Il Giorno dei Morti — All Souls’ Day in Italy 2026

On November 2, Italians observe Il Giorno dei Morti, also known as La Commemorazione dei Defunti, or All Souls’ Day. Much like Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, it is a day devoted to remembering and honoring loved ones who have passed away. Following Ognissanti (All Saints’ Day) on November 1, families throughout Italy visit cemeteries, clean and decorate graves with flowers—particularly chrysanthemums—and light candles in remembrance. Churches hold special Masses and prayers for the departed.

The day also has a particularly charming place in the traditions of Italian children. In Sicily, an old custom holds that departed relatives return during the night, leaving sweets, toys, and small gifts for children. In parts of southern Italy, families prepare special treats associated with the occasion, while elsewhere regional pastries and biscuits known as ossa dei morti, or “bones of the dead,” appear in bakeries. In parts of Sardinia, children go door to door receiving treats in memory of the souls of the departed. These traditions offer children a gentle introduction to the idea that those who have died remain part of the family's story.

Although customs vary from region to region, Il Giorno dei Morti remains an occasion for families to gather, share memories, and honor the generations that came before them. Like Día de los Muertos, it reminds us that remembrance need not be solely an expression of sorrow, but can also be a celebration of love, family, and the enduring presence of those we have lost.

Feliz Día de los Muertos 2026!

Today is Día de los Muertos, a joyous, upbeat holiday originating in Mexico but now widely celebrated here in the United States. It is a day to celebrate and remember ancestors and departed loved ones. Altars are created in homes that feature pictures of dead loved ones along with favorite objects and food they liked when they were alive (called ofrenda or offerings), decorated sugar skulls, imagery of skeletons and calacas (a figure of a skull or a skeleton), colorful paper cut-outs, candles, and copious amounts of marigolds.

Families go to cemeteries to tend to family plots, gravesides and tombs. There is a carnival-like atmosphere in Mexico as huge crowds descend upon cemeteries to hold all night vigils and cook food not only for themselves but also for the spirits of the departed who can visit this earthly realm one night a year. Old women sit in chairs by the graves while children run and play tag, musicians play and sing, and people sit and talk with family members.

In the United States, the largest Día de los Muertos celebration is held in San Francisco. A street parade with drumming and dancing attracts thousands of people who dress up in traditional skull face paint and costumes. Nearby Garfield Park is home to many altars honoring the lives of friends and family members. Some altars invite people to participate by adding photos of lost loved ones. The video below, by KQED Arts is a wonderful introduction to the festival and its deeper meaning.

For more information or if you would like to attend the festival, visit:
https://dayofthedeadsf.org

Bonne Fête de La Toussaint 2026!

Aujourd'hui est le jour de La Toussaint en France.

La Toussaint by Emile Friant (1863-1932)

Today is La Toussaint in France, a national holiday. Toussaint (pronounced "TOO-sawnt") is a combination of the word tous ("all" in French) and saint, meaning "All Saint's Day." The festival is closely related, in intent and spirit, to the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in Latin cultures (previously here). It is a day to remember, celebrate, and honor departed loved ones and ancestors.

In France, the general population are not very religious, so this once-Catholic celebration has become a secular national holiday. People visit cemeteries to have picnics and to tend to the graves of family members and decorate them with chrysanthemums, a flower symbolizing death (a symbol shared with Day of the Dead); generally, the French do not use this flower for any other purpose.

Happy Halloween 2026!

Happy Halloween!

The night is still
And the frost, it bites my face
I wear my silence like a mask
And murmur like a ghost

"Trick or treat"
"Trick or treat"
The bitter and the sweet

The carefree days are distant now
I wear my memories like a shroud
I try to speak, but words collapse
Echoing, echoing

"Trick or treat"
"Trick or treat"
The bitter and the sweet

I wander through your sadness
Gazing at you with scorpion eyes
Halloween... Halloween

A sweet reminder in the ice-blue nursery
Of a childish murder, of hidden lustre
And she cries

"Trick or treat"
"Trick or treat"
The bitter and the sweet

I wander through your sadness
Gazing at you with scorpion eyes
Halloween... Halloween

http://siouxsieandthebanshees.co.uk/

BEAUTY: Art--Skeletons and Skulls For Halloween 2026

Image sourced from the Public Domain Image Archive / The Metropolitan Museum

Top to bottom: Vanitas by Kim Cogan; Pleasure by Stephen Mackey; Prosthetic by Miles Cleveland Goodwin; untitled man and skeleton by Xavier Escala; Vanitas Still Life by Jacques de Gheyn II, 1603; Skeleton With Yellow Rose by Katie Gamb; imagine me and you by Spike Milliken

Spirit Day 2026!

