Pat Taub
Female Power Rising
This week saw two amazing expressions of female power. Yesterday on the House floor, Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez gave a powerful speech condemning Representative Yoho for calling her a “F—— B—-,” while broadening her speech to rebuke the verbal abuse of women in general. Cornell West said that this speech makes her a serious Presidential contender in due time.
AOC delivering her impassioned speech protesting the verbal abuse of women
In Portland, Oregon peaceful protesters were confronted by Trump’s storm troopers, federal troops called in with the bogus claim to “restore order.” Protesters were whisked off in unmarked cars, beaten up and pepper sprayed. In a peaceful challenge women organized a “Wall of Moms,” who linked arms and chanted, “Don’t shoot your mother.” They show no signs of going away. Rumors are that affiliate groups are organizing in other major cities. Whoopee!
Wall of Moms, Portland, Oregon
Sibling Pride
I only recently learned that my brother, a retired civil liberties lawyer, who lives in Asheville, NC, was on the task force that drew up the proposal for the city to issue reparations to black residents and their descendants. This historic event made both national and international news. I’m very proud of my brother, who’s quite modest and might be embarrassed at being called out, which is why I’m not printing his name.
A childhood family photo. Civil liberties lawyer brother is on the far right.
More Family Pride
My 16 year-old granddaughter, Jane, draws day and night, hoping to attend art school after graduating high school. She’s fascinated by Japanese graphics, whose influence can be seen in this drawing she texted to me.
Blueberries
Last year I planted 4 blueberry bushes at my country retreat. What joy to see them with a proliferation of fruit. They should be pickable in a week or so. Simple pleasures like this keep me connected to nature.
Tina Malcolmson
Members of the Portland, Maine peace community were shocked this week to learn of the sudden death of Tina Malcolmson, a retired Bates College professor and former board member of Peace Action Maine. She had a quiet steady presence and a big heart. She will be sorely missed.
Tina tabeling for Peace Action Maine, 2018. (Photo from PAM, Facebook page)
