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All are welcome.
Merry Christmas.
Support the Troops. End the War.
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 09:43:34 AM PDT
I agree with you, John Edwards has never forgotten where he came from.
John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."
by desmoinesdem on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 09:46:28 AM PDT
[ Parent ]
I ended up out on the loading dock talking to the maintenance and setup people for a JRE event. I was amazed by how similar our upbringings were, even though they were 60ish and I was from halfway across the US.
Rural is rural is rural. You either get it or you don't.
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 09:49:03 AM PDT
But I wanted to stop by up here to thank you for this diary Chuckles1. It brought tears to my eyes for many different reasons, but most important of all, it drove home the primary reason why what Edwards says resonates with me to such a degree. We were poor while I was growing up. Yes, poor. And I, like you, have a relatively affluent lifestyle now. But I never forget where I came from, and I know Edwards never forgets it either. I've never had a difficult time understanding that.
Things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse. ~ Lily Tomlin
by vigilant meerkat on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:18:11 AM PDT
This diary choked me up, also.
I will never forget the 80’s and what it did to our family. Whatever "trickled down" to us was not monetary and had a funny smell. I was 10 in 1980. My father was perpetually out of work for at least 5-6 years. He did not get his college degree until the 90’s and the skills he learned in the Navy were not all that applicable to "real" life. He did everything from selling vacuums to getting conned in pyramid schemes. Until I started my own family, I pretty much despised Christmas.
I think we "stole" a Christmas tree, throughout this time period, every year that I can remember. There were copious "government" lands in our rural area of Missouri. I remember parking our pathetic, old pickup on the muddy gravel road that ran adjacent to this stretch of land and hiking through the snow with my dad to cut down the shabbiest looking cedar tree. We would have to search for one that looked remotely conical and didn’t have too many brown spots. It was legal to hunt on this land, and we did frequently to keep food on the table, but I doubt it was acceptable to harvest trees.
My parents were ill-equipped to handle the stresses of everyday life, much less the added pressure of providing a semblance of Christmas for 2 children on meager earnings. They fought frequently during this time, culminating each year with the Annual Decorating of the Tree Blowout. Years later, these memories were so strong, that I would go to a movie and my wife would invite a friend from Bangladesh over to help decorate. He barely understood our desire to decorate a tree, much less, had a vested interest.
Things have changed, thankfully. My parents divorced. I went to college, got married to an intelligent, empathetic woman and have two children of my own. I decorated the tree with my wife and kids this year. We celebrate Christmas, but Winter Solstice is the most important date in our household. We’ve devised our own rituals around this day, some borrowed and some our own. We celebrate our ancestors on this day, who must have struggled in ways we can not comprehend. The adults fast until sundown, when we light the house with candles and eat a feast we’ve cooked all day. We each exchange a single gift and give thanks for one another. It is a peaceful time. Something I don’t remember from my childhood.
I'll fight for any Dem in the general, but Edwards is speaking not just to me as an adult, but to a child of Christmas Past.
The people I distrust most are those who want to improve our lives but have only one course of action. - Frank Herbert
by MalachiConstant on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 02:51:35 PM PDT
MalachiConstant.
I'm glad you have found peace and are able to celebrate the Solstice.
"There is one man who knows in his heart that we have to build one America - not two - and that man is Barack Obama." John Edwards 5/14/08
by TomP on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 02:55:16 PM PDT
And thank you chuckles1 for the great diary.
I now work in an industry that is very sensitive to the economy and labor markets in general. What I see every day is scary and sad. My fear is that we are returning to those tough times yet again.
I hope, whoever our nominee is, they have what it takes to weather the storm and help the country do the same.
by MalachiConstant on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 03:20:56 PM PDT
stands up for what is right for the American people, all the American people, every day.
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 03:23:29 PM PDT
We pretended it wasn't about money, b/c we lived in a wealthy suburb. But my Dad was forced to retire at age 54 due to Parkinson's disease, with no pension (from a small firm he'd worked for for 20 years). They rarely let on about financial concerns, though I knew my Mom was worried (Depression-era kid), and I promised her I'd never let her go to the 'poor farm.' I changed my career plans in part to be sure I could provide for my parents.
I'd come home for Christmas and on Christmas eve a local tree stand would put up a sign if there were any remaining trees, that said: "Free, Merry Christmas!" And I'd cheerfully go down and pick one up, sometimes a nice tree, often not, and my Mom and I would decorate it before going to a midnight church service. And she'd leave it up for a month or more because she liked it and it reminded her of me.
I've just decided recently to campaign for Obama. (I held out for Gore until he asked the draft movement to stop last month). But I like and respect Edwards, too, for all the reasons stated here.
