 |
Through My Eyes... |
These Dear, Ordinary Days
This reflection by Cornelia on "Life in the Archives" was published in the newsletter of the Coordinating Council for Women in History in August, 2011.
The Burden of Today’s Mean-Spirited Children’s Book
An article Cornelia wrote which was published by the CHICAGO TRIBUNE in December, 1997, is now online and worth reading for those of us who want to advocate for children
“I was with God, and I was with the Devil” Mario Selpulveda, rescued Chilean miner
Let's "look and look" until we find those who need rescue.
Helpful Thinking About Extremists
There is a lot of talk about the anger afoot in our country and the rise of extremist views. I'm reading a very helpful book that, along with my own professional experience as a therapist, and my personal experiences in life, is clarifying for me what is behind much of the extremist attitudes and behavior that I first observed in a town hall meeting about health care last summer, and which I wrote about in a Through My Eyes commentary on this website.
The Wrong Way: Distortion, Disruption, Division and Derision
Those who are using the un-helpful methods I'm calling "The Four D's" (Distortion, Disruption, Division, and Derision) to obstruct the passage of good health care policies are letting themselves be Mis-Lead by their Mis-Leaders and this sign reminded me of it. The right way: Civility, Listening to the Facts, Respectful Disagreement and Forging Consensus.
October: Knowing What We Feel
Growing up as the youngest in a large family, I listened to and watched other people a lot. This made me curious about why people behave as they do. One of the ways I satisfied that curiosity was by returning to school in mid-life to study human behavior and to become a clinical social worker.
First Amendment Kids!
Students from Nursery Road Elementary School Educate State Legislators About Liberty
Actions Speak Louder than Words
It is abundantly clear to anyone who has been watching and listening to the situation in New Orleans that our government failed to respond adequately.
Island People
A trip to New England sparked my interest in the writings of Sarah Orne Jewett (1849-1909).
Somebody’s Darlings: Remembering the Cost of War in Human Lives
Over two thousand American soldiers--somebody's darlings- killed so far in Iraq. Thousands wounded.
Helping Children in Darfur
As we comfort our own children about the losses in their lives, we can extend our compassion to the children of Darfur.
A Horse Wearing Blinders Only Sees What’s in Front of It
In this election season, when nothing less than the future of our country is at stake, any person who unquestioningly accepts the news from major broadcast and cable networks is like a horse wearing blinders. It only sees what's in front of it. On a road with a cliff, this is dangerous. Of course, a horse doesn't have a choice about the blinders, and we do.
“Please Call Me By My True Names” by Thich Nhat Hanh
This poem was written in 1978, during the time of helping the boat people, by Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh (see "resources" for his books)
Moms, Dads, Good-Hearted Volunteers, Kids Against Gun Violence
(This was first published in 2003. Parents in every state need to take action to ensure that all states have SENSIBLE gun laws. Read PRIVATE GUNS PUBLIC HEALTH by David Hemenway (University of Michigan Press, 2004) and also visit the website of the Coalition Against Gun Violence http://www.csgv.org
We were a heroic little busload. Two mothers whose children had been murdered by gun violence, a bunch of assorted others giving up their day to try to prevent gun violence, and a group of sweet teen-agers from a Chicago group called "Hands Against Guns," sponsored by Uhlich Children's Home.
A Song of Peace for Their Land and For Mine
At an interfaith service for peace at a time of war, I heard this beautiful song, which I wanted to share with those of you who visit this website. The song was written by Lloyd Stone in 1934, and is sung to the tune of "Finlandia." It is from the New Century Hymnal, Copyright 1995 by The Pilgrim Press.