Sunday, May 30, 2004
THE GREATEST GENERATION
This Memorial Day is exceptionally special to me. This Memorial Day we finally pay homage to my grandparents' generation, The Greatest Generation, and the ultimate defenders of the Free World.
Nana became my grandmother when I was 7 years old, and she continues to be an inspiration even after her death eight years ago. Barely five feet tall, she exuded independence long before it became fashionable for women to do so.
Nana was born into a long-established Southern Delaware family before the dawn of the First World War. Once her basic education was complete, Nana saw limited prospects for a young woman of her generation with modest financial resources. So, she did what any young woman in her predicament might have been tempted to do. She sought advice from the wisest, most respected woman of her day - First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
Mrs. Roosevelt responded with a sincere, thoughtful letter, suggesting that Nana attend Nursing School and consider a career in the Army as a Nurse. So, Nana did just that - she packed up and headed north to Chestnut Hill Nursing Academy in Philadelphia. She then joined the Army as a nurse, and was already enlisted long before the first Japanese bombers flew into Pearl Harbor.
Nana spend most of the War years in England and Scotland, working in military hospitals for the Allied Forces. Along the way she met and married a fellow soldier from Oregon. The marriage wouldn't last long, but a daughter was born - my Mom, Jennifer.
The war and her brief marriage over and with a baby to raise, Nana made the decision to continue her service in the Army. She was stationed on Indian Reservations for many years, providing healthcare to the various Indian Nations that are scattered throughout the Southwestern United States. Eventually she and Jennifer found their way to Houston, where Nana spend the remainder of her working life working in the Texas Medical Center.
Nana was a pioneer among women. Not only was she a career woman, but with a military career; a single mother long before it was commonplace; a woman who throughout her life displayed the independent spirit that the women of my generation take for granted.
A few years ago, the Women in Military Service Memorial was opened in Arlington National Cemetery. Nana didn't live long enough to see it opened, but thanks to the efforts of my Mom, she is one of the Original Inductees. You can visit the Women in Military Service here.
This weekend marked the openening on the National Mall of the WWII Military Service Memorial. It is not only right that we pay tribute to the Greatest Generation, it's a travesty that we have not done so before now.
Way to go, Nana. I thank you for making this world safer for me, as an American, and as a woman. I truly miss you.
Nana became my grandmother when I was 7 years old, and she continues to be an inspiration even after her death eight years ago. Barely five feet tall, she exuded independence long before it became fashionable for women to do so.
Nana was born into a long-established Southern Delaware family before the dawn of the First World War. Once her basic education was complete, Nana saw limited prospects for a young woman of her generation with modest financial resources. So, she did what any young woman in her predicament might have been tempted to do. She sought advice from the wisest, most respected woman of her day - First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
Mrs. Roosevelt responded with a sincere, thoughtful letter, suggesting that Nana attend Nursing School and consider a career in the Army as a Nurse. So, Nana did just that - she packed up and headed north to Chestnut Hill Nursing Academy in Philadelphia. She then joined the Army as a nurse, and was already enlisted long before the first Japanese bombers flew into Pearl Harbor.
Nana spend most of the War years in England and Scotland, working in military hospitals for the Allied Forces. Along the way she met and married a fellow soldier from Oregon. The marriage wouldn't last long, but a daughter was born - my Mom, Jennifer.
The war and her brief marriage over and with a baby to raise, Nana made the decision to continue her service in the Army. She was stationed on Indian Reservations for many years, providing healthcare to the various Indian Nations that are scattered throughout the Southwestern United States. Eventually she and Jennifer found their way to Houston, where Nana spend the remainder of her working life working in the Texas Medical Center.
Nana was a pioneer among women. Not only was she a career woman, but with a military career; a single mother long before it was commonplace; a woman who throughout her life displayed the independent spirit that the women of my generation take for granted.
A few years ago, the Women in Military Service Memorial was opened in Arlington National Cemetery. Nana didn't live long enough to see it opened, but thanks to the efforts of my Mom, she is one of the Original Inductees. You can visit the Women in Military Service here.
This weekend marked the openening on the National Mall of the WWII Military Service Memorial. It is not only right that we pay tribute to the Greatest Generation, it's a travesty that we have not done so before now.
Way to go, Nana. I thank you for making this world safer for me, as an American, and as a woman. I truly miss you.
Saturday, May 22, 2004
LIFE IMITATING ART?
President Bush has a biking accident.
President Bartlet has a biking accident.
Coincidence?
I had to laugh when I read the story a few minutes ago about President Dubya Shrub having a bicycle accident. I wonder what else he'll do this election cycle to imitate our fictional but all-too-real President Josiah Bartlet of The West Wing?
President Bush Falls Off Bicycle
President Bartlet Falls Off Bicycle
President Bartlet has a biking accident.
Coincidence?
I had to laugh when I read the story a few minutes ago about President Dubya Shrub having a bicycle accident. I wonder what else he'll do this election cycle to imitate our fictional but all-too-real President Josiah Bartlet of The West Wing?
President Bush Falls Off Bicycle
President Bartlet Falls Off Bicycle
Monday, May 17, 2004
ANTI-CHOICE GROUP ATTEMPTS TO BLACKMAIL FOUNDATION THAT DONATES TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Once again, the nuts are using intimidation tactics to attempt to cut off funding for Planned Parenthood. This story is from the Lufkin Daily News. The irony of these anti-choice groups has always fascinated me - the same group that is so opposed to freedom of choice is the same group that is opposed to preventing abortion in the first place, by blocking women and their partners from having full access to birth control and a full range of health care options. It's not about choice, it's about control and submission of women. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise...
________________________________________________
Planned Parenthood confident about continued Temple support
By GARY BASS, The Lufkin Daily News
5/15/2004
Planned Parenthood officials are confident the T.L.L. Temple Foundation in Lufkin will continue to support them, after an anti-abortion group published a list of financial contributors to the agency, a spokeswoman said Friday.
"Someone affiliated with the Temple Foundation told us that they will continue to support Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas," said Michelle Green, director of community services for the Lufkin Planned Parenthood clinic. "The Temple Foundation understands the good work that Planned Parenthood does in the community."
Buddy Zeagler, the assistant executive director of the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, said that he was not aware of any recent conversations the foundation has had with Planned Parenthood concerning funding issues.
