12/23/2011
"While there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour." -- Charles Dickens, author from "A Christmas Carol," 1846

Several years ago, my wife shared a Christmas tradition with me. We set a place at our table for those we've loved who have gone to God.

Jews and Christians share a belief in everlasting life. My Jewish friends celebrate Hanukkah as a tribute to divine providence. As Christians, Christmas marks the dawn of our spiritual salvation.

Imagining loved ones who sit in that chair, I do not see them in time of pain, suffering or strife. I fondly recall them as they were when we shared the season's joy of Christmases past.

Whether it is in a favorite ornament, a sacred hymn, a mealtime prayer, or an old family dish, the joy they shared this time of year brings me warm albeit misty smiles.

We miss them because they taught us joy, we remember them best as they once smiled.

From the Holly Family to yours.... Haneirot Halolu, Merry Christmas.

12/27/2011

While Hawaii born incumbent Barack Obama enjoys a much deserved break in his home state, the race for the GOP nomination continues.

This is what democracy looks like. Hopefuls are stumping for votes in places like Iowa and New Hampshire. They are also seeing chinks in their organizations in places like Virginia, South Carolina and Ohio.

Presidential campaigns can be fun. I figure I will blog about this one hot and heavy in 2012. For now, I am in holiday mode.

By the way, I ran into Michael Steele at Target Christmas Eve. He was doing some last minute shopping in the neighborhood. I wished him a Merry Christmas, and suggested we both take a break from the past time of politics for a few days.

Then we both shared a laugh after agreeing to not work Christmas and spend that one day on family time.

Question of the day: When was the last time you used one? Followup question of the day: Do people still tell their kids to keep enough change for a phone call?

Stay But Shut Up!

Stay But Shut Up!, originally uploaded by DeHoll.

Gone now, but one man does not make a war. Proof that in the end, we are all replaceable.

Campaign for Choice in 2010

Campaign for Choice in 2010, originally uploaded by DeHoll.

The health reform bill was signed into law today. It was an idea championed by an elected Democratic president and supported in the end by elected Democratic legislators.

The party not in power may wail and gnash their teeth but in the end, the reality is that They lost power in between 2006 and 2008 because America was not buying what they were selling.

They can have their anger but in the end they still have to accept that they are losers and somehow learn to DEAL WITH IT!

Elections come and go, and no losers' nasty comments change the fact that in America, those who win chart the course and those who don't wait for changes they can support.

Nuff said!

Share Love

Share Love, originally uploaded by DeHoll.

One cannot be selective about their opposition to bigotry and expect justice for those they love.

Delivering Progress?

Delivering Progress?, originally uploaded by DeHoll.

Some of the things that have helped make America great:

1) Public Education
2) The concept of equal protection under the law
3) Universal mail service

They don't always mean equitable access, but they have provided benchmarks that have helped build our society.