Dona Nobis Pacem

 

Every year, November 4 is the day we blog for peace. This year, November 4 is Election Day. I don't think it's a coincidence. Instead I'm sure it's the universe's way of reminding us that one of the most important things we can do is cast a ballot.

Think peace when you vote. When you have a choice, support the candidate who will bring us closer to commonsense background checks and a ban on assault weapons.

Remember the words of Notre Dame's Rev. Theordore Hesburgh: "Voting is a sacred sacrament." Make yourself heard for peace today!

 Go here to find out more about Blog4Peace.

Gratitude Challenge -- Day 3

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day." 

Day #3 --Something You See Every Day

There's a big old tree outside my livingroom window and it's rather dear to me. I love watching the branches move on windy days, seeing the leaves bud, grow, color and disappear throughout the year, and checking out the squirrels and birds that call it home.

Gratitude Challenge -- Day 2

"Every day for 30 days, celebrate what you're grateful for, corresponding to the theme of the day."

Day #2 -- Nature

Today the sun was out and the sidewalks were clear. I love autumn days like this. I was happy to be out in it, walking across town to Village Hall to early vote.

Nature also makes me think of the cats. When I look at the three of them, I see life. Connie, age 2, is a young adult, lively and spirited. Reynaldo is 10, middle aged, still healthy and (frighteningly) savvy. And Joey is 18, creaky and tired but his purr is still full throated. I am blessed by all three of their tiny, furry souls.

Happy to stand in line

Yesterday was the last day of early voting in my neighborhood, and I'm happy to report there was a line. At 2:00 on a sunny Sunday afternoon! Yea!

It's difficult to describe just how hostile and ugly our gubernatorial race has become. Remember, this is Chicago, where politics is a contact sport under the best circumstances. Post George Ryan, post Blago, these are not the best circumstances. I mean, the state is broke, the joblessness rate is sky high, guns are a plague and both parties have been revealed as corrupt.* And these two candidates, Pat Quinn and Bruce Rauner, really seem to dislike each other.

But it's important. It matters. As both a moral and practical matter, everyone should be informed, everyone should vote. That's why I was so heartened to see citizens willing to weigh through the sludge and cast their ballots.

I voted for Pat Quinn. I'm not a big fan, and it was a decision I didn't come to easily. But for all his problems (and he has many), he's one-size-fits-all. His opponent, Bruce Rauner, sounds like a smart businessman and might make wise fiscal decisions, but he's pro-choice/pro-marriage equality up here in liberal Cook County, but more of a typical RWNJ when he's addressing groups in more conservative downstate IL. So I went with Quinn. It'll be close. I wonder if we'll know who our governor is by Wednesday morning.

*After reading that sentence, I wonder why anyone wants to be Illinois governor.