"To my knowledge, we haven't had any conversations with Planned Parenthood along those lines," Zeagler said.
Green said Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas submits an annual grant request to the Temple Foundation. The grants are for approximately $50,000 each year, she said.
On April 27, the Brazos Valley Coalition for Life, which is based in Bryan, sent more than 300 letters to businesses, government entities and foundations listed as donors in Planned Parenthood's public tax records. The letters urged the recipients to stop funding Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas and stated that their names would not be released to the public if they pledged to end their support.
On May 8, the organization released the names of individuals and entities that donated to the PPHSET.
"Concerned citizens across the state are demanding Planned Parenthood's public records to know who is footing the bill for the abortion operation's harmful activities," David Bereit, the group's executive director, said in a press release. "We believe that these concerned individuals should have access to this public information."
Two of Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas' 10 facilities, but not the Lufkin clinic, perform surgical abortions. According to PPHSET's records, the clinics — one in Bryan and one in Houston — performed 6,876 abortions in the past 12 months, Bereit said.
"That is a tremendous affront to human life, and it can harm the mothers, both physically and emotionally," Bereit said.
Planned Parenthood focuses on helping people make lifelong, responsible choices, Green said. She said the majority of the organization's services deal with prevention.
"Unfortunately, even family planning services are under attack by anti-choice hardliners," Green said. "I am appalled that the Coalition for Life would harass the T.L.L. Temple Foundation and try to block family planning services for the low-income families of East Texas.
"We're talking about basic health care. Who in their right mind would try and block that?"
Services offered at Planned Parenthood's Lufkin clinic include: annual well-women exams; birth control; emergency contraception; breast exams; diagnostic care and treatment for abnormal pap test results; education presentations; HIV testing and risk-reduction counseling; pap smears and basic lab tests; pregnancy testing and options counseling; and sexually transmitted disease testing, counseling and treatment, for both men and women.
"If a woman tests positive for a pregnancy test, she is counseled by a trained professional on all options — to continue the pregnancy, to put the baby up for adoption or abortion," Green said.
She said the Lufkin clinic does refer clients to the Planned Parenthood clinics that perform abortions if the mother chooses.
According to Zeagler, Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas has yet to file a new grant application with the Temple Foundation. He said the foundation's Board of Trustees will review all the applications they receive on a case-by-case basis.
________________________________________________
Planned Parenthood confident about continued Temple support
By GARY BASS, The Lufkin Daily News
5/15/2004
Planned Parenthood officials are confident the T.L.L. Temple Foundation in Lufkin will continue to support them, after an anti-abortion group published a list of financial contributors to the agency, a spokeswoman said Friday.
"Someone affiliated with the Temple Foundation told us that they will continue to support Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas," said Michelle Green, director of community services for the Lufkin Planned Parenthood clinic. "The Temple Foundation understands the good work that Planned Parenthood does in the community."
Buddy Zeagler, the assistant executive director of the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, said that he was not aware of any recent conversations the foundation has had with Planned Parenthood concerning funding issues.
"To my knowledge, we haven't had any conversations with Planned Parenthood along those lines," Zeagler said.
Green said Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas submits an annual grant request to the Temple Foundation. The grants are for approximately $50,000 each year, she said.
On April 27, the Brazos Valley Coalition for Life, which is based in Bryan, sent more than 300 letters to businesses, government entities and foundations listed as donors in Planned Parenthood's public tax records. The letters urged the recipients to stop funding Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas and stated that their names would not be released to the public if they pledged to end their support.
On May 8, the organization released the names of individuals and entities that donated to the PPHSET.
"Concerned citizens across the state are demanding Planned Parenthood's public records to know who is footing the bill for the abortion operation's harmful activities," David Bereit, the group's executive director, said in a press release. "We believe that these concerned individuals should have access to this public information."
Two of Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas' 10 facilities, but not the Lufkin clinic, perform surgical abortions. According to PPHSET's records, the clinics — one in Bryan and one in Houston — performed 6,876 abortions in the past 12 months, Bereit said.
"That is a tremendous affront to human life, and it can harm the mothers, both physically and emotionally," Bereit said.
Planned Parenthood focuses on helping people make lifelong, responsible choices, Green said. She said the majority of the organization's services deal with prevention.
"Unfortunately, even family planning services are under attack by anti-choice hardliners," Green said. "I am appalled that the Coalition for Life would harass the T.L.L. Temple Foundation and try to block family planning services for the low-income families of East Texas.
"We're talking about basic health care. Who in their right mind would try and block that?"
Services offered at Planned Parenthood's Lufkin clinic include: annual well-women exams; birth control; emergency contraception; breast exams; diagnostic care and treatment for abnormal pap test results; education presentations; HIV testing and risk-reduction counseling; pap smears and basic lab tests; pregnancy testing and options counseling; and sexually transmitted disease testing, counseling and treatment, for both men and women.
"If a woman tests positive for a pregnancy test, she is counseled by a trained professional on all options — to continue the pregnancy, to put the baby up for adoption or abortion," Green said.
She said the Lufkin clinic does refer clients to the Planned Parenthood clinics that perform abortions if the mother chooses.
According to Zeagler, Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas has yet to file a new grant application with the Temple Foundation. He said the foundation's Board of Trustees will review all the applications they receive on a case-by-case basis.
Sunday, May 16, 2004
LIFE'S LITTLE TRAVEL MYSTERIES
As an airline employee, I travel a lot for both business and pleasure. I found this on Christopher Elliott's Ticked.com today...
Why Ask Why?
A Frank Steward · May 16, 2004
After 15 years in the airline industry, I have come to the conclusion that the word "why" will always be asked, but a rational answer should never be expected.
Here are a few of my favorite examples:
Why is it that after sitting down most of the time on a 14-hour flight, the first thing you want to do after you deplane is … sit down?
Why is it that approximately 40 percent of all flight attendants have a fear of heights?
On the safety information card located in every passenger's seat pocket is the sentence, "If you can't read or don't understand the information on this card, please contact a flight attendant." If they can't read, why bother writing it?
Why does being in an airplane spark up an unusual thirst for … ginger ale?
Why do hotels print outlandish daily rates on the inside of their room doors? Do they think that everyone will consider themselves lucky compared to what they actually paid? Has anyone ever actually paid the rate posted?
