on to bird rock of 17 mile drive:
Best Bike Ride Ever, Ever, Ever!
from el estero to wharf (restrooms!) pacific grove/lovers point, on to asilomar, to bird rock (restrooms!) of 17 mile drive and then on to seal rock, fanshell beach, sunset point, lone cypress, pescadero point, on and on to pebble beach (bathrooms, rest, water, pray) up and up and up in lowest gear... with no bike lane on very narrow two lane winding mountain...
getting off and pushing bikes uphill
"hey sexy.. if someone driving by in a truck offers to load our bikes and drive us the rest of the way... i'm going to say "YES, PLEASE & THANK YOU!"
landing at sunridge exhausted -with more uphill to go
"are you mad at me for getting us into this?"
"no tops, i'm not mad at you... kiss/kiss ... it has to go downhill -somewhere. it just has to.. and all i know is i hope this only goes up and then down, not up, up and then down and then back up. i want to get all the up part over with"
eventually back on our bikes, peddling again...
to "Lopez!"
and rewarded with a long stretch of downhill coasting through thick foggy neighborhoods
"Sloat!"
"Sexy... i'm so glad you coached me through the tough part! We are going to do this!"
/and never do this again.
****
in the year of 2020, many people will first remember the pandemic and the fires..
but i will remember our 5000 mile drive to james lick observatory
and, -our 17 million mile scenic bike ride from monterey to carmel and back
in both cases, i didn't really know what i was getting us into, which is the only reason we did it.. and i'm so grateful "we did it!"... with zero desire to ever do them again. one & done's we call them.
In Jesus Name, Wow! and Amen!
"Mag Time Frames Forever!" (me!) says with a big smile...
"Cheers!" from Montara State Beach! with (san bruno! & santa maria!)
it was like a roasting 110 in san jose... but, it was like, 60+ with a cool ocean breeze at montara state beach.. plus add a way cool custom RV with a perfect deck for bbq'in & visiting, awesome friends, stimulating conversations, a stroll along the shoreline, beautiful views, some shrimp/chicken veggies skewers, chips, salsa, and! our new favorite:
jalapeno, cucumber margaritas! Recipe by my Sexy: yields 4 great drinks
In a blender, add 1/2 of a peeled cucumber; 1/2 of a large jalapeno; 4 cups of margarita mix; 4 shots of tequila; 4 shots of Grand Marnier. Blend well.
Now, take the other half of the cucumber, and create 8 slices for garnish; do the same with the remaining jalapeno (8 rings) [2 slices garnish for each drink; adds festive look ..]
cut one lime into 4 wedges; this will be used to moisten the rim of your 20 oz. clear glass/or plastic cup
then, place Tajin seasoning in a small dish/paper plate, and use to season the rim of your lime moistened glass. -squeeze the remaining juice of lime wedge into glass, and drop the wedge inside the glass for hint of lime flavor
Fill clear glass to the top with ice
place two cucumber slices & two jalapeno slices of garnish into each glass, and now....
fill the glass with your blended margarita mix -toss in a fun stir stick for extra flair and fun..
"cheers!"
Magnificent Monterey Bike Rides w/(sexy! tops! & friends) #monterey #bikeride #loverspoint #pacificgrove #handfeedsquirrels
the first time; all we did, was ride our bikes from el estero picnic area to pacific grove/lover's point, and i was like, "this is the best bike ride EVER!"
and then, in a future ride, we rode from the el estero pincic area to pacific grove/lover's point.. and then we rode some more, until we reached asilomar state beach, and it was so gorgeous there, i literally felt rewarded for riding further, and was so pleased to take my adult children there too
i thought that was "the best bike ride EVER EVER!"
