DID OBAMA BLINK?

It sure looked like it this week---when President Obama agreed to extend the Bush tax cuts for another two years for everybody, not just the middle class and including the very rich whom Obama had been targeting and villainizing for so long. But wait---there was a catch---the Republicans had to agree to a thirteen month extension of unemployment wages. You could call that a blink, but it seemed more of a nod--it wouldn't have looked good not to during this Christmas season, even though it's going to cost 56 billion dollars to fund it. Ah well, that's politics and what's another 56 billion? Yes, the Republicans came out ahead on this one. So, was it really a blink,on Obama's part--or was it a wink, that said, Okay, I'm busted. I'll give a little, you give a little, and we'll both live to fight another day? There are still plenty of issues ahead on Obama's agenda--the Health Care Bill, which is in danger of being revisited and revised, the START treaty with Russia, tougher or softer immigration laws , energy cap and trade controls, deep oil well drilling moratoriums on our shores, etc., etc. In order to move forward,Obama had to compromise and eat his rather smearing campaign words re "tax cuts for the wealthiest among us". But the rank and file left of left democrats are not at all happy with him, feeling he sold out to the "other side". President Obama, looking more like a politician eyeing his re-election prospects than a committed ideologist, stood firm and spoke double entendre words of wisdom on Mon., when he said, "it was the right thing to do." I wish he had really meant it was right not to raise taxes. For a brief moment in time,I naively thought he did and that maybe this man would finally learn to lead---I gave him points for standing up against some in his own party, and realizing that the time had come to rise above his own beliefs and do what he also promised to do--begin to stop the polarization so damaging to our country. But it has since become clear that he meant it was the right thing, the only thing he could do, given the "between a rock and hard place" situation he was in. It took a "shellacking" at the mid-term elections, for him to see that he wasn't going to become an effective President by forcing his will upon the people, and by shutting out the Republicans during the health care debate, and by making statements as he did to Senator John McCain ---"The campaign is over, John, and I won." His arrogance was constant and disturbing. But has he really changed? Or was he simply a man who knew when to fold his cards until the the next deal comes around? His comments to the press and his constituents since Monday have indicated he'll be back with a vengeance.

For now,we see a President with a very low approval rating, attempting to stop the hemorrhaging of his weakening presidency and a lame duck congress. He must compromise, negotiate, and listen, perhaps more than ever he has before. This is the big time, not Chicago politics, and we're not a community to be organized. If that means disappointing some of the people who put him where he is, Obama must risk their wrath. Perhaps, all of them should realize, that being President transcends playing favorites---the office of the President of the United States was never actually meant to steer the ship of state with only his own idialogical flag. If he wants all hands on deck, all rowing somewhat together, so that we can get someplace, he must inspire and make us believe once again that he wants what many of us want---an America we can be proud of again. Some call this belief in our particular brand of patriotism, "exceptionalism". Is that so bad? Do we not deserve that title? We have, since our inception, stood for a breed of people and government the likes of which no other country had achieved. We were different. Free of an over reaching government, our anscestors gladly took on the responsibilities of making their own way, not continuously looking for assistance or hand outs We became a strong, resilient, optimistic, and respected country, able to lead and share our wealth and technology with others. We became great, not by trying to be like other countries, but by allowing for as much individual freedom to flourish as possible, thereby nurturing strength and independence from the bottom up. By daring to care for ourselves, rather than leaning on a big nanny, demanding, ever more taxing government, we became the envy of the world. Now, as we deal with an economic crisis and frighteningly high unemployment, our true metal is being tested again. Severe budget cuts are on the horizon, and all of us will have to sacrifice in some way. But giving the government more and more money to spend as they see fit, and driving us more and more into debt is not the answer.

