Sylvia, You hit it exactly for me. Once, in the 70’s at UCSC, a Mom was at a dining hall with her daughter….amd it seemed to me, she felt as if she looked like everyone else, and yet she was probably 40 something and to me, looked like a generation older……and that is the very moment I felt that although internally a part of my “self” would always be that 20 something looking out at the world, and yet as I aged, surprised that the world is seeing a 40, then 50 and someday 60-70 something. But, I too cherish my age and experiences and am pleased to be as I am., wrinkles and all.

Thank you for the excellent questions asked in the interview. Justice Scalia,is certainly consistent. Too bad he is consistently coming to conclusions that have caused extremely expensive consequences—-ie: W.Bush and then the costly Iraq war……….and this summer new decisions that may have just as deadly consequences. How does one get him to see this?

Last year I attended a speech Justice Scalia gave at a university and he did answer some questions. The one I wanted to ask was: about the 2nd amendment: The Federal gov. protects the right of all citizens to bear arms. Then it may be the right of the individual states to determine which arms can be used (to bear) and how (as long as there is access to some agrred “arm”) . Would you then agree that a state can enforce laws on registration, limiting selling at gun shows, limit weapons “arms” a technology improves arms to…… whatever arm the state picks….such as a single action hunting rifle? Therefore, District of Columbia, as long as some arm is able to be had (rifle with license) then a citizen has their 2nd amendment right protected. Yes? He could not answer on any up-coming judgemnts…. what do you ladies think?

Beth, Saying this about our poll workers is hard for me; but these well-meaning women and men have left us vulnerable in our democracy by accident. There is a problem. Florida’s poll workers, not able to tell folks how to vote on the machines and not seeing the problems was just the TIP of the iceburg. I sound so dramatic, but having just seen this in Pa, on Tues., I am very worried about another close election and which person becomes President.

Need ideas. How to ensure democracy is valued, by having public schools and possibily a Federal Holiday…… for voting. This would provide a wider selection for poll workers that have corrected good vision and also spread out the lines over an entire day. As a poll worker, I have seen this as more of a problem than one might imagine. It is more than hanging chads.

I’m a Pa. poll worker (nice title of Judge of Elections-so I do quadruplicate paperwork) Suggestion: Make election day a public school holiday, even better, a Federal Holiday. If Democracy is important and valued, then make this happen. Who can champion this? Why? Professionals such as teachers are needed that can work polls. Many poll workers are wonderful folks that have very poor eyesight. Many problems occur at each polling place that are due to well-meaning people making unexpected mistakes. Value voting? Give the opportunity for a wider pool of workers and time for individuals to vote on a day off. Again, who could champion this? Ideas?

Great topic. Enjoyed reading comments. Sister-in-law from Shanghai—got physics masters in US, married a week after T. Square to brother-in-law and has two teenagers now. My daughter is learning Mandarin Chinese. Spent month in Shenyang college two summers ago and has job during Olympics in Bejjing. From what I hear and read: China, Chinese issues and the Chinese people are ALL of the Above comments at same time——complicated with many facets(pollution, huge industry growth,government control )———since Nixon, since T. Square, since Wal Mart, China is opening up and friendly to the US. Right now, that is. If those voices in power currently, are embarrassed as a result of US actions; there will be a change of government officials that will be negative to the US. The best thing that can come from the Olympics is DIPLOMACY. Truly. Being able to continue to talk. Let’s not suggest any path that takes us from diplomacy.

Global Magpie. May I say I admire your point of view on life! Way to go. As Ann Frank said, “Isn’t it wonderful that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Two solid feet on the ground is where improvement of the world begins…….and will travel far.

While praying, sometimes I will try to focus on what I would “wish for” in prayer. My husband, a man living a fine life with firm values who is not sure whether there is a God—I “wish” or pray for him to find a connection to our Lord for himself. Our spiritual connection comes in many “houses” and each person seems to have their own way. Muslim, Hebrew, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian…….and it is my wish that he find his way, for he struggles with this and is often angry at organized religions and their effects on politics and in possibly causing war. I do not wish for all the answers, but just to have that connection.

This is a public space and read by all, but perhaps the point is made by men posting here on WOWOWOW that men don’t understand this about women: sometimes we want you to just listen. Just listen. :) Listening to our postings here without needing to comment would be a great start.

Barack Obama can win the general election IF and when the under thirty folks vote. This generation has grown up being able to communicate world-wide and has formed a complicated inner map of the world, unlike many of the older generation. (This includes me—fifty-something Mom, teacher and community volunteer who has been listening to high school and college-aged kids.) Senator Obama speaks clearly of the complications of issues. Treating issues as either “on” or “off” or Rep. or Dem. or conservative or liberal is an OLD way of thinking and not very productive. Sen. Obama speaks to his audiences as adults who can understand shades of grey and purple and does not depend on “sound-bites” to explain his policies and view of the world. I think we need a mind and a point of view like his. He has my vote on April 22.