A colleague sent this my way. I thought some of you might find it of interest.
http://insidehighered.com/views/2007/08/22/mclemee
1 year ago
22 August 2007
The Prerequisite for World Peace?
Personal Happiness: The Prerequisite for World Peace?
People with Strong Sense of Well-Being Support Democracy, Equality, Nonviolence
A new study in the Journal of Social Issues states that individuals with a strong sense of personal well-being tend to have more confidence in the government, express more support for democracy and exhibit less racial intolerance. These individual level differences are moderated by nation-level societal factors such as violence, inequality and economic development.
"Global peace efforts often give strong emphasis to economic and democratic development within societies," say study co-authors Ed Diener and William Tov. “Our results provide support for these efforts in showing that the social, political and economic structures of a society are related to peace, as reflected in the attitudes of the people living in that society.” Diener cautions, however, that the correlation between happiness and peace is not simple, and that happy, satisfied people are well aware of their political and social surroundings.
Living in a wealthy democracy does not guarantee support for democracy—particularly if people are unhappy and dissatisfied. The findings of the study suggest that dissatisfied people who live in wealthy democracies may be even more critical and less supportive of democracy than dissatisfied people who live in poorer, less democratic nations. "Confidence in the government is enhanced in those countries where homicide rates are low, economic inequality is low, and people are happy and satisfied with their lives," says Diener.
"Although efforts to improve societal conditions are implicitly aimed at increasing happiness, we suggest that well- being itself be more explicitly stated in the ideals of a peaceful society," say the authors. "Well-being is not just a final goal, but a key factor in fostering and maintaining the conditions for peace."
This study, "Subjective Well-Being and Peace" by Ed Diener and William Tov, is published in: Vol. 63 Issue 2 of the Journal of Social Issues.
21 August 2007
Why am I not surprised?
I wasn't able to attend the annual meeting of my national professional organization, the American Sociological Association, this year, but I just came across this while reading their website to "catch up." I thought you might find it of interest.
Political Ideology May be the Cause of the U.S. Government’s Failure to Admit World-Renowned Scholar Adam Habib to Participate in the 2007 ASA Annual Meeting
New York, NY—The United States Government has declined to act on the visa application of world-renowned South African scholar Adam Habib, thereby preventing him from entering the United States to participate in the American Sociological Association’s (ASA) 102nd Annual Meeting in New York City. Dr. Habib was scheduled to speak on Saturday, August 11, on an invited presidential panel titled “Globalization and Resistance.”
Adam Habib is an American-trained PhD, renowned scholar, internationally sought-after analyst, and Executive Director of South Africa’s Human Science Research Council’s Program on Democracy and Governance. He is also a Muslim of Indian descent who has been a vocal critic of the U.S. war in Iraq and certain U.S. terrorism-related policies.
Months ago, Professor Habib accepted an invitation from the President of the ASA to participate in the ASA Annual Meeting. Although, Dr. Habib has been a frequent visitor to the United States and held a valid visa, he was turned away by U.S. officials last October after arriving at JFK International Airport. He was coming to the United States for a series of meetings with private research and academic organizations and U.S. government agencies including the National Institutes of Health.
Along with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the ASA has pressed the U.S. State Department on Dr. Habib’s behalf to gain permission for him to enter the United States to address the Association’s Annual Meeting which attracts over 6,000 national and international scholars. Because the U.S. government has previously excluded other intellectuals from entry into the United States apparently on ideological grounds, the ASA is concerned that the State Department’s denial of a visa by its failure to act in a timely manner may also be ideological exclusion. If so, this raises significant concerns for the Association’s leaders and its more than 14,000 members about the fate of academic freedom.
Academic freedom is absolutely fundamental to the mission of the ASA, which rests upon the ability of scholars from wide-ranging perspectives to engage in dialog that nurtures scientific development to the benefit of the larger society. Academic freedom is the hallmark of American democratic culture. It has allowed scientists, intellectuals, and their scholarly societies to flourish and create one of the world’s most dynamic educational systems and robust knowledge-based economies. ASA opposes the use of visa denials or de facto denials on ideological grounds, because such action suppresses free intellectual exchange. The United States has a long and enviable history as the world’s foremost host to scholars and supporter of intellectual exchange with its many social and economic benefits.
The ASA expresses its deepest disappointment and profound concern about the Department of State’s de facto denial of a visa, which has barred Professor Adam Habib from participating in the Association’s Annual Meeting. Such actions undermine the willingness of numerous scientists and academics from many nations to visit the United States and collaborate with their American colleagues. The ASA believes this limitation on scholarly exchange erodes our nation’s reputation as a defender of the free and open search for knowledge.
Political Ideology May be the Cause of the U.S. Government’s Failure to Admit World-Renowned Scholar Adam Habib to Participate in the 2007 ASA Annual Meeting
New York, NY—The United States Government has declined to act on the visa application of world-renowned South African scholar Adam Habib, thereby preventing him from entering the United States to participate in the American Sociological Association’s (ASA) 102nd Annual Meeting in New York City. Dr. Habib was scheduled to speak on Saturday, August 11, on an invited presidential panel titled “Globalization and Resistance.”
Adam Habib is an American-trained PhD, renowned scholar, internationally sought-after analyst, and Executive Director of South Africa’s Human Science Research Council’s Program on Democracy and Governance. He is also a Muslim of Indian descent who has been a vocal critic of the U.S. war in Iraq and certain U.S. terrorism-related policies.
Months ago, Professor Habib accepted an invitation from the President of the ASA to participate in the ASA Annual Meeting. Although, Dr. Habib has been a frequent visitor to the United States and held a valid visa, he was turned away by U.S. officials last October after arriving at JFK International Airport. He was coming to the United States for a series of meetings with private research and academic organizations and U.S. government agencies including the National Institutes of Health.
Along with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the ASA has pressed the U.S. State Department on Dr. Habib’s behalf to gain permission for him to enter the United States to address the Association’s Annual Meeting which attracts over 6,000 national and international scholars. Because the U.S. government has previously excluded other intellectuals from entry into the United States apparently on ideological grounds, the ASA is concerned that the State Department’s denial of a visa by its failure to act in a timely manner may also be ideological exclusion. If so, this raises significant concerns for the Association’s leaders and its more than 14,000 members about the fate of academic freedom.
Academic freedom is absolutely fundamental to the mission of the ASA, which rests upon the ability of scholars from wide-ranging perspectives to engage in dialog that nurtures scientific development to the benefit of the larger society. Academic freedom is the hallmark of American democratic culture. It has allowed scientists, intellectuals, and their scholarly societies to flourish and create one of the world’s most dynamic educational systems and robust knowledge-based economies. ASA opposes the use of visa denials or de facto denials on ideological grounds, because such action suppresses free intellectual exchange. The United States has a long and enviable history as the world’s foremost host to scholars and supporter of intellectual exchange with its many social and economic benefits.
The ASA expresses its deepest disappointment and profound concern about the Department of State’s de facto denial of a visa, which has barred Professor Adam Habib from participating in the Association’s Annual Meeting. Such actions undermine the willingness of numerous scientists and academics from many nations to visit the United States and collaborate with their American colleagues. The ASA believes this limitation on scholarly exchange erodes our nation’s reputation as a defender of the free and open search for knowledge.
