TSJH

Update IV: Home

All,

There are many strands of thought swirling about my head as I face the reality that I leave this place in 14 days. Fourteen days. When I got here seven weeks ago my time here seemed more than enough to achieve all I wanted. Maybe in a truism of life, I think I will leave with more questions than answers.

Perhaps I should have seen this coming, but I even flirted with the idea of staying – a rather romantic idea of working on the ground and seeing if I could not illuminate some truths of development and aid in a few different circumstances.

Where I am now is, I think, the other string of Michael Bublé’s song “Home”, which always proves an adequate companion for my feelings when I am lonely in a foreign place. Yet, I think the lyrics also speak to the fact that as much as we must leave to pursue our dreams, we do not completely own ourselves, our happiness. I owe myself to others and to them (you) I must return. For that I will be ready when I get on the plane to rejoin my life.

To the hot button issue. Protests.

I commented, if memory serves, in the last e-mail that mass demonstrations on July 20 seemed to be unlikely. Then, however, the president went ahead and signed that Injunctions Bill despite the injunction civil society groups had against his assenting to it. And so, they happened.

In fact, President Mutharika said he would allow them, until someone was granted a last minute injunction on the morning of – in support of the ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) – to stop the demonstrations to protect against the potential unrest. Instead of preventing action, the attempted prevention fueled it. First, 11 leaders were detained early Wednesday to intimidate potential demonstrators. Riding to work (later, walking to the nearby grocery for lunch, too) was eerie, as almost no one was out.

In Mzuzu, in the North, protesters overran police protecting DPP trucks and headquarters, lighting them on fire. Northerners are most against Mutharika’s regime, and though typically non-violent, the destruction was massive and the death toll at nine, likely from police gunfire.

Here in Lilongwe there were exchanges of tear gas and stones between the police and people, but mostly on the periphery of the city, not in city center, where the embassy is located. On Wednesday, we briefly saw around 1000 protesters late in the day making their way towards the parliamentary buildings. Though there were reports of looting and gunfire yesterday, not near the embassy nor our homes. Still, we all left early and I spent the night at the Nyce’s (the Econ officer, my present mentor, as J.T. left a week ago). Six are reported dead in the capital.

Much less unrest occurred in the commercial center of Blantyre in the South, where protesters were much more organized and self-disciplined. The Twitter pictures from there (following Twitter, editing and drafting cables were my contributions) are the most fun, as the Malawians danced in their massive numbers, most in the chosen color of red. Yet, two died there; with one dead in the extreme northern town of Karonga, the number stands at a sad 18.

It has taken some time for the West to pick up the story – finally reaching CNN International (no, not the U.S.) a few hours ago. Here is the best coverage. Notice that the story began early July 20.

BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14231251

AP (via NYT): http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/22/world/africa/22malawi.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Combined with my trip to see Chelsea this past weekend at her site, I am really getting the most for my dollar in being here this summer. (Quick notes on that visit.)

The public transportation system is chaotic, at minimum: waiting until the aisle is full before departing; being bombarded by vendors selling homemade french fries, little cookies from South Africa, rolls, samosas, bananas, Cokes, Fantas, apples for $.67 (100, 150 Malawi Kwacha) at most; trying to understand the Malawians utter inability to leave the windows open for relief from their collective smell, or to move around each other when getting on and off the bus; crowding into the back of a pickup truck or a van for the travel on the dirt roads. And then, the realities of thirty minutes of work to get water, make a fire and heat it - all for want of a shower! Yet, there is such romanticism in the austere lifestyle of open land, fresh foods, a high incorporation of exercise (though they do not do so on purpose), much reading and writing to pass the time, happy people and, in Chelsea’s case, motivated ones at that.

To see what Chelsea has become (how she has changed, and has not), to connect in some wonderful conversation, to have the opportunity to meet the people she’s written of in her blog and spoken of this summer - especially Mama Chavula, the head nurse at the health center, who hosts Chelsea for lunch and dinner each day, and her niece’s son, Eugene, an incredibly cute 11 month old - meant much to me. At this point, here’s what’s left (I will try to write one more e-mail either just before I leave or soon after getting home):

Site assessments for the Ambassador’s Self-Help Program, which gives small grants to community projects that have at least 25% support in materials and labor from the village(s), a high level of female beneficiaries and involvement, and serve the area well. These projects range from constructing school blocks and health centers to income generating activities such as developing concrete bricks (which are more environmentally friendly and stronger than mud bricks) or soap or oils for sale. (An amazing program, in my book, but there are questions - as with all foreign aid - as to whether it empowers more action or enables more laziness.)

The other main focus is getting around the mission. So, Monday to Saturday (the 30th) in the North helping with site assessments; then I will be at USAID from the 1st-4th, consular the 5th, then passing the weekend at camp GLOW with Chels and Talia, then it will be time to head home.

