Recently I read an excellent article about Agile methodology (this is software speak) and in it the author really got up my nose with the topic of change. I routinely seek out change, sometimes at the cost of deeper exploration because I'm too quick to jump on the change bus. Our author said that uncertainty, being a state that many humans seek to avoid, leads to a longing for closure. But that closure is actually a hedge against change.
Then a friend commented on closure in a personal way that really brought my quest into focus. He said he disliked the drive for closure as a false thing and used a striking example, the loss of his brother. He commented that he found friends who stated that old chestnut, "at least you have closure," superficial and unhelpful. He did not have any kind of closure even after numerous years. And I'm certain their mother did not find closure with the loss of her child.
At the time we had this conversation I never dreamed I too would lose a brother (early). This loss has led me to redefine my thinking on change, loss and recovery. Imagine a chilling of the planet and that would describe my feelings on this topic six months on.
Ever read a book with an ending that is so bad you wished you could unread it? I am never comforted just because I know the ending. If I hated the conclusion, I find myself longing for a loophole, something more open ended that lets me participate or just dangle in the breeze with thoughts about what might have been. So you can see why I might prefer the end of the story to continue on a path with an unknown ending, my heart can continue to hope.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Noise from Protest Central
Having settled into my second day of life at the Capitol, it seems that noise levels can act as an excellerent for the crowd. Or is it just group think? Midday inside the Capitol the decibels were toward the top of the charts according to my iPhone voice memo app (the debut on this tool for me; this will be an excellent device next time I need to break up a dull workplace meeting). Place yourself here, listen for drums, chanting, metal whistles, the occasional harmonica. It feels so good, but without the mud and stink of Woodstock.
We had a quick discussion with a gentleman who had been an activist at the Pentagon protests in Washington in the 60's. He recalled his anti-war stance at the time but expressed well formed concerns about being swept up by the fever pitch (literally the sound levels) in this instance. As my ribcage pounded with the reverb from a 6 story, fully marble clad rotunda with the hint of a tear headed toward my eyes, I could see his point. It's like the movies! But I didn't feel quite as stirred about standing in the sleet outside the Capitol minutes later. Guess I'm not so tough now.
Noontime special:
In one of many rallies that purport to continue into Monday, local firefighters joined state workers in a march inside the Capitol building beginning on the ground floor rotunda and heading up to the second and third floor balconies. Fire fighting gear ran the gamut from '90's gear to looks from the 60's (much the best looking in terms of the toughness factor, but probably not great protection post 9/11). I admit television ads for insurance feature better equipment bling (okay, helmuts with clear visors), but the firefighters were exempt from Gov W's cuts...gotta' give 'em credit for coming out and the crowd LOVED them, as did I. what is with the emotion thing?
Check out the picture.
Heard around town:
List of things to bring to a rally (strait from a rally supporter)
- Posters
- Markers
- A fifth of whiskey (ok, not really, but those teachers like to feel hip)
- Wet scarves (great for tear gas protection, but not required here in the Heartland)
- Lipgloss, because it is oh so dry in February in the hinterlands
Signage at the UW bookstore has new meaning
- "Special on markers, big and small"
- Printed "Kill the Bill" posters (free, which is great when you have used up your markers)
- "Rally sandwich special (includes a handmade chocolate truffle)
As much as I try to summon up my inner curmudgeon, the events this weekend in Wisconsin's Capitol are considerably more stirring than anything I have read or seen as distilled through secondary sources. Speaking for a passive generation, this has thrilled me like nothing else and I'd like to think those nice Midwestern folks might open the door to some talking or at least a reasonable chat rather than the usual snarkiness which just leaves me wishing I still drank coffee. I always think of the best response at 2am.
We had a quick discussion with a gentleman who had been an activist at the Pentagon protests in Washington in the 60's. He recalled his anti-war stance at the time but expressed well formed concerns about being swept up by the fever pitch (literally the sound levels) in this instance. As my ribcage pounded with the reverb from a 6 story, fully marble clad rotunda with the hint of a tear headed toward my eyes, I could see his point. It's like the movies! But I didn't feel quite as stirred about standing in the sleet outside the Capitol minutes later. Guess I'm not so tough now.
Noontime special:
In one of many rallies that purport to continue into Monday, local firefighters joined state workers in a march inside the Capitol building beginning on the ground floor rotunda and heading up to the second and third floor balconies. Fire fighting gear ran the gamut from '90's gear to looks from the 60's (much the best looking in terms of the toughness factor, but probably not great protection post 9/11). I admit television ads for insurance feature better equipment bling (okay, helmuts with clear visors), but the firefighters were exempt from Gov W's cuts...gotta' give 'em credit for coming out and the crowd LOVED them, as did I. what is with the emotion thing?
