Greeks Resist Public Bank Bailout

Timothy Garton Ash spells out what is at the core of the violence we are seeing in Greece, Ireland and other European countries. Again, language plays a role here. “Public bank bailout” is almost NEVER referred to on CNN or mainstream media. Rather it is described as “austerity measures.” Published today at ekathimierini.com, “The end of Europe as we know it” by Petros Papaconstantinou:

For his part, Timothy Garton Ash wrote in the Guardian on June 15: “It’s not just Greece. In Ireland, Portugal and Spain the anger is boiling over, as people feel that the young, the poor and the unemployed are being forced to pay for the selfish improvidence of their politicians — and of French and German bankers.”

Bold emphasis is mine. The same is true for us here in the U.S., since our banks actually started this financial crisis – now rippling through the global economy.

NET – Pushing bank losses from unethical sub prime mortgage loans and investments onto the public should not be tolerated by people anywhere. Why are we tolerating it here in the U.S.? Because, unlike Greece, we haven’t experienced, or don’t understand, the costs of paying for it . . . yet.

You may also like Budget Policy Choices, Truth or Consequences, On Osama bin Laden’s Death and Power of Framing.

Solving the Problem of Poverty

ESPERA Funds: A Better Idea for Solving the Problem of Poverty

Edica is a young mother in El Salvador barely making ends meet. She struggles daily to care for her children, feed them and send them to school. There are no jobs available in her village. She is determined and resourceful but, as in many countries, banks do not lend to women. What can she do? What would you do?

Micro-lending might be an option but that can be dangerous. You may have read about the recent problems uncovered in the micro-lending industry. Often the money actually goes to another lending institution, rather then to the individual pictured on the website. Or the interest charged might quickly become more than the value of the loan. Sometimes a woman applies for a loan that actually ends up in the hands of others – usually men – although the woman is legally responsible for the loan. These abuses hurt every organization working to end poverty through sustainable change.

After almost 25 years of granting and working with women in the Americas, Mary’s Pence, a faith based non-profit, decided there had to be a better way to help end the cycle of poverty. I know. As a board member of Mary’s Pence I watched and participated as month after month the women of Mary’s Pence collaborated to create a sustainable and local alternative. After months of strategic planning and collaboration ESPERA Funds were born.

Mary’s Pence ESPERA Funds (“she hopes” in Spanish) go to networks of women – not individuals. Together, using the power of community, women can share ideas. Each network is made up of a group of women who encourage and support each other in starting sustainable businesses right in their own communities.

ESPERA Funds are designed so decisions are made by local women creating local solutions. The women in the network are in the best place to determine which projects should be funded and the interest they need to charge for their lending pool (ESPERA Fund). Loans are repaid to the community fund so more new businesses can be started or the money can be loaned to another network. Successful projects are grounded in the community and serve the needs of the local village.

ESPERA Funds recently completed its first year. There are now four funds working in communities in Central America and Mexico. The results are exciting. When women do better children benefit, families are more secure and the entire community does better. With a reliable income Edica and women like her, can send their children to school instead of to work. For Edica, a sustainable income means that she can plan and save for her future.

Mary’s Pence ESPERA Funds are supported by donations from individual donors. There is no endowment fund or large grant to support this work. Mary’s Pence relies on social outreach, churches, women’s groups, faith groups and those they know to spread the word.

What can you do? Join me. Be part of the poverty solution. Consider learning more at www.maryspence.org, sign up for Mary’s Pence E-Newsletter, or make a donation. Become a Companeras by donating automatically each month. Better yet, volunteer to host a giving circle at your next book club or gathering – even dollars or change on hand makes a good donation.

Make a difference today. Just click funding women, changing lives.

In Africa women are doing similar work. Watch Jacqueline Novogratz, founder of Acumen Funds, describe investing in local solutions and the power of patient capital.

You may also like Poverty is a Luxury We Can NOT Afford, What Can You and I Do?, Does Everyone Have a Voice? and Kowalski’s Grocery Store and Fiji Water.

Fundamentalism Is Fatal

Photo Beliefnet.com

Not too long ago I came across a someone who was profoundly fundamentalist. What do I mean by “fundamentalist”?

Fundamentalists believe that not only do they know what God wants them to do – they know what God wants me to do too! This is appallingly arrogant and narcissistic on two counts. First, it insists that the fundamentalist somehow knows more than other people know about others’ own lives. Second, it insists that the fundamentalist knows more than God (Spirit) working in the heart of the other person! This is pathological narcissism at its worst.

I was raised in a fundamentalist home by parents masquerading as Catholic. Catholicism, by definition, rejects fundamentalism. The term “Fundamentalist Catholic” is an impossibility and an oxymoron.

