Here are the things I’d like to see under the tree this year.
Universal Health Care! As I have said many times, ‘My values are rooted in the belief that our overall purpose is to take care of each other and take care of the planet.’ Providing health care for all has nothing to do with politics, it’s just the right thing to do. So, why can’t we do it?
I would like to see Progressives actually make some progress. Nobody likes tough love, but there is a tendency among progressives to adopt an all or nothing stance. “Here is our list of demands. Give us everything we want, or we’re leaving.” And so, time and time again, they leave empty handed.
Just for fun, I’d like to see Sarah Palin announce her candidacy for the Presidency in 2012. For the sake of sanity, she should just fade away quietly. But on the other hand, she is the comedy gift that keeps on giving.
After seeing the film, Food, Inc. at our local independent theater (19th Street in Allentown), I am convinced that we need to abolish the factory farm and return to smaller, local farms. The substantial benefits range from better food safety and quality to a variety of healthier foods being more readily available to consumers. Better for your health and better for your wallet!
The return of the newspaper. I like to read a newspaper, thumb through the pages, read a section now, browse another later. More importantly, I like to actually read some news in a newspaper. A free press is essential to our democracy. However, that freedom comes with the responsibility to tell the truth. Stop trying to compete with or worse, citing tabloids, commentators and bloggers. Give your customers what we need – honest, fact-checked news – and we’ll stick by you!
Peace on Earth. I know, it has almost become a cliché. That’s the sad part. With the U.S. fighting wars on two fronts, the Israelis and Palestinians fighting over borders and land rights, and two more nations looking to join the nuclear arms club, it seems an impossible dream. But, I’m one of those people who doesn’t believe in giving up. So this Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, I will continue to pray for that most precious of all gifts.
Lorraine M. Pasquali
Democratic Spirit Cafe' 
Posted on December 24, 2009
0