BUT THEN,
on a recent ride, we rode from el estero picnic area to pacific grove/lover's point... and then on to asilomar state beach... and then! on further to 17 mile drive, all the way to bird rock
and now, I am officially convinced
THAT IS THE BEST BIKE RIDE EVER EVER EVER! i mean, the views! the views! i already can't wait to go back
we have become like, tour guides.. and had the great pleasure of bringing my daughter and son on a ride, and then, our good friends, sebastian & valerie (AKA: the sugarbears), and then, our good friends, john & maria (AKA: san bruno & santa maria). i think the whole wide world should ride their bikes from el estero -where you can have a lovely picnic and fuel up..
past the wharf, behind cannery row, to pacific grove/lover's point... keep going along the stunning coast to asilomar beach, rest/water up, and then keep going to 17 mile drive... more stunning views of the coast on one side, gorgeous homes/golf course on the other... past china, and on to bird rock, where public restrooms await.. and then back.. front/on cannery row, not behind it, on the way back, and don't forget to stop at nestle's for some fresh chocolate chip cookies. "it's tradition!"
we also added a dinner at phil's fish market in moss landing on our way home, that's not a bad tradition either...
already can't wait to get back to monterey again.. we want to keep going past bird rock.. and do the entire 17 miles.
i will remember it as my happiest day of 2020 "Thank You Jesus! Thank You My Sexy! Thank You Family & Friends!" amen
****
you can see they have replaced the old 'lover's point' sign, with a new, freshly painted lover's point sign which includes 'pacific grove' -and, they moved the trash cans further away from the sign too. great choices!
there is no hand feeding those charming squirrels write now.. closed due to covid/pandemic restrictions, and.. the dramatic elimination of food sources from locals and tourists has brought out the worst in the seagulls, now in larger numbers and bullying/blocking squirrels from getting any food, and the squirrels are being more aggressive and mean toward each other... it's yucky and sad.. there was also a new population of small little birds suddenly looking for scraps too..
i pray for a return to the way it was! there were well fed, and well mannered, charming squirrels you could so easily hand feed, with just a few seagulls at a distance, hanging out but not aggressive
but this is what happens when you so suddenly terminate all people traffic and food sources -starvation does not bring out the best in anyone.. and what happens to one group affects another... and another
this pandemic, shelter in place, is perpetually reminding me just how interconnected we all are; to each other and with nature. hand feeding those squirrels was such a highlight of the bike ride for me; i miss the experience terribly.. amen.
Recall Gavin Newsom Yes Please, from (me!) sandra, tvgp
https://recallgavin2020.com/
We both signed the petition -perhaps each for our unique own; and also similar reasons.
I have two primary reasons I would like to see Gavin Newsom Released from His Leadership Position
1. Under his leadership, San Francisco got worse... and worse... and while I fully realize this one man is not to blame for the rise of our homeless populations -It did rise under his leadership, and what comes with that is this: pollution, litter, trash, addicts visible in a growing number of places, making those places more dangerous for everyone residing or visiting; urine, feces, the odors and toxins.. unsafe beggars, aggressive peddlers.. the list goes on. -and what I truly do not understand, is if you were to evaluate the major responsibilities of a mayor; what the city he represented looked like, the shape it was in prior to his election, and then post his term
and things got worse in several areas instead of better..
how did he get promoted to governor? I do not understand.
And in this time of an unprecedented pandemic -we know the crisis would challenge any leader
but,
there seems to be quite a consensus, that with or without this extra crisis.. California is getting worse also; following the same pattern as San Fransisco -dramatically noticeable increases in the homeless population, graffiti, trash, pollution in areas that used to be clean and welcoming, streets and highways severely overdue for repairs.. a growing sense that we are once again experiencing high rates of ongoing/growing taxation with low, to no representation /schools, transportation...roads, healthcare..
but, none of that is nearly as important to me, as
#2. Gavin Newsom is so soft on crime, and criminals, and criminal behavior; he leans toward being actually supportive of crime, criminals, criminal behavior. And if I have read correctly
TWICE Californians voted for the death penalty
and, still we have Gavin Newsom signing a sweeping order, putting an executive moratorium on California's death penalty,
and, I will pray here first, so I can stomach sharing the following quote,
"It has provided no public safety benefit or value as a deterrent. It has wasted billions of taxpayer dollars. But most of all, the death penalty is absolute, irreversible and irreparable in the event of a human error."
Let's start here: But most of all, the death penalty is absolute, irreversible and irreparable in the event of a human error."
