Cindy on September 26th, 2008
We must all hang together, or assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” — Benjamin Franklin
If you think today’s political climate is worrisome, stressful, and tumultuous, then run to your nearest DVD rental store and pick up HBO’s John Adams series. Based on David McCullough’s Pulitzer-prize winning historical biography, this outstanding seven-part series chronicles the fiery, independent spirit of John Adams, who fostered a deep reverence for the rule of law and a commitment to personal freedom. Adams influenced the values upon which our country was founded — and his abiding relationship with his wife Abigail is one of our greatest American love stories.
Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney are outstanding in the lead roles. And you’ll marvel at how the supporting actors look as though they were plucked from portraits by Gilbert Stuart or Charles Wilson Peale. I wept buckets at the end of this series. Plot spoiler: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who were famous for their clashes (yet respected one another), died within hours of each other on the 4th of July — on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Don’t miss this inspiring, Emmy award-winning series! – CL
Cindy on September 18th, 2008
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This inspiring quote from Emerson — one of my favorite American writers — has resonated in my heart and home for ages. So I couldn’t have been more proud when my son used it in his high school salutatorian speech four years ago. (It was all his idea; he refused to let me preview the speech until he’d finished writing it.) Sometimes we don’t realize how deeply our own pet philosophers and ideas influence our children until years later.
Emerson’s quote came to mind again this week, in the midst of one of the ugliest presidential campaigns I can remember. E-mails are flying back and forth. Tempers are flaring. Political pundits are ranting with a vengeance. And sadly, colleagues and friends who sit on opposing sides of hot-button issues are reluctant to speak their views, fearing alienation.
The dance of diplomacy is equally exhausting. Lately I find myself avoiding confrontation — and seeking the safety of my oldest friends who accept me (and my political views) without judgment. At times like these, Emerson’s wisdom gives me strength and comfort. – Cindy La Ferle
– Original painting: “Into the Night” by Douglas La Ferle —
Cindy on July 16th, 2008
“Whenever a man has cast a longing eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct.” ~Thomas Jefferson
“Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left instead of right or wrong.” ~Richard Armour
“All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field.” ~Albert Einstein
**Original painting “Political Fervor” by Douglas La Ferle. La Ferle’s work will be displayed at the Royal Oak Public Library this month.**
If you think today’s political climate is worrisome, stressful, and tumultuous, then run to your nearest DVD rental store and pick up HBO’s John Adams series. Based on David McCullough’s Pulitzer-prize winning historical biography, this outstanding seven-part series chronicles the fiery, independent spirit of John Adams, who fostered a deep reverence for the rule of law and a commitment to personal freedom. Adams influenced the values upon which our country was founded — and his abiding relationship with his wife Abigail is one of our greatest American love stories.
