A Tree by the Stream

Name:
Location: Cowlitz County, Washington, United States

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

Our Legacy?

In case you have somehow missed the news, here's some details from the first trial arising from the Abu Ghraib abuses.

Saturday, January 08, 2005

Trikking in the New Year

I used some of my Christmas money to buy myself a Trikke 8 scooter, which has been on my mental wish list (right up there with the Alphasmart and the Dana) for about a year. I was hoping to be able to ride it to work 2 or 3 days a week, but I found I can't just hop on and ride. I have to learn. But if I can get in 15 or 20 minutes on it a few days a week I'll get the exercise, and work up to it. Work is just over a mile away, and school is another mile, so this should be doable. I want to get pics up soon.

Weather is not cooperating with my plans. It's been cold either cold and wet, or cold and icy. However, you can look at trikkingnorthwest.com for regular updates on my progress. And if you live in my neck of the woods, and are intersted in organized trikke outings, contact me, because I would like to get something going.

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

Freedom Rant via Email

I finally wrote my freedom rant--the last straw finally landed on the camel's back today with a couple of news stories, for instance, this story at the NYT. Instead of writing a blog post, I wrote my senators. Then I sent the same message to all the members of the Senates listed on senate.gov as members of the Judiciary committee. Here's what I said:

Re: Confirmation of Alberto R. Gonzales

Senator _______:

I strongly oppose the confirmation of Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General of the United States.

Recent news reports indicate that as early as 2002, he sought legal justifications that would authorize or condone the use of torture in interrogating terrorism suspects.

I hope that torture is a bipartisan issue in our nation. Torture by members of Federal agencies or the U.S. military is not acceptable. It is abhorrent.

When I read about the abuses at Abu Gharib--realizing fairly early on that they were part of a pattern of behavior condoned by higher levels of authority, and not the misbehavior of a few individuals--I was sickened.

For the first time in my life, I was truly ashamed to be an American.

If we make the world safe for democracy, who will keep the world safe from us?

I urge you and your fellow Senators not only to vote against the confirmation of Alberto Gonzales, but to vigorously oppose it. I also urge you to take strong measures to prevent future abuses by federal agents and military forces.

With respect,

Elizabeth [my last name]
[my town], WA