Pat Taub
International Women’s Day
Today we celebrate International Women’s Day, a day that takes me back to the summer of 1995 when I was fortunate enough to attend the UN Women’s Conference in Beijing. I went as an NGO (Non Government Organization), attending eye-opening seminars and panels, where Third World women challenged their privileged First World counterparts, like me. I came home humbled and full of rage for the injustices many women suffered while inspired by their efforts to empower themselves and their communities.
Young women in Athens mobilizing on International Women’s Day
Ilhan Omar
What a week for Omar! She challenged APIAC’s (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) unwieldy influence in American politics for which she was quickly labeled “anti-Semitic” and targeted by hate groups. I supported Omar because I believe APIAC doesn’t allow for criticism of Israel’s repressive and often cruel treatment of Palestine. I consider it a good thing that we can begin to look at Israel more objectively, although the discussion Omar prompted has created a sharp polarization among supporters of Israel and its detractors.
The attack on Omar included this anti-Muslin poster linking her to the 9/11 bombings.
Native American Film Fest in Palm Springs
This weekend, as my Palm Springs vacation winds down, I look forward to seeing Native American movies and documentaries. I hope to extend my understanding of Native American culture while enjoying its artistry. The festival will include films made by young Native American filmmakers.
Advertising for the Palm Springs Native Film Fest
Street Art
I’m a huge fan of street art, both politically themed like Banksy and art which is whimsical and beautiful. In the latter vein my daughter-in-law snapped this photo of me in front of a colorful pair of wings painted adorning a wall in a Palm Springs alley.
An Absorbing Novel
One of the unexpected pleasures of a vacation rental with a library is discovering a book previously unknown to me. That was the case with The Vagrants by the gifted Chinese-American writer, Yiyun Li. It’s a moving story of the inhabitants of a poor Chinese village in the wake of the Cultural Revolution– beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. A book I couldn’t put down.
Yiyun Li, the gifted author of “The Vagrants”
