And what could be more appropo than some All American Apple Pie?  Hopefully you will provide some of your own offerings.....

We're pretty much exhausted and feeling bad
Tired of being nothin' but sad

If all we're seein' and feelin' is sorrow
We need to renew our zest to secure a better tomorrow!

Let's take a little time
To celebrate what's good with you and yours, me and mine

Gotta leave behind our anger and fears
Wash away the remnants of all our tears

The sun is peekin' out from behind the cloud
We need to cheer, run and even sing out loud

If you can't find a reason for celebration
Best to enjoy some treats for the body and psyche for consolation

(All American Apple Caramel Pie recipe is on full post!)

Pie Crust:
3 cups all-purpose flour
Pinch salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold, cut in chunks
2 eggs separated, (yolks for the pastry, whites for the glaze)
3 tablespoons ice water, plus more if needed

Caramel Apples:
1 cup sugar, plus 1/4 cup for the top
3 tablespoons water
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 vanilla bean, split and scraped
1 lemon, halved
8 Granny Smith apples
1 tablespoon flour
1 cinnamon stick, freshly grated
1/4 cup unsalted butter

Vanilla bean ice cream, store bought

Begin by making the pastry.  In a food processor, combine the flour and salt together.  Add chunks of cold butter and pulse on and off, until the dough resembles cornmeal. Add the 2 egg yolks and the ice water, and blend for a second just to pull the dough together and moisten. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Divide the dough into two balls and form into discs.  Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

While the dough is resting, prepare the filling.

To make the caramel sauce: place the sugar and water in a small pot and cook, stirring constantly, over medium-low heat until the sugar has melted and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Remove the pot from the burner and add the cream and wine slowly. It may bubble and spit, so be careful. When the sauce has calmed down, return it to the flame, add the vanilla bean and heat it slowly, until the wine and caramel are smooth and continue to slowly cook until reduced by half. Remove from the heat and cool until thickened.

Fill a large bowl with cold water and squeeze in the lemon juice. Peel the apples with a paring knife, cut them in half, and remove the core with a melon baller. Put the apple halves in the lemon-water (this will keep them from going brown). Toss the apples with the flour and cinnamon.

Take one of the balls of dough out of the fridge and let rest on the counter for 15 minutes so it will be pliable enough to roll out. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Carefully roll the dough up onto the pin and lay it inside a 10-inch glass pie pan. Press the dough into the pan so it fits tightly.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Slice a couple of the apples at a time using a mandolin or a very sharp knife. The apples need to be thinly sliced so that as the pie bakes, they collapse on top of each other with no air pockets. This makes a dense, meaty apple pie. Cover the bottom of the pastry with a layer of apples, shingling the slices so there are no gaps. Ladle about 2 ounces of the cooled red wine caramel sauce evenly over the apple slices. Repeat the layers, until the pie is slightly overfilled and domed on the top; the apples will shrink down as the pie cooks. Top the apples with pieces of the butter.

Now, roll out the other ball of dough just as you did the first. Brush the bottom lip of the pie pastry with a little beaten egg white to form a seal. Place the pastry circle on top of the pie, and using some kitchen scissors, trim off the overhanging excess from around the pie. Crimp the edges of dough together with your fingers to make a tight seal. Cut slits in the top of the pie so steam can escape while baking. Place the pie on a sheet tray and tent it with a piece of aluminum foil, so the crust does not cook faster than the apples.

Bake the caramel apple pie for 25 minutes on the middle rack. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with the freshly grated cinnamon. Remove the foil from the pie and brush the top with the remaining egg white. Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar and return to the oven. Continue to bake for another 25 minutes, until the pie is golden and bubbling. Let the apple pie rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour to allow the fruit pectin to gel and set; otherwise the pie will fall apart when you cut into it.

     WOW!  The responses made apparent there are a multitude of not only new focal points, but also the desire to make some old ones new again we want front and center!  While several are politically based, there are many who advocate there is impact and import to be reaped from other venues.

     Hopefully, in response, facts will be gathered, blogs written and positive discussions will ensue from which we will not only obtain knowledge and new tools to move forward, but also deliver whimsy, pleasure and new horizons to explore.

     I've attempted to put forth a partial 'menu' as it were of various entrees submitted for your review. 

