Pat Taub
Rashida Tlaib’s Powerful Speech
My heart is breaking at the news of the unceasing bombardment of Gaza by Israel. To date 40% of the 122 casualties are women and children, killed in their homes. Nor does Gaza have high tech alarms to warn its citizens of incoming Israeli bombs. Protesting Israel’s inhumane and disproportionate attack on Gaza, Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, the first Palestinian American woman elected to Congress, delivered a powerful speech on the House floor Thursday to denounce the violence. “I am the only Palestinian American member of Congress,” Tlaib said. “I am a reminder to colleagues that Palestinians do indeed exist.”
Spring in Maine
In spite of global wars and injustices life goes on. Nature offers a soothing break from unsettling news. Maine’s spring comes later than for much of the country. Tulips and flowering trees bid a welcome greeting to me as I walk about my neighborhood. Garden flowers always soothe my soul.
My city garden awakening
An Online Play
Reading the New York Times online I stumbled upon a Zoom theatrical production I’ve earmarked for this weekend. The play is “The Women’s Party,” based on the National Woman’s Party, founded in 1916 by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, The 90 minute play takes place in 1947, when the party members come close to passing the ERA. The Black party members plan a coup to challenge the white leadership. The New York Times review found the play smart, funny and highly relevant to contemporary feminist struggles.
A Spellbinding Read
I’m almost finished with the gripping mystery “The Last Thing He Told Me,” by Laura Dave. I stayed up reading into the wee hours, forcing myself to turn off the light least I be a sleep-deprived mess today. The protagonist, 40-year-old Hannah is faced with a husband who disappears without a trace, leaving her with a moody 16-year-old stepdaughter. Hannah resembles a modern day Agatha Christie as she puts herself in harm’s way to solve the mystery of her missing husband.
Street Fashion
Pre-Covid I delighted in taking pictures of interesting women I passed on the street. Now that we are moving about without masks, I can happily reproduce my Bill Cunningham persona as I record Portland street fashions. Here’s a photo of Mary from last Sunday.