Why would the flight attendant job that has so many beautiful women working in it, attract predominantly gay men? I joined to travel the world but as shallow as it sounds, I signed up to meet women as well. Call me crazy but I liked the odds.
If peanuts are proven to cause gas, then why do they serve them eight miles in the air, in a plane with hundreds of people confined to one space, sitting next to each other?
Why are there ashtrays in the airplane toilets if you're not allowed to smoke in there (or anywhere on the plane for that matter) at any time?
Why do people insist on standing on the moving walkways at airports? What is it about the name that is so unclear? I actually don't have a problem with those of you who wish to stand, but don't look at me as I pass as if I am a pest who is breaking the rules.
Why do airlines over compensate their CEOs regardless of performance? Why not give them a stock option instead? Then they can receive their fortune if their airline does well. Isn't there an airline out there applying for an ATSB loan that just paid their CEO a $3 million bonus? Better yet, didn't another airline CEO just become a multi-millionaire after his recent resignation? As far as I can gather, all he accomplished was the total destruction of morale, stock price, and the airline's foreseeable future.
Why is it that people wait until the seatbelt sign is turned on, or the meal service begins, to get up and use the toilet?
Why do all airlines always show the highest attended movies? If a hundred million people have seen Spiderman, don't you think most of the passengers would have also?
On that same note, a few airlines claim to have "free movies and headsets." Why all of a sudden are the movies not so new and the headsets absolutely ancient? Just a scary thought, what if used headsets could spread lice or SARS?
Why are 40 percent of all major airline pilots named Bob?
Why is it that you remember that you vowed never to fly a certain airline again half-way through their service?
Why are people suddenly allergic to fish when it's the only entree left?
Why is it that the same people who complained about the quality of in-flight meals are now complaining about the lack of food?
If air crews trust and advocate the checked baggage system so much, why on their off-time do they always carry their bags onboard?
Why are there so many luggage stores at airports? You would think that the passengers about to board a flight would have their luggage needs covered by then.
If we can give, or now sell, you a meal that causes indigestion, why aren't we allowed to give out the cure, like Alka-Seltzer or Rolaids? Maybe we should just give the meals away and charge a fortune for antacids.
Why would anyone eat at an airport-dining establishment called The Terminal Restaurant?
Just a few things for you to think about the next time you fly.
____________________________
James Wysong has worked as a flight attendant with two major international carriers during the past fifteen years. He is the author of the "The Plane Truth: Shift Happens at 35,000 Feet" and "The Air Traveler's Survival Guide." For more information about Frank or his books, see his Web site or e-mail him.
Why Ask Why?
A Frank Steward · May 16, 2004
After 15 years in the airline industry, I have come to the conclusion that the word "why" will always be asked, but a rational answer should never be expected.
Here are a few of my favorite examples:
Why is it that after sitting down most of the time on a 14-hour flight, the first thing you want to do after you deplane is … sit down?
Why is it that approximately 40 percent of all flight attendants have a fear of heights?
On the safety information card located in every passenger's seat pocket is the sentence, "If you can't read or don't understand the information on this card, please contact a flight attendant." If they can't read, why bother writing it?
Why does being in an airplane spark up an unusual thirst for … ginger ale?
Why do hotels print outlandish daily rates on the inside of their room doors? Do they think that everyone will consider themselves lucky compared to what they actually paid? Has anyone ever actually paid the rate posted?
Why would the flight attendant job that has so many beautiful women working in it, attract predominantly gay men? I joined to travel the world but as shallow as it sounds, I signed up to meet women as well. Call me crazy but I liked the odds.
If peanuts are proven to cause gas, then why do they serve them eight miles in the air, in a plane with hundreds of people confined to one space, sitting next to each other?
Why are there ashtrays in the airplane toilets if you're not allowed to smoke in there (or anywhere on the plane for that matter) at any time?
Why do people insist on standing on the moving walkways at airports? What is it about the name that is so unclear? I actually don't have a problem with those of you who wish to stand, but don't look at me as I pass as if I am a pest who is breaking the rules.
Why do airlines over compensate their CEOs regardless of performance? Why not give them a stock option instead? Then they can receive their fortune if their airline does well. Isn't there an airline out there applying for an ATSB loan that just paid their CEO a $3 million bonus? Better yet, didn't another airline CEO just become a multi-millionaire after his recent resignation? As far as I can gather, all he accomplished was the total destruction of morale, stock price, and the airline's foreseeable future.
Why is it that people wait until the seatbelt sign is turned on, or the meal service begins, to get up and use the toilet?
Why do all airlines always show the highest attended movies? If a hundred million people have seen Spiderman, don't you think most of the passengers would have also?
On that same note, a few airlines claim to have "free movies and headsets." Why all of a sudden are the movies not so new and the headsets absolutely ancient? Just a scary thought, what if used headsets could spread lice or SARS?
Why are 40 percent of all major airline pilots named Bob?
Why is it that you remember that you vowed never to fly a certain airline again half-way through their service?
Why are people suddenly allergic to fish when it's the only entree left?
Why is it that the same people who complained about the quality of in-flight meals are now complaining about the lack of food?
If air crews trust and advocate the checked baggage system so much, why on their off-time do they always carry their bags onboard?
Why are there so many luggage stores at airports? You would think that the passengers about to board a flight would have their luggage needs covered by then.
If we can give, or now sell, you a meal that causes indigestion, why aren't we allowed to give out the cure, like Alka-Seltzer or Rolaids? Maybe we should just give the meals away and charge a fortune for antacids.
Why would anyone eat at an airport-dining establishment called The Terminal Restaurant?
Just a few things for you to think about the next time you fly.
____________________________
James Wysong has worked as a flight attendant with two major international carriers during the past fifteen years. He is the author of the "The Plane Truth: Shift Happens at 35,000 Feet" and "The Air Traveler's Survival Guide." For more information about Frank or his books, see his Web site or e-mail him.
Thursday, May 06, 2004
GOODBYE, FRIENDS
NO SILLY, NOT YOU, THE TV SHOW...
I must say that the departure of the TV show "Friends" isn't breaking my heart. I was just never able to get into the drama of of six yuppies who were younger than me, better-looking than me, and all hung around an apartment than none of them could afford. It just didn't make for good TV in my opinion. Obviously millions of people disagree with me. It wouldn't be the first time they were wrong.