What constitutes 'News' and 'Public Good' in published communications?
Should 'disclaimers' be mandated to identify news v. punditry/opinion?
When does free speech allow/become the equivalent of yelling FIRE in crowd?
Is it possible to 'fix' the quality and veracity of published communications and still adhere to our rights to free speech?  If so, how?

Bwak, feathers all aflutter, laments, 'I'd like to see more attention being paid to communications regulations, and the fact that they are not being enforced.'

TOMORROW'S AMERICA

 How will it be different? The good, bad and ugly.
 How do you want it to be different?
 What will be the effects in future from our current economic meltdown?
 What lessons have you learned, do we all need to learn, to ensure a better future?
 Will our personal goals change?  Should they?

CHANGE - HOW BEST TO EFFECT

An analysis utilizing sociological, philosophical, historical, linguistic data on how to achieve positive change on chosen topic(s).
Personal Stories of success, failure and processes
 What mode of revolution will achieve resolution?

'Personal stories are far more resonant with most people than the typical progressive emphasis on wonkish policy analysis', states Old Grouch.

EDUCATION

How can we improve public education?
What are the pros and cons of our public education programs?
 Charter Schools -  The How, What and Differences.
 An overview of our funding formulas applicable to public education

'The inadequate funding of primary and secondary education. I'd like to learn more about the charter schools.,' so declares flowerchild and others!

EXPORT/IMPORT IMPACT

Off-shoring and outsourcing - the impact this has had on all of our lives.

 Oversight of Product safety/quality
 Job and wage impact in US
 What is no longer manufactured here, but now imported from afar?
 Are there some imports we should boycott?  If so, why?

Ramona  - 'I'm surprised at how little attention is paid to those issues--even by the liberals and progressives....... For years now it's been the number one reason we're losing the prosperity wars, but nobody seems to want to talk about it.'

ELIZABETH WARREN

 Her bio and much more

'I have long wanted to blog about Elizabeth Warren but its pretty clear to me that I just won't be able to find the time. So with regret I'm offering up the idea to any other bloggers out there,' opines oceankat.

WE, THE PEOPLE

HUMAN CONDITION - LIFESTYLES AND LIVING

Is our need to personally connect with others diminishing, stationary or increasing?
 How does our political ideology impact our personal lives?
 How do you live, laugh and love?
Are our personal traits and beliefs decided mostly by our locale and social environment?
Has our society become too accepting of that which oft creates more pain than gain?  i.e. Gambling (casinos here, there, everywhere), drug usage,  marital infidelity, etc.) 
Are we more human than humane?

 'I thought when I first blogged here, the regulars said the Cafe wasn't just about politics, that Life, as you say, was the Thing.' Wendy Davis.
   
SOCIETAL-ECONOMIC

VIABLE OPTIONS/SOLUTIONS FOR UNEMPLOYED, IMPOVERISHED AND DISENFRANCHISED

 Successful programs/processes examples
 Ideas for generating and implementing more support programs (examples)
 What states are doing the best to support and assist
 What's best way to contribute? Financially, volunteer, goods?
 How can we be sure our donations are being used as intended?

W. Staebler, 'I'd like to see more discussion of actual, viable solutions being offered to help the unemployed, the impoverished, the disenfranchised.'

DYNAMICS AND IMPACT OF SOCIO ECONOMIC CLASS DISTINCTIONS 

 Is the increasing nomadic lifestyle a benefit or detriment to American society?
 Are we harmed or helped by class geographics?
 Are class distinctions becoming broader or narrower?
 The dysfunctions of individual class segments

'........these sit pretty near the center of some of my other concerns.' amike declares!

VOTING PROCESSES

 Voting Registration Issues
  Independents can't vote in all state primaries
  No quality, competent oversight
  Should voter registration records be published (names only)
 Voting Machines - Bad and Good synopsis?  Fix or discard?
 How to best ensure better oversight in our elections?
 What states have best electoral processes?  Worst?

C'ville Dem, 'I would like to know what, if anything is being done to insure that voting machines are not hackable, and that we can believe their results.
 
