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Sunday, April 15, 2012

I wake with swollen hands and sore shoulders.  The compost pile, full of weeds and overgrowth, sits like a bloated Buddha laughing at my unfit frame.  Last night the clouds cried at the loss of life but the Earth released a fragrance of gratitude and waits, prepared for another season of abundance. 

Saturday, April 14, 2012

"He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation... For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent.... We, therefore... solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States..." ~In Congress, July 4, 1776 - The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America (The Declaration of Independence)

Having finally finished filing my 2011 income taxes with more than a little frustration toward my employer's payroll department and my local city government, I am both relieved and repulsed by that relief... I would much rather contribute out of love for my society and a duty to offer my fair share so that we all may benefit and yet, in truth, I pay from a place of fear of persecution and penalty.  Almost 236 years ago, my nation declared independence from a government that was seen by many as overbearing and unfair.  As I look to my friends and neighbors continuing to lose their homes, still struggling to find work, I wonder when our current Congress last read our own declaration.  Our founding fathers felt the Crown was "out of touch" with the needs of our people.  I wonder what they would be thinking now...

And now... The patriot will get off her soapbox, enjoy the beautiful morning and be thankful for all that she has.