Thanks for your diary, I needed a good cry. :~~-)
by Sharon Wraight on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 01:28:33 AM PDT
My parents used to leave their tree up for a month as well, I loved it.
by chuckles1 on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:50:47 AM PDT
a time where I was living in my car. Now its 6 figures (first one is a one, and the second is a 0, but WTF) I never forget what it was like and don't begrudge a cent in taxes. But what will I do for the kids and grandkids. Its what we all do for each other that makes a difference.
"Time to focus on McCain and kicking his McAss." Angry Mouse
by NearlyNormal on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 03:45:08 PM PDT
Good people never forget that, and they never accept that it must be that way.
I think John and Elizabeth are good people. They may forget from time to time, but, when push comes to shove, they'll always remember.
by scoff0165 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:37:46 AM PDT
between one supporter's life experience and reading another supporter's ideas of why they vote for a candidate.
Nothing, Chuckles is more powerful than this kind of story to remind us what too many Americans share.
And it's the reason John Edwards message will finally be heard.
by emmabrody on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 02:33:20 PM PDT
to the voters ears.
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 02:42:30 PM PDT
Just look at how many people on this diary thread have similar experiences. Shocking.
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 04:21:29 PM PDT
Its important to keep talking about the reality of poverty in this country and John Edwards should be commended for putting the issue at the center of his campaign.
But neither Edwards humble origins, nor his compassionate speeches, should cause us to think that if he were elected president that he would be anything other than loyal to the corporate ruling elite.
No presidential campaign or electoral victory will be a substitute for the power that can really change things for the poor, namely a movement of the poor themselves.
As long as we hang our hopes on politicians we will continue to get played. The greatest gains in the social rights of poor and working people came under a president who was a pure aristocrat, FDR. They came not because he was amore noble soul, but because the people in the street were making the country ungovernable and threatening revolution. FDR pushed through his most progressive measures not top save the poor, but to save the system from the poor. If we imagine it will take anything less this time around we haven't been paying attention.
Sick of candidate diaries? Kasama!"Tell no lies. Claim no easy victories" -- Amilcar Cabral
by Christopher Day on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 05:46:19 PM PDT
Bottled hot water for dehydrated babies? WTF?!
by JVolvo on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 07:12:24 PM PDT
without telling people to clutter the place up with more diaries...that was a comment. It may have been a disagreeable comment, indeed I myself disagree with it, but it is a comment and this is an open forum and we need to learn to deal with critics other than by telling them to go do their own diary. One suggestion: if you find a comment worthless, don't bother to reply. If no one argues with them, they'll probably get bored and go away.
"All governments lie, but disaster lies in wait for countries whose officials smoke the same hashish they give out." --I.F. Stone
by Alice in Florida on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 07:44:26 PM PDT
the only thing disagreeable about it at all is the "poor reasoning" comment. the actual point of the comment is very cogent and provides some important food for thought.
on the one hand, how exactly are the poor supposed to take to the streets in pursuit of change when they are working 3 jobs just to stay afloat? on the other hand, i don't think hero worship and savior scenarious serve anybody especially well.
then i think of jesus christ superstar, when judas is on his case about allowing mary to use expensive ointments on himself. christ says "Surely you're not saying we have the resources to save the poor from their lot? There will be poor always, pathetically struggling, look at the good things you've got!"
is that true? i don't know. but i do know that in all the centuries of human history, poverty is one of the few constants.
so, anyhoo. christopher day made a good point, executed in poor form and jvolvo did the same. imHo.
"Government, like dress, is the badge of lost innocence; the palaces of kings are built upon the ruins of the bowers of paradise." Thomas Paine, Common Sense
by Cedwyn on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 01:55:51 PM PDT
by JVolvo on Sun Dec 16, 2007 at 06:27:49 AM PDT
"go write your own diary."
by Cedwyn on Mon Dec 24, 2007 at 07:49:59 PM PDT
Freedom is a choice you have to make everyday.Civil discourse if the best indicator of clear thought.
by papicek on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 11:54:59 PM PDT
Great story, great reason for supporting Edwards.
Thank you.
Now, go spread some peace, love and understanding. Use force if necessary. - Phil N DeBlanc
by lineatus on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:01:51 AM PDT
My only regret is that I am at the most demanding phase of my career/family at a time when the only candidate I have been truly passionate about is running...in my neighborhood!