 
LESS BLAMING, BITCHING AND BLATHERING

 How to change negative reactions to positive actions
 FYI - Let's spotlight positive actions that get little to no attention
 
 
'ANY ideas for improving this country rather than tearing it down...I am need of less grumbling and more actionable ideas...' StillIdealistic

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

 Benefits and Harms of legalization of Medical Marijuana
 Fact and Fallacies
 Should we have a federal mandate to allow Medical Marijuana in all states?

msa3, 'One of my pet issues lately has been medical marijuana, and how quickly a good idea gets corrupted.'

POLITICAL MESSAGING - PROGRESSIVES/LIBERAL

 How do we define progressive liberal tenets?
What's needed to improve the quality and longevity of message?
 Is the left 'communications' challenged?
 Why can't the 'left' create, implement and deliver 'their message' successfully?

FOLLOW THE MONEY

The campaign donations, public fund expenditures, $$$$$ - pick one and blog!

Maxine Udall exclaims, 'MicroFinance!'
 

INTERESTING AND CHALLENGING TOPIC DU JOURS.....

And of course, our resident swine miguelitoh2o  casts these pearls to be considered, 'Animal rights. Not to forget those Guantanamo detainees, and focus on aminals, but I do loves them so. Dogs, cows, pigs, chickens, cats, even polar bears.'

*************************************************************

'Because in the end, how we live life, how we love, how we have fun is integral to understanding our politics, and how we vote. Simply put, if we are filled with hate, we will see and engage in politics a whole lot differently if we are filled with love.' Acamus!

And dickday's declaration, 'This has me thinking!  Kind of takes me out of the constant anger at what is.'

   I thought it would be interesting to know if there are issues and/or subject matters that you would like to blog about and/or have others create and post here that either hasn't been cited for too long and/or would like to see introduced here.  

   If so, hopefully by your comments we'll discover if there are topics TPM Cafe participants would enjoy being introduced to or revisited here. 

"If you think you are too small to have an impact, try to rest with a mosquito in the room!' Anita Koddick

AFTER THIS FALLS OFF THE LISTS - I WILL COMPOSE A BLOG WITH THE LISTING OF TOPICS AND INTERESTS PUT FORTH WITHIN THE COMMENTS.  (SOME TRULY IMPORTANT AND INTERESTING SUBJECTS!  THANKS ALL!)

        This is a short, but interesting article with links provided that deliver the depth of the studies and yes, even colorful, simple graphics.

         In discussing the random review of 40% of reported racial harassment cases in federal courts, this paragraph - specifically the last sentence - validates what most have come to acknowledge as fact.....

         Pressed on whether the rule of law could actually be considered intact when outcomes varied so much depending on the race of the judge, University of Pittsburgh School of Law Professor Pat K. Chew replied: "It's always made a difference who the judge was. We've long known, for instance, that a judge's political affiliation makes a difference."

          In brief, all judges may follow the same procedural processes in their quest to adhere to the law, but their own personal heritage, experiences and ideology is oft the deciding factor in how they rule. 

          For me, the main flaw in this article is there is no reference to socio-economic groups.  Socio-economic levels are diverse and not of only one ethnic group or one gender.  But, it is interesting and worth the read. 

          The truth is that lady justice's blindfold should be removed, the scales replaced with loaded dice and silver coins the binding of her garment.

http://www.abajournal.com/weekly/article/race_gender_of_judges_make_enormous_differences_in_rulings_studies_find_aba

The storms of our prose and being will produce
Raging, writhing and intense surges that crash into and over the recipients

The sharing of our thoughts, perceptions and experiences
Is oft a choice of using words as weapons of mass destruction or instruments of peace

Sages of yesteryear and present acclaim
There is none so well armed as those empowered to both wound and heal

All words ever published are joined together to communicate and oft garner reactions.  Most will not endure beyond a few fleeting moments, but some take root, growing into a bounty of knowledge and even wellbeing.

It is the wise ones who acknowledge and accept the responsibility that just as careless whispers, their words can also create harm and produce a discordant climate in which little of true value can prosper.

Through the ages, debates abound over which is more harmful - lies proffered as truth or cruel words spewed only to proliferate hate and unrest.    I believe both are equally dangerous and serve no good purpose.  But,.....