Today is the sixteenth annual Spirit Day and I'm wearing purple to participate...and I hope you will too. The movement was launched in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan in conjunction with GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) as a day to remember the young people who have taken their lives due to homophobic bullying and soul-destroying lies perpetuated by homophobic groups, both political and religious in nature (and some who think they are above the law and combine both without paying any taxes!). To show support to the LGBTQ+ youth still with us and to combat the rampant bullying and frantic hatred that still infects our country at cultural and political levels, today is a day to wear purple and demonstrate to anyone who might be feeling alone and worthless that there are many people in the world who believe in the value of their lives and souls. As a past victim of homophobic violence, physical attacks, and bullying, this observance is very close to me.

GLAAD's website says:

#SpiritDay is the world’s most visible anti-bullying movement inspiring LGBTQ youth, especially transgender and nonbinary youth to live their lives in their truth and authenticity.

This year, on Thursday, October 15th, GLAAD will organize thousands of celebrities, influential voices, news & media outlets, tv & film studios, brands & corporations, landmarks, sports leagues, tech leaders, influencers, faith groups and so many more to go purple and support LGBTQ youth by creating clear possibility models for them to thrive and be represented in the world.

While GLAAD research shows that LGBTQ acceptance is at an all-time high, so too is anti-LGBTQ discrimination and bullying. As online hate continues to foment real-world harm, coupled with the anti-LGBTQ climate of our day — from book bans to bans on drag, bans on LGBTQ history and bans on healthcare — America’s youth is particularly at-risk and has never needed our support more than right now. #SpiritDay gives LGBTQ youth, their parents and allies an opportunity to see what’s possible when we lead with acceptance.

Take the #SpiritDay pledge now to commit to going purple on Thursday, October 15th and showing LGBTQ youth you’ve got their backs!

These are frightening, disappointing statistics outlined above. No wonder gay teens take their lives at much higher rates than the national average.

Anti-LGBTQ groups are using this deliberately misleading and harmful message to spread hate: "Protect our children." But of course they don't mean protect all children from harassment, bullying, and discrimination...their form of "protection" just increases the damage done to children as evidenced by the statistics above.

For more information, to take the anti-bullying pledge, or to donate to GLAAD, please visit their website.
https://glaad.org/spiritday/


Here is a letter I wrote to anyone who needs to hear it:

Dear gay teen contemplating suicide:

You are not wrong. You are not "bad.” You are not sick, defective, or evil.
You are perfect and beautiful just the way you are.
You have done nothing wrong and you have done nothing to deserve being humiliated, punished, or hurt, either physically or emotionally.
Bullying and discrimination are never, ever innocent: the bullies are the ones who are wrong, bad, and sick for hurting you.

Don’t believe anyone who tells you that you are any less of a human being than they are. Don’t believe anyone who tells you being gay is a choice or that being gay is about behavior; you are who you are. Embrace yourself and be proud of being alive.

You have value. You have as much right to be here on this planet as anyone else.
It may seem like the world is against you now, but know there are people for you out there, there are places for you out there. You will be happy, you will get to live YOUR life the way YOU want to, without having to pay any attention to the bullies or whatever “bible” nonsense some people might throw at you… you are not "impure," "immoral," "unnatural," or "against nature." Those are just ridiculous, ugly lies they tell to mask their hatred, fear, and prejudice.

You will survive and thrive! You get to live here. This is your RIGHT.
You might turn out to be an important author, a doctor who cures a disease, a famous designer, someone who invents a new type of metal alloy, an inspiring performer… or you might end up working with kids who need to hear that they have value and are perfect the way they are.
Please stick around.
Please.
We need you.

Keep yourself safe.

Love,
JEF

To help, please visit:
The Trevor Project
And please spread the word about this issue and these sites--you never know who might need to hear about them.

Happy 40th Anniversary "The Queen Is Dead" and "The Colour of Spring"!

Before we slide into the end of 2026, I want to take a moment to observe the 40th anniversary (yes, FORTY years ago!) of two albums that had a great influence on me at the time. And even now, they hold tremendous sentiment and interest for me, occupying a very special place in my heart and memory.

