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Dear Readers, Today I'm sharing the story of Anna's and my trip to Greece. It's about our wondrous adventures in Athens and Mykonos and an abundance of courage along the way. Enjoy! Wilderness House Literary Review 16/2 “I’m Not Going” Anna and I landed at Athens International Airport in August 2015 for her college graduation trip to Greece. Like all mothers and daughters, there had been ups and downs in our relation-ship, but we wanted this trip together. We were celebrating Anna’s accomplishment. After collecting our bags, we made our way through a glassed- in airport walkway with huge geometric designs. People rolled carry-ons quickly in every direction, speaking international languages. Then Anna started criticizing me about something I had or hadn’t done. I stopped walking. I was not going to spend two weeks in Greece with this attitude! I turned to Anna and shouted, “Just treat me like a fucking stranger and we’ll be fine.” And kept walking. Keep reading at www.whlreview.com/no-16.2/essay/ElizabethKilcoyne.pdf Have you traveled in Greece or had other "Anna" experiences? Let us hear from you. Click "Comments" below. Thanks.
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 More Penalties for Working Women Dear Readers, More than 5.4 million women lost jobs during the pandemic compared to 4.4 million men. The pandemic was hardest on women working in low-paying, in-person jobs in the service industries, particularly child care, hospitality, customer service, waitressing, retail sales, housekeeping, and personal care providers. Women of color make up a high percentage of these professions. However, school schedules and a shortage of child care options keep many women from returning to work. Nationwide, school openings are unpredictable. Some are opening at partial capacity, others are opening for limited hours and on specific days, and some schools remain closed. My 8 yr. old grandson attends school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8:20 am to 11:50 am. The balance of his day is a virtual school with his mother, who is fortunate to be working virtually, managing his time, and answering his questions. What happens to the mom who must be "present at work" on the 7 am to 3 pm shift? If her children are not safely cared for, work is not an option for her. The child care industry collapsed during the pandemic, and it's projected that 40% of child care programs will permanently close as a direct result of the pandemic. So, where is the recognition that a viable economy needs available child care at a reasonable price? Jessica Calarco, Associate Professor of Sociology at Indiana University, put it this way, “Other countries have social safety nets. The US has women.” When the schools open fully, children under six need child care, and school-age children need after-school care. The average cost of full-time daycare in the US is $10,000 a year. At minimum wage, this is 33% of one person’s income. Paying one-third of your income for child care on a minimum wage job is unaffordable even if you can find a child care slot. One more penalty for women and families is eliminating the federal portion of their unemployment benefits of $300/week. This reduction in benefits will impact twenty million people in mid-June. The most frequent justification for this change is that laid-off workers receive more money in benefits than they received when they were employed. Hmm, the average unemployment benefit (including the federal portion) is $650/week or $33,800/year. Whose benefits are too high? Women struggling financially after a full year of a life-threatening pandemic? Women and families without stable school schedules or daycare? These states are eliminating almost half of the weekly unemployment benefit: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Ohio, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Unemployed workers, half of whom are working women, in these states will lose $11 billion in federal benefits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women held 50.04% of American jobs in December 2019 (excluding farm workers and self-employed). Thus, the time is now for child care benefits to be part of the economy's infrastructure, joining health insurance, sick, and vacation benefits. The Biden Administration has taken the first step by recognizing the current child care failure resulting from the pandemic and proposed the American Rescue Plan that passed Congress in March 2021. There’s $40 billion in the legislation for the “acute, immediate child care crisis.” The economic recovery needs an investment in child care and a consensus that child care is part of the infrastructure of a thriving economy. More investment in child care for women and families allows women to return to work. Let’s refocus the discussion from suggesting that “people are lazy and don’t want to work” to “how can we provide needed child care support to get women back to work.” The $300 weekly supplement from federal funding is scheduled to expire in September 2021. So let's call this reduction in unemployment benefits in mid-June what it is, just another Republican maneuver to obstruct the Biden administration no matter what the costs are at the expense of the American women who can least afford it. Thanks for reading. If you feel strongly about this penalty, let me hear from you.