Here, within the words published, there is an ongoing abundance of content that delivers sustenance to both our hearts and minds.   On this site, joy and sadness are expressed and both embraced.  Knowledge is acquired, but a sense of humor is oft also required.  Politics and other newsworthy topics share the spotlight with sassy satire and worthy works of fiction.   Friendships have formed and lovers have met here.  Ah, the list is long and worthy...

But it is all borne and sustained within the words that each of us write, read and take to heart. Words are our common bond. Thus, we need to choose our words carefully, taking due care with them and each other, so that we may evolve and endure.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO YOU AND YOURS ! 

The cafe status site notifier, which we were all supportive of, has not been updated since about the time it originated.

It takes many hours to have this crap removed and on weekends has taken over a day.  During this time many posts are literally removed and even after spam is removed they are taken off site soon because the 24 hour deadline has expired. 

I know for many this is not news and we have attempted to achieve resolution to this before, but once again it's only getting worse.

If you have any ideas on how to achieve a positive resolution that we can (yes, I know again) send to TPM please comment.  Yes, I'm sure Josh, et al. will read this, so please keep it respectful and civil. (And believe me when I say this is not the original which was not quite so polite!) 

       Zephyr Teachout, is a faculty member at Fordham University's School of Law, who at this moment is also a Visiting Assistant Professor at Harvard University's Kennedy School. During the presidential campaign of Howard Dean in 2004, he was director of his online organizing, which as you know revolutionized political networking and fundraising.' 

        The second segment  is with  Richard Trumka,  the President of the AF of L-CIO, representing eleven million members and 57 national and international unions. He became president less than six months ago, after serving 15 years as the AF of L's secretary-treasurer.  Trumka spoke too on the court's decision as well as blunt talk about how the times, they are a changin' as is  the blue collar worker's  reality and perceptions of our political and socio-economic landscape.

       There's also a bonus at the end acknowledging and citing Howard Zinn, whose words of yesterday are still the wisdom of today!

        I encourage all to read the transcript at:

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/01292010/transcript4.html

 But here are some highlights that hopefully will goose your interest:

 BILL MOYERS: Welcome to the JOURNAL.

'When the five conservatives on the Supreme Court decided last week that money is speech and corporations have the same rights to spend as much of it buying elections as you do, you could hear the champagne corks popping over at Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Exxon Mobil. "

 MONICA YOUN - Well, corporations clearly won this decision. I mean, essentially, what the court does is it awards monopoly power over the First Amendment to corporations. ......You can think about the last couple of elections as, you know, the slow rise of the grassroots. And as a result, the political parties, for the first time, had an incentive to start reaching out to small donors, to start cultivating grassroots organizing networks. And you saw what happened in the last election. Now, what the Supreme Court has done here is really a power play. It takes power away from the grassroots, and it puts it squarely back in the hands of corporate special interests.

It threatens to make these grassroots networks irrelevant. To say, you know, it's no longer going to be worthwhile for, you know, parties to look for fundraising opportunities, $20, $100, even $2,400 at a time, if they can just have multimillion dollar support directly from corporate treasuries.
                                                                 >

MONICA YOUN; And there's a very strange alternative reality aspect to the decision. It's like you're reading a work of science fiction. At one point Justice Kennedy says, "Government has muffled the voices of corporations." .......

ZEPHYR TEACHOUT: No, no. It's worse. He says, "muffled the most," and then he quotes from Scalia, "the sort of best advocates for the most important interests in our economy."

                                                                >
ZEPHYR TEACHOUT: And there's this beautiful passage in Stevens' dissent, where you can feel his -- he wrote one of the longest dissents in recent history. And you can feel his -- I think very heartfelt anxiety as he's confused. "What is this thing we are giving these rights?" And these are not small rights. These are rare in human history that you have a right like the right to speak freely, politically. We had, you know, we're dealing with in the sophist way in giving it to a corporate form. It's very strange.

                                                                >
MONICA YOUN; You know, I have faith that this decision is a constitutional aberration. And I feel like the shock that this decision has resulted in across the left and the right will hopefully show the court that they have taken things too far. That the results of their logic is no longer democracy, which is rule of the people, but which is plutocracy, rule of the wealthy.......

                                                       *****************

Second segment:

BILL MOYERS: WALL STREET JOURNAL is going to come out next week and say Trumka says that class war is on again. And I'm serious about that.