When I want good TV, I tune in to West Wing, CSI, Judging Amy, Biography, Keen Eddie or Queer Eye. If there's a baseball game on, even better.
And anytime I need an episode of Friends, I simply wrap my arms around my two Michelles, Janice, Alex and Scott, Ben and Greg, and the rest of you beloved people in my life. You're the best Friends any girl could want.
I must say that the departure of the TV show "Friends" isn't breaking my heart. I was just never able to get into the drama of of six yuppies who were younger than me, better-looking than me, and all hung around an apartment than none of them could afford. It just didn't make for good TV in my opinion. Obviously millions of people disagree with me. It wouldn't be the first time they were wrong.
When I want good TV, I tune in to West Wing, CSI, Judging Amy, Biography, Keen Eddie or Queer Eye. If there's a baseball game on, even better.
And anytime I need an episode of Friends, I simply wrap my arms around my two Michelles, Janice, Alex and Scott, Ben and Greg, and the rest of you beloved people in my life. You're the best Friends any girl could want.
Sunday, May 02, 2004
I'M BRILLIANT
At least according to Tickle.com:
The Classic IQ Test
Congratulations, Cate!
Your IQ score is 131
This number is the result of a formula based on how many questions you answered correctly on Tickle's Classic IQ test. Your IQ score is scientifically accurate; to read more about the science behind our IQ test, click here.
During the test, you answered four different types of questions — mathematical, visual-spatial, linguistic and logical. We analyzed how you did on those questions, which reveals the way your brain uniquely works.
We also compared your answers with others who have taken the test, and according to the sorts of questions you got correct, we can tell your Intellectual Type is an Insightful Linguist.
This means you are highly intelligent and have the natural fluency of a writer and the visual and spatial strengths of an artist. Those skills contribute to your creative and expressive mind. And that's just some of what we know about you from your test results.
According to Tickle's Classic IQ Test:
- A score between 70 and 84 places you below the population average
- A score between 85 and 99 puts you slightly below the population average, but is in the normal range
- A score of 100 represents the population average
- A score between 101 and 115 puts you above the population average, but is in the normal range
- A score between 116 and 130 means that your IQ might be significantly above the population average
- Scores of 130 and above puts you significantly above the population average
I expect Mensa and NASA to call me any day...
The Classic IQ Test
Congratulations, Cate!
Your IQ score is 131
This number is the result of a formula based on how many questions you answered correctly on Tickle's Classic IQ test. Your IQ score is scientifically accurate; to read more about the science behind our IQ test, click here.
During the test, you answered four different types of questions — mathematical, visual-spatial, linguistic and logical. We analyzed how you did on those questions, which reveals the way your brain uniquely works.
We also compared your answers with others who have taken the test, and according to the sorts of questions you got correct, we can tell your Intellectual Type is an Insightful Linguist.
This means you are highly intelligent and have the natural fluency of a writer and the visual and spatial strengths of an artist. Those skills contribute to your creative and expressive mind. And that's just some of what we know about you from your test results.
According to Tickle's Classic IQ Test:
- A score between 70 and 84 places you below the population average
- A score between 85 and 99 puts you slightly below the population average, but is in the normal range
- A score of 100 represents the population average
- A score between 101 and 115 puts you above the population average, but is in the normal range
- A score between 116 and 130 means that your IQ might be significantly above the population average
- Scores of 130 and above puts you significantly above the population average
I expect Mensa and NASA to call me any day...
Saturday, May 01, 2004
BEN SARGENT TELLS IT LIKE IT REALLY IS
I grew up in the Austin area and I've been a fan of Ben Sargent for years. In all my years of traveling and following politics, I still have yet to find a better political cartoonist. You can see Ben's work in the Austin American-Statesman
I'M PUBLISHED IN "DEAR ABBY..."
22nd April 2004
I'M PUBLISHED IN "DEAR ABBY..."
I couldn't keep my mouth shut, or my fingers off the keyboard for this topic. You figure out which one is mine. Hint: After you read today's Dear Abby, go visit www.TheWhiteHouseProject.org
GIRL'S PRESIDENTIAL DREAM EARNS GRASS-ROOTS SUPPORT
Wed Apr 21, 8:03 PM
By Abigail Van Buren
DEAR READERS: Last week I printed some of the letters I received in support of the 13-year-old girl, "I Have a Dream," who aspired to be president of the United States. Her teacher and classmates ridiculed her. The letters have been wonderful and deserve to be shared. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: I was deeply touched by that girl's letter. Her "teacher" needs to find another profession, and her parents need to find a lawyer to file a bullying case against the school district for doing nothing to stop the harassment.
Any court judgment that results from the suit should be used to send that forward-thinking young lady to a great prep school and to pay for her college education. If there's money left over, she should put it toward her very first political campaign -- perhaps running for a seat on the local school board. Hey, you have to start somewhere. -- SHE'S GOT MY VOTE, KAHULUI, HAWAII
DEAR S.G.M.V.: Not a bad idea. You should be her campaign manager.
DEAR ABBY: I am a state-licensed psychologist. A number of years ago, I surveyed 1,500 boys and girls attending five elementary schools in Miami. I asked them to answer "yes" or "no" to a series of 10 questions, which included if they had ever thought of becoming president of the United States when they grew up.
To my surprise, I discovered more girls than boys answered "yes." I also learned that half the students had been told that only a male could be president.
Through my nonprofit foundation, Women Are Wonderful Foundation Inc., I do all I can to promote female leadership. Young women deserve all the support we can give them to realize their ambitions. -- ANN MOLIVER RUBEN, PH.D., WESTON, FLA.
DEAR DR. RUBEN: And because of people like you, she is getting it.
DEAR ABBY: Please encourage that bright young future leader to check out The White House Project at www.thewhitehouseproject.org. It's an organization dedicated to electing a woman to the White House and other positions of political leadership. It has an area called "GirlZone," which highlights areas where girls can become politically active, and participating Girl Scouts can earn their White House leadership patch. And, Abby, please tell "I Have a Dream" that we all wish her success in her pursuits. -- POLITICAL FEMINIST IN HOUSTON
DEAR FEMINIST: Thank you for another great resource.
