REVOLTING!

45's pardoning of Arpaio completely turns my stomach.  This man is a convicted criminal and belongs behind bars in one of the striped prisoner suits that he forced his illegally detained, racially profiled captives to wear!  I'm sure el pato Donald feels very pleased with himself for this latest humanitarian accomplishment. His use of the affectionate nickname, "Sheriff Joe," is very offensive to me, as if this guy is some loveable character from an old TV Western or something. Let's observe carefully how much compassion Fearless Leader shows Tejanos when he goes to visit the Harvey disaster and tries to play the magnanimous heroic statesman!

                                         Some Good News and a Little Ansiedad

As most of you have probably already figured out, I read the evil, failing, fake, etc. New York Times and Washington Post on an almost daily basis, and in the past day or so there has been some good news for the Latino community and everyone else who cares about social justice.  For one thing, the pardoning of Arpaio DIDN'T happen when 45 visited Phoenix the other night!  Also, a Texas judge has ruled against voter suppression legislation in that state and ruled that a comprehensive and fair measure be passed to completely replace what's currently on the books.  There is also a heartening article in the NYT today (8/25) about the resilience of the Spanish language and Spanglish in Latino communities despite the fact that few members of the younger generation are fully fluent.

 However, in spite of these good developments or perhaps because of them, I have a sneaking feeling that 45 is about to stir the "identity politics" pot again by doing something hateful to our people--probably eliminating the DACA program or perhaps...pardoning Arpaio!    Keep strong and

                          safe in the coming storms--both political and meteorological--everyone!

       A Peaceful Interlude Before.....

It's obvious now: the shift in the garden from pollination to setting and ripening of fruit. First the bumblebees came and went, then the goldfinches. (Bee balm is a big draw!) 


Now my butternut squash vines that seem to want to take over the world have produced some squashes
that just a few days ago were striped and pale green but are now turning a nice golden color!  Tomatoes were not eclipsed by yesterday's celestial display!

SOME BETTER NEWS!!!

Hello, readers! I am pleased to let you all know that I've just learned that my short story "The Painted Box" has been accepted for publication in Adelaide Literary Magazine for their September Issue.  I will post a link here on or soon after the publication date for anyone who may be interested in reading this 5-page piece of short fiction.  Below is a photo of the box I bought in Mexico that was the starting point of the story.

                                                     Thoughts on a Tragic Weekend

     Like many folks, I am very disturbed by the violent and tragic events that took place in Charlottesville over the weekend, and in 45's totally inadequate response to them. His rhetoric has clearly emboldened the white supremacist domestic terrorists, and it may be too late now to "put the genie back in the bottle," However, basic humanity nonetheless calls for the president to issue a strong denouncement of what has occurred. Sadly, some of those on the left who oppose the terrorists are now engaging in their own acts of violence as a means of resistance. This calls for strong corrective leadership from clergy and other respected public figures. Lastly, though I am generally against the militarization of law enforcement, I think that only an overwhelming show of force--such as the presence of armed National Guard at any planned "alt-right", KKK, or neo-Nazi demonstrations--will be necessary to prevent this situation from escalating.

                                Below: Feeling optimistic at an earlier time!  Yours,  Emily

Outrage/La Rabia!

It outrages me when our so-called "President" talks this way about Mexico or to its leaders!  Every time he opens his mouth on border issues, it just reveals his insensitivity to the sentiments of an important partner and his ignorance about our mutual history!

Trump talked about sending troops to battle ‘tough hombres’ in Mexico. Can he do that?



Check linked article out, everybody--it kind of says it all!

What else can we do at times but retreat to the garden and enjoy the fruits of summer?

Recuerdos,

Emily