This is true. And the thing to consider, is the painfully high number of inmates who have been released from prisons and who return to the streets and steal, rob, rape and MURDER
Are not those deaths also absolute, irreversible and irreparable. The statistics for 'human error' when it comes to releasing inmates who then go on to kill someone.. Murders which could be prevented. We need to pay much more attention to those 'absolute, irreversible and irreparable' human errors.
The police arrest records, in the case of Richard Allen Davis.. more importantly, the 'he was released & re-released' records, speak very clearly about the absolute, irreversible and irreparable cost of 'human error'
That series of re-releases, ultimately resulted in the kidnap and murder of our beloved Polly Klaas. Kidnapped at 12 years old, from the bedroom of her own home, violated, and murdered, by Richard Allen Davis; currently -and since 1996 on death row
(It is not 'death' row then, if year, after year, after year, after year, after year, for decades you are still alive -write)
The public is indeed safer with a dangerous, murderous, evil predator off the streets and in jail;
And, I would argue, we are all safer still, if a dangerous, murderous, evil, predator is not even on our planet.
and let us speak here about that 'waste of billions of tax payer dollars'
FREE GUARANTEED SHELTER
THREE FREE MEALS A DAY
LAUNDRY SERVICES
CLOTHES
HEALTHCARE
RECREATION
MEDICINES
on and on, etc, etc,
from 1996 to 2020! And to imagine.. how that significant amount of tax payer money might be used toward helping actual law abiding, tax paying citizens... oh! the good we could do...
and, I do not see the death penalty as a deterrent; but rather, as justice itself. This evil violent predator does not deserve to share the planet with us; period
I have no idea how evil, murderous, predatory, violent criminal minds process information; but
like,
I do not buy into the idea that there might be another evil, murderous, violent kidnapping and raping predator who, upon learning of a different predators execution, would stop to contemplate,
-hey, maybe i wont kidnap, rape and murder after all... deterrents/consequences don't seem to be a language or currency that evil violent predator types speak or understand.
and a death penalty moratorium which extends Richard Allen Davis's life on our planet is not something I can support; but that is only one, extreme example, for my signing for Gavin's recall
This release of inmates during this pandemic; this total disregard for public safety
letting criminals go free, while punishing small business owners !?!
-his ongoing stance which practically celebrates criminals, and demonizes law enforcement
I can not and will not support. We are heading backwards..
our children's safety is at higher risk..
our public safety overall...
our streets/highways in desperate need..
our schools, hurting..
graffiti, pollution, homelessness..
We need to return to tough on crime..
We need greater transparency and accountability for tax payer dollars
We need neglected areas (roads, transportation) addressed, with calendars available to the public regarding which repairs will be done; and when
and that's already more than enough political talk for (me!); let me get back to some poetry and creative non fiction..
For notably improved leadership during these unprecedented challenging times; I pray
hallelujah & amen.
passing thought: when we execute a violent murderer, we should first calculate what it would have cost tax payers to keep the predator on death row for 2 decades, and then those savings should be dedicated to victims of violent crimes funds.
***
speaking of homelessness
1. I do not like to hear 'homeless' people all grouped into one category; ever.
there are many different reasons, and among them:
*mental illness, which prevents a person from holding a job; properly managing money, etc.
*drug and alcohol addictions, which also prevent a person from holding a job, and properly managing money; responsibilities, etc.
*unexpected hardships: people losing a job/income and are unable to afford rent/mortgage, etc.
* free will/choice: people choosing not to take on the responsibilities mandatory for renting/home ownership.
and other more nuanced reasons, and some combinations, .. but those seem to be the major categories
and because we have different homeless populations, with very different reasons/needs..
we also need different solutions
because one solution does not address the variety of problems.
so i dont support the idea of providing 'free housing' for 'the homeless'
because that puts drug addicts, mentally ill and people just having hard times, but otherwise healthy, all in the same area.
i also believe, when former President Reagan and the congress chose to close hospitals and centers which treated the mentally ill; and reduce the budget for mental illness
that was a mistake. it may have been with good intentions, but
it has proven itself a mistake.. I think almost every citizen agrees...
but we have not done anything to reverse or correct the mistake
so, I am also looking for a leader/leadership, which will reopen, fund, support the opening of hospitals and centers for our mentally ill citizens.
maybe i'll write a poem about that... amen.