Catholicism requires on-going reflection and listening to the Spirit; in one’s heart, in one’s life, in one’s prayer. We can never know what God is calling someone else to do. The truth is that it’s often difficult to know for sure what God wants us to do. One of the fruits of the Spirit is that God will often lead us to a surprising decision, one we hadn’t considered or thought of. Usually, it’s a decision others haven’t thought of either. This belief that every person must search and follow their own conscience is called “Primacy of Conscience.” It’s a cornerstone of Catholicism.

From my upbringing I do know that fundamentalists are closed-minded, controlling and judgmental. Any attempts to convince them that they may not know best for others will result in denial, inappropriate displays of anger or manipulative behavior.

On the other hand, living in the Spirit is welcoming, curious, engaging and joyful. One is death-dealing, the other life-giving. We must choose with whom we spend our brief, but precious lifetime.

Fundamentalists repel others the way oil repels water. In the end, I think it’s true that God/reality separates the wheat from the weeds (Matt 13:24-30).

You may also like Difficult People, Irish Heritage, Exercise Your Mind, Question the Culture, and Salut! To Your Health!

Romantic Entry Before & After

One of the last areas of our home to get the romantic treatment was the front entry hall. Again, I wanted to use what we had, create some warmth and texture – both inside and outside as you approach our front door – add privacy to the side-light windows and make the area more usable. Of course, I will work mostly with items we already have.

Here’s a before picture.

Photo R. Meshar

OK, but needs some freshening up.

The blinds work well and will stay. But curtains or sheers for the sidelights are expensive. Window film at Home Depot was less than $20. It cuts to size, adheres with soapy water (low-tech) and comes in many patterns. This leaf pattern looks good, provides privacy and lets the light in.

I replaced 60 watt bulbs with 75 watt bulbs in the light fixture. This brightened the area overall at minimal cost.

The sofa table was given to a friend and the armoire was placed in the entry area. I have learned that large pieces of furniture can successfully go in small spaces. It works here. The mirror on the armoire door bounces light around this darker area. A bright shawl and pottery highlight the dark wood.

Next I replaced the worn rag rug with a silk oriental rug we already had to complement the armoire. A hook rack (purchased on Craigslist, $5) for guests’ coats and jackets was hung on the opposite wall.

That’s it. Total cost less than $25. Here’s the after.

Photo A. Meshar

Outside, a small basket with bright children’s garden tools was hung on the door. I placed a bright, red pot near the entry to contrast against the light brick. This area gets little sun so plants here must appear bright even in the shade. Mint, impatiens and lavender add scent, color and various heights. It smells great as you walk by and it looks colorful, even at night. Sometimes luminaria (votive lights) in white bags light this outside walk-way for guests. It looks inviting, especially sitting on top of the snow in winter.

The back door, office and laundry area are next on my list . . . stay tuned.

You may also like Romantic Living Room Before & After, Romantic Bathroom Before & After, Romantic Kitchen Before & After.

No-Cook Marinara & Pasta

Photo KidsCulinaryAdventures

If you plant your own greens or herbs you may just be harvesting fresh baby greens now. What can you do with them that’s fast and easy and uses less energy because the sauce requires no cooking? No-Cook Marinara & Pasta.

The original 5-minute recipe is from Francis Lam at Salon.com here, but we made some changes by eliminating some of the oil, and switching to lower calorie feta and reducing the cheese. We also preferred it without the vinegar. Fresh basil, cilantro and chopped green onion served as the fresh greens.  All the freshness and flavor are still there.

1. Boil water and add half of a one-pound box of pasta of your choice (penné, rigatoni, farfalle or vermicelli all work well). Low energy tip: You can add the pasta, cover and turn off the heat. The pasta will cook in 1 or 2 additional minutes. Stir once or twice.

While the water is heating and your pasta is cooking take a large mixing bowl and layer the following ingredients in this order –

2. Layer 2 chopped tomatoes on the bottom (off-season substitute 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes),

  • then layer one half a thinly sliced medium sweet onion,
  • next add fresh basil leaves chopped (or substitute arugula, baby spinach, new Swiss chard or other soft greens, herbs – even mint),
  • sprinkle with a handful of crumbled feta (shredded mozzarella or Parmesan) and cracked pepper.

Note: any VERY thinly sliced vegies can be layered in. Thinly sliced carrots, eggplant, chopped broccoli, zucchini, summer squash, thinly sliced green or red peppers, for example. Consider the season. You choose.

3. When the pasta is cooked, drain and put the hot pasta on top of the ingredients in the mixing bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and top with a handful of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. Cover with a plate and wait 4-5 minutes. Toss and serve.

The less energy we use the better. And this recipe is super easy. Super fresh. It’s summer in a bowl!

You may also like Picnic in a Jar, Super Easy Crockpot Lasagna, and Fresh, the Movie.