Whether for reasons of diplomacy or survival,President Obama has taken the first step since his presidency to show that he can compromise-- unbelievable and impressive, given his past record. But if he expects to be more than a one term president, he may have to do a lot more than compromise. His economic policies have failed, Obamacare is extremely unpopular, and our international relationships are growing weaker. To be great sometimes means to step aside, to listen, and to lay down your mantle of power so that others may speak. Obama has been good at doing this with other countries--now he must do it with his own. He may or may not do this in the future---but it appears this week's decision was not so much a compromise, or even a strategic move, as it was a decision made because there was no other choice when faced by a mandate made clear at the last election-- a huge push back that said, no more taxes, Mr. President. No more entitlements, no more stimulus, and ix-nay on your ideas of spreading the wealth via taxes of any kind.

We may need to make some changes, but not perhaps what you had in mind. Here's what many of us have in mind--- for now, knock off the class warfare bit. It's getting a little tiresome, and most of us realize the rich pay their fair share. Do what you were elected to do---protect, lead, but don't divide by pitting us against each other by continuously using words like "fight" and "hostage taking by the Republicans" when referring to the heretofore stalled bill on extending unemployment benefits. We believe that we can rise again if you will stop trying to reinvent us into something we never intended to be--if not a socialist government, it's simply too close for comfort. If this week's decision was a blink--we'll take it. It it was a nod, we'll take that. We'll even give you another chance, if you move more to the center. But if Monday's language was a wink that really said,'I had to do it guys, but I'll be back for much more'---Katie, bar the door! Game on.

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I WANT TO HEAR?

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day"---I love that song, and wish every year that I could hear those bells. Where are they? Did the author hear them from the sky, on the street, or in his head? December has arrived, and with it, all the signs of Christmas. We are still in low gear, but the pace will quicken as time moves frantically towards the big day, but the little days leading us forward are worth noticing. Our street is lit up like a Christmas tree--lots of them, as it turns out. People seem to like our " white lights only" street, and they drive slowly up and down, gazing at our attempt to light the night with cheer, and elegance. The stores are decked out too, in all their holiday finery--and the only bells I hear are the sound of cash registers, ca-ching, ca-ching--- buy, buy. Then on the way home, I hear the Salvation Army bells, as they ring sweetly outside my grocery store----maybe those are the ones. They are saying "give, give"---a nickel, here, a dollar there, and every year an anonymous someone drops in a gold piece---atonement for the rest of our paltry offerings? I always wonder who gives so selflessly without wishing for or needing any recognition---a present day good samaritan, for sure.

The news continues to reflect a troubled world, where wars and talk of more wars have become common place. Good tidings? Not many this year. Add to the Christmas news stew a man by the name of Julian Salange, who fancies himself an heroic journalist with a lust to expose all the secrets that go on behind closed military and political doors, has chosen to publish private documents, which could in turn seriously weaken foreign relations everywhere. Of course, he claims to have only noble transparency in mind. But he cares not about the consequences---a little self serving man, attempting to become big by potentially sacrificing many. Unlike the anonymous donor, he craves publicity.

For now, the Christmas season reminds us that there is still reason for joy and hope for better times, and much of that hope lies within all of us. If you live in a small town, as I do, homeless people are not often seen, though we do have them. They are everywhere, and on a very cold night, recently, one of them in plain sight, froze to death. No one had stopped to help. People do not readily speak of their misfortunes . They are suffering silently, but sometimes you will see a sign of distress. Today as I stopped my car at a stop light , a young woman on the side of the road, with a piece of lettered cardboard held to her chest approached---the words said something about her daughter being ill. The light changed as I started to reach for my wallet, and so I drove off instead and glanced at the woman, embarassed that I had not found a way to help. I smiled apologetically at her as I drove by, expecting a scowl or worse. She smiled back as though she understood. That was the second time that day I had passed a person with a cardboard sign, begging for help----but the fear of strangers getting too close, and years of conditioning not to help those who appear able to help themselves, stopped me from stopping to help. I promised myself to find a way to go back soon and lend something besides a sorry glance. I was hearing no bells, only the sound of my own conscience---"you could have done better". There are people who do---I personally know someone who regularly goes out of his way to help a man who cannot help himself, and who welcomes a night in jail just to get a bed and a meal for one night. My friend stays in touch with this man, who is mentally ill, and offers support and a bit of money to get him by. When I asked my friend how he had happened to meet this needy, seedy person---he said, he had just crossed his path one day----and he stopped to help.

