Finding today difficult, imagining the shadows of WWII in government policies toward women. Cut Planned Parenthood; abruptly stop research into women’s health; offer $5000 for new babies but nothing for health care, child care, educational support; faith office saying submit to men. Frightening.

Two books for our times. The first is a marvelous description of how life forms have shaped the earth in highly complex ways. The second describes how humans have affected one another and the planet, and the damage we have done in our short time as a species of war, greed, and ignorance. Must reads.

When we need property tax levies to pay for teachers and important programs, when a few parents can prevent a whole school from reading a challenging book, we restrict learning. We need to invest heavily in public education, fund advanced education for professional and skilled workers.

How does it make sense to import engineers and doctors supposedly because America doesn’t have enough of them, while cutting support for education in this country? We are one of the only countries where higher education is not fully supported and funded by the government.

Listening to music from the 70’s today, a time when I was so hopeful for meaningful social change, environmental progress, peace and acceptance. Reaching back to give that girl a hug. She needs it.