Poisoned Politics and Paranoia

Is there anyone in the world who doesn't know that the esteemed governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich (we all learned how to say and spell that one years ago), is in the hot seat for allegedly attempting to auction off the vacant Senate seat of the President-elect? People I know tell me that their friends and relatives from around the world (!) have been asking them about it this week. How come my distant family and friends are all strangely silent? The local family members have been heehawing and congratulating each other that the end is in sight!

All the talk of wiretaps and secret surveillance have added to my paranoia, however. Especially after I read this post on the Top 10 Tips for Avoiding ID Theft. I do use "remember me" on my library account login, but who cares? I don't do it on the important stuff. And I certainly don't walk around with my S.S. card. But who would have thought that you should keep your hotel key card and shred it when you get home? Or remove and destroy an old computer's hard drive - not just erase it? Take a look.

Politicking with United Power

One of the best things about my neighborhood church is the fact that it supports United Power for Action and Justice, a coalition of local churches/synagogues/mosques and community action groups. Two weeks ago, middle daughter and I went to a political rally, sponsored in part by UP, in support of a new constitutional convention in Illinois. UP hopes that a new Con-Con will provide a remedy to the stalemate that prevents so much needed legislation in the state capitol.

Other United Power events we've attended:
1. A scheduled political debate between the candidates for U.S. Senator from Illinois four years ago - our first up close look at Barack Obama (the other candidate didn't show up - later we heard he had dropped out of the race).

2. A meeting between members of local mosques and anyone else who wanted to meet them. It was great to pray together, talk one-to-one, and hear the Muslim leaders encouraging their members to "get out there and make yourself known" by joining school boards, running for local offices, etc. Not easy for them in the year or two after 9/11 when Muslims anywhere were vulnerable to hate crimes.

3. A meeting two years ago with the now embattled governor to ask for his support for state-funded health insurance for children in low-income families, among other things. My son jumped from his seat in the high school auditorium where we met on a Sunday afternoon and disappeared as soon as the last speaker started his closing remarks. When he turned up in the parking lot later on, he said he wanted to speak to the governor in person to tell him about the pressing need for state funding for public transportation in Chicago - and did so! How he got past security is unknown.

In addition to working for many excellent causes to benefit forgotten people, UP brings together a wonderful mix of people! It's always good to be part of it.