19 August 2007
Voices of War
The New York Times
August 19, 2007
Op-Ed Contributors
The War as We Saw It
By Buddhika Jayamaha, Wesley D. Smith, Jeremy Roebuck, Omar Mora, Edward Sandmeier, Yance T. Gray, and Jeremy Murphy
Baghdad
Viewed from Iraq at the tail end of a 15-month deployment, the political debate in Washington is indeed surreal. Counterinsurgency is, by definition, a competition between insurgents and counterinsurgents for the control and support of a population. To believe that Americans, with an occupying force that long ago outlived its reluctant welcome, can win over a recalcitrant local population and win this counterinsurgency is far-fetched. As responsible infantrymen and noncommissioned officers with the 82nd Airborne Division soon heading back home, we are skeptical of recent press coverage portraying the conflict as increasingly manageable and feel it has neglected the mounting civil, political and social unrest we see every day. (Obviously, these are our personal views and should not be seen as official within our chain of command.)
The claim that we are increasingly in control of the battlefields in Iraq is an assessment arrived at through a flawed, American-centered framework. Yes, we are militarily superior, but our successes are offset by failures elsewhere. What soldiers call the “battle space” remains the same, with changes only at the margins. It is crowded with actors who do not fit neatly into boxes: Sunni extremists, Al Qaeda terrorists, Shiite militiamen, criminals and armed tribes. This situation is made more complex by the questionable loyalties and Janus-faced role of the Iraqi police and Iraqi Army, which have been trained and armed at United States taxpayers’ expense.
[snip]
In the end, we need to recognize that our presence may have released Iraqis from the grip of a tyrant, but that it has also robbed them of their self-respect. They will soon realize that the best way to regain dignity is to call us what we are — an army of occupation — and force our withdrawal.
Until that happens, it would be prudent for us to increasingly let Iraqis take center stage in all matters, to come up with a nuanced policy in which we assist them from the margins but let them resolve their differences as they see fit. This suggestion is not meant to be defeatist, but rather to highlight our pursuit of incompatible policies to absurd ends without recognizing the incongruities.
We need not talk about our morale. As committed soldiers, we will see this mission through.
Buddhika Jayamaha is an Army specialist. Wesley D. Smith is a sergeant. Jeremy Roebuck is a sergeant. Omar Mora is a sergeant. Edward Sandmeier is a sergeant. Yance T. Gray is a staff sergeant. Jeremy A. Murphy is a staff sergeant.
For the entire article, go here.
August 19, 2007
Op-Ed Contributors
The War as We Saw It
By Buddhika Jayamaha, Wesley D. Smith, Jeremy Roebuck, Omar Mora, Edward Sandmeier, Yance T. Gray, and Jeremy Murphy
Baghdad
Viewed from Iraq at the tail end of a 15-month deployment, the political debate in Washington is indeed surreal. Counterinsurgency is, by definition, a competition between insurgents and counterinsurgents for the control and support of a population. To believe that Americans, with an occupying force that long ago outlived its reluctant welcome, can win over a recalcitrant local population and win this counterinsurgency is far-fetched. As responsible infantrymen and noncommissioned officers with the 82nd Airborne Division soon heading back home, we are skeptical of recent press coverage portraying the conflict as increasingly manageable and feel it has neglected the mounting civil, political and social unrest we see every day. (Obviously, these are our personal views and should not be seen as official within our chain of command.)
The claim that we are increasingly in control of the battlefields in Iraq is an assessment arrived at through a flawed, American-centered framework. Yes, we are militarily superior, but our successes are offset by failures elsewhere. What soldiers call the “battle space” remains the same, with changes only at the margins. It is crowded with actors who do not fit neatly into boxes: Sunni extremists, Al Qaeda terrorists, Shiite militiamen, criminals and armed tribes. This situation is made more complex by the questionable loyalties and Janus-faced role of the Iraqi police and Iraqi Army, which have been trained and armed at United States taxpayers’ expense.
In the end, we need to recognize that our presence may have released Iraqis from the grip of a tyrant, but that it has also robbed them of their self-respect. They will soon realize that the best way to regain dignity is to call us what we are — an army of occupation — and force our withdrawal.
Until that happens, it would be prudent for us to increasingly let Iraqis take center stage in all matters, to come up with a nuanced policy in which we assist them from the margins but let them resolve their differences as they see fit. This suggestion is not meant to be defeatist, but rather to highlight our pursuit of incompatible policies to absurd ends without recognizing the incongruities.
We need not talk about our morale. As committed soldiers, we will see this mission through.
Buddhika Jayamaha is an Army specialist. Wesley D. Smith is a sergeant. Jeremy Roebuck is a sergeant. Omar Mora is a sergeant. Edward Sandmeier is a sergeant. Yance T. Gray is a staff sergeant. Jeremy A. Murphy is a staff sergeant.
For the entire article, go here.
17 August 2007
Hmmmm?
I don't know where to start. I last posted on Sunday the 12th when my brother and his wife were visiting, along with my parents and sister. They - the brother and his wife - arrived driving their Chevy truck that gets about 9 mpg, towing a cargo trailer containing two Harleys and a golf cart. With that load they get about 6 mpg. They had a generator in the back of the pick-up because, of course, you have to have lights and AC when camping. On Monday he was wearing his black polo shirt with the Harley Kuwait insignia. Hers was a black polo shirt from a Harley shop in Georgia. Talk about culture clash.
They left on Tuesday morning, my father's 81st birthday. Everyone else left on Wednesday. Yesterday - Thursday - was P's birthday so we went to lunch. That was after my appointment at hand therapy to get a splint for my arthritic thumb. Yes, it's true. Yesterday evening 6YO spent the night with friends and we had dinner and watched Dreamgirls. Today I had to finish grading and I did. After picking up 6YO at French Camp, we got home and I had a note from our painters-friends saying that my folks had been in a car accident.
My father is in the hospital with fractured ribs and something to his sternum - all from the air bag. Because of his meds and pacemaker they're keeping him overnight. My mother was released and, except for being really sore, has only a small fracture in a wrist bone. The car is, apparently, totalled. Other good news is that she was not at fault. The driver of something like a Suburban blew through the intersection and, even slamming on the breaks, my mother just couldn't stop in time and smashed their Mazda 626 right into the SUV.
Yeah, we like to keep a little excitement in our lives. Other good news is that the house painting is going well, looks fabulous. My colleague who had the cardiac arrest went home from the hospital today. He had a defibrillator implanted for his 37th birthday.
In other "regular" news, I sent two pieces of furniture off with my brother - he had a cargo trailer ya' know - and shipped another to my sister. I may have mentioned this before, but, having had the family heirlooms for 25 years I've decided to pass them on rather than haul them to Canada.
Okay, not really interesting, but I thought I'd post something.
Update: My sister just called. More good news - she's in San Diego - about 6 hours away from the folks in Tucson - and, if needed, can drive over to help. She's supposed to be back at school Monday, but can get coverage if need be. I'm glad one of us is fairly close by.
