There is an air of uncertainty throughout our nation. With the horrible conditions of Hurricane Katrina FINALLY being taken care of (I'm going to refrain from going into this for now), we are now faced with so many challenges. Chief Justice Rehnquist passed away last night. What will become of our Supreme Court and eventually our society is not yet known; however, my hunch is not a good one. We are only beginning to know the true magnitude of all of this. My suggestion to those of you who are not familiar with the situation in the Supreme Court is to do your homework, because it's going to affect your daily life and your rights. And as always, I urge everyone to stay on top of the news as best you can - not just our domestic news, but international happenings as well. We all need to become global citizens instead of just Americans. Do what you can - always. Donate to the Red Cross or Mercy Corps or some other organization. Spread the message that WE ARE ALL ONE. We are all connected. This will affect ALL of us all over the world.

May Spirit guide us through these days, weeks, and months, for our nation is about to enter into a time of huge transition - and I regretfully suspect it will not be for the good. May peace come to the hearts of those directly hit by the hurricane and flooding. There are still people waiting to be rescued. There are still whimpers in the distance. And we must do what we can to help them.

I leave you now with these words from my song, "Fire Park."

"T.V. alarm woke me.
Mornings are hard to face.
Lady news said twelve more died.
The American in me is misplaced.

He saddles up his podium.
Ready for his big thrill.
I wince - my heart- is breaking.
He cheers we will prevail.

The dust is still settling.
Light whimpers in the dark.
We've left a hellish playground.
Towering rubble in Fire Park.

Ruled by greed and lead by lies.
We cannot have our rights denied."

Copyright 2004 J. Brianne Widaman
All rights reserved.