Thoughts From Above

I know it's been a while since I've blogged, but felt motivated to do so today. As I was flying home from Orlando today, I found myself in a meditative moment. It was a time to see life from a different perspective--from a birds eye view, so to speak.

When looking down from my plane's oval window, I noticed that all of the houses look alike. No one person's house looked better or worse than their neighbors'. Flaws were not so apparent. The heavens are a great equalizer--we all look like little dots from up above. Race, religion, and politics mean nothing from that vantage point. All of the emotionally charged debates that are offspring of those subjects seemed to float away on the clouds below.

For me, the take away of the moment was that we tend to see issues as much bigger than they really are. None of us is better than anyone else. We're all rubbing along together trying to figure out how to get through this life the best way we can, and we need to support each other--not cast stones and drag each other down.

Sometimes we need some distance to put things in perspective.

Lightning

This morning as I drove in to work I had the opportunity to witness a brilliant lightning display. It is quite humbling to see that amazing power streaking through the sky and then realizing I'm just a puny life form residing on this rock that is jetting through the universe. I also realized that we can have as much power and influence as that brilliant lightning bolt. Haven't we all known people that come into the world in a brilliant flash, lighting up our world, and making a difference? We may be small in comparison to the natural elements of our universe, but we do have power--power to change ourselves and the world we live in.

Nature's lesson for today: Light up the world like a lightning bolt--make a difference.

Love and Laughter

A little over three years ago I joined an online group on MySpace--a recovery group for ex-Jehovah's Witnesses. I had been out for many years at that point, but still had some residual issues, and thought that perhaps I might have something to offer others, as well. As it turned out, one of the first people I met in that group was a woman named Raven. She was one of the few folks in the group that was near my age, and I felt I could relate to in many ways. Fiery, outspoken, a super-hero defender of the downtrodden, I loved her incredible spirit.

It wasn't long after that I began to meet her children online, and eventually her hubby, too. They all brought unique viewpoints, creativity, and humor to our discussions. Over the years, we have often talked about meeting in real-life and how we might accomplish that. Recently, fortune smiled on me with a job change that has created a lot of opportunity for me, including travel. So, after three years, I was able to travel south and was welcomed into their home. What generous people to let me in their door, provide a pillow for my head, and wonderful site seeing opportunities. For all they knew, I could have been Jack the Ripper in disguise, but they had faith in me (and it went both ways, doncha know). We all had faith in each other and took a leap.

I have to say, that I have enjoyed nothing but love and laughter since I've been here. Our common past and shared journey has bonded us in ways that many "outsiders" will never understand. It is one of those rare opportunities that I can honestly say that I am glad to have traveled this sometimes painful journey, in order to add to my "family of the heart." So, to Raven, Bee, Ryan, and Mike, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to expand my family.

Let the journey continue....

Steph

Universal Conversation

Today's lesson was brought to me by the birds that insist on having a rather shrill dialog beginning as soon as the sun shows it's early morning rays. It prompted me to write a bit of poetry this morning (I was up early, thanks to the birds--lol).

Universal Conversation
By Stephanie Van Vreede

The first shrill call came at 4:00 a.m.
Like the referee’s whistle calling a foul.
Soon others joined in,
Creating an undirected symphony
Each adding its own harmony

Thus began the day
One voice
Then many
All joining the stream of
Endless dialog

Their message is clear
To those who will listen
With hearts, not ears
Awaken!
And join the universal conversation

Just Squirrely

Watching that rotund red squirrel at my bird feeder, my first thought was, "You are one of the laziest creatures I know!" But, no sooner had that thought flitted through my mind, I realized that I was way off base. Squirrels are efficient!

Lesson learned: Don't waste trips!

I know, I know, you're thinking, "How did she equate squirrels with wasted trips?" Well, think about it...when those squirrels sit there at your feeders (or in them) they sit there and stuff their cheeks as full as they can, not leaving until there is room for even one more seed. They don't waste trips running back and forth between their hidey hole and your feeder multiple times when they find just the right nugget. They get as much done on one trip as they can.

