Flowers in an Art Nouveau vase at La Pedrera, Barcelona, Spain.
This week I've been preoccupied with an uncomfortable inflammation of my left eye, writing deadlines and planning a trip West. Haven't been spending much time at the computer, due to the eye problem (on Wednesday, the opthamalogist prescribed eyedrops, rest and more sleep). But I can't resist comment about certain news events:
Iraqi jailed for Bush shoe attack
Three years??!! Isn't that a bit excessive, considering the crime? Particularly in a lawless place like Iraq, where murderers walk around free.
Now here's a guy that has caused real problems; yet remains defiant about his reckless disregard for the Constitution and the Fourth Amendment. I'd like to know why UC-Berkeley gave this calculating charlatan tenure.
Disgraced financier Bernard Madoff is finally sent to jail to await sentencing for fraud, perjury and money-laundering.
The Mississippi legislature honors an event hosted by a white supremecist. I am reminded of President Obama's words, "The world has changed and we must change with it."
An off-duty New York cop is part of a racist attack on a Long Island black man.
Seattle's best newspaper joins the list of city stalwarts forced to fold.
And BBC reporter James Reynolds writes of the whisper of a single monk in Tibet.
Crazy World! You get less than that for assaulting a child. I would love to throw more than a pair of shoes at him.
Posted by: Di Overton | 16 March 2009 at 09:37
The headlines are crazy! The one that stood out to me (of course) was about castration of sex offenders.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/world/europe/11castrate.html?_r=2&ref=todayspaper
I think I might be for this!!! Good luck with your eye.. I've been in bed for a week with my back out. Drugs are good! UGH!
Posted by: MiddleAgedWomanBlogging | 13 March 2009 at 17:34
I hope your eye gets better, I'm sending hugs to you, sweetie.
3 years? I wish we were the judge for his case. New York's finest is even at it, while off duty. Sad!
xo
Posted by: Christina | 13 March 2009 at 14:32
oh my gosh 3 years????????? for throwing a shoe??? that's more time then most rapists get...the shoe didn't even hit bush! (oh how I wish it had!) and Bernie? I hope that man rots! xoxoxo
Posted by: Amy M | 13 March 2009 at 13:44
I'm having eye problems as well... something in the air??
Thanks for the informative links. I'm busy catching up on all your posts after several days without internet. Lots to read!
Posted by: Becca | 13 March 2009 at 13:19
Get better soon Tara. I want to see you in person in the very near future.
Don't forget: the Southern Poverty Law Center is IN Alabama. It is one thing to be proud of in my home state. And sadly, the South does not hold the patent on racism. I have been shocked at how freely persons in Boston, New York, and even Paris and London express foul opinions.
Posted by: Michelle | 13 March 2009 at 00:42
Tangobaby's sentiments are mine exactly. I do think Madoff will be out relatively quickly. My guess is that the shoe thrower might be a celebrity while doing time, and that Madoff might not be so popular during his incarceration.
Your new banner is really nice.
So sorry about your eye inflammation. Hope that it heals quickly. A photographer without the proper use of her eye is not a good thing. Rest up and heal!
Posted by: Helen | 12 March 2009 at 23:03
Hope your eye is better soon Tara....thanks always for sharing these links. Especially like the whisper of the Tibetan monk.
x..x
Posted by: stephanie | 12 March 2009 at 22:44
Please! The shoe thrower should be completely pardoned. Thank you for keeping us up to the latest news. I hope you feel better dear Tara.
Posted by: Yoli | 12 March 2009 at 19:14
Lala, thank you for the kudos! I've been thinking about your family in Madagascar. Hope all is well with them.
I think Madoff will stay in jail - until he gets out at some point for some health condition. Sigh. Then again, the collective anger against his crimes may result in Madoff spending many, many years in jail. Let's hope so!
Hope you're having a lovely time in gorgeous Andalucia. xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 March 2009 at 18:56
Thanks, Karen. And I agree with you: Madoff deserves a much longer jail sentence.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 March 2009 at 18:52
Yet, that shoe-thrower verdict is nuts. But I expect Madoff will be in jail for a very, very long time.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 March 2009 at 18:51
Jordan, that's a misleading statement about Congress. Several Congress members were present at a ceremony honouring various world leaders, not just Moon. But his cult is certainly not embraced by mainstream politicians, although the conservatives certainly benefit from his right-wing newspaper The Washington Times. As for the Nebraska trooper who moonlights as a Klansman, sadly, the country is full of such racists. It's hard to fathom that in 2009 there are still so many ignorant people who think they're smarter and better than anyone else, simply because of the color of their skin.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 12 March 2009 at 18:50
You might enjoy watching the leader of the Moonies "Rev" Sun Myung Moon being crowned "King of Peace" and "Successor of Jesus Christ" by the members of the United States Congress http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f08clPMODw8
You might also be interested in reading about the case of a Nebraska State Trooper who moonlights as a Klansman. http://randazza.wordpress.com/2009/03/03/sometimes-the-klansman-is-right-first-amendment-abused-by-nebraska-supreme-court/
Posted by: Dowew | 12 March 2009 at 18:39
I was thinking what tangobaby said...but I hope that's not how it ends up.
Posted by: meredith | 12 March 2009 at 18:36
oh Tara! your banner is delicious!
:)sending a very overdue e-mail your way today dear girl:)
Posted by: maddie | 12 March 2009 at 18:24
Three years for throwing a shoe?!! That is nuts. Bernie Madoff will get out of jail sooner than the shoe thrower. Ugh.
Posted by: tangobaby | 12 March 2009 at 17:56
oh dear, hope this nasty eye inflammation will soon disappear...
i've just hopped over to Relyn's and loved your adventure post !! you're so amazing and now, i can't wait to read your future book !
re the news 3 years for a shoe hurler, yes definitely too much, 150 years for Madoff...well ..will he really stay in jail ?
take care Tara and hope Paris is in full spring for you !
bien amicalement
Posted by: my castle in spain | 12 March 2009 at 17:38
Oh that blue in the banner is spectacular!
All I can say here is that Madoff had better get more than 3 years!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: karen cole | 12 March 2009 at 17:36