DEAR ABBY: Back in the '60s, during my senior year, a member of the FBI (news - web sites) came to speak to our class about recruitment. I inquired about female agents, and the agent, as well as my entire senior class, broke out in uproarious laughter. When the agent finally recovered, he told me there were secretarial positions within the agency, but nothing more.
I eventually wound up in another male-dominated field, and I have realized that gender has nothing to do with the ability to do the job. I smile today when I see female agents representing the FBI. I wonder sometimes how difficult it was for that FBI agent to adjust to women "infiltrating" his domain.
So, please tell that girl to hang onto her dream and realize that her tormentors are the ones who will be stuck in dead-end, unfulfilling positions (and wonder where they went wrong), because they never learned to dream "big." -- SUNNY WILSON, GAUTIER, MISS.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
I'M PUBLISHED IN "DEAR ABBY..."
I couldn't keep my mouth shut, or my fingers off the keyboard for this topic. You figure out which one is mine. Hint: After you read today's Dear Abby, go visit www.TheWhiteHouseProject.org
GIRL'S PRESIDENTIAL DREAM EARNS GRASS-ROOTS SUPPORT
Wed Apr 21, 8:03 PM
By Abigail Van Buren
DEAR READERS: Last week I printed some of the letters I received in support of the 13-year-old girl, "I Have a Dream," who aspired to be president of the United States. Her teacher and classmates ridiculed her. The letters have been wonderful and deserve to be shared. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: I was deeply touched by that girl's letter. Her "teacher" needs to find another profession, and her parents need to find a lawyer to file a bullying case against the school district for doing nothing to stop the harassment.
Any court judgment that results from the suit should be used to send that forward-thinking young lady to a great prep school and to pay for her college education. If there's money left over, she should put it toward her very first political campaign -- perhaps running for a seat on the local school board. Hey, you have to start somewhere. -- SHE'S GOT MY VOTE, KAHULUI, HAWAII
DEAR S.G.M.V.: Not a bad idea. You should be her campaign manager.
DEAR ABBY: I am a state-licensed psychologist. A number of years ago, I surveyed 1,500 boys and girls attending five elementary schools in Miami. I asked them to answer "yes" or "no" to a series of 10 questions, which included if they had ever thought of becoming president of the United States when they grew up.
To my surprise, I discovered more girls than boys answered "yes." I also learned that half the students had been told that only a male could be president.
Through my nonprofit foundation, Women Are Wonderful Foundation Inc., I do all I can to promote female leadership. Young women deserve all the support we can give them to realize their ambitions. -- ANN MOLIVER RUBEN, PH.D., WESTON, FLA.
DEAR DR. RUBEN: And because of people like you, she is getting it.
DEAR ABBY: Please encourage that bright young future leader to check out The White House Project at www.thewhitehouseproject.org. It's an organization dedicated to electing a woman to the White House and other positions of political leadership. It has an area called "GirlZone," which highlights areas where girls can become politically active, and participating Girl Scouts can earn their White House leadership patch. And, Abby, please tell "I Have a Dream" that we all wish her success in her pursuits. -- POLITICAL FEMINIST IN HOUSTON
DEAR FEMINIST: Thank you for another great resource.
DEAR ABBY: Back in the '60s, during my senior year, a member of the FBI (news - web sites) came to speak to our class about recruitment. I inquired about female agents, and the agent, as well as my entire senior class, broke out in uproarious laughter. When the agent finally recovered, he told me there were secretarial positions within the agency, but nothing more.
I eventually wound up in another male-dominated field, and I have realized that gender has nothing to do with the ability to do the job. I smile today when I see female agents representing the FBI. I wonder sometimes how difficult it was for that FBI agent to adjust to women "infiltrating" his domain.
So, please tell that girl to hang onto her dream and realize that her tormentors are the ones who will be stuck in dead-end, unfulfilling positions (and wonder where they went wrong), because they never learned to dream "big." -- SUNNY WILSON, GAUTIER, MISS.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
REPUBLICANISM SHOWN TO BE GENETIC IN ORIGIN
25th March 2004
The discovery that affiliation with the Republican Party is genetically determined was announced by scientists in the current issue of the journal NURTURE, causing uproar among traditionalists who believe it is a chosen lifestyle. Reports of the gene coding for political conservatism, discovered after a decades-long study of quintuplets in Orange County, CA, has sent shock waves through the medical, political, and golfing communities.
Psychologists and psychoanalysts have long believed that Republicans' unnatural disregard for the poor and frequently unconstitutional tendencies resulted from dysfunctional family dynamics -- a remarkably high percentage of Republicans do have authoritarian domineering fathers and emotionally distant mothers who didn't teach them how to be kind and gentle. Biologists have long suspected that conservatism is inherited. "After all," said one author of the NURTURE article, "It's quite common for a Republican to have a brother or sister who is a Republican." The finding has been greeted with relief by Parents and Friends of Republicans (PFREP), who sometimes blame themselves for the political views of otherwise lovable children, family, and un-indicted co-conspirators.
One mother, a longtime Democrat, wept and clapped her hands in ecstasy on hearing of the findings. "I just knew it was genetic," she said, seated with her two sons, both avowed Republicans. "My boys would never freely choose that lifestyle!" When asked what the Republican lifestyle was, she said, "You can just tell watching their conventions in Houston and San Diego on TV: the flaming xenophobia, flamboyant demagoguery, disdain for anyone not rich, you know." Both sons had suspected their Republicanism from an early age but did not confirm it until they were in college, when they became convinced it wasn't just a phase they were going through.
The NURTURE article offered no response to the suggestion that the high incidence of Republicanism among siblings could result from their sharing not only genes but also psychological and emotional attitude as products of the same parents and family dynamics.
A remaining mystery is why many Democrats admit to having voted Republican at least once -- or often dream or fantasize about doing so. Polls show that three out of five adult Democrats have had a Republican experience, although most outgrow teenage experimentation with Republicanism.
Some Republicans hail the findings as a step toward eliminating conservophobia. They argue that since Republicans didn't "choose" their lifestyle any more than someone "chooses" to have a ski-jump nose, they shouldn't be denied civil rights which other minorities enjoy.