Of course, once in a while we have to go places and do things on a moments notice, just like the squirrels that end up dashing off with my Lab at their heels. But, for the most part, we really could make better use of our time by combining shopping trips, car pooling, etc. If we lived more like the squirrels, we would have less greenhouse gasses, save wear and tear on our vehicles, create fewer potholes on the roads, and probably have filled cupboards.

So, today, I look at our squirrels in a new way. Thanks for the lesson!

Lessons from the Hummingbirds

I made a big batch of syrup this weekend, in hopes that my favorite little hummingbirds would show up soon. I wasn't quite sure if they would be heading my way this soon or not, but rumor had it that they had arrived. Within an hour of putting out my feeders, I had my first visitor. These little birds are simply amazing.

This afternoon, I watched a little hummer gorging itself, as it hovered near the artificial flower full of sweet nectar. As I watched that tiny little bird (that would fit in the palm of my hand) with its wings beating furiously, I realized that there is great strength in this petite little creature. These tiny orinthological treasures have incredible fortitude.

One of the interesting things about hummingbirds is related to their migration. A great anology is that hummingbirds are "like commuters on a freeway, all going the same way on the same road, but doing so alone to get to their own individual homes." (http://www.worldofhummingbirds.com/migration.php) When I think of the solitary path of the hummingbird, I think of our own journeys through life.

Lesson learned: Even though we are all heading in the same general direction in life, we all have to travel our own unique paths.

My journey is as unique to me as yours is to you. We might be headed in the same direction, but our paths are our own. Sometimes they cross with others, and sometimes they may appear to go in a different direction altogether. But, we eventually make it to where we're going...where ever that is--I do not presume to know my ultimate destination.

Enjoy your journey.

Steph

A Little Eavesdropping

Today was a good day. Yes, there were the usual annoyances and distractions, but all-in-all it was simply a good day. Up at 5:30, I wrapped up like I was running into a hazardous spill, donning my long gloves, long sleeves, and long pants and waded into the strawberry patch. I dug out dandelions until I could weed no more...and then went shopping for plants. Normally, I hate shopping, but shopping for plants is a whole other thing (can you see me smiling from ear to ear?).

During a lunch break, I was sitting in a booth at our favorite Chinese buffet, when I happened to overhear two older ladies talking at a nearby table. I couldn't help but listen, I was drawn into the conversation by the sheer joy of the woman telling the other one about her absolute happiness over her son's new girlfriend. She thought she was "perfect" and "wonderful" and "so so so so nice." I sat there in wonder as this woman extolled the virtues of this woman who was sprung on her with no advance notice, as her son dialed her from the driveway (as we were having tornadoes all around) asking if "they could come in." She had no idea who "they" were, but she ushered them in--and promptly fell in love with this young woman. I learned that her son is 40 and the fabulous young woman is in her early thirties.

What struck me as I listened to this conversation was how lucky this unknown man was to have a mother that was so happy with his choice, that she felt compelled to share this. I wondered about their relationship. I wondered if she had told him that his choice in companions delighted her.

As I pondered this conversation, I realized that I assume when people talk about me when I'm not around that it is probably in some negative fashion. I'm not sure why I think that...maybe it's just human nature. But listening to this woman share her joy about her son really made my heart swell. It was nice to know that happy people are out in this world, spreading their joy.

From their I went to the grand-opening of Delphian Inspire. The new owner has a great energy, and it was wonderful to get to meet her. The vibes in the shop were great, and I ended up purchasing a book that keeps coming into my path--The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. I figured I was meant to buy it today, so I did.

After a bit more plant shopping, I came home and planted everything. I am now thoroughly tired, but very happy. Any day I get to play in the dirt is a good day!

I hope the new week brings you much happiness and joy.

Steph

Patience

As I was on a conference call in my boss's office today, I noticed a spider clinging to a web outside the window. We have had howling winds here for a couple of days, so clinging to this webbed sail was no small feat. As I watched, the spider worked its way around to an unlucky insect that had found itself trapped in this sticky web, unable to free itself. As the wind whipped around, flinging the spider and it's catch to and fro, it slowly but steadily bound up its bundle for a midnight snack. I was amazed at how this spider never gave up, it just kept working its way along, however long it took.

Lesson learned: Be patient. Quality work sometimes takes time, particularly if the path is not smooth.

