2018 Life Logs, Day 271—Democracy is Messy
Date: Friday, September 28, 2018
Weather: Overcast and Rainy; High 62, Low 53 degrees F
Location: At Home in the Cottage, East Falmouth, MA
The nature of democracy makes it a messy affair. Our democracy has not been working very well for some time now and somedays it seems hopeless. But in all of that messiness, today I feel like we witnessed one tiny little glimmer of hope. I have been opposed to Judge Kavanaugh from the beginning because of his written opinions on Presidential power. But no matter what side you are on with this Supreme Court nomination and no matter what the reason, I would think that yesterday’s hearings gave you reason to pause and reassess. Nevertheless, this morning, it seemed like it was a done deal. Then democracy kicked in. People protesting in the halls outside the hearing room, two women passionately making their case to a Senator in an open elevator door, a Senator from one party reaching out to his friend across the aisle . . . all of these things that are an integral part of a living, breathing democracy . . . all of these things turned the tide this morning resulting in an reopening of an FBI background check on Brett Kavanaugh. I have no idea if this FBI investigation will change things, but I personally think it was the only respectful way to move forward. So, I celebrate this victory for democracy tonight.
Today, other than being riveted to democracy in action on television all morning and into the afternoon, I had mid-afternoon coffee with friends Karen and Peter Baranowski, and then picked Jonah and Ollie up from school. Heather was headed home from Boston, but sent a text saying that traffic was going to keep her from making it in time to pick up the boys. I was glad to pick them up and stay until she got home. Once Heather reached the Cape, she called again to say that she needed to drive to Woods Hole to take care of something at work. When she did get home, we had a little time to talk as the boys were playing next doors. Heather is out of town for part of next weekend and then all of the following weekend and we were able to discuss the details of childcare needs while she is out of town. We also made birthday plans for this weekend. Heather’s birthday is on Sunday, but since Jed is attending a conference starting Sunday morning, she plans to celebrate tomorrow night after an afternoon of soccer. I offered to pick up sushi for dinner and I look forward to that!
