America's 236th Birthday

Happy Birthday, United States of America!!

On July 2, 1776, the brave and wise men of the second Continental Congress voted for Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

On July, 4th, 1776, the Congress, risking their very lives, signed the Declaration Of Independence. This was the moment of birth for our great and noble nation. This document, along with our Constitution, may be the greatest in the history of our nation, if not the world.

We have come a long way since that day, 236 years ago, but we still have much to work on as a nation and people. We must be vigilant, for we do have enemies both foreign and domestic, but also always work for that more perfect union that the founding fathers wanted for this nation.

We, as a nation, should never take the freedoms and rights we enjoy for granted. Many, even today, around the world don't have them. Freedom comes with a price. Over the years, countless numbers have given their own lives to maintain what the men who wrote and signed the Declaration Of Independence and Constitution started. Many in my family, both birth and adopted, have served in our military, no matter if they enlisted or were drafted. Many others have served in their own way to help this nation. I believe that my work as a political activist is a form of service to my country. During your own celebrations, please take a moment to remember those who have served and continue to serve our nation in any way.

No matter if you are a Socialist, Green, Democrat, Justice, Independent, Republican, or Tea Party, today is not for partisanship, but to pause and remember that, despite our different views and cultures, we are all Americans.

Being born in Boston, and growing up around New England, I have visited many of the major points of history on the way to becoming our own, free nation. A field in Lexington - Concord, Old North Church, Bunker Hill, Paul Revere's House, Old South Church, the site of the original Boston Tea Party, and many more.

My children and I will spend some time talking about the history and why the 4th of July is special, but we'll be celebrating as well. Although I'm not 100% sure what we'll do, most likely we will have a cook-out of some kind, watch some baseball, take a swim, and maybe even a quick visit to This Is The Place Heritage Park. In the evening, we are going with some friends to Sugar House Park, here in Salt Lake, for Utah's largest fireworks show.

I don't think we'll be setting off any personal fireworks ourselves. It's legal here, in fact this is the first time the new law that allows airrels is in effect. Many government officials are asking people to refrain from setting off fireworks, because it's so hot and dry, and many wild fires are still burning within the state. On top of that, I am sure many people will be setting them off all over the valley and state despite the warning.

"Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. " - Wikipedia

Enjoy your celebration, have fun, and be safe.....

Voting: A Legacy And Our Civic Duty

On Tuesday, June 26th, 2012, I had a chance to cast my first vote in Utah.  As always, my children stood beside me and watched as I completed the process...

You must have reached the age of 18 years here in America before you vote.  In some states, they let you register a bit early as long as you'll be 18 by the time the next election is held.

Long before I had reached the proper age, my parents would take me with them when they would cast their votes.  I would see the process, and stand in the voting booth with them.  In the car, sometimes we talked about why they voted the way they did. Most of the time I agreed, at times I didn't.

By my parents example, I came to understand just how important it was to vote as a citizen of the United States of America. This left a major impression on me.  My parents, when I was living with them, never missed an opportunity to vote.

Voting is something special.  At first, it was only white, male, land owners who could vote, but then it was all males.  Later on women, and African - Americans got the right to vote.  This wasn't easy thing to accomplish.  In fact, it was a hard, and long struggle for both groups.

Even today, if you're convicted of a serious felony, you can (may) lose the right to vote.  Sometime you can get the right to vote restored, but often that is not the case.

When I cast my very first vote for Clinton - Gore in 1996, I was doing something a lot of people my age were not doing.  Not many people under 25 vote, if they register at all.  This is why most politicians don't listen to the concerns of this age group.

Just like my parents, I'm doing my own little part to change this. This is why I take my children with me when I cast my votes.  I'm teaching them about the process, and how to vote on the modern machines.  I try to explain to them why I voted or didn't vote for a certain person, or ballot question.

I would love for them to be loyal Democrats, that is my hope for them.  That said, It doesn't matter what party they associate with as long as they register, and vote in each primary and general election.  Moreover, I wish them to be informed voters and, if nothing else, know the basics of the issues.

I hope that I'm raising a couple of....

My Vote: President Obama Vs Rocky Anderson

Here in the State of Utah, they  have the longest current streak of voting Republican in presidential elections of any state in the country.

This year the powerful, relentless, Mormon (LDS, FLDS) Political Machine will be in over drive. Ward lists will be used to put extreme pressure on members to get out and vote for one of their own, Mitt Romney.  It's very clear to me, that no matter how I vote, Romney will win Utah, and its Electoral College votes.

Inside myself, I'm having a debate. Do I vote for Barack Obama or do I vote for Rocky Anderson. Although the election isn't 'til November, it's a question that troubles me.