Even in these tenuous conditions, that spider took its time and methodically ensnared its next meal. It didn't worry that the next insect would be blown away, or that it might lose its grip and fall two stories to its death. No, it just kept plodding, until everything was wrapped in a nice tight little bundle.

It made me think of times I have rushed through a project so that I could move on to the next one, showing how much I could accomplish in a short amount of time. Unfortunately, all this does is make you tired, and very unfulfilled. Why not slow down a little, enjoy doing high-quality work, and bask in the accomplishment itself?

From the time I was small, I was always rushing around. My mom's two most frequent phrases were, "Walk, don't run," and "Patience, Prudence." Mom must have been paying attention to the spiders; I guess it's time that I did, too.

Until later,

Steph

Do Wind Turbines Belong in My Neighborhood?

Many of my local friends (and a few of my online friends) have been asking me to post my recent essay regarding wind turbines. Here is where my research led me. I hope you find it helpful.

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Do Wind Turbines Belong In My Neighborhood?

The headline reads, “Town of Wrightstown calls for moratorium on wind turbines.” The article in the Wrightstown Area Spirit states that “electors passed a…citizen-led wind turbine initiative” that demands, “a local ban on the turbines, coupled with a directive that the town also seek a state moratorium until health, safety, and economic concerns are addressed” (Pinkham). This small town has been in an uproar since Invenergy began plans to install wind turbines in an area of the Niagara Escarpment locally called “The Ledge.” Citizens, including me, are worried about aesthetics, turbine noise, blade flicker, and issues related to the migration of birds and other wildlife, and higher costs for electricity.

We have been told that wind energy is a good thing, that it is considered renewable energy, and keeps us on the path to improving our environment. So, what would lead citizens to join forces to gain a moratorium on this “green” effort? I want to make an informed decision about this process. This required some in-depth research, which unveiled some interesting information—details that are of importance to all of us who are concerned about our environment.

I would venture to say that most of us have seen windmills throughout the country side, particularly near farm houses. They usually were used for “tasks such as pumping water, grinding grain, and chopping wood” (Dru Tecco). Today, however, the most popular use of wind power is to produce electricity, and these are not the 30’-40’ high wind mills of the past. The new models planned for The Ledge are actually wind turbines that will have “a total tip height of 118.5 to 126.5 meters (388.8 to 415.1 feet)” (BCCRWE). Imagine having a structure that large within 1,500 feet of your home. Aesthetics aside, there are some real concerns that have been raised by local residents.

In her book Wind Turbine Syndrome, Dr. Nina Pierpont describes a set of medical symptoms which appear to be directly correlated to the noise and vibration of wind turbines near homes. Some naysayers suggest that any symptoms related to the turbines are psychosomatic, and related to “a person’s attitude toward a sound—meaning whether it’s a ‘wanted’ or ‘unwanted’ sound…” (Pierpont). While I agree this could happen occasionally, I think the evidence shows that many of the sound concerns are valid. Many individuals can actually feel “vibration or pulsation…in the chest” (Pierpont). I have personally experienced this phenomenon on several occasions. Many homes in the area of the ledge will be dealing with sound levels of up to 50 decibels (BCCRWE). This is considered low frequency noise, however, this level of vibration can have damaging effects on the body.

Birgitta Berglund, lead editor of the WHO Guidelines for Community Noise, is quoted by Pierpont, saying that “evidence suggests that a number of adverse effects of noise…arise from exposure to low frequency noise.” She adds that, “low-frequency noise also differs from other noise in producing vibrations of the human body and other objects…. Motion sickness has been linked to low-frequency noise even without accompanying vibration” (Pierpont). The long-term health effects of this kind of low-frequency sound must be considered.

In addition to the noise, another consideration is the “flicker effect.” A briefing paper by Wind Engineers, Inc, explains that “shadow flicker caused by wind turbines is defined as alternating changes in light intensity caused by the moving blade casting shadows on the ground and stationary objects, such as a window at a dwelling” (Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council). According to Pierpont’s study, this flicker effect, along with the low frequency vibration can “trick the body’s balance system into thinking it’s moving” (Pierpont). The side effects from this can lead to many symptoms, such as: “sleep disturbance, headache, tinnitus, ear pressure, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, visual blurring, tachycardia, and irritability, problems with concentration and memory; and panic disorder” (Pierpont). While not everyone living near wind turbines experiences these symptoms, I wonder if it is worth taking the risk.

