Tax Those Well-Off More & Help Those in Need More !

Use money wisely, tax wisely and fairly, spend on needs!

President Obama: Both Parties Have a Responsibility to Solve this Problem

Here is a link to the full text of this speech of reason!

Tell everybody, whether they ask or not!

Fantastic it is that this long overdue action to move the USA one step closer to the Twentyfirst Century has finally taken place. Guess what, you can be gay and serve your country, too!

Military certifies repeal of ‘don’t ask’ policy

The Washington Post, July 22

The Obama administration announced Friday that the military had made all necessary preparations to allow gays to serve openly in the armed forces, setting the stage for the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in 60 days.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presented President Obama with a formal certification Friday afternoon at the White House that the military’s ability to fight and recruit would not be harmed by the overt presence of gays in the ranks.

'Don't ask, don't tell' repeal: Closing a chapter in history: President Obama signed the landmark repeal in December, ending a 17-year ban on gays serving openly in the military.

• July 7: Gay troops cheer ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ court ruling

The certification marked the final hurdle in a nearly two-decade-long campaign by gay-rights groups and civil-rights advocates to integrate the armed forces. Under a law passed by Congress and signed by Obama in December, the 18-year-old “don’t-ask, don’t-tell” policy will now automatically vanish in 60 days.

Congratulations to Obama, the outgoing and incoming Defense Secretaries, and all the commanders of the American military for recognizing - finally - that you can be gay and still serve and defend your country. This move into the Twentyfirst Century should be quickly followed by legalizing gay marriage throughout the country and abolishing that so-called "Defense" of Marriage edict that at best applies to the Late Middle Ages and Maledictus and his crew of hypocrites.

Wherever I May Be, You May Be, Anyone May Be ....

... August 13, 2011, is a date none of us should ever forget. Fifty years ago this horror was erected; its destruction was necessary for me to find the love of my life and for millions to enjoy release from repression and acquisition of basic human rights.
Take a moment to look at this incredible collection of images of the Wall, 99+1, horrifying. Never forget that day of infamy, that Wall of cruelty, the privilege of living free!

Die Rettung beginnt heute.

Today, with Terri here, begins the transplant phase of my treatment, exams and talks today tomorrow, fully stationary as of Wednesday, and I feel excellent emotionally & physically.
Detlef is in good shape, too, and we will make it through the coming ordeals connected with the transplant, the chemo before, the nadir danger phase thereafter, the adoption of the new stem cells from Terri, their grafting and becoming productive, so that I once and for all have leukemia FREE bone marrow for perfect blood cells for the longterm future!

Rainbows and Dreams

Over my personal rainbow, leaving the storm behind me, propelled with the stem cells from my sister, accompanied by my loving husband Detlef, a long life of great love is waiting for me, normal, without medical intervention, simple and just waiting to be lived....

...and on the other side of that rainbow, my black-and-white films turns into technicolor, too!

With Deepest Admiration and Respect ...

... for Cecilia Bartoli, I simply must share this parody of her stage countenance so lovingly, campily performed by the quite gifted "Kimchilia Bartoli", the Korean-American counter-tenor Kangmin Justin Kim. He does "Agitata da due venti" in pure Cecilia style, a wonder to watch and hear, which brought a smile to my face throughout and ended by letting the sun come out today!

And here is a link to his youtube channel with "straight" recital pieces to enjoy, such as this one by Vivaldi.

Mini-Golf in the Big City

The mobile phone pix may not be so great, but Petra's idea of taking us to play mini-golf Saturday a week ago was a super great idea.
Who cares if I came in last, cause I don't think I've ever won at putt-putt, not even as a kid back at White Lake.
The idea was to spend time while home from treatment with friends doing something enjoyable together.
And afterwards we went out to eat dinner, pigged out completely, and were then driven back home after a perfect outing.

Thoughts on the Fourth of July

Freedom is the justice of the recognition of the validity and right to be of the difference of others, i.e. of others' freedom. There is no freedom without others, no justice without freedom, no freedom without its recognition and acceptance of and by others.