Almost a Patriot

So, for the 8 years of the Bush administration, I lived with a heavy cloud of oppression hanging over me. I joked that I knew that some day the CIA would raid our home, find the books on genocide and the holocaust the Phenom uses for research and . . . we'd be strapped to a board and dunked in murky water. But, a little part of me knew it was possible.

In this country that so values freedom of speech, I felt that I couldn't openly express my views or political thoughts. There were too many examples of punishments being meted out to people who, by virtue of disagreeing, were labeled enemies of the state.

But, I see the light peeking through the clouds. I feel the oppression lifting. I am hopeful that the long nightmare of lost rights and fear is coming to an end. It's one thing to fear terrorists . . . it is quite another to fear your own government.

I like that Obama has already set the stage that all of us will have to share in the recovery of our country. That we all should roll up our sleeves and contribute something. It's almost enough to turn me into a patriot.

I finally decided how I'm going to use my talents to serve our community. I'm going to spend part of my day tomorrow baking treats for the families staying temporarily in our domestic violence shelter. My eyes were opened this year to the harsh realities of people who live in warring homes. I think that having someone bake treats is a nice way to communicate comfort and care. Also, I have a friend who has recently been ill. I'll be making a casserole for her family. I'll put it together so that it can be reheated that night . . . or frozen and used for a quick meal when it's needed.

Even if you don't undertake a project . . . try to conserve energy or water . . . or just refrain from shooting the bird to the idiot who cut you off in traffic. Do something to, as the Vlog Brothers say, reduce world suck.