What does tomorrow have in store? 6YO has a play date and P and I plan to go see Death at a Funeral. More as it happens...
They left on Tuesday morning, my father's 81st birthday. Everyone else left on Wednesday. Yesterday - Thursday - was P's birthday so we went to lunch. That was after my appointment at hand therapy to get a splint for my arthritic thumb. Yes, it's true. Yesterday evening 6YO spent the night with friends and we had dinner and watched Dreamgirls. Today I had to finish grading and I did. After picking up 6YO at French Camp, we got home and I had a note from our painters-friends saying that my folks had been in a car accident.
My father is in the hospital with fractured ribs and something to his sternum - all from the air bag. Because of his meds and pacemaker they're keeping him overnight. My mother was released and, except for being really sore, has only a small fracture in a wrist bone. The car is, apparently, totalled. Other good news is that she was not at fault. The driver of something like a Suburban blew through the intersection and, even slamming on the breaks, my mother just couldn't stop in time and smashed their Mazda 626 right into the SUV.
Yeah, we like to keep a little excitement in our lives. Other good news is that the house painting is going well, looks fabulous. My colleague who had the cardiac arrest went home from the hospital today. He had a defibrillator implanted for his 37th birthday.
In other "regular" news, I sent two pieces of furniture off with my brother - he had a cargo trailer ya' know - and shipped another to my sister. I may have mentioned this before, but, having had the family heirlooms for 25 years I've decided to pass them on rather than haul them to Canada.
Okay, not really interesting, but I thought I'd post something.
Update: My sister just called. More good news - she's in San Diego - about 6 hours away from the folks in Tucson - and, if needed, can drive over to help. She's supposed to be back at school Monday, but can get coverage if need be. I'm glad one of us is fairly close by.
What does tomorrow have in store? 6YO has a play date and P and I plan to go see Death at a Funeral. More as it happens...
12 August 2007
Hatred
Church cancels gay vet's memorial
Texas congregation acted out of principle, not malice, pastor says
The Associated Press
Aug 11, 2007
ARLINGTON, Texas - A megachurch canceled a memorial service for a Navy veteran 24 hours before it was to start because the deceased was gay.
Officials at the nondenominational High Point Church knew that Cecil Howard Sinclair was gay when they offered to host his service, said his sister, Kathleen Wright. But after his obituary listed his life partner as one of his survivors, she said, it was called off.
“It’s a slap in the face. It’s like, ’Oh, we’re sorry he died, but he’s gay so we can’t help you,”’ she said Friday.
Wright said High Point offered to hold the service for Sinclair because their brother is a janitor there. Sinclair, who served in the first Gulf War, died Monday at age 46 from an infection after surgery to prepare him for a heart transplant.
The church’s pastor, the Rev. Gary Simons, said no one knew Sinclair, who was not a church member, was gay until the day before the Thursday service, when staff members putting together his video tribute saw pictures of men “engaging in clear affection, kissing and embracing.”
‘It’s not that we didn’t love the family’
Simons said the church believes homosexuality is a sin, and it would have appeared to endorse that lifestyle if the service had been held there.
“We did decline to host the service — not based on hatred, not based on discrimination, but based on principle,” Simons told The Associated Press. “Had we known it on the day they first spoke about it — yes, we would have declined then. It’s not that we didn’t love the family.”
Simons said the decision had nothing to do with the obituary. He said the church offered to pay for another site for the service, made the video and provided food for more than 100 relatives and friends.
“Even though we could not condone that lifestyle, we went above and beyond for the family through many acts of love and kindness,” Simons said.
Wright called the church’s claim about the pictures “a bold-faced lie.” She said she provided numerous family pictures of Sinclair, including some with his partner, but said none showed men kissing or hugging.
The 5,000-member High Point Church was founded in 2000 by Simons and his wife, April, whose brother is Joel Osteen, well-known pastor of the 38,000-member Lakewood Church in Houston. Now High Point meets in a 432,000-square-foot facility in Arlington, near Dallas.
Wright said relatives declined the church’s offer to hold the service at a community center because they felt it was an inappropriate venue. It ultimately was held at a funeral home, but the cancellation still lingered in some minds, she said.
© 2007 The Associated Press.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20221295/?GT1=10252
Texas congregation acted out of principle, not malice, pastor says
The Associated Press
Aug 11, 2007
ARLINGTON, Texas - A megachurch canceled a memorial service for a Navy veteran 24 hours before it was to start because the deceased was gay.
Officials at the nondenominational High Point Church knew that Cecil Howard Sinclair was gay when they offered to host his service, said his sister, Kathleen Wright. But after his obituary listed his life partner as one of his survivors, she said, it was called off.
“It’s a slap in the face. It’s like, ’Oh, we’re sorry he died, but he’s gay so we can’t help you,”’ she said Friday.
Wright said High Point offered to hold the service for Sinclair because their brother is a janitor there. Sinclair, who served in the first Gulf War, died Monday at age 46 from an infection after surgery to prepare him for a heart transplant.
The church’s pastor, the Rev. Gary Simons, said no one knew Sinclair, who was not a church member, was gay until the day before the Thursday service, when staff members putting together his video tribute saw pictures of men “engaging in clear affection, kissing and embracing.”
‘It’s not that we didn’t love the family’
Simons said the church believes homosexuality is a sin, and it would have appeared to endorse that lifestyle if the service had been held there.
“We did decline to host the service — not based on hatred, not based on discrimination, but based on principle,” Simons told The Associated Press. “Had we known it on the day they first spoke about it — yes, we would have declined then. It’s not that we didn’t love the family.”
Simons said the decision had nothing to do with the obituary. He said the church offered to pay for another site for the service, made the video and provided food for more than 100 relatives and friends.
“Even though we could not condone that lifestyle, we went above and beyond for the family through many acts of love and kindness,” Simons said.
Wright called the church’s claim about the pictures “a bold-faced lie.” She said she provided numerous family pictures of Sinclair, including some with his partner, but said none showed men kissing or hugging.
The 5,000-member High Point Church was founded in 2000 by Simons and his wife, April, whose brother is Joel Osteen, well-known pastor of the 38,000-member Lakewood Church in Houston. Now High Point meets in a 432,000-square-foot facility in Arlington, near Dallas.
Wright said relatives declined the church’s offer to hold the service at a community center because they felt it was an inappropriate venue. It ultimately was held at a funeral home, but the cancellation still lingered in some minds, she said.