In addition to the human side effects of these turbines, let’s take a moment to consider the impact on wildlife. “In 2004, the Center for Biological Diversity filed suit in federal court in northern California to protect birds—particularly raptors, such as eagles and hawks—from harm caused by about 1,400 wind turbines in the Altamont Pass east of San Francisco” (Wright and Griswold). In addition to the raptors, “an average of 15 to 40 bats are killed for each MW of power generated from windmills. As each windmill typically produces 2MW, this amounts to a large number of bats” (Wright and Griswold).

Birds like the raptors are attracted to the height of the windmills, but end up getting caught in the blades. Eagles are just beginning to make a strong comeback here in the Fox River Valley. Do we really want to endanger them with the use of these wind turbines? The bats are drawn to “the insects that congregate near the windmill…and others may be attracted to the sounds emitted by the turbines” (Wright and Griswold). We need our bats for natural control of the mosquito population.

We’ve talked about the impact of wind turbines on human and animal health, now let’s talk about the impact on our wallets. Many struggling farmers are enticed by the reward of payment for the use of their land. Who can blame them in these tough economic times? It is tempting to give up some land for, what some consider to be, generous compensation. What, though, is the real cost?

In 2006, Governor Doyle signed legislation requiring that by 2011, 20% of Wisconsin’s energy must be supplied by renewable sources (Wisconsin Dept. of Administration). That sounds like a great goal, except for one thing—the price tag. Wind may be free (though unpredictable), but harnessing it is quite costly. According to the BCCRWE, the average cost for the wind turbines to be built on The Ledge is $3.2 million. The gross income generated runs approximately $15,000 per month. Over a 30 year period, it is estimated that there will be a net loss of approximately $222,000,000 for the project (BCCRWE). There is only one way to recoup that kind of loss—through higher electricity rates. Going “green” on the backs of taxpayers to this extent is not a reasonable expectation.

I am a firm supporter of the green initiative, and have been looking into harnessing wind and solar power for my own home. I would propose that this is where the move towards renewable energy begins—in individual homes and businesses. Take those government buildings where all this legislation is taking place, and add solar panels or wind harnessing units to their rooftops. Some areas are now requiring that new homes are built with solar collectors. If wind turbines are a genuine solution to our energy problem, then put them in areas are less habitable, such as the deserts of Arizona or the badlands of New Mexico. I have seen the amazing wind farms near Ripon, California. They are in rocky locations that are virtually uninhabited by people, and have far less effect on the environment.

I feel that Invenergy and other wind turbine companies like them, are taking advantage of our struggling farmers, and buying and/or leasing farms for these giant wind mills because it’s far easier to place them on land that is already cleared, and has easy access. We should all be grateful for groups of concerned citizens in our areas that are raising awareness about the liabilities of these wind turbines. Harnessing the wind can be a good thing if done responsibly. That responsibility includes caring for human health, animal welfare, and our economy.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

BCCRWE Brown County Citizens for Responsible Wind Energy. 2010. Web. 3 April 2010 .

Dru Tecco, Betsy. Wind Power of the Future: New Ways of Turning Wind Into Energy. New York: Rosen Publishing Group, 2003. Print.

"Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council." 30 03 2010. Access Washington. Web. 25 April 2010 .

Pierpont, Nina. Wind Turbine Syndrome: A Report on a Natural Experiment. Lowell: King Printing, 2009. Print.

Pinkham, Jim. "Town of Wrightstown calls for moratorium on wind turbines." Wrightstown Area Spirit. Print. 17 April 2010: 1.

Wisconsin Dept. of Administration. "Governor Doyle Calls on State Government to be Clean Energy Leader." 23 04 2010. Office of the Governor Jim Doyle. Web. 26 April 2010 .

Wright, George and Marcus Griswold. "Counterpoint: Claims About the Effectiveness of Wind Power are Exaggerated." 2009. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 13 April 2010 .

Go With the Flow

Today's lesson from nature happened on my way to work this morning, and it's more of a reminder than a lesson. As I was driving across the College Avenue bridge, I noticed a solitary seagull flying along the river. He seemed to be floating along with the air currents, not working too hard at all. This bird's message was clear, especially as I was heading into work for the start of a new week.

