Birthday Goal #70

 

Birthday Goal #70

July 9, 2025 to July 8, 2026

In 1970, I went to my first political event.  It was Earth Day. I was in 9th grade and the power of the crowd overwhelmed me.  I had never been in an environment of change.  I have been to many events that address social issues. But today, my world seems to be in crisis so I am on-going to step up my game.

So now, to mark my 70th birthday, I’m committing to 70 powerful actions, each one focused on confronting and understanding the struggles tied to civil rights, from the legacies of slavery and systemic racism to the ongoing fight for justice for women, people of color, and all who have faced oppression.

1 - Book reading : The Women by Kristina Hannah 

2- Tweeting as much as possible: July   August   September October  November December January February  March April May June

total for the year

3 - Stacey Abramh's discussion at Wilmington Library

4 - John Lewis Memorial Rally at Rodney Square in Wilmington, DE

5- Restorative Justice Presentation at Uptown- July 24

6- movie; Re

7- movie- The History of Sound- two men who could not maintain a relationship because of the dangers of being gay in the 1900's.

8 - Discussion about women’s rights in Tunisia - October 13, 2025

9- No Kings rally in WC; it was the largest crowd every for a rally in our town.- Oct 18, 2025

10- Immigration Protest in front of the Philadelphia ICE Office- Oct 21, 2025

11- Presentation- Cracking the Cases of Art Crimes- October 28- Penn State Great Valley Campus

12- I wrote to Senator Fetterman today to express my feeling of betrayal for his vote to reopen the government without any consideration to the cost of health insurance fro his constituents. He needs to go. Nov 10

13- I visited my state senator for the purpose of introduction legislation to protect renters. Specifically, I would like her to make it a law that landlords have to disclose to tenants that the building has black mold and other particulars that could be dangerous to our health. Nov 10

14- book: James

15- Started a petition on Change.org, asking older legislators to resign.

16- I signed up to follow Back PA, a site that addresses the racism in PA. 

17   Podcast: House full of black women- the Kitchen Sisters 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kitchen-sisters-present/id814067846?i=1000693530963

18- Podcast: The Honesty Box- Kitchen Sisters

19- Change.org- Stop Plea Deals for Child Predators

20- Change.org- Demand Justice for Dakota- Dakota Sebring’s story exposes the failures of our system to protect survivors of domestic violence. Despite overwhelming evidence of abuse, her abuser has been repeatedly released, leaving Dakota vulnerable and unsafe. This is not just Dakota’s story, it is the story of countless women whose safety is ignored while abusers are shielded.

21  Change.org- Stop Non-Consensual Human Testing—Repeal Section 3024 of the Cures Act

22- Change.org- Demand Google Show the Truth: Update Gaza Imagery on Google Earth and Maps

23- Numenberg- a movie about the war crimes of the Nazis during WWII.

24- Change.org- Demand the release of Narges Mohammai, a renowned human rights and democracy activist and 2023 Nobel laureate, has been brutally 

beaten and arrested by Iranian authorities. She was arrested while out of prison on a temporary medical 

reprieve and as she was attending a memorial ceremony in Mashhad in northeast Iran for a lawyer who 

died under suspicious circumstances.

25- Change.org- Drop Charges Against Veterans Arrested at the ICE Protests  

26- Change.org- Urge Senator Murkowski to champion the ERA

27- Movie- The Stringer- a documentary about the true photographer of the infamous photo Napalm Girl, the 9 year old who was burned by a napalm bomb we dropped in Viet Nam in 1967. The wrong photographer was accredited for the photo and after 50 years, justice was pursued to bring honor and credit to the true photographer.

28- Wrote to Senator McCormick- "We should not be invading Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba or Greenland. Trump is out of control, We should not be invading other countries and it is your job to serve as a check and balance on his decisions. Step up and hold him accountable". (1/4/2025)

29- Joined ACLU.

30- Following the Peace Walk by monks who walked 2300 miles across the US to promote peace. It is my hope to catch up with them as they approach Washington DC on Feb 21.

31- Multiple donations to candidates running for office.

32- Instragam posting: @explainingwars- An American soldier describes personal experiences and killings and how they met their mandated body accounts which sometimes had to include unarmed women, children and the elderly. He talked about the number of times he multilated bodies. His story was gruesome and horrific.

33- Article: On Decoration Day in 1905, Port Carbon’s Civil War veterans had had enough.

As the Pennsylvania town prepared to honor its war dead, a Confederate battle flag was raised above an American flag from a third-story window on Pike Street. For US veterans of the Civil War - many of them still carrying the physical and emotional weight of the war - this wasn’t a joke. It was a vulgar insult.When the flag wasn’t taken down, members of the local Grand Army of the Republic post marched to the house as a group. They demanded its removal. The newspaper reported their faces flushed, their steps quickened, the “spirit of the ’60s” stirred again. The flag came down.