If conservatism is not the result of stinginess or orneriness (typical stereotypes attributed to Republicans) but is something Republicans can't help, there's no reason why society shouldn't tolerate Republicans in the military or even high elected office -- provided they don't flaunt their political beliefs. For many Americans, the discovery opens a window on a different future. In a few years, gene therapy might eradicate Republicanism altogether.
But should they be allowed to marry?
The discovery that affiliation with the Republican Party is genetically determined was announced by scientists in the current issue of the journal NURTURE, causing uproar among traditionalists who believe it is a chosen lifestyle. Reports of the gene coding for political conservatism, discovered after a decades-long study of quintuplets in Orange County, CA, has sent shock waves through the medical, political, and golfing communities.
Psychologists and psychoanalysts have long believed that Republicans' unnatural disregard for the poor and frequently unconstitutional tendencies resulted from dysfunctional family dynamics -- a remarkably high percentage of Republicans do have authoritarian domineering fathers and emotionally distant mothers who didn't teach them how to be kind and gentle. Biologists have long suspected that conservatism is inherited. "After all," said one author of the NURTURE article, "It's quite common for a Republican to have a brother or sister who is a Republican." The finding has been greeted with relief by Parents and Friends of Republicans (PFREP), who sometimes blame themselves for the political views of otherwise lovable children, family, and un-indicted co-conspirators.
One mother, a longtime Democrat, wept and clapped her hands in ecstasy on hearing of the findings. "I just knew it was genetic," she said, seated with her two sons, both avowed Republicans. "My boys would never freely choose that lifestyle!" When asked what the Republican lifestyle was, she said, "You can just tell watching their conventions in Houston and San Diego on TV: the flaming xenophobia, flamboyant demagoguery, disdain for anyone not rich, you know." Both sons had suspected their Republicanism from an early age but did not confirm it until they were in college, when they became convinced it wasn't just a phase they were going through.
The NURTURE article offered no response to the suggestion that the high incidence of Republicanism among siblings could result from their sharing not only genes but also psychological and emotional attitude as products of the same parents and family dynamics.
A remaining mystery is why many Democrats admit to having voted Republican at least once -- or often dream or fantasize about doing so. Polls show that three out of five adult Democrats have had a Republican experience, although most outgrow teenage experimentation with Republicanism.
Some Republicans hail the findings as a step toward eliminating conservophobia. They argue that since Republicans didn't "choose" their lifestyle any more than someone "chooses" to have a ski-jump nose, they shouldn't be denied civil rights which other minorities enjoy.
If conservatism is not the result of stinginess or orneriness (typical stereotypes attributed to Republicans) but is something Republicans can't help, there's no reason why society shouldn't tolerate Republicans in the military or even high elected office -- provided they don't flaunt their political beliefs. For many Americans, the discovery opens a window on a different future. In a few years, gene therapy might eradicate Republicanism altogether.
But should they be allowed to marry?
A PARTY OF ONE
25th March 2004
Due to Congressional Redistricting, my former Precinct 32 in Midtown was split into two precincts. Precinct 32 got stuck with Culberson, but I got to keep Sheila as my Congresswoman.
My new precinct is all of 8 blocks long, between one and three blocks wide, and hosts 25-30 registered voters. Total. This made for an interesting Primary and Precinct Convention.
I am happy to report that 100% of the Democratic Primary Voters in my precinct attended the Precinct Convention.
I'm also pleased to report that a full delegation was elected to our Senate District 13 Convention from my precinct.
Unfortunately, no alternates could be elected as there were none eligible.
My convention minutes ran something like this:
Precinct 808 Democratic Party Convention was called to order at Houston Community College at 7:15pm by Cate Read, Temporary Chair of the Convention. Cate Read was nominated and elected Temporary Secretary. The Presidential Preference Caucus was held and John Kerry received 100% of the caucus delegation. Cate Read was nominated and elected as Chair of the Convention. Cate Read was nominated and elected Secretary of the Convention. No resolutions were passed, as the delegate was too lazy to fill out the paperwork. Precinct 808 was allowed to elect one delegate and one alternate to the Senate District 13 Convention, and Cate Read was elected Delegate, there being no eligible Alternate. Cate Read was elected Delegation Chair of the Precinct Convention. Cate Read moved that the convention adjourn sine die. Cate Read seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous. The convention was adjourned at 7:18pm.
I was the only Dem voter in 808. There were no GOP voters in the Primary, so statistically I have the most Democratic Precinct in the State of Texas. As the only Democrat in 808, I was appointed Democratic Precinct Chair for 808 on the HCDP Executive Committee and sworn in at the HCDP Executive Committee Meeting on March 18th, 2004.
Frankly, I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Cate Read
THE Democrat
Precinct 808, Harris County, TX
Due to Congressional Redistricting, my former Precinct 32 in Midtown was split into two precincts. Precinct 32 got stuck with Culberson, but I got to keep Sheila as my Congresswoman.
My new precinct is all of 8 blocks long, between one and three blocks wide, and hosts 25-30 registered voters. Total. This made for an interesting Primary and Precinct Convention.
I am happy to report that 100% of the Democratic Primary Voters in my precinct attended the Precinct Convention.
I'm also pleased to report that a full delegation was elected to our Senate District 13 Convention from my precinct.
Unfortunately, no alternates could be elected as there were none eligible.
My convention minutes ran something like this:
Precinct 808 Democratic Party Convention was called to order at Houston Community College at 7:15pm by Cate Read, Temporary Chair of the Convention. Cate Read was nominated and elected Temporary Secretary. The Presidential Preference Caucus was held and John Kerry received 100% of the caucus delegation. Cate Read was nominated and elected as Chair of the Convention. Cate Read was nominated and elected Secretary of the Convention. No resolutions were passed, as the delegate was too lazy to fill out the paperwork. Precinct 808 was allowed to elect one delegate and one alternate to the Senate District 13 Convention, and Cate Read was elected Delegate, there being no eligible Alternate. Cate Read was elected Delegation Chair of the Precinct Convention. Cate Read moved that the convention adjourn sine die. Cate Read seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous. The convention was adjourned at 7:18pm.
I was the only Dem voter in 808. There were no GOP voters in the Primary, so statistically I have the most Democratic Precinct in the State of Texas. As the only Democrat in 808, I was appointed Democratic Precinct Chair for 808 on the HCDP Executive Committee and sworn in at the HCDP Executive Committee Meeting on March 18th, 2004.