© 2007 The Associated Press.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20221295/?GT1=10252
Chaos, of a sort
A couple of days after the bridge collapse my best friend from graduate school called to say that her sister, who was studying to become a Unitarian Universalist minister, had committed suicide. Although she left a twelve year old son, fortunately he has a very good relationship with his father and stepmother. As I sit here in the living room, a ball cap that reads "Pizza Hut Iraq" is on the table across from me. Not a chance that it's mine. My brother and sister-in-law arrived yesterday, bringing that gift for my father. They're visiting on their way back from the bike rally in Sturgis, SD. My parents arrived from Arizona on Wednesday. My sister arrived from California last Sunday. This week a colleague of mine, who is 35 or 36, had a severe heart attack. Again, the "fortunately statement" is that he appears to be recovering quite well. Our painters started power washing the house on Friday. Paint chips are everywhere. 6YO has been behaving exceptionally well considering the upheaval. E.g., his trundle bed is in our room so that someone can sleep in his bed. Our very good friends, G & D, are having us all over to their (bigger) place for a BBQ this evening. Mostly, I think, because they want to see my brother. Insert smirk. I've had a variety of things about which I've wanted to post, but, needless to say, I've been a little busy. I had to finish taping and painting in the basement, cleaning, etc. But, I've been keeping up with my blogreading. Everyone will be gone by Wednesday afternoon and, as soon as I'm done grading, perhaps I'll find a few moments to catch up! Hope all is well with you.
01 August 2007
Minneapolis/Saint Paul
Just a quick post for anyone who might remember where we live. We were not on the bridge, we're fine. We've been getting calls from various friends and family around the country and it occurred to me that someone among our cyberfriends may wonder if we happened to be there. We drive on that bridge frequently, but fortunately not today. More soon.
27 July 2007
It's All Because (The Gays Are Getting Married)
A friend in Massachusetts sent this my way. It's both sad and hilarious. Check it out! And, thanks to Bob for helping me edit this!
26 July 2007
Get Me Outta Here
23 July 2007
In Case You Missed It
Why Dennis Kucinich is the only person for whom I will even consider voting. From tonight's Democratic debate...
COOPER: Our next question is on a topic that got a lot of response from YouTube viewers. Let's watch.
QUESTION: Hi. My name is Mary.
QUESTION: And my name is Jen.
QUESTION: And we're from Brooklyn, New York.
If you were elected president of the United States, would you allow us to be married to each other?
COOPER: Congressman Kucinich?
KUCINICH: Mary and Jen, the answer to your question is yes. And let me tell you why.
Because if our Constitution really means what it says, that all are created equal, if it really means what it says, that there should be equality of opportunity before the law, then our brothers and sisters who happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender should have the same rights accorded to them as anyone else, and that includes the ability to have a civil marriage ceremony.
Yes, I support you. And welcome to a better and a new America under a President Kucinich administration.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: Senator Dodd, you supported the Defense of Marriage Act. What's your position?
DODD: I've made the case, Anderson, that -- my wife and I have two young daughters, age 5 and 2.
I'd simply ask the audience to ask themselves the question that Jackie and I have asked: How would I want my two daughters treated if they grew up and had a different sexual orientation than their parents?
Good jobs, equal opportunity, to be able to retire, to visit each other, to be with each other, as other people do.
So I feel very strongly, if you ask yourself the question, "How would you like your children treated if they had a different sexual orientation than their parents?," the answer is yes. They ought to have that ability in civil unions.
I don't go so far as to call for marriage. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman.
But my state of Connecticut, the state of New Hampshire, have endorsed civil unions. I strongly support that. But I don't go so far as marriage.
COOPER: Governor Richardson?
RICHARDSON: Well, I would say to the two young women, I would level with you -- I would do what is achievable.
What I think is achievable is full civil unions with full marriage rights. I would also press for you a hate crimes act in the Congress. I would eliminate "don't ask/don't tell" in the military.
(APPLAUSE)
If we're going to have in our military men and women that die for this country, we shouldn't give them a lecture on their sexual orientation
I would push for domestic partnership laws, nondiscrimination in insurance and housing.
I would also send a very strong message that, in my administration, I will not tolerate any discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or sexual orientation.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: This next question is for Senator Edwards.
QUESTION: I'm Reverend Reggie Longcrier. I'm the pastor of Exodus Mission and Outreach Church in Hickory, North Carolina.
Senator Edwards said his opposition to gay marriage is influenced by his Southern Baptist background. Most Americans agree it was wrong and unconstitutional to use religion to justify slavery, segregation, and denying women the right to vote.
So why is it still acceptable to use religion to deny gay American their full and equal rights?
(APPLAUSE)
EDWARDS: I think Reverend Longcrier asks a very important question, which is whether fundamentally -- whether it's right for any of our faith beliefs to be imposed on the American people when we're president of the United States. I do not believe that's right.
I feel enormous personal conflict about this issue. I want to end discrimination. I want to do some of the things that I just heard Bill Richardson talking about -- standing up for equal rights, substantive rights, civil unions, the thing that Chris Dodd just talked about. But I think that's something everybody on this stage will commit themselves to as president of the United States.
But I personally have been on a journey on this issue. I feel enormous conflict about it. As I think a lot of people know, Elizabeth spoke -- my wife Elizabeth spoke out a few weeks ago, and she actually supports gay marriage. I do not. But this is a very, very difficult issue for me. And I recognize and have enormous respect for people who have a different view of it.
COOPER: I should also point out that the reverend is actually in the audience tonight. Where is he? Right over here.
Reverend, do you feel he answered your question?
(APPLAUSE)
QUESTION: This question was just a catalyst that promoted some other things that wrapped around that particular question, especially when it comes to fair housing practices. Also...
COOPER: Do you think he answered the question, though?
QUESTION: Not like I would like to have heard it...
(LAUGHTER)
COOPER: What did you not hear?
QUESTION: I didn't quite get -- some people were moving around, and I didn't quite get all of his answer. I just heard...
COOPER: All right, there's 30 seconds more. Why is it OK to quite religious beliefs when talking about why you don't support something? That's essentially what's his question.
EDWARDS: It's not. I mean, I've been asked a personal question which is, I think, what Reverend Longcrier is raising, and that personal question is, do I believe and do I personally support gay marriage?
The honest answer to that is I don't. But I think it is absolutely wrong, as president of the United States, for me to have used that faith basis as a basis for denying anybody their rights, and I will not do that when I'm president of the United States.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: Senator Obama, the laws banning interracial marriage in the United States were ruled unconstitutional in 1967. What is the difference between a ban on interracial marriage and a ban on gay marriage?
OBAMA: Well, I think that it is important to pick up on something that was said earlier by both Dennis and by Bill, and that is that we've got to make sure that everybody is equal under the law. And the civil unions that I proposed would be equivalent in terms of making sure that all the rights that are conferred by the state are equal for same-sex couples as well as for heterosexual couples.
Now, with respect to marriage, it's my belief that it's up to the individual denominations to make a decision as to whether they want to recognize marriage or not. But in terms of, you know, the rights of people to transfer property, to have hospital visitation, all those critical civil rights that are conferred by our government, those should be equal.
COOPER: Our next question is on a topic that got a lot of response from YouTube viewers. Let's watch.
QUESTION: Hi. My name is Mary.
QUESTION: And my name is Jen.
QUESTION: And we're from Brooklyn, New York.
If you were elected president of the United States, would you allow us to be married to each other?
COOPER: Congressman Kucinich?
KUCINICH: Mary and Jen, the answer to your question is yes. And let me tell you why.
Because if our Constitution really means what it says, that all are created equal, if it really means what it says, that there should be equality of opportunity before the law, then our brothers and sisters who happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender should have the same rights accorded to them as anyone else, and that includes the ability to have a civil marriage ceremony.