"The Queen Is Dead" was The Smiths' third studio album and came storming into my life just like their previous two. Widely regarded as their masterpiece and recorded primarily in 1985 at studios in England, the album was produced by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, with engineering assistance from Stephen Street. Marr's richly layered, inventive guitar arrangements provided the perfect counterpoint to Morrissey's sly wit, literary references, and often deeply personal lyrics, which explored alienation, romantic longing, class divisions, and the absurdities of British society. The album's provocative title, borrowed from a chapter of Hubert Selby Jr.'s novel Last Exit to Brooklyn, reflected Morrissey's disdain for the British establishment, while songs such as "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," the buzzing "Bigmouth Strikes Again," and "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" demonstrated the band's extraordinary ability to combine melancholy with irresistible melodies. Upon its release, "The Queen Is Dead" received widespread critical acclaim and reached No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart, although its commercial success was more modest in the United States. Over the ensuing decades, its reputation only grew, and it is now routinely ranked among the greatest albums ever recorded, celebrated for its enduring influence on alternative and indie rock and for capturing the distinctive brilliance of The Smiths at the height of their creative powers.

Here is the savage title track with its blunt hostility toward the British monarchy, irreverent tone toward national traditions and irritation with England ("through this land's cheerless marshes"), and Morrissey's double-edged use of the word "queen" to explore both royal authority and gay identity.

Equally as savage is "Bigmouth Strikes Again" in which the savagery gets turned inward at the narrator.

And here is "The Boy With The Thorn In His Side" which deftly combines a sweetly upbeat sound with an ache in the soul.

https://www.officialsmiths.co.uk/

And a hearty Happy 40th Anniversary to Talk Talk's gorgeous "The Colour of Spring," a truly remarkable and ageless record. This album marked a turning point for the British band, as they moved beyond the synthesizer-New-Wave-y sound of their first two albums (which, lest you think otherwise, still contained some superb material) toward a richer, more experimental sound. Produced by Tim Friese-Greene, the album incorporated acoustic instruments, jazz influences, and sophisticated arrangements that reflected singer-songwriter Mark Hollis's growing artistic ambitions. Songs such as "Life's What You Make It" and "Living in Another World" balanced commercial appeal with musical innovation, helping the album reach No. 8 on the UK charts and earn critical acclaim. Its adventurous production and emotional depth laid the foundation for the band's startlingly groundbreaking later albums, "Spirit of Eden" and "Laughing Stock," both influential in the development of post-rock. Four decades later, "The Colour of Spring" remains a timeless achievement, capturing a band in the midst of a remarkable creative transformation. (And after you've celebrated here, do yourself a favor and go listen to their final two albums, "Spirit of Eden" and "Laughing Stock" to either revisit or discover some jaw-dropping musicianship.)

The first three tracks act as a sort of hypnotic suite for me, conjuring a specific mood, deep layers of feeling, even a certain perspective on life. Take a listen to the delicate "Happiness Is Easy," the bittersweet "I Don't Believe In You," and of course the soaring classic "Life's What You Make It" with its tumbling, abrupt drums, the otherworldly organ, the blisteringly grave guitar, and Hollis' unchained earnest vocals singing such unadorned yet crucial lyrics.

Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day 2026!

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, is a celebration of the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans and Indigenous peoples throughout the United States.

Observed on the second Monday in October, the day also invites reflection on the lasting impacts of colonisation and the need to honour Indigenous perspectives and experiences. It's a way to recognise the original inhabitants of this land, their traditions and ongoing influence on American life.

The movement began in the 1970s as Native activists challenged the traditional Columbus Day narrative. South Dakota established Native American Day in 1990, and in 1992 Berkeley, California, became the first US city to officially celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Since then, it's spread nationwide.

Today, it's recognised in various forms by 17 states including California, the District of Columbia, and more than two hundred cities and municipalities. Some places have replaced Columbus Day entirely while others observe both. Although it's not a federal holiday, its growth reflects a broader effort to honour living indigenous cultures and ensure their stories remain central to our shared history.

Happy International Coming Out Day 2026!

Today is the 38th annual International Coming Out Day. This celebration started in 1988 as a way to raise awareness of the LGBT community and civil rights movement. While it originated in the United States, the celebration is now international and is observed in Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal, and Australia. The UK celebrates on the following day, October 12th.

Coming out, whether it is as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, matters now more than ever. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law and that is of utmost importance in this day and age when our civil rights and our very lives are still -- STILL -- under attack, much more than in past decades. But beyond that, our stories can be powerful and empowering to each other, inspiring change.