Lesson learned: Go with the flow. Let go of the need to control.

Yes, this is an excellent reminder. Like that seagull, we need to ride the air currents of life. He always gets from Point A to Point B, but it is a lot easier if he's not bucking the currents along the way. We tend to exhaust ourselves by trying to control everything around us, when we could simply enjoy the ride, and trust that we will get to our destination. The amazing thing is that we usually end up seeing and enjoying things along the way that we would have missed otherwise.

So, like that seagull, I'll keep the goal in mind, but I won't stress over the details of how to get there. That feels better already.

Go with the flow!

Steph

The Owl's Wisdom

I spent a fun morning with a good friend, doing what we enjoy--checking out a craft sale for inspiration, followed by some thrift shopping. Later, I ran over to the local grocery to buy lunch at the brat fry to raise funds for Alzheimers research. On the way home, it was raining and muddy down this particular back country road. As I was nearing the large dairy farm near my home, I noticed a large owl sitting up in the top of a bare tree. I slowed down to look at him for a minute, wondering what message he had for me today.

Of course, we traditionally think of owls as being wise, which was the first thing that came to mind. But, less than a heartbeat later, the message was clear.

Lesson learned: Sometimes life is messy. But, with wisdom and patience, we can ride out those storms. And, sometimes, we need that messiness to bring about better things.

That owl may not have liked sitting in the rain, but he didn't look too stressed out about it, either. He instinctively knew that the rain wouldn't last forever. It would soon be gone, and the mice from the field would reappear, providing him with a nice meal.

We often have messy storms in our lives, but they don't last forever. And, haven't you found that sometimes things need a good shaking up to trigger improvements and the good things that follow? This is an important lesson for me, because patience is not my strong suit. I want things on an even keel; I don't like my boat rocked. But, it is a wise person that knows when to sit still and let the storm pass. I guess those owls are pretty wise after all.

Until later,

Steph

Cats & Dogs

In keeping with my theme of lessons learned from nature, today's lesson came from my own pets. As my Black Lab was stretched out in the single strip of sunshine in the sun room, the cat came up and sat next to him. She leaned over and started licking his ear, and continued "cleaning" him for a while, as he soaked it all in.

Lesson learned: Just because people tell you that you should be mortal enemies, does not mean it has to be that way.

We have centuries of experience with religious groups hating on each other, countries at war over politics, religion and money. We have children of different ethnic backgrounds told that they shouldn't play together. Just like my cat and dog, there really is no good reason why we cannot live in harmony if we choose to. My cat and dog don't know that they're supposed to be enemies, so they are not.

How many of our behaviors and attitudes are learned? Most of them. Just like Lennon's song "Imagine," it is fun to think about what our world would be like if we didn't have the various dogmas that have been pounded into our brains throughout the ages. I want to try living my life tomorrow as if I never knew any dogma in my life, no preconceived ideas of how things should be, no "coulda's" or "shoulda's." What do you think will happen?

Until later,

Steph

What I'm Learning From Nature

It seems like nature has been teaching me a lot of lessons lately, so I've decided to start living with more intention--to watch for, and listen to the lessons in a meaningful way. Obviously, there's a lot to learn, since we humans seem to make quite a muck of things.

Friday, as I was driving to work in the wee hours of the morning, I saw one of my bald eagles sitting in the top of a dead tree along the river.

Lesson learned: Sometimes we need to sit quietly, alone, and just watch and listen.

My eagles are what really started me thinking about the fact that I need to listen to life's messages a little better. My eagles are great teachers. Sometimes we do just need to sit quietly. Maybe it's to watch children at play, or watch your cat sleep, or watching the birds at the feeder. Some need to sit in quiet meditation or prayer. We need time to quietly reflect. You never know what brilliant thought might come to you. Plus, it's great for lowering your blood pressure.

Saturday, I was heading to the library to do some research on my wind turbine paper. Driving down my country road, I saw a pair of Canadian geese out in a plowed field. They were floating (barely) in the middle of a big mud puddle.

Lesson learned: Make do with what you've got.