Last week, as I was walking, I heard an adult voice say "I like you". I turned to see a mentally and physically challenged woman speaking to another lady who was helping her up a curb. The helper replied, "Thank you, I like you, too." I don't know who seemed more beautiful at the moment, the helper or the helped, who was not too proud to speak words of affection. Those words were somehow, if not bells, the sound of Christmas , and they gave me a lift as I went on my way. Christmas is coming ---but it's already here all around us. Look for it everywhere and let it find you in unexpected places--even by the side of the road. Rejoice in the smaller moments. Stop or bend to help another. Do you hear what I long to hear-- above the hustle bustle, the over riding sense of aching to feel the joy, but not quite getting there? Over and beyond the bittersweet memories of Christmases past, the wishing for a cozy Norman Rockwell painting Christmas, the empty lonliness for people no longer with us, the sadness for all those so in need and seemingly beyond our reach? I strain to hear ,above it all , the bells of Christmas---clear, pure, and sweet, pealing truly good news and imploring us to listen---and to stop.

"I did what I could, what I had to do, what my conscience told me to do"
Oskar Schindler

CONVERSATION WITH A PRO

Hello, God---it's me again. I'm still here---thank You for that. You are very quiet lately. Are You still there? Perhaps You are wondering what to do with us. Things aren't much better this year, as You have probably noticed. The terrorists haven't given up on us ---they want us gone. But we're fighting back by profiling each other ---wouldn't want to insult the terrorists by singling them out. Our economy is still pretty much in the tank, and nobody seems to know what to do about it--do You? This week North Korea bombed South Korea, which may be the start of something big. Other nations aren't doing so well either, especially Haiti, where cholera is running rampant. On the bright side, Prince William, of England, announced his betrothal to Kate, a commoner of uncommon style, looks, and background. This was particularly good news, as we hear that the institution of marriage is going out of style, and in another decade or so, weddings and lifetime commitments will be passe, a thing of the past, gone ---like waiting to get married before having a child. We're very progressive these days, and are doing away with anything not convenient or to our liking. And You'll be interested to note that Bristol Palin daughter of the much loved/hated politico, Sarah Palin, did not win the Dancing with the Stars competition-----everybody is happy. I don't know how it is up there, but we like our winners to be real, with the right stuff---popularity contests are not us---no Sir, we are purely motivated and highly discriminating when it comes to dance contests . Elections are a different matter, however. Experience and skill sets don't seem to count as much then---if we like 'em, we vote for them. Period.

So, for now, we continue to float quietly, gently, surely through space----if only we could enjoy the peace of that ride. What's that? You wish us to be happier and less stressed? Easy for You to say. Forgive my impudence---what is Your secret for remaining calm in the face of all our problems? Something called "hope"? For us? So, You haven't given up on us yet---you still believe? And we should ---believe that all things are possible? If You say so---guess You should know. But I wouldn't bet Your eternity on us--we're an unruly. rascally bunch. We all believe something different, everybody thinks they're right--- we're a virtual "tower of Babel", speaking many languages, with assorted religions, going in different directions. But what can I do? I'm just one small person. You've heard the expression, "like trying to herd cats"? I can't imagine how You can hope to manage us all anymore. We seem lost, astray. Yes? You say You don't give up easily? But You need my assistance? Oh---I don't know my Lord, I'm not Your best choice----I'm worn, broken in some respects, dubious, questioning,---and very sassy. You'll use me the way I am? Okay, then. I'm in--- reporting for duty. Show me how to help.What? A local soup kitchen? A nursing home? The unkempt homeless man on the corner? The spiteful neighbor next door? The family member I haven't spoken to in years? Well,----that's pretty heavy duty stuff--I mean, Haiti might be easier. I have a very full schedule --busy, busy. Certainly, you can find someone better suited for the job. But thanks for caring, and believing against all odds that things will get better. Gotta run----You might want to keep an eye on North Korea, though---just a thought.