Read the full story: https://wynninghistory.com/.../confederate-flag-torn-down

34: wrote to my two senators and congresswoman about homeland security abuses:

"You must step up and rein in our homeland security personnel. They are kidnapping thousands of people right off the streets. They are denying due process to most, if not all, of these detainees. They are traumatizing families as they separate children from their parents. Yesterday, a young woman was arrested right off the streets as she was exercising her right to peaceful protest. She was live on TV as we watched her being handcuffed for no reason. And today, they aggravated a situation and then murdered a USA citizen. This is the United State of America. We are the land of the free. Our government is turning on us and congress sits idle in the middle of this crisis. It is up to you to hold Trump and Noem accountable for turning our country in to a police state where people are avoiding schools, work, hospitals and other safe havens. The consequences of these unlawful actions have long-term damage to our democratic norms and precisely why immigration enforcement must remain civl, limited and accountable rather than militarized and discretionary. The time is now for you to act." (1/7/2026)

35- Signed ACLU to dismantle ICE.- 1/12/2026

36- signed Hunan Rights petition to fire Kristy Noem- 1-14-20

37- signed a Human Rights petition to stop trump from controlling what schools teach and limiting students' free speech. 1-16-26

38- ordered a bull horn from Amazon so I can stand on the corner and demonstrate by myself if I have to do so. 1-16-2026

39- book: Between the World and Me- a man wrote a letter to his son about the injustices of being black in america.

40- Petition signed on the issue of ICE and immigration.

41- Petition signed: the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to children born in the United States regardless of where their parents were born. The Constitution, not the president, decides who is a citizen. I am adding my name in support of the ACLU as they go to the Supreme Court to defend this fundamental right.

42- Movie: Sinners- the horrors of colonization in America.

43- Movie: the Testament of Ann Lee- the story and focus of freedom of religion in our country.

44- No Kings rally, WC, March 28

45- Movie: An Ordinary Guy Against Putin

46- Netflix Series: Trust Me- documentary about the Latter Day Saints cult and it's abuse towards women and children.

47- Play: the women question

48- Play- Kinky Boots 

49- Contact Senator McCormick- U.S. International Aid CARE urges Congress to pass an FY27 appropriations bill with at least $52.5 billion for U.S. international assistance, emphasizing the importance of supporting women, girls, and communities globally.

50- Contact Senator Fetterman

51- Movie: Steal My Story, Please- the documentary about Amy Goodwin, founder of Democracy Now

52- Podcast- The Kitchen Sisiters- Willie McGee and the traveling electric chair

53- Podcast- ties through time- 

54- Petition- We call on the U.S. Senate and House Judiciary Committees to compel Stephen Miller to publicly testify under oath regarding his role in developing and advancing some of the most controversial immigration policies in modern U.S. history.

55- Bruce Springsteen Concert- Philly

56- CARE Webinar- Women Respond - Listening to women facing crises

57- Play : Same Team

58- book: the Serviceberry- Robin Wall Kimmerer- Abundance and reciprocity in the natural world.

59- Podcast- Kitchen Sisters- Quits as Monuments- Sew Their Names

60- documentary- How To Become A Cult Leader

The Issue

It's become increasingly challenging for our legislative leaders to truly grasp the core challenges faced by everyday Americans. Many of our most seasoned U.S. legislators, despite serving commendably, are far removed from the immediate struggles that average citizens face like earning a salary, securing a pension, dealing with health insurance issues, and other perks directly connected to their jobs. It's crucial that our lawmakers are in the trenches of everyday life, understanding firsthand the struggles and concerns that most working families face daily. To continue to legislate effectively, they must have a personal connection to these everyday struggles.

I am respectfully asking our U.S. legislators who are over the age of 70 to consider stepping down from their positions. This is not about ageism; it's about aligning our government with representatives who can passionately and accurately reflect the needs of the modern American landscape. Legislators like Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD),  Jim Risch (R-ID), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) D.C.,Hal Rogers (R) KY, Bill Pascrell Jr. (D) NJ,Maxine Waters (D) CA, Steny Hoyer (D) MD,Nancy Pelosi (D) CA ,James E. Clyburn (D) SC, Danny K. Davis (D) IL, John Carter (R) TX AND Frederica Wilson (D) FL

However, it's time to bring fresh life and perspectives into these critical roles. Our politics should evolve, reflecting the aspirations and struggles of our time. Younger representatives, closer in experience to the majority of voters, can bring much-needed enthusiasm and innovation to the table. They can better understand and navigate contemporary issues, ensuring that legislation is relevant and forward-thinking.

