Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from Massachusetts, where thousands of people dedicated time and energy to give the country a priceless gift to open this January.
Elizabeth Warren visited Hyannis Saturday, Dec. 15, as part of a "Thank You Tour," celebrating her victory and thanking volunteers personally. She told the crowd of about 200 that she and her staff discussed cancelling the visits after the horrific mass murder of 20 children, and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. just the day before. But rather than cancel, she used to opportunity to share her views including that gun control had to be moved to the top of this countries list of priorities.
There was comfort in her message, a feeling that we'd all contributed in some way to make a small but significant change in Washington. The change is immediately significant regarding gun-control issues as we have now replaced Scott (Senator Centerfold) Brown who earned an "A" from the NRA with Senator-Elect Elizabeth Warren whose grade was an "F." Although some pundits members of the national press seem to imply that Brown will somehow be anointed as Senator now that Kerry is heading off into the sunset as Secretary of State, it ain't going to be that easy boys and girls! (He didn't come in second, he's not a runner up, he LOST.)
Equal representation has always been the primary focus of this diariest. Other progressive issues are important here, too. For example, as we are trying to come to terms with the losses in CT, the ease of purchasing a gun online.
But my equality radar is always on.
So, just for fun, (sort of) consider this Christmas transition from Elizabeth Warren to the "Island of Misfit Toys."
The whole story of Rudolph, like most in that day, was about the guys. They were trying to fit in, they were battling (perceived) evil, good would triumph over bad, and in this case a lesson is learned. Being different isn't something to be ashamed of, it is our differences that make us who we are. You don't always have to take the expected path, Herbie was supposed to be a toy-making elf, but he wanted to be dentist, and so on.
But, despite a few girl-elves in the background and the women at home, Clarice, Rudolph's Mom, Mrs Claus etc., the only girl close to status as a main character was the "Dolly for Sue" on the Island of Misfit Toys.
Curious to find out exactly what landed her in her sleeveless dress on that cold island of misfits, surrounded by trains with square wheels and a Jack-in-the-Box named "Charlie" who sounded like he was from New York City, with a winged lion king as their ruler -- I did a little Internet research.
I came across an interview with Arthur Rankin Jr producer of Rudolph the Rednosed Reinder. About two minutes into this video, when asked what the "Dolly for Sue's" issue was, he explained, "I always say she had psychiatric problems, she was under the care of an analyst."
Hey, you know
women!
The interviewer adds a very important observation:
"She never seemed to be wearing underpants."
(!!?)
Yep, those women; whatever it takes..
Funny thing, I always thought Dolly was on that island because she didn't have a nose...
Enjoy your family and friends this Christmas Holiday. I hope your Cratchett - rather your Walmart/Target - has given you and yours the day off!