Nice chatting with you. Thanks again for still being there. Please don't despair. Think of us as Your work in progress. Surely,You'll come up with something---after all, we're not Your first rodeo. You know, I can see You now--- Oh, my God, You are beautiful, magnificent, awesome. I had no idea---- but why the tears?

PICK YOUR POISON---PAT DOWN,PICTURE, OR THE OTHER "P" WORD???

Desperate times call for desperate measures---are we getting too desperate about our security and are you ready for the current wave of public outcry regarding airline travel and the accompanying body search precautions? Or perhaps I should say, are you ready for the next invasion of your privacy----make that a literal invasion of your privacy. "Would you prefer a very thorough pat-down, Sir, or a very complete and revealing x-ray of your entire, naked body?" One man has already revolted, and may get a hefty fine to remind him of his lack of rights when traveling by air. And now comes the news that Muslim women may not have to be searched below their necks--for religious reasons, don't you know. Talk about public outcry---if Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security Secretary, lets this one pass, she may feel not only the wrath of the American public, but the airline industry's as well, if people resort to other means of travel---and even the pilots, themselves, refuse to fly under such conditions.

As I write , this issue is escalating at jet like speed. Law suits have already been filed, and the debate is raging. Has the American public finally reached a boiling point regarding just how much they will tolerate and trade off for their security? As so often happens, the crux of the matter finally becomes apparent, as the outer layers of protest peel away the more obvious objections----yes, it's incredibly invasive, highly indignant, arguably humiliating, and totally against all that we stand for in our freedom loving society----and that brings us to the very thing we, as a country most abhor---the thought of a "police state" becoming ever more possible, as little by little, security measure by measure, necessary mandate by mandate, we give up our rights---in this case, our very personal rights. It is not only counter to all that we stand for, but ironic that in order to protect our way of life, we must give up much of what makes us who we are. But is there not a different, better way to ensure that people with evil, destructive motives and means, are not boarding our planes with us? Already, theTransportation Security Administration is considering altering and easing the new pat down and x-ray procedures in response to the public controversy. However, to put it bluntly--- if a plane blows up in the sky, will we not wish we had done any and everything we could to avoid such a horrific assault? We have to do, what we have to do. Right? That is the premise, the argument, and the trigger for the pat down and x-ray procedures we now face. But have we actually done all that we can do? Like the elephant in the room, there is another obvious. but not so palatable alternative.

And now we have come to the real, not so pretty, nor politically correct core of the debate--- its name is" passenger profiling". Israel does it quite successfully. But we have been more than
reluctant to use this method, even as we stared at the black, horrific hole of 9/11 and an enemy we knew was not done with us yet. To profile was to discriminate and tread upon our very sacred laws of civil rights. There are many who still feel this way. It tears unhistorically into the fabric of our culture and our values, and so we have been willing to allow all of us to be profiled, rather than just a suspicious few---grandmothers, children, wheelchair passengers, and now even our airline crews, all are subjected to the same scrutiny. But perhaps we have arrived at a point of being forced to look with a cold and pragmatic eye at our limited choices, as the terrorists overcome our security barriers, and back us into a corner. Some say they will have won, if we become a nation of suspicious paranoid profilers. But have they not already won on a larger scale, as we all, like sheep, succumb to allowing our very private selves to be probed and x-rayed? The argument will include those who say profiling will not work, as the terrorists begin to recruit those who do not fit the stereo-typical mold. And that is true, but not yet or in very many cases. Time is still on our side.and perhaps we should use it while we can. It would seem a huge deterrent to implement at least some sort of profiling in order that not all of us are denied our basic personal freedoms. Perhaps it is time to get mad, get real, and say like the character in the long ago movie--"we're mad as hell, and we're not going to take it anymore." If that means profiling , then hopefully we can be forgiven our attempt to protect ourselves without bowing to draconian methods. It is the price of admission, and it is what it is. War? If not, it's close enough. Pat down or picture, Sir, or Ma-am ,or child? Neither, thank you--- not if there's another way. Desperate times call for desperate measures----

IS THERE LIFE AFTER DEATH???

