Alternative Spring Break in Austin

This past week, I ventured down to Austin to write about the Alternative Spring Break for the Death Penalty Blog on the Dallas Morning News.  You can read all about the event on that blog and if you feel so inclined, please post your thoughts about the death penalty in America.  As of this writing, there are only about 3 active participants posting there, one of whom is kind of monopolizing the conversation.  Yes, you will have to register your name and email on the site to post, but it's not like they are going to spam you or make you pay a fee to join the conversation.  It's free.  Free speech, what a concept!

In the week that I was there, I went from being an essayist to an activist, simply because I used the power of my cheapo laptop to write about something I had sort of a personal interest in. I have been called naive, stupid, a zealot--this was on some guy's Tea party site--um pot calling kettle black, don't ya think?

I realize that people have strong opinions on the death penalty.  The pro people think that if you kill a murderer, he or she can't murder again.  I propose that incarceration does the same thing.  Then they refute with, why should taxpayers pay for three hots and a cot to a murderer? I then say that execution costs almost three times as much as housing a person for life in a maximum security facility.  They then say we should just shorten the appeals process and just shoot them because the lethal injection drugs aren't being supplied to the US anymore. 

It goes back and forth and back and forth.  I'm exhausted from the arguing.  If you're against execution, they think you're soft on crime and criminals.  But the thing is, I'm not.  I just happen to think that our government shouldn't kill people.  It's barbaric.  Our judicial system is flawed.  Some people based on the color of their skin or their economic status become the victims of this inequality.  You won't find many rich people on death row.  Do rich people commit less murder?  Well, you won't find them robbing a liquor store, but they have been known to kill their spouses or parents or children.   

I think what gets lost in this debate is that we are talking about real people.  It's quite easy to fear what you don't know.  What I suggest for anyone who is questioning their stance on this issue, is to do your research.  You could also become a penpal with someone who is incarcerated on death row. I'm not telling you to become their best friend or forgive them for their actions.  It's just a quick and easy way to bring a face and a heartbeat to an individual who has been demonized.  I realize these men and women did not afford their victim this same courtesy, but if we continue this cycle of violence, are we any better?

Okay, well tell me what you think.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, (Sept 1872 - Sept 1945). Copyright 1927.

Journey of Hope...From Violence to Healing Blog: Anti-Death Penalty Alternative Spring Break - Austin Texas

Journey of Hope...From Violence to Healing Blog: Anti-Death Penalty Alternative Spring Break - Austin Texas

Charlie Sheen Has Left the Building

To get a tiger blood transplant.  Okay, I admit it.  That was mean.  Despite the name of this here blog, I don't wish anything tragic to happen to Mr. Sheen.  I just don't think he deserves all this attention for being a prostitute loving, drug addicted, nutcase.  I guess we can blame his handlers, who obviously understand the power of social media. Charlie is bigger than, dare I say it, Elvis.  And we all know how that ended.  On the commode.  Not a good way to go.

Move over Charlie. Go to rehab.  Or take a nap for a few hours.  Leave a little room on major news outlets for the real news of the world.

Speaking of which, I have some exciting news to share.  I will be guest blogging about the Alternative Spring Break going on in Austin next week for the Dallas Morning News on their death penalty blog.
You know what would be really cool?  If you turned out Charlie and turned on to changing the world. I don't care which side of the fence you're on. I want an intelligent, public discourse on this issue.

Did I mention I think you're really cool for stopping by my blog? And since I'm already attempting to butter you up so you'll follow me elsewhere, have I mentioned that you are...

• A rare person.  Last time I checked, like say 5 minutes ago, there were 25 of you.
• Thoughtful.  You'd have to be because death is a pretty serious issue.
• Smart.  If you can correctly spell my last name, you've already proven to me that you're a card carrying member of MENSA or that you've lived in Norway at some time in your life.
• Friendly.  Remember that old Faberge commercial about telling two friends, and so on, and so on?  Go on now.  Be fruitful.  Multiply.  Tell your friends about me.  Good things will happen.  I promise.

All The Cool Kids are Doing It

This past weekend, I attended the DFW Writers Conference in lovely Feet Worth, TX.  (And yes, I said feet.  My Tom Tom says feet worth and so shall I, dammit.)  As some of you know, I moved to Texas in August of last year.  The transition from Colorado was rocky, but despite all the setbacks, I found a kick ass writing workshop that I attend every Wednesday night.  And from this workshop, I was able to be a part of one of the best writers conferences I've ever attended.  And I mean EVER.  Take that AWP!

The keynote address by Sandra Brown was funny, informative, personable and my goodness for a sixty something year old woman who has written over sixty best selling books, Ms. Brown looked like a Stepford Wife and I mean that in the best way possible.  She was gorgeous!

I attended some wonderful classes, particularly Kristen Lamb's class on social media and agent Dawn Frederick's on the book proposal.  Both women were nice, inspiring and willing to share their knowledge and insight with little old me. (Well, me and a couple hundred other people, but I can't list them all here because my brain has turned all mushy from all the info I learned.)

Okay, so what made this conference different than the rest?  The people.  Hands down this was the nicest conference I've been to.  People were chatty and encouraging and genuinely interested in perfecting their craft.  Okay, okay, the Query gong show was really the highlight and I'm sorry I missed the first one.  George and Russ made it fun whie the agents gave the audience a peak into their thought process.  What stops an agent from reading or responding favorably to your query?

• One word.  Cancer.
• Too many big things going on, such as murder, espionage and maybe a tsunami all before the end of the first paragraph.
• Starting out with a question such as, "What would you do if...?" 
• Comparing your writing skills to a certain woman writer who happens to be richer than the Queen of England
• Vampires
• Teenagers bonding with old people.  Teenagers don't care about old people.  They care about boys or girls or both.
• Lost journals.  Nobody wants to read a book about somebody reading a book. 

Oh, and there's more, but this old gal is tired.  I had a blast.  I spent the whole day writing.  I was that inspired.
What was your favorite part of the conference?  Any good quotes, overheard conversations, or lessons learned?  Tell me now...