Legislators, your wealth of experience and historical understanding is invaluable. Yet, stepping aside can provide the opportunity for you to mentor the next generation of leaders, passing knowledge and insights that will continue to benefit our nation profoundly.

It's time for a new wave of leaders who resonate with the concerns of today's America. For continued progress and to honor your legacy of service, we ask for a transition that allows newer voices to be heard. Please consider stepping down and allowing new energy to move us forward.

Make your voice heard and sign this petition if you believe in a government that truly represents and understands the everyday challenges of its people. It's time for a change, and your signature can be a powerful catalyst.

Haiku #7

 haiku topic:  insider trader opportunities with trumps crazy stock market

Whispers on the Hill,

Trump tweets, markets rise and fall,

Gold from silent deals.

Congressman John Lewis

Congressman John Lewis

CARE Conference

Washington, DC

May 2015

I was just a little too young to understand the complexities of the early 1960's Civil Rights Movement.  I am also white so there really wasn't an urgency in my community to understand, accept, agree and stand up.  It's taken my entire adult life to learn about the hardships and challenges of those who did stand up for justice.  John Lewis was one of these courageous people.  He got hit in the head with a baseball bat and came back again  the next day to stand up to the injustices of our country. I don't have that much courage.  I can run on the mouth about injustice but I don't have the courage to stand up and risk being physically abused in the process.  I hold Congressman Lewis in high esteem.

To read more stories, check out:   bkmemoirs.blogspot.com

 or  bkmemoirs.wordpress.com

Crossing The Border to Cambodia

Crossing The Border into Cambodia

July 2005

I am traveling for three weeks through Viet Nam and Cambodia with two sisters from England, a woman from New Zealand newly married couple from Australia. As has become so prevalent when I travel now, foreigners are openly critical of President Bush, the United States and our foreign policy. During his first term in office, people are polite, “it’s not Americans we don’t like. We just don’t like your government.” I heard this statement too to many times to remember.

But this second term of his is different. Unabashed these people tell me that now they no longer like Americans as well. “We gave you the benefit of the doubt before. But when you reelected Bush, you sent a real message to the rest of the world. You Americans only care about yourself”. Harriet delivered her position with as much restraint as she could muster. She tries to hold back for the sake of preserving civility amongst the group. But she is still visibly angry.

“Hey,” I respond offensively. “What about you guys. You re-elected Tony Blair and he sits right there in Bush’s pocket. You’re just as bad”, I say lightheartedly in hopes of dissipating some of the tension in the air. It’s obvious the others agree with Harriet. But they aren’t going to add any more unpleasantries to our tense discussion.

Meredith chimes in. “That’s different. We didn’t have any good choices. You have choices. There were plenty of competent Americans to run your country and you picked Bush twice”.

“If it’s any consolation, I didn’t vote for him,” I say with hopes that this’ll redeem me with them. It does for the moment.

“Well, how unusual, an American with a conscience. You don’t see that too often,”

 Harriett retorts. With that we end our discussion and move on to more pleasant topics.

That afternoon, we go to the American War Museum. And the displays of atrocities on our part are awful and shameful and hard to defend. Meredith and Harriet can’t get past the front room of exhibit. So they wait outside in the heat, their bodies baking from the sun and their angers boiling over from the consequences of our foreign policy. None of us speak on our way back to the hotel. Each of us are deep in thought and sorrow. It’s an ugly day.

Several days later we are going to cross the Vietnamese- Cambodian border by riverboat. We are on the Mekong River. Our guide assurances us that there will be no problem. “It will be smooth sailing. You’re just show them the passport and you finished. It’s okay. I’ll be with you whole time. No problems. Guaranteed,” he says lightheartedly.

So we board our boat and we float down this river which is one photo op after another. I am clicking away on my camera and enjoying every moment of this voyage.

 We come to the border and we dock. We are instructed to get out of the boat and line up. For some reason my guide suggest that I stepped to the back of the line which I do without question. The five in front of me get through without a problem, just is our guided promised. They move on to the local shops and restroom.

But my passport seems to cause the official some concerns. It’s hard for me to understand what the issue is because their English is limited. I have no Cambodian language skills. I looked at my guide to intervene. He is off in the distance and not accessible.

I am now alone with these officials. It is just ten soldiers with their machine guns and me with my passport that seems unacceptable to them. The man in charge holds my passport with his left hand and points to it with his right index finger. He seems annoyed. He speaks in broken English using only a few keywords, “no”, “American”, “no good”. I am worried and I see my guide off in the distance. He gets in a waiting boat and takes off.  He abandons me and now I suspect that all of this is planned.   I’ve gotten used to the universal assumption that all Americans are rich. We have money to burn. I can see now that this is nothing personal. I am just the opportunity of the day.

