The Help

Just saw The Help. See it! Black and White; Life in the 60's. I am so glad I did not live through that time. It was a time of violence but a time of change. The change part was good and deservedly so. I am no pollyanna; time has made me a bit more real and sour perhaps, but fair is fair, the 60's weren't fair. 

before I proceed, I state this fact: a well made movie, with good writing and a great story idea (based on a book) makes for conversation and brings forth from me something to say. I have to state this.

The Help is about upper middle class life for Caucasian Southerns that had maids and gardeners, in a tradition, a college graduate young woman who grew up with a nanny, and the African-American domestic help that worked for the former. the college grad daughter wants to interview "the help" women that worked in the homes of more affluent women and families. The idea is that no one had considered what Life was like for the black women that sacrificed so much during those imbalanced times. Trust is an issue. But, courage and faith play a role in doing the Right thing; stories must be told, and they were. Experience and age, just living life is the fodder for story telling. The women that worked in the homes in this movie had stories to tell, from their perspective of Life and how unfair or wonderful their experiences were. The college graduate works with the two of the principal characters; two women that worked in southern homes, to write a book based on their recollections and those of other black women.

A movie that addresses racism from the perspective of both sides allows for a truer tale. I have not read the book this is based on, but I do encourage you to go see the movie; rent it from the Red Box , get it on Netflix. This may win the Oscar. But beyond a shiny award, The Help has the potential to educate, and help us heal; to work towards more equality, tolerance, compassion, and understanding.

Go see The Help

Jobs and protectyeing the environment We can have it all if we just believe and act

There are some many tasks that can be done to improve this country, increase jobs and make life better for the average American. This country is amazing, full of potential and talent, yet people suffer and go without. We give up on voting and thinking that we can make a difference or that these we voted for, give a damn about us! We despair though we hope for change and a better life.  It is horrible that our pay does not get us as much as it used to and saving is so difficult.  Yes, we are in difficult times and there is a ray of sun peaking through the clouds , but there is despair. Please continue to make a difference. 

 Here is my response to the proposed pipeline that may and should be built through North America.
Why are the easiest solutions the most controversial or the most costly, or, disregarded? A pipeline from Canada to Mexico in the muddle of all three countries, is proposed to be build. The worry is, that the environment will suffer. Two pluses would be more jobs and less dependence on foreign oil, as hopefully, the fuels would be refined and used in American cars, homes etc...It's possible the pipeline will not be built because people are concerned about long term effects on the environment. I offer two solutions: First, make sure the companies involved in building the pipeline adhere to environmental guidelines and laws in place in these countries. Plant trees, move animals...Secondly, INVEST IN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES!!! Build more wind turbines, solar power panels, desalinization plants to convert sea into fresh water. Invest in the future and the present. Create jobs, and decrease COLA; the cost of living for everyday items.

Do not give up hope. Do your part, write your blogs, write your congressmen and women and senators and the President, as it is our write and duty to do so;)  Be well and do not despair.  www.thelionshares.com