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Posted on November 27, 2015 by Mary Clare

Thanksgiving was Yesterday

And, today Americans awaken to what the commercial conglomerate has named “Black Friday.” The term originated in 1951 in relation to industry and business owners noting the tendency of workers to call in sick the day after Thanksgiving in order to have a four-day weekend. By the 60’s the term was a derogation on the part of law enforcement officers in Philadelphia who had to deal with significantly increased pedestrian traffic on… Read More

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Mary Clare

On Defending the Dream until it is Made Real

I am writing this week to remind myself and anyone who might read here that the passage of time does not make the circumstances of last week’s blog any less immediate – any less critical than they were. Racism and all other forms of social oppression are not gone. The violence – physical, emotional, intellectual, physical – continues daily. Please listen to this. Linten in yourself. Listen in the experiences and profound… Read More

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Mary Clare

Building it.

Of late a good deal of national opposition has arisen around the words “build it.” Some months ago, our president made a point in a public (and arguably campaign) speech about the labor that supports most, if not all of the social activity in this country, including business. Some folks heard his comments as indicating they shouldn’t get credit for their work. The media and campaign publicity machines got hold of the… Read More

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Mary Clare

A Short Blog

Last Friday a friend said, “I read your blog.” I was flattered. “But usually only to the place where it says ‘more,’ ” she added. “They’re lots longer,” I offered, maybe hoping she’d be delighted at the news. “I know,” she half gasped, half laughed. While I can’t pretend that I’ll ever stop conflating the words blog and essay, I think this week I’ll give a shorter version a try. Let’s see… Read More

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Mary Clare

Onward

Several years ago I became aware of a newly formed nonprofit organization called Onward Oregon http://onwardoregon.org/. Shortly after learning of the organization, I received an e-mail inviting me to be on their mailing list. In that introductory email, following the words “What We Believe” came this: “We inherit the good that flowed from the people who came before us and the societies they created and will continue building on that foundation. The… Read More

Posted on April 8, 2011 by Mary Clare

Looking under the Hood — AKA Whiplash in Wisconsin

In American elections the principle of democracy known as majority rule is in play even if the majority doesn’t bother to vote. This, naturally, is reflected in our elected officials. Right? Ask Wisconsin. Elections are about change. They can be about democracy. Then there’s the notion of EX:Change. It’s the idea I’ve been so captivated by since the 2008 presidential election and the electrifying cross-partisan enthusiasm for the word change. When change… Read More

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Mary Clare

Working for a Living during Black History Month in Wisconsin

In January of 2009, Nick Minnis sat in a coffee shop watching the street scene on the corner of 28th and E. Burnside in Portland, OR. We got into a conversation about change. Nick said, “I’m not a politician. My world is small. I work, I provide, and I sleep…very little.” He laughed. I don’t know whether Nick is in a union. I do know he is a working man, a laborer…. Read More

Posted on November 11, 2010 by Mary Clare

Just Listen

Yesterday I came home, grabbed the blue nylon bag I use for light trips to the grocery store, and took off in search of … well … Rice Dream. Really – borderline hippie; soy, dairy and gluten free. It’s my latest answer to the love song of my sweetest tooth. To walk to the grocery store, I take the back steps and follow the sidewalk around to the front of the house. … Read More

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Mary Clare

Ancient Trees and Taxes

On matters of taxation, there’s confusion in our country. Just where does that money go? Another way to say this is to suggest that there’s too little education of everyday citizens on the whole economic thing. How does it all fit together – the business part, the investment part, the tax part, the public interest part? And how do we participate in it for the wellbeing of ourselves, our families, our communities… Read More

Posted on March 17, 2009 by Mary Clare

A Quintessential EX:Change Convergence

3-17-2009 Corner of Pulaski & Leonard West side of Chicago It’s St Patrick’s Day. I just finished an impromptu interview with a Police Sergeant. McMurphy. In Chicago. On St Patrick’s Day. ‘Nuff said. Except to add my thanks to the officer for his time — ex-hippies do make the world go round!

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