Jesus and Mary Chain

From Lost in Translation

Listen to the girl
As she takes on half the world
Moving up and so alive
In her honey dripping beehive
Beehive
It's good, so good, it's so good
So good
Walking back to you
Is the hardest thing thatI can do
That I can do for you
For youI'll be your plastic toy
I'll be your plastic toy
For you
Eating up the scum
Is the hardest thing forMe to do
Just like honey

Haven't we all had an experience like Bob and Charlotte?
Haven't we all bee somewhere
With someone unique
And together we've wanted
Time to stand still
To live forever in the moment
Only to have it end
The pain is hardly bearable
The pain endures
But we do go on
We don't have any choice
But it's not the same
And it never will be.

Iran in upheaval

Let's not all get too smug about the political upheaval taking place in Iran. The demonstrations are protesting an alleged stolen election, not an overthrow of the government itself. Each and every sovereign nation has an inherent right to the government of its own choice, regardless of whether that form of government offends the delicate sensibilities of U.S. politicians. For congressional politicians to thump their chests by passing empty and hypocritical resolutions is reckless and shows how short some people's memories are. In 2000 this country had a disputed election and instead of the U.S. Guardian Counsel, known as the Supreme Court, reviewing the irregularities in Florida, it cast aside citizens' legitimate concerns and appointed George W. Bush as president.

As with Tienanmen Square, the Iranian protesters are not looking to America for support and do not want the U.S. form of government. What they want is for their votes to be counted correctly and a fair election. America needs to sit quietly and let this upheaval play out because America does not have any role in it and can only be an impediment to a just protest. Americans, especially American politicians, should get over themselves. The world knows the real story.

For Jim Amato, my friend and mentor

I read that recently the state of Washington recorded its first assisted suicide. A person with pancreatic cancer took a lethal dose of prescribed drugs as permitted by the state's 'Death with Dignity' law.

About twenty years ago, my friend and mentor, Jim Amato, was diagnosed with Hodgkins disease and his doctor gave him the prognosis that he had three months to live. Jim went home, thought it over, and decided he wanted a second opinion. Subsequently, Jim underwent treatment by another physician and his Hodgkins was thought to have been driven into remission. Jim and his wife, Mary, moved to Pompano Beach, FL not knowing what, if anything, life had in store for them.

Jim grew stronger and accepted a teaching position at a local community college where he quickly became something of an icon to those he taught. Jim's outlook on life was free and easy, but with a practical bent and with considerable caring for his students and friends. Jim's honesty, intellect, and common sense made him a valuable asset for many whose lives he directed on the right path, including my own. Jim cared for people and he loved life.

But Jim knew something that he didn't share with those who came into his circle of influence. Jim's time was limited and twenty years was the limit. How he knew this I do not know, but as the twentieth year of his remission approached, Jim's health began to fail. After a few holes of golf with one of his former students and now close friends, Jim chipped in the seventh hole from off the green more than 125 feet away. Jim's hip was bothering him badly and he called it quits. A few days later Jim saw his doctor and got the news he knew was coming.

Jim commenced a battle with cancer that lasted for over nine months. Jim fought bravely and never gave up. The Great Spirit finally called Jim's fight with cancer a draw and called Jim home, mercifully ending his agony. Jim had beaten Hodgkins and fought cancer to a stalemate.

During the twenty years from his original diagnosis, Jim touched the lives of many people, including mine, and directed many, including me, on the right path in life. Without Jim's mentoring, caring, and friendship, many of us would have been lost. During his twenty years Jim loved his wife dearly and made life a joy for all around him. In the process, Jim enjoyed life himself and delighted in the simplest of pleasures. He had a ball. Had Jim availed himself of the 'Death with Dignity' law, many people, especially me, would have lost the benefit of his being in their lives.

I will never forget Jim. Jim's footprints are imprinted on my heart forever. I, and many others, would be much less today if Jim had not come into our lives. Therefore, I cannot endorse or support this law or anything like it. Jim made a difference in many lives and now that he has passed into the next world a light has gone out on my tree of life that has left a permanent dark spot. I am what I am today because Jim did not accept the easy way out. He endured much pain and suffering in his battles and to endorse a law such as 'Death with Dignity' would be a dishonor to the person who made my life, and the lives of many, so much better.