Every person who speaks up changes more hearts and minds, and creates new advocates for equality. If you haven't yet, and you can do so with physical and emotional safety within your family and community (please protect yourself first and foremost... do not put yourself at risk), join us.

We need you.

Sculpture by Lazar-G

https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/national-coming-out-day

SF & SJ 2026

It was so fun to discover that two cities in my own backyard (and the two cities I spend most of my time in) are on the list for highest-ranked cities in the world!

San Francisco landed at #5 and San Jose at #8 among cities around the world in Oxford Economics’ 2026 Global Cities Index, which compares 1,000 cities across the metrics of Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment, and Governance.

https://www.oxfordeconomics.com/global-cities-index/

Happy International LGBT History Month 2026!

October is International LGBTQ History Month!

LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community, and represents a civil rights statement about the contributions to the world of the LGBTQ+ community. You'd think we would be in a better place for LGBT rights by 2026 (as well as rights for women and POC, etc. etc....), but here we are with physical attacks on the community increasing at alarming rates, thanks to the current administration of darkness. Roughly 791 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced (435 of those bills specifically targeted transgender people), with 50 bills actually being enacted and passed into law in the United States in 2026 — better than last year's total of 109 bills enacted into law out of 1,061 bills introduced according to the LGBTQ+ Legislation Tracking Project. But unfortunately, we still have another 3 months to go to see how much more damage can be done.

The Human Rights Campaign says, "These laws are fueled by an anti-LGBTQ+ Republican establishment — and coordinated, well-funded extremist groups like the Alliance Defending Freedom, Heritage Foundation and the Family Policy Alliance — insistent on trying to control our families and lives." For this reason, it is of grave importance to promote visibility, which engenders understanding and empathy. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. But beyond that, our stories can be powerful and empowering to each other, inspiring change.

How It Works
LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources. Visit the link at the bottom of this post. There are some wonderful, legendary artists and figures on this year's list.

Background
In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month.

Gay and Lesbian History Month was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association and other national organizations. In 2006 Equality Forum assumed responsibility for providing content, promotion and resources for LGBT History Month.

Celebrate Our Heritage
The LGBT community is the only community worldwide that is not taught its history at home, in public schools or in religious institutions. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community and makes the civil rights statement about our extraordinary national and international contributions.

https://www.lgbthistorymonth.com/

Harvest Moon, September 26, 2026

Shortly after sunset this evening, look low in the eastern horizon and you will see a large and golden-hued moon ... with Saturn shining brightly bright next to it.

Cassandra Wilson died this month, September 1st ... thanks for the music Cassandra! R.I.P.

https://www.cassandrawilson.com/

Happy California Native American Day 2026

Today, on California Native American Day, I am taking a moment to recognize and honor the Native peoples of California: their history, cultures, their resilience, their continuing contributions to this place, which we call home. It's worth remembering how this started.

In 1939, the state first set aside October 1st for what was then called "Indian Day." In 1968, after tribal leaders pushed for broader recognition, the fourth Friday in September became American Indian Day, and in 2014, Governor Jerry Brown formally established the day into state law as California Native American Day. Behind those dates, of course, is a much longer, deeper history. Native peoples lived on and cared for this land for thousands of years, building rich cultures, languages, communities. History also holds painful truths like displacement, and the attempts to erase cultures and languages.

California Native American Day can't undo that history, but it can serve as a reminder of something basic and important. Native peoples deserve to have their stories told truthfully. Their culture treated with dignity. Their traditions respected and their voices heard. They're not a footnote in California's past. Native communities are a vital, living part of California now. So today is a day to pause, acknowledge, and to honor what has endured and what continues to enrich this state.

To learn more, go to:
https://californianativeamericanday.com/

Happy Autumnal Equinox 2026!

Today is the official start of autumn, when our planet begins to tilt the other direction, tipping the northern hemisphere away from the sun. The days grow shorter and the nights grow longer as we move indoors and into ourselves for hibernation and introspection. Autumn is a time of harvest as the earth moves into hibernation as well. It is a beautiful time, a spiritual transition, a doorway between summer and winter.

HAPPY AUTUMNAL EQUINOX 2026!

(And for our friends Down Under, Happy Spring!)

Happy Birthday "Oh, By The Way" 2026!

Seventeen years ago, I had a dream in which I started a blog called "Oh, By The Way." When I woke up that morning, I went to the computer and promptly started a blog called "Oh, By The Way." Seriously--it was the first thing I did that morning, and yes, I often act out in waking life things I have dreamt.