Check out the picture.
Heard around town:
List of things to bring to a rally (strait from a rally supporter)
- Posters
- Markers
- A fifth of whiskey (ok, not really, but those teachers like to feel hip)
- Wet scarves (great for tear gas protection, but not required here in the Heartland)
- Lipgloss, because it is oh so dry in February in the hinterlands
Signage at the UW bookstore has new meaning
- "Special on markers, big and small"
- Printed "Kill the Bill" posters (free, which is great when you have used up your markers)
- "Rally sandwich special (includes a handmade chocolate truffle)
As much as I try to summon up my inner curmudgeon, the events this weekend in Wisconsin's Capitol are considerably more stirring than anything I have read or seen as distilled through secondary sources. Speaking for a passive generation, this has thrilled me like nothing else and I'd like to think those nice Midwestern folks might open the door to some talking or at least a reasonable chat rather than the usual snarkiness which just leaves me wishing I still drank coffee. I always think of the best response at 2am.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Protest Central
I'm here in Madison, WI early Sunday after a very stimulating day in the Capitol with what was purported to be 65,000 protesters (and 150 police professionals). The demonstrators outside the capitol building appeared to be slightly more in favor of the governor, with the stroller brigade bringing in the union position and support for collective bargaining. We met friends who reported being jostled, but otherwise everything was very civil and reasonable. Yes, they are 'nice' in Wisconsin.
Wave after wave of new protesters arrived at Capitol Square throughout the afternoon, but the crowds really thinned out by 5:30 when darkness revealed a large moon and we went in search of dinner in what felt more like apres-ski crowds. Life on the square continued to get quiet, but not entirely empty, so at 8:30 we headed over to the Capitol building to check out what a third day of action 24/7 might look like indoors.
It was astonishingly powerful. Inside the capitol building were three floors of mostly young and middle-aged protesters, generally against support of the bill. There were students with sleeping bags, families, pizza and lots and lots of drums. The beat made the marble vault hum with power and dignity. Gallery after small gallery tucked away in this beautiful building was full of people who clearly planned to stay the night. At one point the Star Spangled Banner broke out and for the first time in my recent experience liberals were unapologetically providing at least the appearance of patriotism without being self-conscious.
What's with the pizza reference? In one interesting twist, the State Journal reported that Ian's Pizza on State has suspended in-store operations to concentrate on taking orders for the protesters. "Donations have come in from 30 states and 5 countries including Egypt, Korea and Canada." Later when I tried to check the reference, I was without creditable citations. I am wondering if this means Egyptian UW students were behind this effort? (an internet search queried "did you mean egyptians?" when my vain search for egypt + pizza failed to deliver)
Pictures include viewing the rotunda from above and signs posted by protesters as reminders of civil behavior.
Instructions for keeping it cool with Teapartyers
Wave after wave of new protesters arrived at Capitol Square throughout the afternoon, but the crowds really thinned out by 5:30 when darkness revealed a large moon and we went in search of dinner in what felt more like apres-ski crowds. Life on the square continued to get quiet, but not entirely empty, so at 8:30 we headed over to the Capitol building to check out what a third day of action 24/7 might look like indoors.
It was astonishingly powerful. Inside the capitol building were three floors of mostly young and middle-aged protesters, generally against support of the bill. There were students with sleeping bags, families, pizza and lots and lots of drums. The beat made the marble vault hum with power and dignity. Gallery after small gallery tucked away in this beautiful building was full of people who clearly planned to stay the night. At one point the Star Spangled Banner broke out and for the first time in my recent experience liberals were unapologetically providing at least the appearance of patriotism without being self-conscious.
What's with the pizza reference? In one interesting twist, the State Journal reported that Ian's Pizza on State has suspended in-store operations to concentrate on taking orders for the protesters. "Donations have come in from 30 states and 5 countries including Egypt, Korea and Canada." Later when I tried to check the reference, I was without creditable citations. I am wondering if this means Egyptian UW students were behind this effort? (an internet search queried "did you mean egyptians?" when my vain search for egypt + pizza failed to deliver)
Pictures include viewing the rotunda from above and signs posted by protesters as reminders of civil behavior.
Instructions for keeping it cool with Teapartyers
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