christmas ponderings

'There's just no way that Christ was a capricorn"

- this american life (a show always worth listening to)

kudos to Nancy!

So my former boss got a mention on the Senate floor this week -- she's an incredible woman and a terrific grassroots organizer and definitely deserves the praise! So, kudos to Nancy and check out the Bill of Rights Defense Committee to learn more.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Massachusetts), 12/16/05 (Source: Congressional Record):

In November 2001, Nancy Talanian and a small group of neighbors in western Massachusetts came together to launch the Bill of Rights Defense Committee--what has now become a nationwide movement to protect the Bill of Rights.

This small Massachusetts group encouraged similar community discussions across the country. Seven States and hundreds of local governments engaged in vigorous public debate on the scope of the PATRIOT Act. As of this week, 400 resolutions have been passed.

These efforts can't be casually dismissed because the administration claims there have not been any ``verified abuses'' of the PATRIOT Act.

the tyranny of our democracy

I'm sorry- what country do I live in? the ny times reported that the FBI watched activist groups Those of us involved in political activism know that the FBI has in fact been doing this for years, but this is the first time I remember that they have announced it and have touted it as an achievement. Bush is completely unapologetic of his actions relating to domestic spying in spite of clear evidence that this is square against the 4th Am.

Well at least according to Bush, NASA is doing a fine job. Er, I think he meant to say the NSA. :)

the worst of the worst

Global Exchange recently released its list of 2005's worst corporations. The list is certainly worth reading. And for more information on why you should boycott Chevron, visit EarthRights International.

my venture into a professional holiday season

So, I have received my first few Christmas cards as a new lawyer. Clients, fellow lawyers - I never woulda thunk it, but apparently lots of people send Christmas cards to people they only have a professional relationship with. Anyway, I've displayed them in my office and it's all made me feel like a real lawyer! (ok, small steps...)

fair weather dems

hmmm.. so it appears the democratic party may have some backbone after all. Leahy's speech today in support of a filibuster to prevent a vote on patriot act reathorization gave me chills. Hell ya, it's time for checks and balances, buddy. Just wish you woulda thought of that 4 yrs ago!

So do the Dems only have guts when they think they have the votes? Well, let's just hope this is a foreshadow of fighting days to come. It may just keep me going to Democracy for America meetings...maybe I can reunite w/my former party yet.

urban wasteland - I think not!

Ok, so whoever says Orange County is an urban wasteland (hmmmm...maybe that was me!) is very wrong. Evidence #1 is the possum I saw during a bike ride last Saturday and evidence #2 is the coyote I saw tonight.

So, maybe these wonderful creatures were having to dodge traffic b/t strip malls...but at least there's wildlife, right?