I do, too. They provide a broader perspective, too. Not ‘yank-o-centric’.

Interesting conversation and, to Marlo’s point, the media is in the middle of the mess. Not only do they focus on trivial “side show” stories, reporters often let their personal perspectives color the stories. I do not agree with Lily, though: “Nobody wants to see the greater good for more people. They want to see the greater good — for their individual group.” I think a lot of somebodies do want to work for the greater good. The fact that you had this conversation is proof! Don’t give up hope! An interesting web site from the Annenberg Center @ U Penn monitors what candidates say and challenges the reporting of the candidates: www.factcheck.org. Highly recommended!

Bella, Thank you for the link! I had never heard of this site. I am always torn: I want to keep up with some wonderful current books, but I also want to catch up on the classics I have missed along the way. This is a great way to fill in. I just signed up to start “My Antonia” by Willa Cather. Thank you for sharing!

Ken Follett’s historical fiction: “World Without End”. 20 years ago, he gave us “Pillars of the Earth” and this is the long, long awaited sequel. Book lovers share reviews and discussions on www.shelfari.com

I will be able to think straight about Iraq once my son returns safely. It is too personal right now.

Suzanne, Everything is a miracle: every single time we can enjoy ‘taking things for granted’ is special. And, it is special because anything can disappear in an instant. I have had hard losses, but the joy of what remains is a wondrous miracle.

Mickey Mc, above, said, ” I remember thinking I was bored at the time but now looking back I realize I was being impatient.” Impatience is now the norm because children are used to instant gratification. I agree. I thought I was bored, but I was so rich. Rich with imagination, friends who had imaginations, and books. So many books! We had a cherry tree in the front yard. I would climb that big old tree with a bowl and a book. Fill the bowl, lounge on a limb, and read. I was very rich indeed.

Thank you for introducing a ‘difficult’ topic. Frankly, poor judgment and greed abound at every level of the process. Banks and mortgage lenders are in it for a profit, and more profit is always a goal. Real estate agents benefit from selling larger homes, pressing the buyer to extend their finances more that wise. (I have bought 2 homes during the course of my life and each time I had to curb the real estate agents’ enthusiastic advise to buy higher.) Buyers need to be realistic about income and stability. This is particularly important in a world of media images of large, lovely homes with gourmet kitchens. Mixed into the current scenario is the trend of buying to ‘flip’, when the buyer anticipates big revenue from a hot market.

I like your emphasis on collaboration. This is a trait women have that is more difficult than for men. One observation that may seem a bit shallow, but I find that it works: don’t dress for the job you have. Dress for the job you aspire to.

Well written: insightful social commentary.

The current mortgage debacle is another sad commentary on how irresponsible folks at all levels can be. Loaners lent to folks who really stretched to qualify, and sometimes they knew it. Some borrowers stretched to borrow more than they could handle to ‘flip’ and make more money. Middlemen facilitated the process and benefit as well. Obviously, this wasn’t true of all; but, responsibility and accountability are virtues sadly missing.

People on eBay are actually marvelous recyclers. Instead of putting things in a landfill, they offer it to a such a large community where someone can find it. While this is not the intent of eBay, it is a benefit to us all.

Great question! I suggest: Eleanor Roosevelt, Golda Meir, Jane Addams, and Elizabeth 1. As someone said earlier, “Each for the obvious reason”.

I, too, have been anticipating the launch of this site. I hope for thoughtful substance and lively interaction. Since women are smart, savvy, and witty, this site has great potential!