A Message to Republicans

I have made it a point to remain apolitical in my postings here and elsewhere, but I grow weary of our Leadership measuring their success by how well they do at thwarting the opposition's agenda rather than executing their own. The resulting stagnation is unhealthy to the nation and an inexcusable example of childish partisan politics.
I address the following to Republicans and Specifically the Republican Leadership.
Your task in the coming months, is not to avoid health care reform, but rather to construct responsible health care reform. Business as usual, has already brought this country to the edge of economic chaos. Embracing the status quo in Healthcare is to pursue chaos of a different kind. Republicans are at a crossroads. One path leads to perceived obstructionism, the other leads to the responsible execution of needed reform. A single election in Massachusetts does not allow Republicans to ignore the reality of the last general election. An emotional electorate can be swayed by irresponsible actions but can also be mobilized by partisan in-action.
At a recent certification class for emergency first aid and CPR, my instructor stated emphatically and repeatedly, that if you are to save a life, "you must do something". As elected representatives, and in the interest of our mutual future, “you must do something”.
The patient is in trouble, the symptoms are clear, and you possess the knowledge and ability to save.
History will not recall my name or my desires, but by your election, you are destined to leave a legacy. Will your legacy be one of in-action in the face of a clear emergency or one reflecting "determined action and contribution?"

Forget Politics and Remember Us

Ride of Silence ... A Memorial

Tonight is the Ride of Silence.
Riders World Wide will ride in memorial of cyclist lost.

I hope these words are adequate

Silent Riders

Tonight we have gathered, to remember the few.
An event of reflection,… contemplation,…review.

Of riders whose lives have been part of our past;
Whose wheel borne adventures have ended at last.

Our brothers,.. our sisters,.. whose light has been lost.
Whose travels and dreams.. were lost at such cost.

This day unlike others, we ride not as one,
But together in memory of those who have gone.

We ride not for victory, or contest, or leisure;
Or triumph, or challenge, or even for pleasure.

Our wheels spin in silence, in memory of those
Whose ending was violent and not one they chose.

Observers will puzzle and question our ride;
And not see the missing;.. the lost;… by our side.

We ride now with purpose and message and goal;
That others might know of these cyclist souls.

And when they have found him, and signaled to pass;
May God then provide them a ride unsurpassed.

-- Glenn Showers