Frankly, I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Cate Read
THE Democrat
Precinct 808, Harris County, TX
GIRL SCOUTS AND PLANNED PARENTHOOD
25th March 2004
When my friend Michelle sent me this story a few weeks ago, she had no idea of the chord it struck with me. I take this battle quite seriously, based upon my own experience with Girl Scouts and Planned Parenthood.
I was a proud and active Girl Scout until I entered high school and it was no longer "cool." My younger sister reluctantly followed me into Scouting, but was never took to it like I did.
About 24 years ago, when I was about 13 and my sister 11, our Austin-area Girl Scout Council hosted a Mother-Daughter Weekend on Sex Education facilitated by Planned Parenthood. Our Mom, being the wise soul that she still is, packed us up and off we went - reluctantly, I might note. I mean, what preteen girl wants to spend an entire weekend talking about sex with her MOTHER? We had no idea what an impact that weekend would have on all of us.
The materials and the subject matter were comprehensive in scope and frank in their presentation. We learned about all aspects of sexual health and sexual activity, with a strong emphasis placed on personal responsibility and the detriments of pressure from boyfriends and peers. We learned about all methods of birth control and how they were used. We learned communication skills to use with our parents and with our friends. But the biggest emphasis was, appropriately, placed on taking personal responsibility for our sexual health and our decisions regarding sex.
As the weekend progressed, more and more of our friends were packed up and hauled home by their mothers, who were offended at the frankness of the materials and subject matter. But Mom stuck it out, and I have repeatedly thanked her for her courage and open mind. We still share a laugh about the conclusion of the weekend, when the three of us were at the table in the dining hall, and Mom put an arm around my sister and me and told us "Girls, we stuck this out because I believe it is important to know. And if you ever need any of this, I'll kill you." My sister is now married and has two daughters of her own, and as for me, well, that weekend started a lifelong commitment to Planned Parenthood and its vision.
Girl Scouting has always been, and will always be, about training young girls to be thoughtful, responsible, independent women. Planned Parenthood has always been a part of that relationship, and I fully believe they always should be. Let's not allow the fearful, knee-jerk reaction of a small group of closed-minded individuals harm that productive relationship. Stock up on Girl Scout Cookies, give them away if you can't eat them all, stock up your freezer for those late night snacks next summer and fall. It's more important now than ever to support Girl Scouts.
Thanks for reading, now let's eat those Thin Mints!
Cate
____________________________
Some Texans Boycott Girl Scout Cookies
By ANGELA K. BROWN, Associated Press Writer
CRAWFORD, Texas - Some families are boycotting Thin Mints and Do-Si-Dos and other Girl Scout cookies. Troop 7527 is down to just two members after the other girls were withdrawn by their parents. And Brownie Troop 7087 is no more.
Why are folks in this conservative Texas town where President Bush (news - web sites) has his ranch so mad at the Girl Scout organization?
Planned Parenthood (news - web sites) and sex education.
The furor was started a few weeks ago by the leader of the anti-abortion group Pro-Life Waco, who sent out e-mails and ran ads on a Christian radio station urging people to boycott Girl Scout cookies because of the "cozy relationship" between the Girl Scouts and Planned Parenthood.
Parents were upset to learn that the local Girl Scout organization had given a "woman of distinction award" last year to a Planned Parenthood executive. And they were disturbed to find out that the Girl Scout organization has been giving its endorsement for years to a Planned Parenthood sex-ed program in which girls and boys are given literature on homosexuality, masturbation and condoms.
"It's not that we're a bunch of activists. We're just a bunch of moms who care about their kids," said Lisa Aguilar, who took her 10-year-old daughter out of her eight-member Girl Scout troop. "For us, it's the morality. Where is Girl Scouts going?"
The two troops in Crawford, population 700, decided not to deliver the cookie orders that they had already taken.
But cookie sales have skyrocketed this year as many people bought cases just to show their support for the Girl Scouts, said Becky Parker, a troop leader who is the cookie distributor for Waco-area troops.
"People thought the boycott was ridiculous and was one man's extremist views," Parker said.
While the cookie boycott may have backfired, the furor prompted the parent leaders of the two Crawford troops to quit.
"You're telling these girls to raise their fingers up to pledge to honor God and country, and yet you're handing out materials saying homosexuality is OK," said Brownie leader Donna Coody, who disbanded her five-member troop.
Because of the uproar, the Bluebonnet Council of Girl Scouts, which oversees troops in the Waco area and 13 other counties, announced last week that it would not be affiliated with Planned Parenthood sex-education programs this year.
In an editorial in Friday's Waco Tribune-Herald, Pam Smallwood, the Planned Parenthood of Central Texas executive director who was honored by the Girl Scouts last year, complained that Girl Scouts had thereby demonstrated that "bullying tactics are more effective than an informed democracy."
The Waco-area Girl Scout organization has been putting its name and logo on brochures for the Planned Parenthood sex-education programs but said it does not contribute any money and does not send girls to attend.
Some 400 to 700 fifth- through ninth-graders attend the half-day Nobody's Fool conference in Waco each July. The program never mentions abortion, according to Planned Parenthood. The youngsters receive a book with chapters on homosexuality and masturbation, as well as illustrations of couples having sex, people examining their naked bodies and a boy putting on a condom.
Some Girl Scout mothers called it soft-core porn.
"It embarrassed me to look at it with my husband," said parent Shannon Donaldson.
Pro-Life Waco director John Pisciotta, an economics professor at Baylor, the world's largest Baptist university, said his call for a cookie boycott "was a way to bring attention to the issue and wasn't really about cookies."
The Girl Scouts national organization, which is based in New York and has 2.9 million girl members and 986,000 adult members, takes no position on sex education or abortion and has no national relationship with Planned Parenthood, according to the Bluebonnet Council.
The Crawford mothers are forming their own girls organization and will use a Christian-based curriculum. Beth Vivio, director of the Bluebonnett Council, declined to say if parents in any other troops had taken their daughters out.
Some parents decided to explain abortion to their girls. Others gave only a vague explanation about the uproar.
"Our girls have been through a lot these past three weeks," said Jennifer Smith, who quit as leader of Girl Scout Troop 7527 and removed her daughter. "After I told my 10-year-old daughter that they are supporting some things that are not morally right, she understood."