I like President Obama well enough. Even with a do nothing, Republican controlled, Congress, he has had an amazing number of successes.  On top of that, he has to deal with the blatantly raciest, Tea Party.

I don't like that in the attempt to be bi-partisan, the president is to quick to "compromise" and caves in so fast.  An example of this is what happen to the public option with his historic, health care reform law. By giving up on this important part of the original bill, the president has hurt, my family, and lots of Americans.

After 3 plus years in office, it's clear to me that Obama was packaged as a progressive, but is in all reality a hard core centralist.  To the point one could refer to him as "republican light".

I want a true progressive, someone to inspire me, and our nation.

Could former, Salt Lake City Mayor, and Justice Party founder, Rocky Anderson II, be that person?

Rocky's politics are much closer to what I personally believe in my heart of hearts. He is a solid, unapologetic, progressive. He has dedicated his life to Social Justice, Human Rights, and Civil Rights.

He is largely responsible for many of the after-school, and summer programs that my children now benefit from, and enjoy.

Rocky, as mayor, was vital to the over whelming success of the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympic game.

 A hands on leader, Rocky Anderson was one of the first people to call for the impeachment of Bush over the War in Iraq. He has called Bush along with high ranking members of his administration, war criminals. He believes, as many do, that they should be prosecuted for ordering that torture be used on terrorists, prisoners of war, and civilians

There have been a few miss steps along the way. The one that stands out to me most is the "highway to no where". Legacy Highway on paper may have seemed like a perfect idea, but once built it was, and continues to be a disaster.

I know who I'm not voting for, that is Mitt Romney, but which of the above men do I vote for? I honestly don't know, but I do have a little bit of time to work it out, and decide.

If I end up voting for Obama, it will be mainly because, I want to run up the popular vote as the president heads to a second term. I also really like his running mate, Vice President Joe Biden. His senate office in 2006 -07 sent me lots of speeches, and other information before his run for the White House. I also spent a great deal of time in Biden's Las Vegas campaign office leading up to the 2008 Iowa Caucuses.

If I end up voting for Rocky Anderson, It will be mostly be symbolic. It would also send a protest message to the power that be in the Democratic Party politics not to wander too far right -center.  That will cause them to lose the true progressive, and their own base.

What should I do?!? I would love to hear some feedback.. Please leave a comment, advice, or both.

Salt Lake 2002 Visitor Center and Olympic Cauldron Park

Located up in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, on the campus of the University of Utah, is my most favorite place in the Salt Lake Valley. It's on the grounds of Rice - Eccles Stadium. The Salt Lake 2002 Visitor's Center, and Olympic Cauldron Park.

My love of sports tends to draw me to this place. There are very few things that are a bigger stage then the Olympic Games. Salt Lake and Utah are very proud to have hosted the XIX Winter Olympiad.

One of the most iconic, memorable symbols of any Olympic games is the cauldron. While many cities choose to tear them down after the games, Salt Lake, along with a few other, have turned them into must see destinations for tourists and locals alike.


Salt Lake 2002 have been called the best ever for a winter or summer Olympic games. I'm not sure about that, but 10 years later there is still a buzz and continuing excitement about these games.


Inside the visitors center is a big mural of downtown Salt Lake during the games. It's also home to a gallery showing key moments, fans, the landscape, venues, and the athletes themselves. A theater within the center plays a very moving and inspirational 15 minute movie highlighting a little of the time leading up to, and the games themselves. Much more than just a simple movie on a screen. An attraction in its own right, and shouldn't be missed!

The center piece of the park is the cauldron itself. I took the picture on the left on a recent visit. 

While I strongly feel that Mitt Romney has highly over stated his role as the president of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLCO), that he picked a great design and found a way to get the extra funding for this cauldron can't be denied. 

On February 8th, 2002, the cauldron was lit for 2,399 athletes (886 women, 1,513 men) from 78 nations. It burned till the 24th of the month as a viable symbol of the official theme, "Light the Fire Within"

At the cauldron's base (where the medal fencing is in the photo) each medalists from the Salt Lake 2002 games has their name and sport engraved in stone.

Also at the park is the home to the Hoberman Arch. This was used at the medals plaza in downtown, but after the games was moved to the park. 

This year is the 10th Anniversary of the games. Many special events happened all over the valley in February. One of them was a re-lighting of the cauldron. Although it didn't go as planned it still was amazing 

Major news came out of that event that my children and I attended. The Governor of Utah, and Mayor of Salt Lake made a joint announcement that Salt Lake City would look into bidding to host the 2022 and/or 2026 Winter Olympic Games. It would be simply grand to watch the youth of the world gather here again for the pure love of sport and competition.