Women Take Action! Good Evening Readers, On February 1, 2021, Mayor Marty Walsh appointed Dennis White as Commissioner of the Boston Police Department. Two days later, he placed White on leave from the department because the Boston Globe reports domestic violence allegations against him. The police department knew about these allegations but said nothing as White was sworn in as Police Commissioner. One would expect the minimum qualifications of a police commissioner to include a clean background report, integrity of character, compassion, and the ability to control anger. On May 14, 2021, Tamsin Kaplan, an employment lawyer with a Boston Law Firm, submitted her final report of Dennis White's background issues. She confirmed the allegations about White's domestic violence and reported on the climate of silence and protection by his fellow officers in the Boston Police Department. Kaplan said she confirmed that Dennis White’s wife had “repeatedly reported both physical and mental abuse to the DVU [domestic violence unit] during that time period, but that no IAD [Internal Affairs Division] investigations resulted until she obtained a restraining order in May 1999.” She identified 21 witnesses to interview for the investigation, but only seven were willing to speak with her. Kaplan said one witness told her that he received five phone calls warning him not to talk to her. Kim Janey, now the Acting Mayor of Boston, said that Kaplan’s report reveals domestic abuse in 1998-99 that the police department did not investigate seriously and a continuing "misguided department culture." Janey’s response to the report was to fire Dennis White. He filed a motion for an injunction to stop this action. On May 25, 2021, Associate Justice for the Massachusetts Superior Court, Heidi Brieger, denied the motion. White then appealed the decision. On May 27, 2021, Vickie Henry, Appeals Court Judge, stated: "After reviewing the petition and supporting documents including the Superior Court judge's thoughtful and detailed memorandum of decision, and order, I discern no error of law or abuse of discretion in the denial of the preliminary injunction." Appeal denied. Acting Mayor Kim Janey is scheduling a hearing to terminate White as the Police Commissioner saying, "It is time to move the Boston Police Department in a new direction toward our vision of safety, healing, and justice." White’s domestic violence actions remain “allegations” because of the secrecy and protection of the brotherhood in the Boston Police Department. They were not taken seriously two decades ago and only have been taken seriously in the past few months. Even former police commissioner Gross, who stated that he knew about White’s past violence, recommended White to be the leading voice of justice in Boston. Four women in power, a mayor, an investigator, and two judges identified and took action on the internal poor judgment and disregard of the truth at the Boston Police Department. Women understand domestic violence as family violence. When covered up or not prosecuted, the violence will continue. Thank you, Women Leaders of Boston. We can follow the rest of this story as the week unfolds. Thanks for reading and please leave a comment so I know you're out there. You can read other essays by Elizabeth Kilcoyne by clicking on PUBLISHED WORKS above. Good Morning Readers, It's International Women's Day! According to their website, "A challenged world is an alert world." Let's continue to challenge! Women are currently leaders of 24 countries: Meet Them Here: youtu.be/tUujjBqpxOg Fabulous video of women leaders- 2 minutes  Prime Minister of Finland  Prime Minister of Nambia The women are indeed coming! Have a great day, Elizabeth Leave me a comment so I'll know you are out there. Thanks  Dear Readers,
Tomorrow, the unpredictable and bizarre person occupying the White House will be gone! The maligning of experts in science, epidemiology, foreign policy, the law, health services, finance, immigration, military policy, education, and more, who make the federal government work day-to-day, no matter whether a Democrat or Republican is in power, will be over. Even though he’s leaving, we must hold him accountable for the disparaging treatment of these professional bureaucrats. I wrote this essay for them. Sowing the Seeds of Distrust The recent crises in leadership in the federal government highlight why it's essential to have government continuity. Strong democracies can survive a bizarre and unpredictable leader now and then. In the United States, people have severely suffered under the Trump Administration’s changes to policies like immigration, climate change, and health care. Some of you may have selected other social and public health issues, like education, reproductive rights, and human rights. Neglected and mutilated policies are begging for attention and improvement. I predict our recent vote showing a deep belief in democracy (66.3% of Americans voted in the 2020 presidential election, the highest since 1900, according to the Washington Post) and our professional bureaucracy will save us. Government exists to protect and serve the people. Everyone depends on government services such as roads, schools, the police and fire departments, clean air and water, and the post office. If there were a profit to be made, the private sector would gladly oblige. But alas, there is no profit in ensuring that United States residents have enough to eat, a decent place to live, and health insurance to support their lives. These are government responsibilities, along with the protection of children, unemployment benefits, and civil rights enforcement. Not everyone needs these services, but they are the "safety net" for millions of people in the United States (more than 21%, according to a 2015 census report). More residents learned about the "safety net" during this pandemic due to job loss, illness, and other catastrophic occurrences. Professional bureaucrats are government service employees who manage and sustain all these programs by doing their jobs in compliance with the law and best practices that have been developed over time. Many have worked in government for years and are experts in