Yes, I support you. And welcome to a better and a new America under a President Kucinich administration.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: Senator Dodd, you supported the Defense of Marriage Act. What's your position?
DODD: I've made the case, Anderson, that -- my wife and I have two young daughters, age 5 and 2.
I'd simply ask the audience to ask themselves the question that Jackie and I have asked: How would I want my two daughters treated if they grew up and had a different sexual orientation than their parents?
Good jobs, equal opportunity, to be able to retire, to visit each other, to be with each other, as other people do.
So I feel very strongly, if you ask yourself the question, "How would you like your children treated if they had a different sexual orientation than their parents?," the answer is yes. They ought to have that ability in civil unions.
I don't go so far as to call for marriage. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman.
But my state of Connecticut, the state of New Hampshire, have endorsed civil unions. I strongly support that. But I don't go so far as marriage.
COOPER: Governor Richardson?
RICHARDSON: Well, I would say to the two young women, I would level with you -- I would do what is achievable.
What I think is achievable is full civil unions with full marriage rights. I would also press for you a hate crimes act in the Congress. I would eliminate "don't ask/don't tell" in the military.
(APPLAUSE)
If we're going to have in our military men and women that die for this country, we shouldn't give them a lecture on their sexual orientation
I would push for domestic partnership laws, nondiscrimination in insurance and housing.
I would also send a very strong message that, in my administration, I will not tolerate any discrimination on the basis of race, gender, or sexual orientation.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: This next question is for Senator Edwards.
QUESTION: I'm Reverend Reggie Longcrier. I'm the pastor of Exodus Mission and Outreach Church in Hickory, North Carolina.
Senator Edwards said his opposition to gay marriage is influenced by his Southern Baptist background. Most Americans agree it was wrong and unconstitutional to use religion to justify slavery, segregation, and denying women the right to vote.
So why is it still acceptable to use religion to deny gay American their full and equal rights?
(APPLAUSE)
EDWARDS: I think Reverend Longcrier asks a very important question, which is whether fundamentally -- whether it's right for any of our faith beliefs to be imposed on the American people when we're president of the United States. I do not believe that's right.
I feel enormous personal conflict about this issue. I want to end discrimination. I want to do some of the things that I just heard Bill Richardson talking about -- standing up for equal rights, substantive rights, civil unions, the thing that Chris Dodd just talked about. But I think that's something everybody on this stage will commit themselves to as president of the United States.
But I personally have been on a journey on this issue. I feel enormous conflict about it. As I think a lot of people know, Elizabeth spoke -- my wife Elizabeth spoke out a few weeks ago, and she actually supports gay marriage. I do not. But this is a very, very difficult issue for me. And I recognize and have enormous respect for people who have a different view of it.
COOPER: I should also point out that the reverend is actually in the audience tonight. Where is he? Right over here.
Reverend, do you feel he answered your question?
(APPLAUSE)
QUESTION: This question was just a catalyst that promoted some other things that wrapped around that particular question, especially when it comes to fair housing practices. Also...
COOPER: Do you think he answered the question, though?
QUESTION: Not like I would like to have heard it...
(LAUGHTER)
COOPER: What did you not hear?
QUESTION: I didn't quite get -- some people were moving around, and I didn't quite get all of his answer. I just heard...
COOPER: All right, there's 30 seconds more. Why is it OK to quite religious beliefs when talking about why you don't support something? That's essentially what's his question.
EDWARDS: It's not. I mean, I've been asked a personal question which is, I think, what Reverend Longcrier is raising, and that personal question is, do I believe and do I personally support gay marriage?
The honest answer to that is I don't. But I think it is absolutely wrong, as president of the United States, for me to have used that faith basis as a basis for denying anybody their rights, and I will not do that when I'm president of the United States.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: Senator Obama, the laws banning interracial marriage in the United States were ruled unconstitutional in 1967. What is the difference between a ban on interracial marriage and a ban on gay marriage?
OBAMA: Well, I think that it is important to pick up on something that was said earlier by both Dennis and by Bill, and that is that we've got to make sure that everybody is equal under the law. And the civil unions that I proposed would be equivalent in terms of making sure that all the rights that are conferred by the state are equal for same-sex couples as well as for heterosexual couples.
Now, with respect to marriage, it's my belief that it's up to the individual denominations to make a decision as to whether they want to recognize marriage or not. But in terms of, you know, the rights of people to transfer property, to have hospital visitation, all those critical civil rights that are conferred by our government, those should be equal.
20 July 2007
What's a mother to do?
This is a first. At 11:30 this morning I delivered 6YO to a friend's house to go camping for the weekend. 48 hours. Away. Without us. Swimming. In the woods. Bees. Am I panicking yet? Just don't think about it. Just don't think about it.
As I was pulling away from their house I heard, "thumpa, thumpa, thumpa." The tire suddenly looked awfully low. I have to admit it. I hate cars. I hate maintaining cars. So, we don't do as well as we should with routine stuff. A chunk of change later we have four new tires. We needed them. Having to replace one was the catalyst. Normally I freak at such unanticipated (in the immediate sense) expenses, but I feel like it's one more thing we knew we'd do before moving that's done. And, before winter.
It means I didn't get to the housework I had planned to do this afternoon (i.e., priming the sheetrock, painting...). Oh, well. Soon I'll be picking up P to go see Sicko. If we're feeling particularly indulgent we may even go to a second movie tonight. Perhaps, Hairspray. Or, we could stay home and watch Thank You For Smoking. Hmmmm... Then we will be joining the hordes for the Harry Potter release. I'm not a fan, but P is more than a fan. Unless she changes her mind, we'll be there at midnight. Hey, I'm not the one who has to get up for class tomorrow!
On the TM front, I spoke to a wonderful rep at Penske and we will probably end up renting from them, driving to F'ton and unpacking, and then returning the truck to Maine. Their rates and reviews are good. There's also a AAA discount. And, unlimited mileage. That's a biggie. Of course that could all change before next summer, but it's still data. Since they provide more days than we need for the trip, returning the truck to the US is worth the savings - if they continue to beat the other vendors' rates and offer unlimited mileage.
Off to the movies!
As I was pulling away from their house I heard, "thumpa, thumpa, thumpa." The tire suddenly looked awfully low. I have to admit it. I hate cars. I hate maintaining cars. So, we don't do as well as we should with routine stuff. A chunk of change later we have four new tires. We needed them. Having to replace one was the catalyst. Normally I freak at such unanticipated (in the immediate sense) expenses, but I feel like it's one more thing we knew we'd do before moving that's done. And, before winter.
It means I didn't get to the housework I had planned to do this afternoon (i.e., priming the sheetrock, painting...). Oh, well. Soon I'll be picking up P to go see Sicko. If we're feeling particularly indulgent we may even go to a second movie tonight. Perhaps, Hairspray. Or, we could stay home and watch Thank You For Smoking. Hmmmm... Then we will be joining the hordes for the Harry Potter release. I'm not a fan, but P is more than a fan. Unless she changes her mind, we'll be there at midnight. Hey, I'm not the one who has to get up for class tomorrow!