Below are pictures of the cauldron being lit during the Olympics by the 1980 USA Olympic Hockey team (left), and the 10th Anniversary re-lighting (right)

This Is The Place Heritage Park

While looking for coupon packets in last Sunday's newspapers, we found a full page ad for Huntsman Day at This Is The Place Heritage Park. For us, it meant free admission, and a free ice cream cone on Friday, June 8th, 2012.

As a single parent, I'm always looking for a deal.  low or no cost events for the children and I to attend. So, we decided to check it out.

It's well known that Utah, and Salt Lake City itself, was founded by Mormon Pioneers. You just can't escape that fact. To that end, this park is built around the monument (pictured above) where Brigham Young looked into the valley and said, this is the place. The place that Joseph Smith, had told him in a dream to go, so the Mormons may have peace.

Now, I'll be honest, I was a bit worried about being hit over the head with only Mormon history, and having to deal with a small army of missionaries. It turns out I was wrong, I'm very happy to admit.

The park has many original and replica historical buildings from around Utah. As a visitor you get to witness many pioneer trades. From Blacksmiths, to Printer, to Cabinet Maker, and many more. There is also a Native American village representing the Shoshone, Piute, Ute, Goshute, and Navajo tribes.

My children loved the mini train ride around the pond, all the animals at the petting corral, panning for gold, candy at The General Store, ice cream at The Huntsman Hotel, and Brigham's Donuts at the Social Hall.

The children and I had so much fun that we got a single parent membership ($60 USD) for the next year. This gives us free parking, admission, unlimited pony & mini train rides, 10% discount at retail shops, $5 off Haunted Village, and discounts to Candlelight Christmas.

Other monuments or statuary on the property are the National Pony Express, Mormon Battalion, Journey's End, Miracle of the Seagulls, Angels Are Near Us, Eagle Gate, Eyes Westward, and Bodell Mortensen.

This Is The Place Heritage Park is located at 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City, Ut, 84108. For more information, call 801-582-1847 or visit www.thisistheplace.org

My Introduction

Merry Meet and Welcome,

This is a start of a new adventure for me, and I hope you'll join me on it.

I have lived with my children in Utah for almost 3 years now, but I have never felt like a local. I don't really fit in very well, which is a mixed blessing at best.

I have developed over the years a strong moral center within myself. Also, a highly tuned sense of right and wrong, fair or unfair. I'm also a strong believer in social justice, civil rights, and human rights.

I'm a member of the Democratic Party. It's the best fit for me out of the two national political parties. I have to admit at times though I feel at odds with my own party. I feel the Democrats are moving in a more center - right direction, and there is no one to really represent me as a true liberal and progressive. I'm looking for the Robert Kennedy of my generation. I want to vote for someone who inspires me, not just vote for the best option because the other party has nominated someone who is very much out of touch with core American values, the needs of the average citizen, the proper role of the federal government, the US Constitution, and international law.

I also practice a non-mainstream faith. I'm a Pagan, and an Eclectic Witch. I believe in both Goddesses and Gods. There is an alter set up in the living room of my apartment, you can't miss it if you stop by or come for a visit. My Children and I attend a local temple (or church) that welcomes all the traditions and paths that are under the Pagan banner. I love sharing my faith with other, but in no means will I push it on someone else. There is no missionary program, the individual person has to search for themselves if interested. As a Pagan, I believe everyone follows their own path in this life, so what is right and works for me may very well not work for you. In this way I respect all faith and religions while still being able to disagree with some of the stands or views they promote.

As You can see, I'm out spoken, and at times can be to blunt for my own good. For better or worse, I stand up boldly for my views, and what I believe in.

These are all great qualities to have, so you might find yourself asking what's the problem?

I live behind the "Zion Curtain" and in the very heart of Mormon America. The world headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints (Mormon, LDS, FLDS) is just a few miles away. I don't think I could be anymore different from the overwhelming majority of residents of Utah.

I grew up and came of age in the New England section of the country. I spent ten years living in Las Vegas, and now I'm in Salt Lake City. Each place has help me learn about myself and helped define who I am today.

My goal for this blog is to share my family's life, our values, our struggles, the places we visit or attend regularly, politics, my personal views on many different subjects, parenting, current events (local, national, international), faith or religion (our and others), sports, recipes (own, family, or found), reviews, and much more from a very unique perspective, and voice that hasn't been heard from.

I love comments, and as a strong believe in our 1st amendment right to freedom of speech, I encourage polite debate on my blog. I want to know, and I'm interested in your reactions, thoughts, and views...

In this way, I see my children and I as New American Pioneers, blazing our own personal trail through Utah, the West, and America itself.

Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again,
Goddess Bless America,
Blessed Be )O(