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:07:38 AM PDT
We all do what we can do.
by vigilant meerkat on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:19:52 AM PDT
I hope his campaign uses this diary. By telling your story you have explained John Edwards better to a lot of people. Myself included. Thank you.
by cosette on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 02:38:16 PM PDT
things were bad already but they got a lot worse. i bought some pot off of some a-hole who turned out to be a cop. in the overwhelming generosity of our government my home, business, vehicles, and money were all seized. left us homeless and out in the winter cold. we were staying in a motel until i could get it together financially and it was one bleak ass christmas- until... a really rich McMansion subdivision had gone up earlier in the year right along side I-675 and they had planted a bunch of blue spruce as a sound barrier. well, they had to put up with a little more road noise that year because that tree sort of disappeared. i have never forgotten just how scared i was while i cut it down, never been a thief so it was a major ordeal. the point you have made is one that i make almost daily to those still undecided, edwards didn't come up some rich kid of rich parents, he is truly self made and i seriously doubt he forgets for a second just where he comes from.
impeachment-it does the body good impeachment-it isn't just for blow jobs anymore impeachment-i can say no more i expect no less
by playtonjr on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 02:44:23 PM PDT
i am jack's complete lack of surprise -- fight club
by bustacap on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:23:56 AM PDT
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 11:20:24 AM PDT
to John whom I will proudly vote for if he gets the nomination. My christmas story is from the island of Oahu in December 1941 just after the Japanese had attacked the island and as a very little kid, my parents and I had to flee Hickam and hide in the hills with strangers until we were sure the Japanese would not return. That Christmas the stores which were dependent on ship transportation were totally empty. My dad found a Christmas tree with holes in it like yours and we bored new holes and fixed it up somehow. We also put tar paper on all of our windows to hide the light from Japanese planes (which fortunately never came back). So just how does this story relate to my candidate, Hillary? After growing up in a male dominated world and seeing all of what I have seen in my life about war and destruction, I want a woman for a change. And we have a good one finally!!
Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities-Voltaire
by hairspray on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:26:10 AM PDT
story with us. We disagree on candidates, but we share deep caring about our nation and our people.
by TomP on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:51:35 AM PDT
who lied to get into the Navy at age 15. He was in the midst of Pearl Harbor. He told me the stories one night over a case of beer.
Harrowing experience.
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 11:21:39 AM PDT
a day or so they let him onto the base. Even though we could see the bombing from our yard, we didn't see the bodies and damage the way he did when he got on base.
by hairspray on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 12:50:06 PM PDT
When he finished his duty and was returning back home to Texas by train he saw the head lines in the news paper that his ship had lost it rudder and all but 6 men died. It was the .......... Monaghan: http://en.wikipedia.org/...
My father the man would fought the Japanese for his country would now be by Lou Dobbs definition and "anchor baby".
Yes we have many similar stories but some are more "American" than other but the way many people think nowadays.
donate to a shelter box please http://www.shelterboxusa.org/
by TexMex on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:31:36 AM PDT
Right behind my house is old mining land, recovering for maybe 30 years. It's not particularly pretty, mostly white pine, larch and birch trees growing there now - and the AMD containment ponds are there. But it's an easy place to walk the dogs.
I worry, with oil so expensive and all the talk of promoting "clean coal," will they start mining around here again?
Mark McCracken for Pennsylvania's 5th!
by Glacial Erratic on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:28:52 AM PDT
is that they planted grass and pine trees, thinking they were doing something good for the environment. But, pine trees without the proper nutrients already in the ground will never give way to normal Pennsylvania hardwoods.
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 11:22:52 AM PDT
I think the birches are the only ones that sprang up on their own. Also, some sort of locust-type that's typical of stressed areas. The rest are in obvious rows.
Still, it could be worse. There are deer, turkey, rabbit, bear and supposedly coyote and bobcat back there, although I've never seen the last 2.
DEP recently did some "remediation." They leveled off 2 sloped areas, killing all the trees there, and planted some sort of barley grass. They may have trucked in top soil, not sure. In one of the spots, they filled in a cattail-ringed drainage area where dragonflies were breeding. Now it's just a muddy spot. I miss the dragonflies.
by Glacial Erratic on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 12:10:58 PM PDT
I saw a coyote last trip to PA. It shocked me. I left in 1988 and it was still rare to see turkey. Now, every single time I've gone home over the last 5 years I've seen a flock.
Fox used to be SUPER rare, now they are seen all the time.
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 12:17:23 PM PDT
just not back there specifically. Fox too.
During dry spells in the summer, the bears come up through my land to get to the spring-fed stream that borders my property. We have to be careful with the dogs during those spells.
by Glacial Erratic on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 12:28:18 PM PDT
What county are you in?
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 12:51:14 PM PDT
a stone's throw from Clearfield County.
Aside from the old mines, the area has a lot of State Forest and Game Lands - so tons of open space.
by Glacial Erratic on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 01:10:17 PM PDT
I went to Glendale, you must be near Madera, yes?