RICHARD TRUMKA: Well, the class war's been on, except my class has been losing.

                                                              >

BILL MOYERS: The Senate vote showed that 49 percent of union households in Massachusetts voted for the Republican.

RICHARD TRUMKA: Here's what they were saying. Here's what our members were saying. Here's what the general public said. Here's what working America's saying. That wasn't about Obama's agenda. They were saying, "You haven't overreached. You've under-reached. You haven't produced enough change. So, we're going to help you. You think the status quo's great. We'll show you." They want change. They want their problems solved.

BILL MOYERS: They voted for the Republican.

RICHARD TRUMKA: They did. But they did it because they were angry and they were frustrated and they wanted to demonstrate that change wasn't happening fast enough. And they were going to help it along.

BILL MOYERS: But the Democrats have 59 Members of the Senate. They have a 78 vote majority in the House. They got the President of the United States. And they can't deliver anything labor wants from them?

RICHARD TRUMKA: No, I want to say it a different way. I want to say they haven't delivered anything. They can. And it's up to us, and we're getting there.

                                                            >

RICHARD TRUMKA: You know, really, I agree with everything you just said. We opposed NAFTA. We said it was going to be bad. Everything we predicted has come true. And even Bill Clinton understands now that it was a bad thing. We have to change the way we do it. He won't say that trade is bad, and neither will we. 'Cause we think trade is a good thing. Exporting our products is a good thing. Not exporting our jobs. I wish, though-- I wish there were Republicans that I could support. But they're so rabidly anti-worker. They're so rabidly anti-union. I wish that there were dozens of them out there that we could run out and embrace and say, "This is our person." Now, there are a few. But the number is less and less and less each year.

                                                                >

RICHARD TRUMKA:   And let me say this to you, Bill. 'Cause I think this is an extremely important point. There are two economies in this country. There's the real economy that makes things. And there's the financial economy that was supposed to provide them with the capital to make things. And they-- this was subservient, and the real economy was supposed to be the master. Somewhere along the line, that got turned on its head. And the financial community became the master. And they actually started sucking money out of the real economy, 'cause you could get a better return passing complex instruments around, rather than making steel or autos or anything else. So, it's up to us to correct that imbalance. To make it so that the real economy is actually the dominant economy. And the financial economy is a servant to make them- enable them to do their job. And that's going to take re-regulation so if we enacted everything he said with the jobs bill.....

Our job, all of us, as Americans, is to make sure that we push the Congress and the White House to do a jobs program that's of sufficient size to fix the problem. Not just dribble at it. But to fix the problem. And that's what we're hoping to do!

***********************

BILL MOYERS: Like Richard Trumka, the historian Howard Zinn, who died this week, was a man who believed that working people couldn't wait for a better life - they had to fight for it.

He once wrote, "historically, government, whether in the hands of Republicans or Democrats, conservatives or liberals, has failed its responsibilities until forced to by direct action: sit-ins and freedom rides for the rights of black people, strikes and boycotts for the rights of workers, mutinies and desertions of soldiers in order to stop a war. Voting is easy and marginally useful, but it is a poor substitute for democracy, which requires direct action."

Howard Zinn didn't just write history, he lived it, practicing what he preached, gaining enemies and critics by leaping into the fray himself. A working class kid from Brooklyn, he came home from fighting for America in World War II, to fight alongside other Americans for justice, peace, and jobs.

His fame and popularity came from helping us see America from the ground up - as ordinary people struggling to gain and hold their place in it. When no history book told that story as it should be told, he wrote the book himself -- A PEOPLE'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. It became a perennial best seller.

He appeared on the JOURNAL just last month to tell us about a television special, THE PEOPLE SPEAK, based on his people's history. Here is a little of what we talked about:

What do you think these characters from the past that we will see on the screen, what do they have to say to us today?

HOWARD ZINN: Well, I think what they have to say to us today is think for yourself. Don't believe what the people up there tell you. Live your own life. Think your own ideas. And don't depend on saviors.

Traditional history creates passivity because it gives you the people at the top and it makes you think that all you have to do is go to the polls every four years and elect somebody who's going to do the trick for you and no. We want people to understand that that's not going to happen. People have to do it themselves.