___
On the Net:
Girl Scouts of the USA: http://www.girlscouts.org
When my friend Michelle sent me this story a few weeks ago, she had no idea of the chord it struck with me. I take this battle quite seriously, based upon my own experience with Girl Scouts and Planned Parenthood.
I was a proud and active Girl Scout until I entered high school and it was no longer "cool." My younger sister reluctantly followed me into Scouting, but was never took to it like I did.
About 24 years ago, when I was about 13 and my sister 11, our Austin-area Girl Scout Council hosted a Mother-Daughter Weekend on Sex Education facilitated by Planned Parenthood. Our Mom, being the wise soul that she still is, packed us up and off we went - reluctantly, I might note. I mean, what preteen girl wants to spend an entire weekend talking about sex with her MOTHER? We had no idea what an impact that weekend would have on all of us.
The materials and the subject matter were comprehensive in scope and frank in their presentation. We learned about all aspects of sexual health and sexual activity, with a strong emphasis placed on personal responsibility and the detriments of pressure from boyfriends and peers. We learned about all methods of birth control and how they were used. We learned communication skills to use with our parents and with our friends. But the biggest emphasis was, appropriately, placed on taking personal responsibility for our sexual health and our decisions regarding sex.
As the weekend progressed, more and more of our friends were packed up and hauled home by their mothers, who were offended at the frankness of the materials and subject matter. But Mom stuck it out, and I have repeatedly thanked her for her courage and open mind. We still share a laugh about the conclusion of the weekend, when the three of us were at the table in the dining hall, and Mom put an arm around my sister and me and told us "Girls, we stuck this out because I believe it is important to know. And if you ever need any of this, I'll kill you." My sister is now married and has two daughters of her own, and as for me, well, that weekend started a lifelong commitment to Planned Parenthood and its vision.
Girl Scouting has always been, and will always be, about training young girls to be thoughtful, responsible, independent women. Planned Parenthood has always been a part of that relationship, and I fully believe they always should be. Let's not allow the fearful, knee-jerk reaction of a small group of closed-minded individuals harm that productive relationship. Stock up on Girl Scout Cookies, give them away if you can't eat them all, stock up your freezer for those late night snacks next summer and fall. It's more important now than ever to support Girl Scouts.
Thanks for reading, now let's eat those Thin Mints!
Cate
____________________________
Some Texans Boycott Girl Scout Cookies
By ANGELA K. BROWN, Associated Press Writer
CRAWFORD, Texas - Some families are boycotting Thin Mints and Do-Si-Dos and other Girl Scout cookies. Troop 7527 is down to just two members after the other girls were withdrawn by their parents. And Brownie Troop 7087 is no more.
Why are folks in this conservative Texas town where President Bush (news - web sites) has his ranch so mad at the Girl Scout organization?
Planned Parenthood (news - web sites) and sex education.
The furor was started a few weeks ago by the leader of the anti-abortion group Pro-Life Waco, who sent out e-mails and ran ads on a Christian radio station urging people to boycott Girl Scout cookies because of the "cozy relationship" between the Girl Scouts and Planned Parenthood.
Parents were upset to learn that the local Girl Scout organization had given a "woman of distinction award" last year to a Planned Parenthood executive. And they were disturbed to find out that the Girl Scout organization has been giving its endorsement for years to a Planned Parenthood sex-ed program in which girls and boys are given literature on homosexuality, masturbation and condoms.
"It's not that we're a bunch of activists. We're just a bunch of moms who care about their kids," said Lisa Aguilar, who took her 10-year-old daughter out of her eight-member Girl Scout troop. "For us, it's the morality. Where is Girl Scouts going?"
The two troops in Crawford, population 700, decided not to deliver the cookie orders that they had already taken.
But cookie sales have skyrocketed this year as many people bought cases just to show their support for the Girl Scouts, said Becky Parker, a troop leader who is the cookie distributor for Waco-area troops.
"People thought the boycott was ridiculous and was one man's extremist views," Parker said.
While the cookie boycott may have backfired, the furor prompted the parent leaders of the two Crawford troops to quit.
"You're telling these girls to raise their fingers up to pledge to honor God and country, and yet you're handing out materials saying homosexuality is OK," said Brownie leader Donna Coody, who disbanded her five-member troop.
Because of the uproar, the Bluebonnet Council of Girl Scouts, which oversees troops in the Waco area and 13 other counties, announced last week that it would not be affiliated with Planned Parenthood sex-education programs this year.
In an editorial in Friday's Waco Tribune-Herald, Pam Smallwood, the Planned Parenthood of Central Texas executive director who was honored by the Girl Scouts last year, complained that Girl Scouts had thereby demonstrated that "bullying tactics are more effective than an informed democracy."
The Waco-area Girl Scout organization has been putting its name and logo on brochures for the Planned Parenthood sex-education programs but said it does not contribute any money and does not send girls to attend.
Some 400 to 700 fifth- through ninth-graders attend the half-day Nobody's Fool conference in Waco each July. The program never mentions abortion, according to Planned Parenthood. The youngsters receive a book with chapters on homosexuality and masturbation, as well as illustrations of couples having sex, people examining their naked bodies and a boy putting on a condom.
Some Girl Scout mothers called it soft-core porn.
"It embarrassed me to look at it with my husband," said parent Shannon Donaldson.
Pro-Life Waco director John Pisciotta, an economics professor at Baylor, the world's largest Baptist university, said his call for a cookie boycott "was a way to bring attention to the issue and wasn't really about cookies."
The Girl Scouts national organization, which is based in New York and has 2.9 million girl members and 986,000 adult members, takes no position on sex education or abortion and has no national relationship with Planned Parenthood, according to the Bluebonnet Council.
The Crawford mothers are forming their own girls organization and will use a Christian-based curriculum. Beth Vivio, director of the Bluebonnett Council, declined to say if parents in any other troops had taken their daughters out.
Some parents decided to explain abortion to their girls. Others gave only a vague explanation about the uproar.
"Our girls have been through a lot these past three weeks," said Jennifer Smith, who quit as leader of Girl Scout Troop 7527 and removed her daughter. "After I told my 10-year-old daughter that they are supporting some things that are not morally right, she understood."
___
On the Net:
Girl Scouts of the USA: http://www.girlscouts.org
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