Just saw "Hereafter", the new movie by Steven Spielberg and starring Matt Damon--. It was a nice respite from the political whirl we find ourselves in this month. The movie was about a man who seemingly could connect with the departed and even have brief conversations with them---conversations! See? A good chat may even go on after life---we really need to keep honing our skills!

The real crux of the story, however, was of the heartbreak of losing a loved one, and the yearning to re-connect, if only for a moment, and even if it's using someone else as a go-between. We cannot seem to accept the finality of death, and our hearts break over and over again as life dishes out the good-byes, one by one. It is the fate of our humanity that we live to die, but it is in our DNA to resist and rail against it, even though we know it is inevitable. But in the movie, one of the characters has a near death experience, in which she catches a glimpse of life hereafter. She knows it is true, and it changes her perspective and the direction of her life. There have been many who have written books on this issue, and most accounts of near death experiences are very similar. The scientific jury is still out on this topic, with some saying, the visions of a life after death are attributable to chemical and physical changes that happen to our bodies as we disengage from them. Still, the stories keep coming, and they bring with them intrigue, hope, and joy. Some even report that they did not want to return to this existence, as the one they had seen was indescribably better.

The movie depicts much of the sadness, stress, and turmoil of this life, but ultimately the happiness that is found in relationships that make being human so worthwhile---the exquisite love between a child and mother or a sibling--and of course, the magical love of two people who find each other and know that they belong together. But when separation happens, the pain can be almost unbearable for those who are left behind. And so, we seek solace in imagining and hoping for life after death---where we will meet our loved ones again---and sometimes even before, as depicted in the above mentioned movie. It's a dicey deal to make contact with the spirit world, and no one has ever proven it can actually be done. We are God's children, but we are also of the earth----heaven must wait, and so must we.

We are made for life's long journey----resilient and tougher than we know. Our hearts may break, but still we move on, heal, and love again. Most of us cling tenaciously to life, right on to the end, though I have a friend that insists that if she ever is afflicted with Alzheimer's, she will do away with herself---I hope she forgets to do it. It's not nice to return a gift, and I think it is written somewhere that there are no returns or refunds. But it does seem unfair, unjust, and even illogical that we should have to be extinguished at some point---and that is the great question of our existence. Why? For our sins? For some great cosmic plan? And what happens after our last breath? Many faiths offer answers, but no one knows for absolute certain. If only we could know that death is just a door to be walked through--if only someone could return and tell us so--according to the Christian faith, someone has. His name was Jesus Christ. We can either choose to believe it or not. When my father passed, I was there. I can tell you that even before he took his last breath, I knew without a doubt that he was undergoing a spiritual change---I could see it, feel it, and was awed by it. He had been transformed before he took his last breath, and it was crystal clear----it was as though I was seeing through to his soul. He was still my dad, but such a different version of him. I suppose you can say that my own personal beliefs colored my witness of that incident, and maybe you would be right---but I wasn't looking for and thinking of anything other than ways to comfort my dad in his last hours. I was profoundly changed by what I saw---and given hope and peace that there is a plan and a place for us, after all, and after here. Perhaps the many reports of life after death are God's way of telling us--"Do not worry, you are not alone, I am here---and I am waiting for you." And quite likely he might add----"Get your act together---and for God's sake, stop fighting, whining, and worrying incessantly. Enjoy the here, do your best, take care of each other, and I'll take care of the after."