IMHO - There's much of import in this program and hope others here are interested in reveiwing the entire transcript and participating in a positive, interactive discussion on the content put forth. 

        Most of us will always remember our first one! Hopefully it was all you wanted it to be - full of passion and satisfaction!  Or did you wake the next morn alone and still wanting - aching from disappointment and lack of fulfillment?  Please tell us all about your first.....

            Foray into politics! 

        If we hope to motivate others to be involved and participate in our political processes, perhaps we need to remember what it was that inspired us that first time.  Was it a cause? A candidate's charisma?  Was it a local, state or national venue?  What was your goal?   What did you learn?  What's changed about your participation now?  How has your first time different than your last time? 

        Now, don't be shy, it's just us.  There's no shame here.  We've all got a story to tell, so.....

        Please, tell us about your first time.  

             I get it.  Finally! Astonishingly, I can now support and understand the need for the President's decision.   And that is a statement I never thought I would be able to utter with conviction.

            To me, Holbrooke does not exhibit the persona of a politico, but a statesman.  He delivered a comprehensive overview with information that allowed me to comprehend the basis and need (yes, I said need) for our presence in Afghanistan and the process now in place.

            I know, I know - for those who just as myself, always have the knee jerk opposition to war and all that it entails, I urge you to watch this program or at very least obtain a transcript of the dialogue.  However, Holbrooke's demeanor, tenor and delivery really take on the import of his message. 

            Please, review this program and then if you are so inclined, share your thoughts.

http://www.charlierose.com/guest/view/73
http://www.charlierose.com/#schedule_lower

(And why haven't the MSM broadcast the same type of interview with Holbrooke on Afghanistan and other related issues as cited on Rose's program?)

Note:  If someone was only able to deliver the facts on HCR in this same cohesive, succinct and forthright manner, I'm confident we'd all achieve a better understanding of the issues.

      For those who in the spirit of the season(s), would like to share your bounty and message with others near and dear, I think I've found the perfect gift.  It's inexpensive, easy to make, tastes good and commemorates these holidays with a dash of facetious humor.  (Warning - Not for those who are adverse to the destruction, consumption and indigestion from Republicans and their cohorts  gingerbread.)

      Forget the heavy, not so tasty fruitcake!  Let's have fun and make some gingerbread men and women to share.  Easy to make, sweet to eat and especially for (most) our friends here, a delectable treat!  However, the 'secret' is at the end of this post.

      To get ya in the mood, here's a new version of the season(s) fable...

        There are little old RNC men and women, who are members of Congress - some even work at Faux News. They would be very happy but for one thing -- they are losing their base along with their minds. Fa la la la la!

         But, it 'tis the season and in the spirit of their angst, some of them were baking 'cookie cutter' cookies in the shape of little Repub men and women. To their dismay, when they opened the oven door to see if the cookie people were ready for the tea party, the little gingerbread figures jumped out and began to run away as fast as they could go.  Over the meadow and thru the woods.................

       The old Repub's screeched as they ran after them, "Wait for us before you go dashing thru the snow!"

      Soon they all came to a big White House and called out to the residents as they went skipping by, shouting:

We're gonna be back to live here
And 'til then we can run away from you, you can't change us

No, you can't!

      They ran up to a field full of old, white voters and shouted out to them:

We've bullied, blathered and blustered,
And now we can run away with you, you can't get away, no you can't!

     Then the old, white voters tried to hobble after them.  Soon, the gingerbread and old Repubs came upon an old friend (yes, ironically he too was old and white) and reached out to grab him yelling:

Hey, Joe - We're running away from truth, honor and change

     And he runs to join as he sings out,

I'll run away with you, because no they can't!

Running across Wall Street, they all loudly sing out ...

If you join us this season
Lots of green will be yours to spend
We'll make sure the red is only for those who want the corruption to end
And we will run away with you, they can't stop us, no they can't!

And they ran past those who were sick, poor and sad,
Laughing and caroling, 

We wish us a Merry Christmas,

Good Tidings to us and our friends
We'll run away with all the presents, no one else can!

But soon they came upon a sight that filled them with fear
Gathering around them was a band of wise men and women grinning ear to ear

More than three wise people reached out and grabbed up a gingerbread figure with glee!