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 02:43:55 PM PDT
I'm closer to Osceola Mills and Sandy Ridge, but not far from Madera either. I'm not a "native" or whatever. I moved here just 3 years ago. Originally from NJ.
Houtzdale is getting an ethanol plant - did you hear?
by Glacial Erratic on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 03:52:32 PM PDT
But, I did hear about that solar plant that went up in, was it Bedford? PA is really pushing alternative energy.
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 04:23:29 PM PDT
President Edwards.
I hope I get one, too.
Every day's another chance to stick it to The Man. - dls.
by The Raven on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:42:16 AM PDT
At Facebook: The 12/12 Campaign / Harry Taylor for Congress 2008
by Iddybud on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:44:39 AM PDT
Merry Christmas
by 123Mary123 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:58:25 AM PDT
I hope the holidays find you and your happy and healthy.
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 11:00:10 AM PDT
open-source: Environmental Americanandnetrootsdaily.com
by NetRootsDaily on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 03:18:54 PM PDT
My folks had nine kids, my dad worked road construction, which in the Midwest is obviously not a full time job, so he was usually off 3-4 months a year. We didn't take vacations, since my dad would save all his vacation time so that we would have some money during the winter.
One of my enduring Christmas memories was going to the grocery store on Christmas Eve to get a tree, since that was the only time we could afford it. One year, on the way home, the tree fell off the top of our station wagon in the middle of the highway and got run over by 3 or 4 cars. My dad stopped the car, ran into the middle of the highway and got the tree, and then stuck it through the back window so that we could hold on to it until we got home.
I completely agree with your support for Edwards, and those are many of the same reasons that he is my choice as well.
Nice diary, wish I could recommend it more than once.
Confidence: the feeling you have before you understand the situation.
by Philpm on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:59:05 AM PDT
is a matter of attitude.
One year, on the way home, the tree fell off the top of our station wagon in the middle of the highway and got run over by 3 or 4 cars. My dad stopped the car, ran into the middle of the highway and got the tree, and then stuck it through the back window so that we could hold on to it until we got home.
It sounds like your dad had a good attitude.
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 11:01:12 AM PDT
how my folks were able to survive getting all of us through school, teaching us how to drive, etc. without killing any of us. We were a handful, and we were actually pretty good kids. Can't imagine what it would have been like for them if we had been completely rotten. I'll say one thing, I have nothing but the utmost respect for them.
by Philpm on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 11:22:08 AM PDT
Try not to get anyone killed. And, no, I'm not being facetious.
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 11:23:35 AM PDT
that if I get them to 18 alive, then they can resent me all they want. :)
That alone is hard enough.
Please support .Beyond the Storm: Shadows of the Big Easy
by Magenta on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 11:27:44 AM PDT
as a zero population enthusiast of the 60's I did the planet a favor and had ONE child. Now the one child is driving me looney when she said she was engaged to be married in the summer and now at Christmas she is no longer sure because her fellow is a nice but a student and part time Jr. movie manager. She worries they will be......poor and not be able to afford time for her to have a child. Sigh......... Cancel wedding plans... lose alot of money??? Don't cancel plans daughter marries poor guy???
by TexMex on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:39:35 AM PDT
this thread. See how many "poor" people ended up okay and feel like those experiences helped shape who they are. Not everyone gets out of poverty, but with a good positive influence like you to help....
by chuckles1 on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:24:07 AM PDT
More important than all the money in the world. But that doesn't mean she can know that at her age.
There are probably a lot of reasons she's thinking twice/thrice. And I'll bet you 50 cents (being divorced myself), that she's not talking about the deepest ones.
It's a big decision. FWIW, this divorced gal has 3 criteria for new husband: Nice, nice, and nice.
The rest is the fine print.
Be good to each other. It matters.
by AllisonInSeattle on Sun Dec 16, 2007 at 01:39:35 AM PDT
Mine is 15 and ready to get her learner's permit.
by Philpm on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 11:49:28 AM PDT
up for driver's ed. He starts in the spring when he's 15 1/2 yo. Last one to go. Oldest son and hubby will help in the training. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad...
"I don't think the heavy stuff is coming down yet"
by MadMs on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 12:25:33 PM PDT
rec an "Edwards" diary. So very well done. You serve your candidate well.
Have to brag that my older daughter is still alive :) and got accepted to the University of Chicago today.
Between that and your diary, my weekend is off to a really nice start.
Please make some calls for Barack!
by sick of it all on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 02:45:12 PM PDT
I had friend go to graduate school and postdoc there in science.
by chuckles1 on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 04:24:47 PM PDT
mathematics. Not exactly sure, though.
Thanks again for bringing such a great diary to us this evening.
by sick of it all on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 07:53:05 PM PDT