I thought about these birds. They could have been on the river, or a nearby pond, but this puddle was handy and private. They made do with what they had. A no frills body of water that served their immediate purpose. They wanted to cool off and get a drink. It worked.

How many times do we over buy something, because we're promised all these wonderful things, when all we need is the basics to get the job done. The geese were telling me to keep it simple. I like that. I'm usually a simple person, but I can get suckered with the best of them. Learning to live simply is a great advantage during turbulent economic times. Thanks for the reminder, my friendly geese :D

Please feel free to add your lessons learned. We might as well learn from each other, too. Funny how that works ;-)

Until later,
Steph

Beautiful Springtime

As I walked out my front door this morning to get the morning paper, the first thing that struck me (besides the brilliant sunlight) was the fragrance of the hyacinths blooming in front of my porch. These beauties are a two-edged sword for me. While I enjoy their beauty and fragrance, they turn me to a sneezing, wheezing pot of sniffles if I breathe them in too long. I learned long ago that the overly fragrant flowers are meant to be enjoyed from a distance, and not in my house. Same goes for lilacs.

With the beauty in my head and my nose, I took a turn around the house and admired the new growth of tulips and mums, and enjoyed the radiance of the long-stemmed daffodils. Aren't they happy flowers? Each one seems to be a ray of sunshine. I get a similar feeling from daisies.

I slogged back through the back edge of the property to check on the Red Bud tree that we planted for our anniversary last fall. It survived the winter! I saw clusters of tiny buds sprouting along the twiggy limbs, eager to showcase heart-shaped leaves.

Swinging back behind the fence I was especially pleased to see that the Engleman Ivy that Gail dug up for me last fall also made it. I honestly thought this one was a goner, but she assured me that it would pull through. Why did I ever doubt the "Plant Sage?" My friends call me the "Plant Whisperer," but Gail makes me look like a novice (at least when it comes to perennials). My ivy's closest neighbor also made it -- a clematis that I had to transplant very late in the fall, due to our new patio taking over its home. They do not like to be moved, but I guess it was happy in its new location.

All in all, my walk around the yard was uplifting to my spirit. Spring flowers and buds always bring me hope for the future (even with the sniffles and the sneezing). It's a lesson to enjoy the beauty in life, even amidst the hardships. Enjoy your day...and your springtime beauty.

I Demand A Full Refund

Today, I feel like I should demand a full refund for any of my tax money that went into providing salaries to the English teachers of this state. If my college writing class is any example, our teachers have failed miserably to teach English to their students. Not only do these students fail to put together a coherent paragraph, they cannot follow directions. I am assuming that this is because they cannot READ them.

I believe it is this horrid level of work that has made my college instructor create a class where students have to peer-review all work. She is probably too terrified to sit down and actually correct and edit these papers. I know I nearly have apoplexy every week when I sit down to review my peers' work (and I use the word peer lightly).

My sixth-grade niece can write circles around most of these adult students. So, tell me, where are these middle school and high school English teachers? What are they actually teaching? Perhaps they are using the same approach that my instructor is using, and passing off the work to other students. Where is the actual teaching occurring? These students are supposed to be editing work, based on what they are learning. But they are not learning much, because they can't read. Can you see the vicious cycle?

I would like to take a moment and thank the wonderful English teachers I had in grade school, all the way through high school. I went to inner-city schools until my sophomore year, and then transferred to a high school of about 400 students. Never did I have one of those teachers pass the buck when it came to teaching. We could use a new generation of those teachers today--the ones who actually teach.

For those who were severely short-changed in the reading and writing department, I would demand a full refund!

Religious Abuse

How is it that in the year 2010 we are still letting religions get away with abuse? We are reading everywhere these days about the abuse cover ups that have been going on for ages in the Catholic Church. But, let me tell you, the Catholic Church doesn't have the corner on abuse. Have you ever looked behind the closed doors of the mainstream religious organization known as Jehovah's Witnesses?

"What? You mean those nicely dressed, polite people that come to my door on Saturday mornings," you ask? Yes, those very ones. While the Catholic Church is getting lambasted in the media, the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses has been tiptoeing around a powder keg of deceit and cover ups itself. For over a hundred years, they have been harboring pedophiles, rapists, and other abusers. Don't believe me? Google the subject and find the harrowing stories of survivors that have been to hell and back.