Pitchers of milk and rich egg nog were shared!  Soon....

The last gingerbread boy and girl were heard to say, "Oh dear! I'm quarter gone!" And then, "Oh, I'm half gone!" And soon, "I'm three-quarters gone!" And at last, "I'm all gone!"

The old Repubs were too stale and without substance to be a sweet treat, so they were able to limp away murmuring their new holiday tune,

It's not the season for us to be jolly
Too many are no longer fooled by our folly

The seasons are changing for each woman and man
Who have run away from us singing, Yes, I can!

*Of course, the secret is in the final decoration - in sweet, rich frosting you write the name of a Repub (or one of their cohorts) across the front of each cookie.  And then, when you (or a friend) bite off the head (or whatever part you choose), ne'er will a treat be so sweet! 

It is truly us, the people of all seasons
Who will deliver the real hope and change!

To all a good day and night !

Note:  A wonderful 'frosting' to use for decorating your gingerbread is made with confectioner's sugar, fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract.  You can add coloring to achieve your choice of hues. 

 Apologies to the author of the real 'Gingerbread Man' for this silly makeover of his prose.

        I also believe the same can be said for too many bloggers and those of us who are proactive participants in our political processes who expend much time and energy in this endeavor.  We either tend to forget or ignore the fact that we are one of the, if not the, largest minority in our country. 

         I was recently called upon to 'splain myself and my ongoing rant about how We, The People, are responsible for the shambles of our government processes and ongoing corruption.  So, I will attempt to put forth an explanation based on what I've witnessed for decades...............

      Take a minute and think about all others you know and come into contact with, the majority of people in our lives - close up and not so much - who do not invest the time and energy needed to become accurately informed or active participants in the due processes of our democracy. The majority barely pay attention, much less are able to speak coherently or seem to care about government processes until and unless it personally impacts them and theirs.   Few can even cite the numbers of members in the House and Senate.

      It's a fact that for the most part people abdicate their responsibilities in our democracy - thus leaving our officials to run amuck and crap all over the populace and processes. And I believe it has led us to the equivalent of the beggar stuttering, 'Oh, please suh, crap on me some more as it's the only sustenance I can get.'

      In the vast majority of communities, less than 1%  attend their local government meetings. Again, unless there is an agenda item that impacts them and/or theirs, they base their votes on no facts or actual knowledge about who has done or stands for what on (what should be) important choices and issues. And it begins, because most of the bozos have started their malfeasance in their own communities!  Consider that most state and/or national politicos embark upon the crooked path after obtaining their tools within a much smaller venue - their own community.

 
       Okay, I could go on ad nauseum, but hope this gives clarification of my stance.

 
      If the majority does not become knowledgeable based on factual data, choosing to communicate and participate within our government - our government body will only continue to be the equivalent to a punch line in an obscene joke.  Until then, at least some of us are attempting to keep the inmates from ruling the asylum!  But it becomes more apparent every day that we, the largest American minority, are becoming the butt of the same obscene joke.

     So, what else can we do?  Recruit from the masses.  Continue to be informed, proactive and discontent with the status quo.  Stand up and speak out with wisdom, passion and armed with facts! 

 
         Okay, this rant is over - but no doubt it won't be the last, nor hopefully the best!

A friend/family member wants your opinon....

He/She has $100.00 to donate to either:

a.) a candidate's campaign for political office or
b.) the political party he/she supports or
c.) to the local foodbank or
d.) OR purchase a warm coat and mittens for a needy child. 

What would be your advice and why? (And yes, these are your only options!)

The place that was the TPM Cafe site
Where we could meet both day and night

A place for all to gather
Before it was so full of spam ads and noxious blather

We came together to laugh and vent
A haven for us all to connect

Politics, personal musings and even music was here
Always, we all knew a friend was near

But now it seems the Cafe's proprietors no longer care
If we converge here or elsewhere

When it was but a small, unknown cafe
They wanted us to stay

Now it appears we no longer matter
Where shall we go now to chatter?

Oh Josh, will you miss us when we are gone?
Or will you just be glad when this site is done?

It won't matter whether we go left or right
But doubt we will go quietly into the night!

   This is intended as an interesting and provocative query that hopefully
 will provide the premise for a positive, productive and civil discussion.