Politics

What do you do if your friend has different political views? Do you not talk about politics? Do you agree to disagree? It certainly would be easier to ignore the differences, or attempt to laugh them off but you will realize that liberal and conservative sterotypes - no matter how easily they come out of your mouth - don't apply so easily to people you love. But if anything could motivate people to find common groupd, it's love. It is difficult to talk about what is most important to you with family members and loved ones of different polictical bent. An ability to see things from the other perspective is crucial to confronting the volatile realities of the world and our country's troubling role in it. If politics is about how to best live together within the nation, and with other peoples around the globe, perhaps citizens and politicians alike could take inspiration from the most basic rules of engagement in our most intimate relationsihps: Listen closely, show respect, participate willingly in difficult conversations, remember that neither attacks nor defensiveness do much good when you're aiming for real communication, disagree lovingly, and celebrate each other's strengths and humanity.

Storm

This is my dog, Storm. Storm is an Australian Shepard and Newfoundland. Thankfully, she doesn't have the energy of the Aussie. I wouldn't be able to keep up with her. :)

This summer I'm going to try out the Agility Training. I'm hoping she enjoys it. Agility training consisit of climbing, jumping, crawling over, under, around and through various obstacles. This helps builds confidence by giving her a better sense of balance, teaching her to be aware of where her body is and keeping her physically fit. I hope Storm enjoys it.

Anyone out there done Agility Training with their dog?

What is CTA doing?

The most common theme I'm hearing from members is, "What's is CTA doing about the Governor's vicious attacks on our profession?" CTA has joined the largest public employee coalition ever assembled and together we have committed to strategic initiatives of our own that will cause the governor to take a stand against issues that are ver popular with frequent voters, i.e. Pharmaceutical Drug purchasing plan to help Californians citizens better afford needed medicines. Don't be fooled, the Governor is reading the same polls we're reading and he knows he has stepped too far. He has begun to backtrack has has resorted to name-calling, is changing his stories, while at the same time has stepped up his commercials attacking teachers and nurses. These are defensive moves. CTA has placed him against the ropes and we will not let up until we deliver the knockout punch.