As a child I was warned to stay away from the world of witch craft and fortune tellers----and I have. I was taught that there is indeed a spirit world, but that not only the good inhabit it----and we'd best keep our distance from it all. Ouiji boards even scare me. I have never tried to contact the dead, nor do I plan to. Movies about exorcisms make me want to hide under the bed. I prefer to keep my focus among the living. Recently a local fortune teller was found murdered----apparently she didn't see it coming---or her husband, who is now accused of the crime. If he did it, he's going to have some serious 'splainin' to do, and I hope his wife is waiting for him at the pearly gates----but more than likely, someone else will beat her to it. And He may have already chastened her for messing with His territory-----our job is to live this life to the best of our ability, and I like to think most of us are doing the best we can; His job is to show us the way home someday. May we all get there, and may we be met at those gates with a God who is more loving than judgemental, more kind than just, and who will greet us then with perhaps ---"Welcome, to the Hereafter, otherwise known as "Forever". I hope He likes to chat---'cause I've got lots of questions. But then, maybe He'll have a few for me---

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN---ARE YOU LISTENING, PRESIDENT OBAMA??

The American people are often referred to knowingly by politicians, as if they can read our minds and we're some kind of portable entity that can be handed around and used to their advantage. "The American people want ---this, or that", and of course it's always whatever the politician is trying to advance. Well, the people themselves, have now spoken---loud and clear. Make that loud, maybe not so clear--at least not to Pres. Obama. The message that got through was that things have changed since he took office. No longer the wildly popular man who was going to make everything better, President Obama looked chastened and tired as he gave his speech---but he did not seem to get the gist of the message the majority of voters sent. As though he couldn't bear to admit to wrong decisions and policies, he repeatedly stated that this defeat was due to the fact that he had not communicated his policies clearly enough---it isn't the clarity that's missing, Prez--- we get it. The question is: Do you? Whether it's the ailing economy, the continued over spending, the threat of higher taxes, or the very unpopular health care bill, or all of the above, this is a president and a country that's in trouble---and the people responded the only way they could--- with votes that screamed NO----we are not happy with the situation. Do something else, or we will replace you. It's a tough job, but you asked for it. Well, now is the time to show us what you're really made of. It is true, we handed you a mountain of problems as you entered the presidency, but it seems you added to them, perhaps even used them to build your own brand of government with the rationale that such things had to be done to save the country. The result has been a loss of confidence in you and in the direction you are taking us.You can start by losing the combative words, such as suggesting the Republicans "sit in the back of the car" "hand to hand combat"( a reference to how the congress will have to operate if the Republicans gain more power"), and simply allowing others to disagree without fear of public humiliation (Supreme Court Judge Roberts). You could also begin to make all of us feel more included in your circle, instead of referring to some of us as "the folks on the other side". You are the president of all us "folks"!

Whether President Obama finally hears the depth of desperation and outrage expressed by the majority of voters remains to be seen. Will he lead, according to what the majority wants, or just ask us to obediently follow his dictates? Is he capable for the purpose of rescuing himself and his party from a defeat in 2012, of being more pragmatic driven and less idealogical? If he is, then we will see a shift to the center; if not,we may see the very rapid demise of this once phenomenally popular president. This has got to be a tough decision for a man not accustomed to giving in and compromising. It is not his style, nor has he experienced the give and take that goes on in corporations, businesses, and even the Senate, where he served only for a short time. To add to his problems, there is the tug and pull within in his own party ---the extreme left, who feel he hasn't done enough to advance their agendas for bigger government, and those who are more moderate and think he has gone overboard. At some point, he will have to decide which way he will lead, and therein lies his destiny---and ours, perhaps, as well.

