First, of course, is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I remember exactly where I was when it happened. I'm nine years old, and my mom is telling me that this is an important event in world history, that someday I'll remember where I was when this happened. And so I remembered it, and still do -- we were driving on Fountain Avenue in Hollywood, probably on the way to a piano lesson, listening to the radio. I remember feeling some upward rush of hopefulness, not really knowing why, but sensing that the world's interest was converging on something good and right, and feeling a part of it, even there in the car on a sunny November day in LA. I've enjoyed NYT's coverage, particularly this feature.
Second, equally of course, is the passage of the health care bill in the House. Can I say this? I don't understand the healthcare debate. Why is universal health care even a question? The reticence, at best, that American citizens and leadership display at the prospect of government-funded health care -- even as an option, co-existing alongside private insurance -- is apparently just one more facet to the Glenn-beck-veins-bulging belligerent individualism that is ultimately such a self-destructive force. What is so frightening to us about the prospect of ensuring that each of us is cared-for? . . . Don't answer that.
And third, of course, is the Maine gay rights defeat. I don't even know what to say about this. After the gut-punch of Prop 8, I just can't get emotionally involved. I'm so glad there are amazing people like Kate Kendell who are still so powerfully strategizing and moving on this issue.
Finally, the fork in the road in Pasadena. My favorite thing about this is that the folks who clandestinely set up this 18-foot tall silver fork statue dressed as Cal Trans workers to pass it off.
Ah, the news. Lest you despair at this world, let me leave you with something beautiful.