On the TM front, I spoke to a wonderful rep at Penske and we will probably end up renting from them, driving to F'ton and unpacking, and then returning the truck to Maine. Their rates and reviews are good. There's also a AAA discount. And, unlimited mileage. That's a biggie. Of course that could all change before next summer, but it's still data. Since they provide more days than we need for the trip, returning the truck to the US is worth the savings - if they continue to beat the other vendors' rates and offer unlimited mileage.
Off to the movies!
17 July 2007
Preparation
This morning we took another step toward the move. Perhaps I'll start referring to the whole relocation process as TM - as in "the move," not "transcendental meditation." Though, come to think of it, perhaps a little TM - the latter - wouldn't hurt.
We spent an hour and a half with a realtor, going over what she would suggest we do to the house before putting it on the market. The good news is that there's only one thing she suggested that we weren't already planning on doing and she wasn't adamant about that. But, not to keep you in suspense - it's the kitchen countertop. It's probably from the 1970s, if not earlier. It's a yellowy-marble-like formica. Since there is so little of it it hasn't bothered us. Of course, walking in and seeing a nice gray SilverStone or something would be nice, especially with everything else being recently painted and new stainless appliances. The materials, even something really nice, wouldn't be much. Labor, that's another issue. We'll see. Also, I've been worried that an inspector might "call" the roof. She didn't think it would be a problem. Hope she's right. All in all, good news. Now, if the market would just ease up, even 2%. Fortunately we're in the "entry level" market and, while prices have dipped a bit in the past two years, that's still fairly strong market for sales. Even though I loathe to do one more thing to this house, anything that makes it feel like we're closer to moving is great!
That's about it for this week. 6YO doesn't have any camp this week so we're hanging out. Last night was baseball where I think he shocked himself with a nice hit off his second swing. Next time up he had a nice hit, too. That was fun! Tonight it's swim class. Tomorrow his team is going to the local - literally just up the street - minor league game, the Saint Paul Saints v. the Sioux City Explorers. Thursday is baseball practice and swim class. But, Friday he's been waiting for all summer.
For the last two years we've gone to Rainbow Family Camp. We weren't going to go this year because P has class and I didn't want to go alone. I just don't enjoy it that much. But, our fabulous friends, K and S, who have two boys with whom 6YO plays, asked if they could take him along. Ask me how thrilled 6YO was with that! S introduced 6YO to fishing so he adores her. I hope it goes well. He'll be in seventh heaven and us? We get to have a big night out - dinner, Sicko, and the 00:01 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Speaking of Sicko, did you hear that Canadian nurses were to get free admission to the film this Monday through Thursday? And, his website has this page about Canadian health care, etc.
So much reading, so little time...
We spent an hour and a half with a realtor, going over what she would suggest we do to the house before putting it on the market. The good news is that there's only one thing she suggested that we weren't already planning on doing and she wasn't adamant about that. But, not to keep you in suspense - it's the kitchen countertop. It's probably from the 1970s, if not earlier. It's a yellowy-marble-like formica. Since there is so little of it it hasn't bothered us. Of course, walking in and seeing a nice gray SilverStone or something would be nice, especially with everything else being recently painted and new stainless appliances. The materials, even something really nice, wouldn't be much. Labor, that's another issue. We'll see. Also, I've been worried that an inspector might "call" the roof. She didn't think it would be a problem. Hope she's right. All in all, good news. Now, if the market would just ease up, even 2%. Fortunately we're in the "entry level" market and, while prices have dipped a bit in the past two years, that's still fairly strong market for sales. Even though I loathe to do one more thing to this house, anything that makes it feel like we're closer to moving is great!
That's about it for this week. 6YO doesn't have any camp this week so we're hanging out. Last night was baseball where I think he shocked himself with a nice hit off his second swing. Next time up he had a nice hit, too. That was fun! Tonight it's swim class. Tomorrow his team is going to the local - literally just up the street - minor league game, the Saint Paul Saints v. the Sioux City Explorers. Thursday is baseball practice and swim class. But, Friday he's been waiting for all summer.
For the last two years we've gone to Rainbow Family Camp. We weren't going to go this year because P has class and I didn't want to go alone. I just don't enjoy it that much. But, our fabulous friends, K and S, who have two boys with whom 6YO plays, asked if they could take him along. Ask me how thrilled 6YO was with that! S introduced 6YO to fishing so he adores her. I hope it goes well. He'll be in seventh heaven and us? We get to have a big night out - dinner, Sicko, and the 00:01 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Speaking of Sicko, did you hear that Canadian nurses were to get free admission to the film this Monday through Thursday? And, his website has this page about Canadian health care, etc.
So much reading, so little time...
14 July 2007
Back in the US of A
We made our flight Friday morning and - with a few minor annoyances, courtesy of Northwest Airlines - returned to the US around 1 pm. I am making a point of saying "back in the US" rather than "back home." I am relieved to imagine that in less than a year from today we'll be living in Canada. Although much of this should be evident from earlier posts, here or on Traveling, we ended up absolutely loving Fredericton. And, things look promising with our academic connections. We can't wait to get back!
I'm catching up on some of the news. Looks like McCain is pretty much out of the running for '08. That thrills me since he personally insulted me - I mean, to my face - back when I was a constituent. I only caught a snippet of Bush's address the other day. Whine, whine, whine. I don't think he'd piss me off so much if he weren't so whiny, petulant, something! I'm also catching up the blogs - keeping my fingers crossed for the guys in Seattle, thrilled that Mary got a job - albeit temporary, etc.
That's about it for now. I have three weeks to get things ready for my family to arrive. My sister arrives on 5 August, my parents on 8 August, and my brother and sister-in-law on 11 August. Everyone leaves on 14/15 August. Whew! Throw page proofs in there somewhere - and finishing the laundry from vacation - and things will be busy.
On the immigration front - if anyone has any particular insight about moving, US to Canada - and I mean, actually moving your stuff - let me know. We'll be moving ourselves and can probably manage with a 17' rental. I'd love to find a company that has a truck with an extended cab, but I don't think they exist. We'd use something like PODS, but I don't think any of those companies are serving the Maritimes yet. So, all advice is welcome! Thanks!
I'm catching up on some of the news. Looks like McCain is pretty much out of the running for '08. That thrills me since he personally insulted me - I mean, to my face - back when I was a constituent. I only caught a snippet of Bush's address the other day. Whine, whine, whine. I don't think he'd piss me off so much if he weren't so whiny, petulant, something! I'm also catching up the blogs - keeping my fingers crossed for the guys in Seattle, thrilled that Mary got a job - albeit temporary, etc.
That's about it for now. I have three weeks to get things ready for my family to arrive. My sister arrives on 5 August, my parents on 8 August, and my brother and sister-in-law on 11 August. Everyone leaves on 14/15 August. Whew! Throw page proofs in there somewhere - and finishing the laundry from vacation - and things will be busy.
On the immigration front - if anyone has any particular insight about moving, US to Canada - and I mean, actually moving your stuff - let me know. We'll be moving ourselves and can probably manage with a 17' rental. I'd love to find a company that has a truck with an extended cab, but I don't think they exist. We'd use something like PODS, but I don't think any of those companies are serving the Maritimes yet. So, all advice is welcome! Thanks!
