Mary Souza’s Newsletter
February 5, 2010
Dear Readers,
I’ve been reading a book about three Chinese women. My sister-in-law loaned it to me with a glowing endorsement, and I thought it would be an easy, relaxing read. Not so.
“Wild Swans”, by Jung Chang is a historically accurate account of three generations of women, including the author, which takes the reader from the mid- 1800’s through to near modern times. The author describes the unbelievable courage of people trying to eek out a decent existence under unthinkable conditions caused, not by the ravages of nature, but by the outrageous intrusion of government into their lives.
This riveting lesson in China’s history reveals that, no matter the form of government, whether war lords, invaders, socialists or communists, corruption, greed, intimidation and dominance destroy life and liberty, and undermine any pursuit of happiness.
We are so lucky to have been born in this country. But we have to work on keeping our treasured freedoms; it is our continuing duty to make sure our government represents our best interests as a nation, a state, a county and city.
We have all seen news of, or even participated in, national movements asking for accountability from the Federal government, and there’s been a local web discussion site called OpenCdA.com to talk about the many issues facing Coeur d’Alene. But now there’s an effort to encompass County and State concerns as well. This new endeavor is called CHRG, which stands for Citizens for Honest and Responsible Government.
For a long time, taxpayers in North Idaho have asked the state for help on certain issues but have been told, “Those are just North Idaho problems, you’ll have to fix them yourselves.” Now it is becoming clear that many of our concerns in North Idaho are not isolated: The tax burdens caused by local officials spending major money without asking the voters, the problems caused by misuse of urban renewal, the need for fair and reliable election laws and processes, are also prompting the creation of citizen groups around the state. CHRG intends to build a statewide network of citizen action groups to bolster the lobbying power of average everyday people in Idaho.
CHRG is not just a web site, though the newspaper coverage made it sound as such. (www.thechrg.org) Our intention is to offer educational information, analysis, commentary and support. Our “To Do” list will include articles / columns in the paper, public presentations to various groups around the area and working with local and state officials on needed changes.
CHRG is not asking for sign-ups or memberships. There are no fees or dues to pay. You don’t have to add your name to any group roster. All we are doing is offering information, answering questions and promoting good government. What we are asking in return is your attention and support. We hope that’s something many of you can embrace!
Please visit our new, just-getting-started web site at: www.thechrg.org and be patient with us as we get all the web site’s features up and running. Also, keep an eye out for information or presentations by CHRG!, Citizens for Honest and Responsible Government.
This may sound petty, but I got a real gut reaction to the picture of Michelle Obama with a basket of apples infront of her when speaking of childhood obesity. One of the reasons poor children are obese is that fresh fruits and vegetables are beyond their financial means.
I would prefer for her to help educate people on how to provide healthy food on limited budgets.
Comment by citizen — February 6, 2010 @ 11:47 am
Citizen, I remember as a young nursing student 35 years ago, working with poor families in the public health field, that many did not know how to cook. My mentor, a wise, older public health nurse, told me the family structure in these groups has been broken by divorce, drugs, etc., and the basic lessons that are usually handed down from one generation to the next have been forgotten.
Many folks didn’t know how to make meals out of a bag of dry beans, brown rice and basic vegetables. They didn’t know how to plant a small garden or preserve fruit or make bread.
Our national dependence on fast, processed food is taking a toll on all income levels in our society, especially the very poor, and the ensuing obesity crisis is crippling our health care system.
Comment by mary — February 7, 2010 @ 10:56 am
Mary, thank you for your comments. I agree that education on cooking is very important. The Extension Service through the state agency is involved in this effort.
I met a woman on the plane to New Zealand who has dedicated herself to going into rural communities to teach gardening and healthy cooking. She presently works in rural Massachusetts. I believe Michelle Obama is on the right track in stressing home and city gardening.
It is sad that some food banks cannot get people to take sacks of flour.
Comment by citizen — February 7, 2010 @ 11:37 am
THANK YOU to all who attended the fundraiser for Jim Brannon’s election legal challenge last night! The Greenbriar was full, and we all enjoyed the inspirational speech by Brent Reagan and the informative report on election laws and process by Jim Doty. All of your support, involvement and donations are deeply appreciated.
For anyone who missed the event but still wants to donate* to the cause, checks can be sent to:
CHRG
PMB 119, 212 Ironwood Drive
CdA, ID 83814
(*CHRG is a non-profit association, registered with the state, but does not qualify for tax deduction status)
Comment by mary — February 9, 2010 @ 7:25 am