Sunday, May 31, 2020

Fund Arts and Humanities In Our Schools

I have some ideas about how we can improve education:
We can start by increasing funding for arts and humanities and civics classes.

Teach the art of cursive writing, start teaching critical thinking and deductive reasoning, life skills, etc.

First and foremost, we would all benefit from teaching kids how to be kind and nurture their creativity. We can and should do this in public schools. Why parents need to spend tens of thousands of dollars to ensure their children a quality education doesn't make sense. Of course, that is always an option for people who can afford it,

Can we start with basics?
Reading, writing, artithmetic, yes.
How about basic meal prep, and showing kids where their food comes from?
While we are at it, can we stop building gigantic schools far away from kids live?

Give them more space and time to play, green schoolyards?
Self defense martial arts, for everyone.
Art, dance, music, poetry.

You know, the things that make us human, that allow us express our emotions.

We don't have to reinvent the wheel, but it's pretty handy to be able to change a tire. 

These are just general ideas, obviously.

No policy reform is going to fix all the ills of society, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't at least try.

Ox,
Mari

Leadership & Solidarity

Saturday, May 30, 2020

God Is Good (Literally)

This song came to me a while back. To commemorate a recent Supreme Court decision, I've decided to share it here:

https://youtu.be/fMAKOfNEic0

Ox,
Mari

P.s. If you are not sure which Supreme Court decision this references, do some research, and dig a bit deeper.

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Thoughts on Pharmaceutical Advertising

It has been my long held belief that drug advertising needs some changes.

One change I support is full disclosure. That is, instead of showing people walking hand in hand amongst a field of flowers while a narrator quickly states the side effects, the ad should show actual side effects.

 https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-information-consumers/impact-direct-consumer-advertising

Just my opinion, of course.
Yours may vary.

Sincerely,
Mari

Thinking and Feeling

Most recent post is on the Mari Mack blog.  I thought I had posted it here, but...

Friday, May 22, 2020

The Patriot Act

My thoughts on the Patriot Act:

The Patriot Act is sanctioned, legalized racism, It is fear of the "other" wrapped in a flag.

I am aware that good and bad exists in this world. That awareness comes from life experience, from bearing witness to both beauty and ugliness.

I choose to seek out the beauty and prefer to celebrate the good. Sometimes when we cannot see the light, in the darkest of times, is when we need to be the light.
And that light must come from within.

Ox,
Mari



Related:

https://jia.blog/listen-i-wanted-quar-gossip-too/

https://socalrecord.com/stories/537792897-independent-women-s-law-center-weighs-in-with-amicus-brief-on-women-workers-hurt-by-ab5

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Who We Choose to Represent US Reveals Our Values

People everywhere just want to be free.
To me, to be free means to be your true self.
If you have already chosen your primary candidate, OK.

However, if you have not yet voted in the primary and find yourself feeling unseen, unheard, confused, still fed up with the status quo, scared and/or lost -- especially if you are thinking of not voting, or have never voted before, I suggest you look at my social media posts and/or listen to my music to understand a bit about who I am and what I represent.
If you feel I represent you and your values, write me in for President.

In November, regardless of how the primary turns out, let's remain committed to bring more kindness, beauty and fairness into this world.

Democracy is not a spectator sport!

ox,
Mari

Friday, May 8, 2020

Choices

"Until we get money out pf politics, nothing will change..."
These words from a coworker ring in my ear. On some level, I do agree with him and on a other, more visceral level, I see and feel things change every day. I do my best to direct my rage about the injustices in this world toward positive action.

Everyday I awaken, I give thanks for strength and determination. I give thanks for family, friends and the ability to see challenges as opportunities, the courage to say "enough."

What we give attention, we amplify.

Let us amplify the good in ourselves.

Ox,
Mari

p.s. Got masks and/or money to spare?
Please consider donating to
Navajo Nation. Their community is in need.
https://www.nndoh.org/donate.html

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Justice and Consideration

Grateful for everyone who sued to restore voting rights to NY citizens.
Please do not squander this opportunity.

Vote in the primary.

The only way to be heard is to raise our voices.

Ox,
Mari

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Write Me In

If you find yourself frustrated enough that you don't want to vote, write me in.

It is harmless during the primary.

First, do no harm.

Have a peaceful day.

Ox,
Mari

Http://marimack.bandcamp.com

Friday, May 1, 2020

Recommended Read: "No Visible Bruises" Rachel Louise Snyder

Dear Readers:

It is rare that I recommend a book before reading it, but there are exceptions to every rule. That said, I am recommending a book based upon a recommendation.

Grateful for curiosity, compassion and courage.
Grateful for journalism.

http://www.hillmanfoundation.org/hillman-prizes/2020-hillman-prize-book-journalism

Ox,
Mari