This religion is every bit as bad as the Catholic Church in its culpability of member abuse. And, those who turned a blind eye towards this abuse, or covertly covered it up, are just as guilty as those who perpetrated these heinous acts against the innocent.

Add to this the emotional abuses thrust upon former members of Jehovah’s Witnesses. If a member breaks any church doctrine and does not show “proper repentance” before a kangaroo court of three church elders, they are kicked out of the organization. This means that they are publicly condemned before the congregation for “conduct unbecoming a Christian,” and all of the other members are instructed to shun them. This includes family and church members—not only in their home congregation, but all worldwide congregations.

They strip you of your self-esteem, your dignity--your very humanity--and treat you as if you are dead. They don’t speak to you even if you pass them on the street. Imagine someone who has been raised in this controlling group for their entire life, suddenly finding themselves thrust outside the confines of the organization with no social network whatsoever. It is no wonder that many turn to drugs, alcohol, and promiscuous sex—they are looking everywhere for something and someone to fill the gaping hole left in their lives. Many have succumbed to this abuse by ending it all in suicide. I remember vividly the day I nearly took my own life because I felt there was nothing for which to live; I had lost four generations of family along with my church family.

I was one of the lucky ones who survived, and discovered a new way of life. Every day I meet other former Jehovah’s Witnesses, survivors who are re-grouping to carve out a new existence without family support. Slowly they are creating new families and networks of friends, but it is with great difficulty. The scars they carry hide deep wounds that heal slowly. These are beautiful courageous people who are beginning to expose their abusers and the crimes against them.

I applaud each and every person who has had the courage to stand up and face their abusers, bringing their crimes to the light of day. No one should have to suffer the abuses of any religious group. Whether it’s genital mutilation, shame killings, rape, or shunning, they are all inhumane acts that need to end NOW! Will we continue to turn a blind eye towards this abuse hidden in the world’s churches, or will we stand side-by-side with other victims in demanding justice?

Predatory Practices

It hit the news last night that the bank which holds my money is being sued in Federal Court. Why? Because they stack the deck against folks who run too tight on their funds. Instead of clearing checks as they come through, they will deduct the highest amount first, so that the account will drain faster, thereby allowing them to charge an enormous amount of overdraft fees on the multiple smaller checks or debits.

Granted, people should be more careful with their bookkeeping. However, this practice is simply a case of predatory practices. The banks are taking advantage of the financially challenged, and in many cases, just piling more debt on to them. It's wrong, and it needs to be stopped.

Unfortunately, my bank is not the first one to be caught doing this. It needs to be halted across the board. We need to go back to first in/first out, when it comes to checks and debits.

I have only been with Associated Bank for a couple of months, but just last week I had an incident with them myself. I had deposited a check from my boss (my quarterly payroll). They have a normal two day hold on paper checks (which I think is ludicrous anyway), but this time I got a letter in the mail telling me they were holding it for 5 days! Why? The letter said, they "had confidential information that the check might not be paid." I went ballistic...I knew this was an absolute falsehood because I DO THE BOOKKEEPING!!!!

No one could tell me why they were holding the check--they all made guesses. I was livid and I let them know that the way their letter was worded was akin to slander. They had no confidential source. There were PLENTY of funds to pay the check. After I got my personal rep on the case, she discovered that it was because my account was new. I told her that this practice was absolutely wrong, and that their letter was not only deceitful, it was an outright lie. I asked her, "What would have happened, if I had written checks on this account, based on the typical 2-day hold? There would be the potential for numerous bounced checks, if my balance had been too low." She admitted that it wasn't a good situation, and was handled poorly. I asked her why the concerned rep did not pick up the phone and call me or my boss's bank?

In the end, they simply verified the funds were good and cleared the check (which they could have done without all the hassle) from the very beginning. I let my rep know that they seriously needed to examine their procedures, and that this had better not happen again, or I would take my business elsewhere.

I refuse to become a mattress stuffer, but it's shameful what these banks do--raping people with extremely high credit card interest rates, faked overdraft fees, refusal to reconfigure failing loans. My hope is that Associated Bank, and all the other banks out there that are preying on financially disadvantaged individuals will learn their lesson, and start acting more ethically towards their customers.