science, epidemiology, foreign policy, the law, health services, immigration, military policy, education, and more. These experts execute the details of government machinery regardless of whether the Democrats or Republicans are in power. Each new president brings in appointees that oversee agencies, such as Health and Human Services, the CDC, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Professional bureaucrats, who are experts in their respective fields, generally advise their new agency leader. President Trump brought many appointees to Washington who did not support the missions of the agencies they were running, including the U.S. Department of Education, Environmental Protection Agency, Health and Human Services, and the Post Office (now headed by a major Trump donor). For the most part, professional bureaucrats were not asked for their advice but instead were asked to implement changes that were at odds with the facts, their expertise, and sometimes the law. When Trump was frustrated that his administration didn’t get its way, he started blaming the "deep state." Was he referring to the experts who work for him? His own Justice Department? The FBI? Judges in the state and federal judicial branches? Yes. He had other descriptions for elected officials in Congress who disagreed with him. This president, more than any other, misused language to his advantage skillfully. Where did the expression and meaning of “deep state” originate? “Deep state” is translated from the Turkish derin devlet. This expression used in Turkey in the 1990s, according to historian Ryan Gingeras refers to “a ‘criminal’ or ‘rogue’ element that has somehow muscled their way into power." In Turkey, this term referred to the military collaborating with drug traffickers and hitmen to perform their duties. Mexico is an example of a country where the "deep state" merged the drug cartels and the Mexican government. Drug cartel members obtained official positions in the police hierarchy and made it almost impossible for presidents to eliminate them. A "deep state" is not what we're concerned about in America. We are concerned about a president who doesn't understand what the phrase means. For Donald Trump, "deep state" are those parts of government that execute the work of government machinery regardless of whether the Democrats or Republicans are in power. The Food and Drug Administration became a “deep state” target in November. Trump accused the agency of delaying the announcement of the first Coronavirus vaccine (Pfizer) until the Sunday after the presidential election. “FDA and the Democrats didn’t want me to have a vaccine WIN prior to the election…” The Head of the FDA was a Trump appointee. In September, Trump chose Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman, serving in the White House and an epidemiologist from Atlanta, to single out for criticism. Referring to these experts as the “deep state” diminishes our country's ability to provide the best services to our residents and share trust with the rest of the world. David Rohde, an editor at The New Yorker and the author of In Deep: The FBI, The CIA, and the Truth about America's "deep state," argues that “the term ‘deep state’ has become a way for Trump and his supporters to deflect criticism. It’s their equivalent of terms like ‘fake news’ and ‘witch hunt.’” This inflammatory and disparaging language creates doubt in residents and reflects so negatively on the career civil servants who keep this nation afloat. We need the most qualified people to work in government, especially during a pandemic, and we need them to aspire to civil service as a career choice. The government needs to be trusted. In my experience, public employees are committed to faithfully executing the laws, no matter which party is running Washington. I was one of these professional bureaucrats in Massachusetts for 20 years. As Deputy Comptroller, my job entailed oversight of payroll for 92,000 state employees, contracts for all purchases, and payment of all bills for goods and services purchased by the Commonwealth. It was challenging, rewarding, and an honor to serve. On December 11, 2020, the Supreme Court (Trump appointed three of the nine justices) ruled that Texas lacked standing to pursue a lawsuit to overturn election results in four battleground states. The court said Texas "has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another state conducts its elections." This ruling is Trump's “deep state,” the judicial branch of government doing its job, an outcome with which he vehemently disagrees. There were 60 similar election lawsuits filed by Trump allies, and 59 ruled against him. He still believes the election was stolen from him. The same “deep state” professional bureaucrats in the FBI, the Justice Department, and police departments around the country are finding, investigating, and as appropriate, indicting those who attacked the U.S. Capital building last week. At the encouragement of the president, his supporters carried out an attack on one of our great American institutions while inside the Congress members were certifying the votes of the people. There is a new day coming on January 20th on which Trump will transfer to his next delusional state. Thanks for reading and please leave a comment so I know you're out there. You can read other essays by Elizabeth Kilcoyne by clicking on PUBLISHED WORKS above. .  LaTosha Brown Dear Readers,