This mid term election was not just about the issues facing this country. The passion and over- all interest seems to indicate that it was at least just as much, maybe even more, a battle over ideologies. The deep divisions within this country go a lot deeper than the economy, though that is symtomatic of problems that need to be addressed. We are at this time, perhaps more than ever before, divided between two differing philosophies of governance--it's very simple---more or less government in our lives. It is time to make that decision, and the fight is on. The Republicans will now lead the charge for less government. There are those who believe there is no time for the Republicans to try to "go along, to get along", as is so typical in Washington politics, because too much has already happened to alter our traditional government, and that Obama's liberal agendas must be dramatically slowed or halted. It may not be advisable for the Republicans to play nice this time---the conservatives, with the tea party activists adding heavy influence, are watching. Ironically, if the Republicans choose to be more moderate against this very left leaning administration, they may be digging their own graves. Meanwhile, the Democrats are licking their wounds and already gearing up for the next election , with Obama leading the way--and at the same time challenged to dial down the divisive rhetoric and keep peace, or at least a civil tone with everyone----an impossible mission? There are those who have done it, like Clinton and Reagan. If Obama fails to complete his mission---he may be toast next time around. It all makes for the most exciting game in town---you gotta love politics!

Let us hope that we all find a way to keep our heads and our hearts steady as we go. We are in the midst of a huge narrative being discussed and written for all of us----will we retain our constitutional values and way of life, or will we dramatically change course and become more European in the way we choose to be governed? May we not lose sight of our original spirit and purpose---to be as independent as possible, while still caring for those who need it. And may we not forget that , unlike Obama's recent slip of the tongue would imply ---none of us are the" enemy". We are one people forging a way into a rather precarious future, with these common hopes---survival, and a quest to live well and free. However you feel, now is the time to join the "story" as it is being written. Become part of the dialogue-----because it's not "just politics" anymore. It's all about us and our children's life styles. economic well being, and even their security. Think about it, talk about, and let your opinions be known---so that the story of us will include and be the result of an informed, actively engaged public---not just some politician's idea of what "the American people" think or want.

BEWITCHED???

Have you ever felt bewitched---by someone or something? Well, it's never too late---and the most bewitching of days is almost upon us. Halloween, where anyone can become anything is almost here. To become a witch is one thing---but to become bewitched is quite another. The dictionary defines "bewitching" as being captivated or totally fascinated, as in under a spell, or like magic. Is that what happens when we "fall in love"? When your world turns from black and white to brilliant techn-nicolor? When your heart sings, and your feet want to dance? Probably, but there are other kinds of bewitchment---the birth of a child, your dream home, your first glimpse of a lovely new country, even a new idea or a new friend can totally bewitch and enchant. us out of ourselves into a state like no other. Frank Sinatra sang of it so convincingly with his song, "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered", and you get the impression that he liked the feeling----we all do. It's part of who we are in that we want to be taken from ourselves and into something else---but finding the bewitchable becomes harder as we grow older, more skeptical, and cynical. And so, we begin to lose the ability to become totally charmed or captivated by anyone,thing, or idea. Only occasionally do we allow ourselves to fall away into the spell of a beautiful song, or a sunset, or a person. We hold onto ourselves, as though we might give away too much and not be able to retrieve it, or someone might think we are too generous, loving, or even needy. And that is sometimes a good thing.

Bewitchment can even happen on a large scale to a country. In 2008, a very charasmatic black man with a strange name and very different background from the typical American, completely captivated a large portion of the American imagination Outside of having served in the Senate for a short time, he was a virtual stranger to most of us. But what he said and how he said it inspired the hopes and dreams of many----this man became our next and current president of the United States. When one would ask why someone voted for this virtual unknown, they would simply say, "I like him." No facts or policy beliefs were given as reasons, other than they were very disenchanted with George Bush, and the Iraq war. That was it--- It was as though , in spite of insufficient knowledge of Barack's substance, they wanted to align themselves with this almost magical force that was sweeping the country. Obama became not only the man of the hour, but some called him the "messiah", the savior of a weary country. We were, many of us, completely bewitched by this man and his fresh, cool syle. How long will the spell last? Obama is still liked personally, but his political popularity has dropped dramatically. This was a case of a whole country , or at least a majority, becoming so attracted to their idea of a man they barely knew, that they arrived at a point of adoration---enough to sweep him into office, against all odds. Bewitchment happened ---then reality set in. Obama was beset by huge problems and too many warring philosophies as to how to fix them. In the end, he seemed to fail completely to satisfy anyone, including those who were on his side from the beginning. The spell appears to have been broken, and now, as President Obama, watches his magic disappear, he still struggles to re-capture earlier believers with his speeches. It remains to be seen if he will once again find a way to bewitch, or even better, show us by his actions and his words that he is a leader we can truly all follow and trust. That may not be so magical, but it would be bewitchment of a different kind---- faith and loyalty to a man who shows he can transcend even his own esoteric views to serve a whole country, not just a piece of it.