11 July 2007
10 July 2007
The Latest...
Let's see, what's new? Yesterday we looked at the apartment that I've mentioned here before. The location was terrific and the yard - though not fenced - was amazing. Each year the landlord has the garden tilled for tenants! And, 6YO really wants to live there because he found bugs under the big tree! I wasn't particularly taken with the apartment, especially given the rent, but we were able to see a different apartment that may or may not be available this time next year. It had wonderfully large bedrooms! But, there are a lot of aspects of the old Victorian that leave a little something to be desired. The very steep stairs and lack of adequate railing in the attic bedroom that would be for 6YO is one.
So, we continue the conversation about renting v. buying, etc. There are two townhomes right downtown that looked intriguing. Of course we can't buy now, but we figured if we could see them then we'd know if we were interested should something become available at the right time. Yesterday evening we saw one and this morning, the other. Either one would be terrific except for the lack of yard. We've been going back and forth over things like yard v. no yard, downtown in exchange for bigger, etc. More "decisions, decisions."
I think we've identified all of the areas we'd consider living and the core of the area that we consider ideal. I think that next March I will probably line up a bunch of prospects and spend a week looking at whatever is available - rental and purchase - and take it from there. We've also got folks who will be keeping their ears to the ground for faculty members who might be looking for someone to stay in their home during sabbatical, etc. and who wouldn't mind us having our dog. Long shot, but you never know! While we don't have something lined up, I feel like we got a ton of information about neighborhoods, possibilities, etc. And, with mls.ca, we have tons more at our fingertips!
After lunch with a couple of UNB colleagues, we headed to Moncton, really wishing we could just stay. As P said, usually by now you're ready to get home. We've been on the road for 11 days! But, we would be very content to have stayed in F'ton another week!
Tomorrow we will spend the day in Halifax; hopefully visiting Pier 21 and the Discovery Centre. Then, our last night will be at a hotel near the airport. Early Thursday morning we'll be on our way back to the States - where I see Bush has a record low 29% approval rating.
This has been a terrific, albeit stressful at times, trip. We've learned more than I could have hoped about all kinds of relocation "stuff." We can't wait to get back and settle down. I wish it weren't a year off and I wish we had a lot more answers than we do right now. But, we just keep telling ourselves, all in due time.
In addition to the "relo recon," we had some fabulous vacationing - we watched Canada Day fireworks over the Halifax harbour, saw the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, skipped rocks in Blue Rocks, ate seafood galore, went swimming in the Northumberland Strait, saw Hopewell Rocks at low and high tides, dipped our toes in the Bay of Fundy, walked across the bridge to Maine and back, and just had a generally great time. We shopped at the Atlantic Superstore and Chapters - as well as some nice independent booksellers, made our first visit to Canadian Tire with our friends in Port Williams, and discovered some wonderful shops in F'ton. We were here long enough to get used to looking for the "washrooms" and to not have to look closely at our coins to figure out which coin was which. I hadn't seen any US news until this evening when CNN was on in the restaurant. I've been reading the Globe and Mail and the Daily Gleaner. Life is good.
So, we continue the conversation about renting v. buying, etc. There are two townhomes right downtown that looked intriguing. Of course we can't buy now, but we figured if we could see them then we'd know if we were interested should something become available at the right time. Yesterday evening we saw one and this morning, the other. Either one would be terrific except for the lack of yard. We've been going back and forth over things like yard v. no yard, downtown in exchange for bigger, etc. More "decisions, decisions."
I think we've identified all of the areas we'd consider living and the core of the area that we consider ideal. I think that next March I will probably line up a bunch of prospects and spend a week looking at whatever is available - rental and purchase - and take it from there. We've also got folks who will be keeping their ears to the ground for faculty members who might be looking for someone to stay in their home during sabbatical, etc. and who wouldn't mind us having our dog. Long shot, but you never know! While we don't have something lined up, I feel like we got a ton of information about neighborhoods, possibilities, etc. And, with mls.ca, we have tons more at our fingertips!
After lunch with a couple of UNB colleagues, we headed to Moncton, really wishing we could just stay. As P said, usually by now you're ready to get home. We've been on the road for 11 days! But, we would be very content to have stayed in F'ton another week!
Tomorrow we will spend the day in Halifax; hopefully visiting Pier 21 and the Discovery Centre. Then, our last night will be at a hotel near the airport. Early Thursday morning we'll be on our way back to the States - where I see Bush has a record low 29% approval rating.
This has been a terrific, albeit stressful at times, trip. We've learned more than I could have hoped about all kinds of relocation "stuff." We can't wait to get back and settle down. I wish it weren't a year off and I wish we had a lot more answers than we do right now. But, we just keep telling ourselves, all in due time.
In addition to the "relo recon," we had some fabulous vacationing - we watched Canada Day fireworks over the Halifax harbour, saw the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, skipped rocks in Blue Rocks, ate seafood galore, went swimming in the Northumberland Strait, saw Hopewell Rocks at low and high tides, dipped our toes in the Bay of Fundy, walked across the bridge to Maine and back, and just had a generally great time. We shopped at the Atlantic Superstore and Chapters - as well as some nice independent booksellers, made our first visit to Canadian Tire with our friends in Port Williams, and discovered some wonderful shops in F'ton. We were here long enough to get used to looking for the "washrooms" and to not have to look closely at our coins to figure out which coin was which. I hadn't seen any US news until this evening when CNN was on in the restaurant. I've been reading the Globe and Mail and the Daily Gleaner. Life is good.
08 July 2007
Maritimes Update!
Let's see - I posted here on Thursday after our driving over in the rain... Details of what we've done can be found over on Traveling. For my US2CA friends... if all goes according to plan we're headed to Fredericton.
On Friday morning, as planned, I called my contact here at UNB. He suggested we meet for coffee, that he would run down to the hotel after taking care of a few emails, etc. I went down to the lobby to get some change for the laundry and there was someone at the desk, waiting for the clerk to get off the phone. Having seen one photo on the website I had a feeling it might be him, but I waited. Sure enough, it was. I could tell right away that we were going to "hit it off." I brought him upstairs to meet P and 6YO. When we walked in the room, 6YO was watching tv and had spilled applesauce on his sock. P was in the bathroom. She came out having had water sprayed all over her by the "exploding toilet." There had been a problem with the chain in the tank and she was fixing it. We all had a good laugh - how nice that he wasn't some "stuffed shirt." So, off the two of us went to, yes, Tim Hortons! We talked for about an hour and a half with him basically asking, "What can we do to help make this work for you?" I won't try to detail more of the conversation and a lot of it is out of his hands, but let's say it's really, really nice to know that, at a minimum, someone is willing to advocate for you!
We spent the afternoon wandering around downtown, walking on part of the recreational trail, did a little shopping, and had a great time. We also drove around some neighborhoods we hadn't seen before. P contacted the law school folks and is going over for a visit on Monday. We have a much better "feel" for the area and, as long-time readers will know, what we can make happen with regard to academic opportunities is key. So, while nothing is cast in stone for the long-term, Fredericton is looking like the perfect place to start. So, unless something completely unexpected happens we'll be coming here next summer with the plan to, at a minimum, stay for my sabbatical.