This blog entry requires action!! Everything with purpose requires action! LaTosha Brown co-founded Black Voters Matter in 2016. She had a leading role in propelling Democrats to victory in Georgia on January 5th! Democrats will be in the majority this month. LaTosha is someone to know. In a recent interview with All Things Considered, LaTosha said, “We wanted people, we wanted Black voters in particular, to feel a sense of their power and their agency, and in spite of all odds, what we could do in pushing this country forward.” You can see and listen to LaTosha’s story on January 19th. * Mass Women’s Political Caucus Annual Meeting 2021 is the time to renew our drive to move this Commonwealth toward a more equitable future. Our featured speaker, LaTosha Brown, heads one of the most exciting and effective grassroots political organizing efforts in America: Black Voters Matter. She is a leader in the fight against voter suppression and the empowerment of marginalized communities in the public arena. Join us in conversation with this leading political activist, advocate for women and girls, and Harvard Kennedy School Fellow, as we talk about Selma, Cambridge, and the future of women in American political life. Date: January 19, 2012 Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Register Now for this Zoom Webinar: https://bit.ly/2W882uk I am a member of the Mass Women’s Political Caucus, promoting more women to run for public office. The journey is long and rewarding! Thanks for reading!  Virginia ERA Vote! SHOULD THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT BE REVIVED? Wednesday, December 9 at 7 pm ET DEBATE--Free online REGISTER As we know, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment giving the amendment the required number of states for ratification. The deadline has passed, but the House of Representatives eliminated the deadline earlier this year. If all goes well in Georgia on January 5th, we will have a majority in the Senate. So this question becomes relevant. Speakers will be: Jane Mansbridge, author of the award-winning Why We Lost the ERA, Carol Robles-Román, former co-president and CEO of the ERA Coalition, and Inez Feltscher Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum. Moderator will be Jeffrey Rosen, president, and CEO of the National Constitution Center. Please join the Dec. 9th DEBATE at 7 pm, and we can continue the discussion on this blog. I dream of gender equity in the constitution. It would be a solid foundation from which to fight discrimination! We may even be able to stop worrying about our reproductive rights! Thanks to Ellen O'Connor for sending this event along and Gracie Coates for reminding me to keep this fight going! Register at https://constitutioncenter.org "The union will be more perfect when that simple statement, that men and women are persons of equal citizenship stature, is part of our fundamental instrument of government," the late great RGB said. If you want to make calls to Georgia, contact https://fairfight.com/join-our-fight/ It’s easier than you think! Thanks for reading. Leave a comments about the debate. Dear Readers, Many of you have read about mom. Here she is at here finest! Thanks, as always, for reading, Elizabeth  Martha E. Walsh Presence at Ninety Four
I walked into her room. The sun was shining through the blue and white sheer curtains. Mom was sitting at her white rod iron breakfast table surrounded by the last of her belongings, a curio cabinet filled with ornate treasures, family photos on every surface, and a red Christmas bow over her bed. She was dressed in her white jacket with carefully selected broaches, black and white leopard blouse, and signature tam, exuding elegance. She had an expectant look on her face like something was about to happen. It was a Thursday, last Thursday, her 94th birthday. We tied a “Happy Birthday” balloon to her walker and took a ceremonial tour around her assisted living residence. There were mostly congratulatory greetings, a few short conversations, and recognition from the aid who had dressed her that morning admiring her handiwork. We settled in the living room and read cards from her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. There were many. It took a while. We got back into the elevator and retired to her room to indulge ourselves in hot tea and whoopie pies. Happy Birthday Mom Dear Readers, It’s November 3, 2020. I’m trying to distract myself from thinking about the election today, so I’m sharing my affection for Helen Reddy, who died in September. I missed her passing because I was in San Francisco helping my brother and not paying attention. It was hard for Helen to break into the music world in the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Remember when radio disc jockeys decided what songs to play? Many said to her that I AM WOMAN wasn’t their favorite song, but their wives loved it! Some said, “We’re already playing a female record. Folks are more into boy bands right now.” So she went on 19 TV shows and achieved momentum for I AM WOMAN. In 1973 and 1974, Helen was the top female vocalist and sold 25 million records! I still have the one pictured above. The middle photo is the crowd while she’s singing I AM WOMAN in DC at the NOW Abortion Rights Rally in 1989. In 2002, Helen returned to her native Australia and studied hypnotherapy. When asked if she had been able to help people, she gave a resounding “yes!” Maybe I should try hypnosis for my election night anxiety! In 2014 I saw Helen perform in Provincetown during Women’s Week. She was 72, as pictured in red. Fabulous concert. She performed a mix of jazz, blues, and of course, her classics. She likes singing new songs because they inspire a different passion in her. Before she belted out I AM WOMAN, she spoke every word she wrote back in the ‘70s for the Women’s Movement. Helen embodied the movement and was anointed a feminist Icon. When I sing along with Helen I feel strong and, yes, invincible! “If I have to, I can do anything” brings out the best in me. When asked if Provincetown was her last tour. Helen Reddy said, “There is no last tour!” To that end, a new movie about Helen is on NETFLIX titled, I AM WOMAN. What else? Hope I have distracted you a little on this election day. Ask Alexa to play I AM WOMAN and cross your fingers! Leave your favorite memory of Helen by clicking on "comments" below. Dear Readers, I wrote this letter because we can’t allow these acts of indecency and vulgarity go without speaking up!  “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth on them.” Ida B. Wells, Suffragist Who decides the rights and wrongs? Me? You? The Bible? The laws? Common sense? It feels like people are having trouble making that decision. At least three incidents rocked my world in Newburyport last week.
Is this enough light, Ida? This Letter to the Editor appeared in the Newburyport Daily News August 27th.
Thanks for reading. Leave me message by clicking on Comments below, Elizabeth |
