Frustration with the First Amendment (momentarily)

Sitting in my car at a stoplight today, I was infuriated by the Mercedes SUV in front of me, and it's bumper stickers. "NOBAMA 2012" & "OneBigAssMistakeAmerica". I honestly had a moment where I felt a sort of inner-rage take over the area in & around my solar plexus, and in fact, I wanted to rev my engine & drive into & over; (crushing) this lone, impeccably white, Mercedes SUV & Obama 'naysayer'.

A long day at work & the hustle across town had me multi-tasking--listening to the regularly-scheduled afternoon program on our local NPR station (http://ipr.interlochen.org/), my mind was abuzz with the after work to do list (gardening, house-tidying & packing; grocery shopping, potluck-prepping, etc). In addition, I was on my way to the local hospital, where my young nephew Jack, was about to leave the recovery room after his first surgical procedure (a tonsil & adenoid-ectomy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonsillectomy), so I imagine that a part of my psyche was worried for him--I endured the same procedure when I was his age, some 31 years ago, and it hurt like hell.

So there I sat, at my red light in Traverse City, MI. Angry. Frustrated. Feeling almost violent. And then the light turned green & I shook my head (at myself). I would never hurt a flea (well, if it were chomping on my puppy Ruby I might!) But seriously... I am pro-peace, not pro-violence. My frustration is probably equally felt (albeit from the opposite vantage point) by said impeccably white Mercedes SUV driver... especially when they see things like these, on cars like mine...

The First Amendment Rules!

SaveOurSairy

Although I have known Sairy for forever, and we've never been particularly close, I have always felt connected to her because of our dad's (who used to work together once upon a time) and because we are both a part of a three-sister clan (she also has a sweetheart brother Russell) (& we happen to be of similar ages & all grew up in Benzie County).

The thing about Sairy is that no matter what's going on, she shows up. I can look back at the past four years of living back in northern Michigan and although I don't make it to all the great events I'd like to, I can recall running into Sairy at so very many of the ones that really mattered to me (deeply--soulful ventures)--whether it was a poetry reading or art exhibit or live music in Bellaire, or a benefit for someone in need, or the support of an amazing cause like Eco Seeds or Higher Grounds Trading Co. (or so many others).

Sometimes, it was just running into her at Oryana Natural Foods Market, seeing her on one of the sidewalks in Traverse City, or a favorite time; just listening to her talk, lovingly, about her work, on a summer's afternoon on her sister Rachael's porch.

Sairy has been & continues to be a lovely source of inspiration & I wish more than anything for her 100% health! Much LOVE Sairy!!

Please stop by the web site built in her honor if you cannot make the fundraiser tonight at Higher Grounds in Traverse City, MI.

http://www.SaveOurSairy.org