Thinking about Hunter Mill & Sterling & DAD

And what they have in common:

• Welcoming all comers who share their sense of purpose.
• Making excuses to get together rather than making excuses not to attend
• Enjoying the journey as well as looking forward to the destination
• Looking for ways to pitch in
• Speaking up
• Finding solutions
• Encouraging enthusiasm
• Growing membership even in tough political years.
• (Sterling and DAD) Holding meetings at local restaurants - helps local businesses as well as boosting attendance.

What do your organizations do to boost membership and attendance? What could they be doing better?

I can't tell you WHY this is funny

But take my word for it, it's totally hilarious that there was a lack of a quorum.

I am laughing and laughing and laughing.

And speaking of District Committees...

The Sterling District Committee is the hardest working, most enthusiastic, most volunteerific committee in Loudoun. They have a crew of people who staff the polls. A crew of people who walk and call and stuff envelopes and work back-to-school nights. A crew of people who work their butts off. MS and I never had to ask them for anything, every time we thought of something for them to do...we'd turn around and there they were

ALREADY DOING IT.

I was honored to work with you all.

You swine!

No, I haven't got it, but many of my friends do, so here is a list of books to read while feeling swinish.

• Josephine Tey, The Franchise Affair. Also, Daughter of Time.
• Georgette Heyer, A Lady of Quality, also Frederica
• Charlaine Harris, Shakespeare's Champion
• Reginald Hill, The Wood Beyond
• J.F. Federspiel, The Ballad of Typhoid Mary
• Laurie Colwin, Home Cooking

I love the Hunter Mill Democratic Committee

I love it. LOVE. IT.

The enthusiasm and genuine excitement of that committee is just infectious. I can't kvell enough over them, and hope that I get to work with them a whole lot more in future.

Photo Goes Here

MM got a haircut on Saturday, but before going to get it cut, he got into his Halloween costume and we took pictures. Because we didn't get any pictures of him in his costume on Halloween.

He was Harry Potter.

According to my mom, he was Harry Potter. As they went around DC and to museums and into restaurants, people stopped them and took pictures. Little kids squealed with delight to see him. It was like being with a rock star.

So before his hair cut, we took pictures of him and then he said, "Mommy, I don't want you to put these up on your blog."

...

So, submitted for your approval, this word picture: A slender seven-year-old with shaggy dark hair, a lightning-shaped scar drawn tastefully on his forehead with lip-pencil, wearing Gryffindor robes, a white shirt, a rep tie, dark pants, dress shoes, and over-sized round glasses.

This was a comment in reply to Josh, but it got a bit lengthy.

Actually, Josh, what I want is everyone to have access to health care. Everyone. All over the world. With no barriers caused by financial issues.

What I want is Universal Health Care.

I don't care if it's government provided, though that's the easiest way to get there.

I want what Sweden has. I want what Japan has. I want what, yes, France has.

I want a country where no one has to choose between necessary health care and their next meal.

And I have to tell you, Josh, that coverage of abortion, and pelvic exams (not covered under the new law) and birth control is necessary health care to 51% of Americans. Especially when prostate exams are covered.

Not to mention that EVERY OTHER INDUSTRIALIZED NATION has government sponsored health care, and that, therefore, their businesses are at a financial advantage over ours since they don't have to pay outrageous sums to cover their employees.

Now, you may say, "Yeah, but look at their taxes!" and then I say: add up every penny you pay for things that their taxes cover and please realize that you are paying MORE than they are. As a nation, we are all paying more than any other industrialized nation for coverage with fewer people covered, shorter life spans, and poorer health outcomes.

Paying more for less? That's the American Way!

Thank you

Thank you for wearing the uniform. For going through training. For risking your lives and bodies.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.