The official indicates that there are not enough pages left in my passport.  I examine it and I find five empty pages. I show him but that doesn’t appease him.  Apparently he wants to put my entry sticker only on a right-sided page and I only have left-sided pages available. I do have ½ of a right side available that would have accommodated this sticker. But he wanted a full page. He huffed and sighed and jester that he was at a complete loss as to what to do.

How were we going to resolve this monumental problem of not having the absolutely perfect spot for this damn sticker; the sticker that will never be looked at again.  I was becoming angry but realize that I have to contain my emotions. Shit happens.  I am going to have to pay something to him. And if I’m not careful, my attitude could contribute to the final cost.

So I watch my tone and ask to summon the US ambassador. My request is understood but ignored.  So I ask again.

Harriet finally notices that I am being detained so she comes over and checks in on me.

“What’s the matter?” she wants to know.

“Apparently, there aren’t enough pages left in my passport to accommodate the entry sticker so I can’t come in.”  I roll my eyes.

“What?”  She can’t believe it. “Where’s our guide?” She looks around for him.

“Gone. He took the first boat out of here.”

“Gone?? Where did he go?”

“He must be in on it because he got the hell out of here.  He’s already on his way back to Viet Nam.  Have you seen our new guide?” I ask.

“No, not yet,” she tells me.  There is a little panic in her voice. “What should we do?” She stands beside me and scans the area in search of anyone who looks as if he could be our guide.  She whispers to me, “Do you think they are doing this to you because you are the only American?”

“What do you think?” I ask with a tone of annoyance.

“This is unbelievable,” she says almost apologetically.  I could see thoughts racing through her head.  This is the flip side of all of her views of our arrogance.  It never occurred to her that I could be abused because I am an American.

Again I ask to speak to my US ambassador. And again my request is ignored. But now the official seems to have improved dramatically in his English skills. He tells me in very broken English that there are not enough pages on my passport. And if I sign a statement (written in Cambodian) to that effect and pay a $10 US fee, they will put a sticker over a page that has already been used.  And then I could be on my way.

The statement handed to me is two pages long and all in the Cambodian language.  I sign the document and added at the bottom, “I have signed this document in direst.’ I ask for a copy of the document but my request is denied.  I hand over a crisp $10 bill which the official takes quickly. He palms it in his hand.  He puts the sticker squarely in the middle of a used page and then with a facial gesture, ushers me off the dock. I am free to go.  We move quickly.

Harriet is livid and I suggest she hold her comments until we are clearly out of their view.  I can hear a transformation in her thinking. Her views on Americans will never be so black and white again.  This gray matter would permeate her thinking now.

 “I can’t believe them,” she says, shaking her head. “That was unbelievable.  They just stopped you because you are an American.  Who do they think they are?” Her tone could be empathy or shame or both.  But she is shaken by her own naiveté.

We join the others who had wandered off to so some shopping with the local merchants. I’m not sure they knew we were missing.

“Where have you two been?” Meredith wants to know. Our new guide is with them and he introduces himself, oblivious to what just transpired.

Harriet tells the story but I don’t pay any attention. A part of me is angry. A part of me understands the unpleasant reality of corruption. And I recognize that I am living on the plus side of life and the border official is living on the minus side, and I realize I got off relatively easy today.  He could have charged me more.  But maybe, just maybe, my repeated insistence that we call the US ambassador worried him. Maybe he realized that it was not worth it to me to make a big stink just for $10.  And he was right, I was already putting the incident behind me. It is just the price I have to pay to visit this developing country.

Two days later, I am in my hotel room, getting ready for the day’s events.  I turn on the TV and it is another day of horror for the world.  I immediately call to Meredith and Harriet’s room.

“Do you gave the news on right now?” I ask quickly.

“No”, Harriet tells me, “why?”

“London’s been bombed.  The tube system was just bombed.”

Cape Town, South Africa

March 1994

I was in Cape Town, South Africa in the early spring of 1994, just a few weeks before the election to end apartheid. There was lots of optimisms and tension in the air. We went to one of the township housing settlements for the blacks. Hundreds of people lived together in very confined areas. Living conditions were deplorable. here is hope that the election of Mandela will bring an end to these deplorable conditions.

As I was standing on the dirt road, a group of kids were playing around me. They were having fun and kicking up dirt. An old man came up to them and yelled at them. He waved his cane at them. They immediately stopped and ran away. 

My guide, a young black woman, asks me, “Do you know what he said to them?” I had no idea. I shook my head no. “He told them to stop kicking up all this dust around you. He said they should be more respectful towards you because you are a white person.”

To read more stories, check out:   bkmemoirs.blogspot.com

 or  bkmemoirs.wordpress.com