"Oh, By The Way" is my digital scrap book of things I like, things I would share with a close friend and say: "Oh, by the way, do you know of this artist / clothing or interior designer / model / singer / actor / gorgeous man … or, have you seen this video / photo/ film... or heard (or do you remember) this song / band ... or, read this book / poem / inspiring quote ... or, visited this place / restaurant / famous building ... or, have you heard of this amazing new scientific discovery?"

Followers and regular readers: thank you so much! I hope you find this blog by turns fascinating, beautiful, interesting, moving, inspiring, informative, enriching, and uplifting. Welcome to the birthday party! This year I am virtually serving scoops of Lavender Rose Ice Cream by Elizabeth Labau at SugarHero! Regular readers know that if it tastes like a flower, I will happily eat it ... macarons, shortbread, cake, ice cream, whatever "it" may be. Enjoy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, "OH, BY THE WAY!"

HAPPY LABOR DAY 2026!

Happy Labor Day, readers in the United States! This is a holiday that recognizes and honors the American labor movement of the late 19th century and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws, and well-being of the country.

I believe in the power of labor and work. I believe in the dignity of labor and work. I believe in the power of unions to protect workers from abuse by companies and corporations, and I am a proud union member. Now more than ever in this current political climate, I believe all of these things. I believe in the sense of fairness toward which the human spirit strives. Happy Labor Day!

Standing together with co-workers in a union makes a tangible difference you can feel every day. Here are just a few benefits:

• Workers in labor unions make 18% more in wages than our nonunion counterparts.
• We are more likely to have health care benefits. More than nine out of 10 union members have access to employer-provided health insurance, compared to 68% of nonunion workers, according to the Department of Labor.
• We work in safer workplaces. One study found job sites that were unionized have lost-time claims at a 31% lower rate than non-unionized sites.
• We have more job security—even and especially in moments of economic crisis.

Countries where most workers are in a union are among the happiest and healthiest on Earth.

Life is better in a union.

https://aflcio.org/laborday

September's Here Again 2026

September's here again.

The sun shines high above
The sounds of laughter
The birds swoop down upon
The crosses of old grey churches

We say that we're in love
While secretly wishing for rain

Sipping coke and playing games

September's here again
September's here again

http://www.davidsylvian.com/

Happy World Elephant Day 2026!

Today is the fourteenth anniversary of World Elephant Day!

On August 12, 2012, the inaugural World Elephant Day was launched to bring attention to the urgent plight of Asian and African elephants. The elephant is loved, revered and respected by people and cultures around the world, yet we balance on the brink of seeing the last of this magnificent creature.

The escalation of poaching, habitat loss, human-elephant conflict and mistreatment in captivity are just some of the threats to both African and Asian elephants. Working towards better protection for wild elephants, improving enforcement policies to prevent the illegal poaching and trade of ivory, conserving elephant habitats, better treatment for captive elephants and, when appropriate, reintroducing captive elephants into natural, protected sanctuaries are the goals that numerous elephant conservation organizations are focusing on around the world.

World Elephant Day asks you to experience elephants in non-exploitive and sustainable environments where elephants can thrive under care and protection. On World Elephant Day, August 12, express your concern, share your knowledge and support solutions for the better care of captive and wild elephants alike.

Support World Elephant Day so that we can continue to be a collective voice speaking out on behalf of elephants!

Elephant numbers have dropped by 62% over the last decade, and they could be mostly extinct by the end of the next decade. An estimated 100 African elephants are killed each day by poachers seeking ivory, meat and body parts, leaving only 400,000 remaining. An insatiable lust for ivory products in the Asian market makes the illegal ivory trade extremely profitable, and has led to the slaughter of tens of thousands of African elephants. Between 2010 and 2014, the price of ivory in China tripled, driving illicit poaching through the roof. If the elephants are to survive, the demand for ivory must be stopped . As of 2011, the world is losing more elephants than the population can reproduce, threatening the future of African elephants across the continent. Bull elephants with big tusks are the main targets and their numbers have been diminished to less than half of the females. Female African elephants have tusks and are also killed, which has a terrible effect on the stability of elephant societies, leaving an increasing number of orphaned baby elephants. There are still more African elephants being killed for ivory than are being born . . . elephant populations continue to decline.