Recently, I attended a symphony which featured music by Beethoven. You could feel the audience warming, becoming totally appreciative, and finally bewitched. Their standing ovation was their way of saying "thank you, not only for the music, but for carrying us away for awhile. But there are those who feel certain kinds of music, such as heavy metal, rock 'n roll, or rap can impact, bewitch, if you will, our children in a negative way.
So, even music, the universal language demands our scrutiny.

Every now and then, in our own smaller circles, someone, even a complete stranger comes along and lights up a moment or longer with their smile, or their attitude, or their delightful personality. Celebrities and athletes often fall into this category. You want to be in their company, to bask in their light, and see the world through their cheerful prism. Choose your object of bewitchment carefully. Children, on the other hand, with their zest for life sprinkle magic on our lives. So do good books, wonderful pets, supportive friends and spouses. We are the magic for each other. I look for it every day, and sometimes find it; other times I simply long for it. I want to be bewitched, to know that feeling of leaving myself, off to another sphere of reality where I no longer care what anyone thinks, or how I look, or anything at all. I am in the zone of a magical feeling-----bewitched, beyond ego, and blissful to the point of a peace that comes when one is resonating with the joy of complete surrender to something or someone. I feel it when my grand daughters rush into my arms to give me a hug. or when I catch a first glimpse of the sea after a long absence, or when I hear the voice of a beloved friend who calls every now and then, and a million other little things that have very little to do with material wealth and everything to do with satisfying the part of us that knows we are more creatures of spirit than body. That spirit wants to adore, loves to laugh, love, and share with another in the exquisite synergy that occurs when one is bewitched. It reminds us of our quest for joy, out of ourselves, free of anything that keeps us from being complete and burdened by life's cares and stress---we are broomless, but over the moon with a magical spell called happiness. It only comes in dribs and drabs, for we are bound to earth with responsibilities, boundaries, cares, and stress, but once a year, an opportunity for it knocks on your door---- it's Halloween and it says to all who would listen, c'mon out and play, pretend, feel the magic. I used to know a lady who was the mom of a good friend. Every Halloween she would dress as a very believable witch and go door to door by herself, long after her children had grown beyond trick or treating, laughing and cackling. It was a neighborhood tradition, and we all thought she was a little bit, well--- eccentric. She probably was, but maybe she knew something we didn't---we're never to old to be be-witched!

Enjoy your Halloween----may you even become a little bewitched with all the little goblins and not too irritated with the larger, older ones, knowing that they, too, need to pretend. Maybe you'll even even become a witch, instead of bewitching! But come next Tues. Nov. 2, it's time to return to reality----vote and vote without bewitchment---because this one is, if not for all the marbles, many of them. Do we want a government to be our nanny, our caretaker, our big brother? Or do we want a government that allows for more individual freedoms and business and free enterprise, the life blood of our economy, to flourish without so much government interference that it chokes on it and finally dies? Whatever happens, may we finally begin to be a nation once again proud, healthy, strong, and a leader among nations, not one to be chastised and apologetic for who we are. That's not us for long---bewitched, maybe, but not without an antidote---it's called a blow-back, followed by a come back, or the generic term----voting. "Witch" ever you choose, may God bless America, as we grope forward in the present darkness of this slogging economy---trick or treat??