What we do today depends - big surprise - on the weather. Tomorrow we'll spend some more time on campus and then check out the apartment at 4 pm. We've decided to drive back to Halifax Monday night so that we wake up having all of Tuesday there. We didn't get to either Pier 21 or the Discovery Centre earlier so we hope to do that before we have to leave.
So, there you have it. I think that Fredericton has everything we're looking for and a lot of "bonuses" that are attractive, too. And, of course, the possibility of things working out in the academic world are key. I'm bummed that milk is ridiculously expensive, that the USD is down to $1.049, and that we can't just buy before we sell, but, minor points considering the trek we've taken thus far! On to see what today holds!
On Friday morning, as planned, I called my contact here at UNB. He suggested we meet for coffee, that he would run down to the hotel after taking care of a few emails, etc. I went down to the lobby to get some change for the laundry and there was someone at the desk, waiting for the clerk to get off the phone. Having seen one photo on the website I had a feeling it might be him, but I waited. Sure enough, it was. I could tell right away that we were going to "hit it off." I brought him upstairs to meet P and 6YO. When we walked in the room, 6YO was watching tv and had spilled applesauce on his sock. P was in the bathroom. She came out having had water sprayed all over her by the "exploding toilet." There had been a problem with the chain in the tank and she was fixing it. We all had a good laugh - how nice that he wasn't some "stuffed shirt." So, off the two of us went to, yes, Tim Hortons! We talked for about an hour and a half with him basically asking, "What can we do to help make this work for you?" I won't try to detail more of the conversation and a lot of it is out of his hands, but let's say it's really, really nice to know that, at a minimum, someone is willing to advocate for you!
We spent the afternoon wandering around downtown, walking on part of the recreational trail, did a little shopping, and had a great time. We also drove around some neighborhoods we hadn't seen before. P contacted the law school folks and is going over for a visit on Monday. We have a much better "feel" for the area and, as long-time readers will know, what we can make happen with regard to academic opportunities is key. So, while nothing is cast in stone for the long-term, Fredericton is looking like the perfect place to start. So, unless something completely unexpected happens we'll be coming here next summer with the plan to, at a minimum, stay for my sabbatical.
What we do today depends - big surprise - on the weather. Tomorrow we'll spend some more time on campus and then check out the apartment at 4 pm. We've decided to drive back to Halifax Monday night so that we wake up having all of Tuesday there. We didn't get to either Pier 21 or the Discovery Centre earlier so we hope to do that before we have to leave.
So, there you have it. I think that Fredericton has everything we're looking for and a lot of "bonuses" that are attractive, too. And, of course, the possibility of things working out in the academic world are key. I'm bummed that milk is ridiculously expensive, that the USD is down to $1.049, and that we can't just buy before we sell, but, minor points considering the trek we've taken thus far! On to see what today holds!
05 July 2007
Halifax v. Fredericton
I put a "travel update" on the Traveling blog. Here, I get to muse over what we've discovered in our Maritimes journey thus far.
We loved what we saw of Halifax and the other areas of Nova Scotia we visited. But, we also had beautiful weather. Today has been very gloomy and it's hard to get a real sense of the "life" of the city. As in every other Canada trip, the people are exceptionally pleasant, helpful, etc. So, on what measures shall we distinguish Halifax and Fredericton from each other?
Size, cost of living, access, weather, politics, economy, university, GLBT community...? We're going to see what the next couple of days bring, but at the moment we're very torn about which would be the better fit.
We like the size of F'ton.
We like the cost of housing in F'ton.
We like the easier access to Halifax. People might actually visit us there!
Weather is a toss up, though winters in Halifax do tend to be more mild.
Halifax wins in the politics category, hands down.
Halifax - and Nova Scotia in general - has a stronger economy.
University issues remain open - i.e., admission, etc. The big unknown(s).
Halifax, because of size, has more of a GLBT "presence."
Both have UU fellowships.
Both have decent shopping options.
We like the proximity of F'ton to Boston, but that's no dealbreaker.
So, fellow travelers, your thoughts?
We loved what we saw of Halifax and the other areas of Nova Scotia we visited. But, we also had beautiful weather. Today has been very gloomy and it's hard to get a real sense of the "life" of the city. As in every other Canada trip, the people are exceptionally pleasant, helpful, etc. So, on what measures shall we distinguish Halifax and Fredericton from each other?
Size, cost of living, access, weather, politics, economy, university, GLBT community...? We're going to see what the next couple of days bring, but at the moment we're very torn about which would be the better fit.
We like the size of F'ton.
We like the cost of housing in F'ton.
We like the easier access to Halifax. People might actually visit us there!
Weather is a toss up, though winters in Halifax do tend to be more mild.
Halifax wins in the politics category, hands down.
Halifax - and Nova Scotia in general - has a stronger economy.
University issues remain open - i.e., admission, etc. The big unknown(s).
Halifax, because of size, has more of a GLBT "presence."
Both have UU fellowships.
Both have decent shopping options.
We like the proximity of F'ton to Boston, but that's no dealbreaker.
So, fellow travelers, your thoughts?
27 June 2007
Late June Potpourri
If you can, check out today's New York Times for an article on Canadian immigration and Maureen Dowd's op-ed, the latter available, I believe, only via Times Select.
For exciting news in my world, click here! I've been in the office all week going over the copyediting. I should have page proofs in late July. Woo-hoo!
And, in 72 hours we should be on the plane to Detroit/Halifax. I sure hope we make it! NPR did a story just this morning on the increase in flight cancellations, especially by NWA. Another account can be found here. Ugh!
I have been planning our itinerary, digging up all kinds of fun things to do, some of which I'm keeping a surprise - so stay tuned. As before, I do plan to post on the Traveling blog, so I hope you'll follow our adventures there.
Sneak peek: In Halifax we'll be spending Canada Day at Pier 21 and the Nova Scotia International Tattoo. Then, it's off to Wolfville/Port Williams to visit another US-to-Canada family. While in Fredericton we'll be looking at an apartment and I'm going to meet with the chair of the sociology department at UNB to talk about visiting the department in 08-09.
More soon, but right now it's back to the copyedits!
For exciting news in my world, click here! I've been in the office all week going over the copyediting. I should have page proofs in late July. Woo-hoo!
And, in 72 hours we should be on the plane to Detroit/Halifax. I sure hope we make it! NPR did a story just this morning on the increase in flight cancellations, especially by NWA. Another account can be found here. Ugh!
I have been planning our itinerary, digging up all kinds of fun things to do, some of which I'm keeping a surprise - so stay tuned. As before, I do plan to post on the Traveling blog, so I hope you'll follow our adventures there.
Sneak peek: In Halifax we'll be spending Canada Day at Pier 21 and the Nova Scotia International Tattoo. Then, it's off to Wolfville/Port Williams to visit another US-to-Canada family. While in Fredericton we'll be looking at an apartment and I'm going to meet with the chair of the sociology department at UNB to talk about visiting the department in 08-09.
More soon, but right now it's back to the copyedits!
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