Elephant Facts
*Elephants ‘rumble’ or purr like cats as a means of communication.
*The elephant is the largest land mammal and can weigh up to 10 tons!
*African elephants care for wounded individuals in the herd and can even identify the bones of deceased members.
*When an older male wants to spar with a younger male, they will often get down on their knees, which is a great example of elephant empathy. Elephants also appear to express grief, compassion, self-awareness, altruism and play.
*When an elephant calf is not feeding, it might suck its trunk for comfort, just as a human baby would suck its thumb. If a baby elephant is distressed, the entire family will rumble and go over to touch and caress it.
*Elephants eat constantly throughout the day and night and can consume up to 5% of their body mass.
*An elephant’s trunk serves as a nose, a hand, an extra foot, a signaling device, a tool for gathering food, siphoning water, dusting & digging and much more.
*The elephant brain is the largest of all land mammals with a mass of over 5kg. It is similar in structure to the human brain.
*Observations suggest that elephants are able to recognize themselves in a mirror. Self-recognition indicates a very high level of awareness, restricted only to few species.

The World Elephant Day website has partnered with many organizations to help protect elephants. Visit their site to learn more and to help.
https://worldelephantday.org/

Bonne Fête Nationale! 2026

Aujourd'hui c'est la Fête nationale en France!

The French National Day is the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a major event of the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération that celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790.

A mes lecteurs qui habitent en France, je vous souhaite...

Bonne Fête Nationale!

July 4th, 2026

On this anniversary of our country's independence, we find the "United" part of our "United States of America" under severe strain. But I am not letting that stop me from celebrating the achievements of and possibilities inherent in our country.

I resent how conservatives invented and have actively promoted the lie that anyone who supports progressive, liberal, optimistic ideas about our country are "haters" of the USA. They hold up this ridiculous idea that they and they alone can feel any sense of pride in their nation--and then turn around and behave and vote like people who are anything but supportive of the nation and its citizens. For this reason, and as a proud Liberal, I am heartily celebrating our Independence Day, our country, and the concept of actual, real Democracy.

When over two and a half centuries ago, a band of patriots gathered in Philadelphia to declare that "all men are created equal," they intended for this country to be different from the others, to be better, to be always striving toward a more perfect union. It is why they made the Constitution a living document, able to be revised, changed, improved upon, thus improving the lives of everyone living in these United States. It is our true purpose, our original ideal to continually improve the quality of life for Americans--all Americans--no matter their race, sex, age, physical ability, religion, ethnicity, and sexual or gender identity.

And July 4th is a celebration of that, a Celebration of Possibility, a celebration of the idea that we can continually improve upon our morals, our laws, our procedures, our attitudes. We continually strive toward those possibilities which include instead of exclude, which right what has been wrong, which bring more people into our national fabric, elevating and enriching life in this country. That is why it is particularly distressing and brings a very specific anguish to see these ideals, this leap toward possibilities of greatness that is part of our Constitution and of Democracy itself eroded, attacked, and mocked by the current government, conservatives, and the right wing ... and more shockingly, by a large section of our own fellow citizens who support the viciousness and hatred. Their support demonstrates that only cruelty with a perverse need to punish, and not the health and future of the United States and the well-being of its citizens is their goal.

Today I am choosing to celebrate the good this country has been and done but also the possibilities of change, of improvement, of an ever-strengthening yearning toward a more perfect union, and the idea that we can protect what this country stands for. Please vote to honor these ideals in the 2026 mid-term elections--we must have a President and not a King or despot--to ensure that we live up to the promise of making life for all citizens--ALL CITIZENS--better. We haven't yet and we need to, finally, fulfill that promise. And taking back at least one of the branches of government will help us in reclaiming our country, our Democracy, and our standing in the world.

I love my country, I was born here, it is my home, and I have no intention of leaving. I am of an age when my American History and Civics classes in high school and college were not sanitized, and I understand the good and the bad in our past as well as present. Did the United States make mistakes? Yes. Is the nation as a whole perfect? Not yet. Are we the best version of ourselves? We are working on it and many of us who believe in the promise of the United States are striving, earnestly, with a clear vision. I like to think I am one of those people and because of that, I have no intention of handing my home over to the current administration and its supporters who are toiling to turn it into an authoritarian, theocratic, fascistic regime.

Here is the sonnet "The New Colossus" by poet Emma Lazarus which serves as the inscription at the base of the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, our valuable ally. The inscription affirms the ideal of inclusiveness and the United States as a beacon of hope, comfort, and stability for anyone who seeks it.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"