It's About Drug Addiction.

The only mystery about Michael Jackson's death concerns who was prescribing what. Jackson died of drug addiction - a medical diagnosis regarding a progressive disease that can only achieve remission, not cure. Jackson did what every single prescription drug addict has found themselves doing - experiencing real pain, and seeking relief. The drug addict's experience of pain is REAL - the doctor who prescribes narcotics is simply using the fastest route to pain relief. pain management clinics, biofeedback, acupuncture, meditation, carefully supervised narcotics useage -- too time consuming.

Additionally, what physician, what person, would not want Michael Jackson as a patient, a friend, an anything? Whereas many people think it's only about Jackson's money, I think that's shortsighted. I'm sure the $$ plays a role - but to know one is MICHAEL JACKSON'S trusted physician? The allure, the second-hand celebrity, the ego trip - how heady!

The enabler of an addict is defined as 'a person who removes the consequences of the person's behavior'. Who would say 'no' to him? The people on TV who now say they did? hardly - they're trying to relieve themselves of their guilt.

Michael Jackson was a drug addict who was very successful in acquiring drugs. That's not about a character weakness, anything devious. As much of a genius as he was, a truly unique individual - he was also, simply and primarily, a ravenous drug addict. And that is a very real tragedy shared by many.

I Swore I Wasn't Going To Do This, But.........

I just find this woman fascinating in a slow-train-wreck kind of way...........HOW did she get elected Governor?? I mean, I watched 'Northern Exposure', I know there are some strange people there, maybe it's about the sun, maybe it's about being able to see Russia from at least some front porches....I don't know. Surely she didn't get the polar bear vote!

She is competing with Gov. "I found my true soul mate, but I'll try to fall back in love with my wife" Sanford of S.C. for most bizarre governor in the US - and, of course, it's wonderful for this liberal democrat. Of course, my side had Spitzer and McGreevey (NOT his gay-ness, but the way he handled the whole thing). Maybe the problem is inherant to the position of Governor. All those frustrated presidential ambitions.

One thing I feel certain about: if Palin thinks this is a good career move, she must have her eyes set on dog catcher as her next job (poor doggies!).

This Could Be Good..........

I'm generally cynical about politics (George Bush - of course I am!), but I feel hopeful now that Al Franken has won.

The Dem's do have some history of complete disorganization and creating its own crises, but perhaps they can rise to the times. As many of us seem to be embracing more simplicity in our lives, maybe.............

The main thing I want is health care reform - my family is being eaten alive by health concerns. Even WITH insurance, our prescription co-pays and premiums cost $800/month. (two of us have chronic stuff going on). I'm totally grateful that we actually have insurance, but.........this all costs more than our mortgage. I think that if for now other reason, passing something realistic and good is owed as a tribute to Ted Kennedy. Not to mention the rest of us who feed our animals better than we can afford to feed ourselves...........

No Tears, No Sympathy

i just heard michael jackson died. this may sound harsh - but it couldn't happen to a nicer pedophile. i spent a good deal of my professional career counseling survivors of childhood abuse. children are a bit safer now, especially his. any other person who did the things he did would, by now, be long languishing in prison. as he should have. i didn't care how "wierd" he was, looked, the spectacle he became - it's about child sexual abuse.

Six Days in June 2009

there are many times of 'letting go' for anyone on the planet. sometimes, we have some space between the painful parts. sometimes not.

i said goodbye to my mom in 9/07. a few months ago , my dad had a massive stroke, and is no longer 'there' in any real sense. my dad is 1500 miles away, and wouldn't likely know me even if i was by his bedside. so i'm not. i've had some time to acclimate -

today is father's day. wednesday is his (85th ?) birthday. friday would have been their 60th wedding anniversary. dates in june always circled on my many calendars, making sure to send each card/gift spaced enough apart so as to try and hit the right day each year. the phone calls. i vividly remember all the different phone #'s all through the years. one remains on speed dial - how does one delete that? now, no phone number.

also, on wednesday, i say goodbye to the psychologist i've seen on and off (mostly 'on') for the past 18 years. the woman who helped me find my way back to the very people i'm losing. alice is retiring.

i'm really, really sad.

this is not meant as a self-pity post - just trying to let some of the feelings out to the universe. the universe is better equipped than i to tolerate the pain of these six days, or better able to share the feelings with me.

Consequences

Consequences

I’ve earned them,
I’ll deal with them.

Sometimes, sometimes,
Trust can be regained,
Sometimes.

Sometimes there are
Second chances,
But only sometimes.

I’ll learn.
I’ve been given many chances by a few.
And, I hope, honored them.

But I’ve learned that most
Do not give one another chance.

I’ll learn.
I’ll model for others
The grace with which one can give
Second chances, or more.

All it takes is a heart
A soul, an ability to protect
Yourself from harm;

And humility.
Enough humility to know
Anyone can need a second chance.

God does not make garbage.
Do not throw people out.

Nothing So Enjoyable As...............

Human Nature - cruel, cruel human nature. Build somebody up to unimaginable heights, inhuman expectations, then utterly trash the hell out of them when they show they, too, have mortal skin, and sometimes drops the F-bomb.

How many times has this been carried out in history?

I feel for Susan Boyle. I hope she has some good confidantes who can help her learn how to develop a thicker skin. Or help her feel just fine about returning to her quiet life.