Off to the North! Pura Vida,Tyler

Update III: There Should be Revenge in the Title

All,

Shaking things up this time: I am sending you mostly unedited notes with links to the photos I have uploaded to Facebook. There is a warning you should heed, (I have written much in the last four days, and the update for the previous two weeks is worth one picture.) this is a lot to read.

5 July, 2:14 p.m.

Considering that I am sitting here, almost twiddling my thumbs, waiting on a phone call and an e-mail before I can leave for the day to take a much desired nap, I could write an update today and then another on Sunday to catch you all up on my African adventure. As you can tell however, I prefer combining the last 18 days into one, large missive.

Why? Mostly because I am certain I will forget something if I do not allow a couple days for reflection on this portion – part two ought to come easy.

Much happens in a day or three here: right after my last update I promptly moved from the cozy guest house of the DCM (Deputy Chief of Mission – currently the Chargé) into a full two bed, two bath, double kitchen home that lacked the television I had grown accustom to, but had the indoor internet access I had not. That weekend was spent in large part online downloading music, episodes of the long defunct TV series “Jericho” and a couple of movies. It also produced this blog.

From then through last week serious fuel shortages were apparent in the tens of cars queuing up at stations for petrol and diesel around the Chancery. I saw lines at one of the three nearby fueling locations every day for a week. These difficulties, which have greatly affected the cost of goods around the country, combined with the passage of a law called the Injunctions Bill, which effectively suspends protection of an individual or business from government (via filing for and being granted a court ordered injunction) for up to three days so that government can defend its position, has created a comfort for the people and even members of the president’s party to criticize his approach. I will use an example to better explain the bill (which, in an ironic twist, is currently blocked from the president’s signature by an injunction): if a newspaper was shut down (which it legally can be as a part of the penal code) on a Friday, it would not be able to print papers until the following Thursday, once the three day period had passed on Wednesday (remember, weekends do not count). The paper would be dead.

Mostly due to the fuel issues, civil society groups are threatening protest. However, even upset Malawians have a hard time finding it in their character to stand up and take issue with their present leadership. They all want to be led, but refuse to be the leader.

Other than spending the week in meetings discussing these issues and the potential for active dissent, much of my time was capping off the political research I had been conducting and putting it into a memorandum of sorts. J.T. has not had the time to give me any feedback as of yet; my hope is that it might be of use to his replacement in August.

Finally, there was – of course – both an official and an unofficial Fourth of July party. No, the unofficial party was not a big one: the recently confirmed ambassador, Jeanine Jackson, will arrive in September, far too late to help fund such a shindig, but it was great fun. Econ Officer Chris Nyce and his wife Rukmini hosted a barbeque in their beautiful backyard; and even though I was only whelmed (bonus points for getting the reference) by Chris’ fireworks, they were the first I have seen in two years (June 27, 2009: Florence, Italy). Yes, I have made such a point to people regularly for a while now, but it was so refreshing to celebrate our Independence Day with fellow countrymen and women in a little island of Americana.

The official party, at the beautiful and spacious ambassadorial residence, involved Peace Corps and USAID booths, cupcakes, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, chili, cornbread and great brownies with caramel on top. Both the Chargé and the Minister of Foreign Affairs gave speeches and toasts to each other’s country, offered small digs at one another (you had to listen for them, all covered in vanilla-ed language), and Malawians, Americans and many people of other nationalities enjoyed the jazz, conversation, food and weather long into the June night (it was the last day of last month). I was pretty excited to meet a representative of the Egyptian government considering their recent history; he is quite the talker, according to J.T.

Now is probably the appropriate place to include that Talia and Chelsea were back in town preparing for GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) at the end of the month and stayed with me from June 28 until this morning, filling the house as best we could. Both are kind and always looking for fun – good traits in friends and house guests. They were also at the two parties with me (I cannot stress how much having people to share experiences with means) and we definitely kept busy every day. If I do not see them visiting Chelsea’s site sometime in the interim, I will catch them before GLOW with about a week left in my stay. Back to preparing all of my own food for now.

Besides the girls, who helped me get a little jump back in my step, the realization that I will be home in five short weeks – only four of work – has definitely gotten me focused on doing all that I can before the clock runs out. I had begun to stall during my nights at home in the middle of June, but I know I have to use time wisely to be satisfied with my trip once I reach the end of the song. 33 days.

(Pictures here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1605683980719.2052164.1194721591&l=b09daf32d7) 

7 July 8-8:30 p.m.

So this is a safari. Sure would be nice to share this chalet with someone else. (One twin bed open to my left. I have said this with frequency – next time, one of you is coming with! A friend, one of my culturally afraid family members or a girl; any will do.) It is a bizarre structure, really: a modern, upscale hotel room meets a rustic guest house, in Africa (and the bed nets and extra layers of screening that entails). I am one step removed from my Lilongwe residence – subtracting internet, enlarging the pests (specifically a spider a little smaller than half the size of my hand I have conveyed an understanding to), yet now there are elephants and baboons walking around where I live and my lack of a vaccination for yellow fever is suddenly making zanzare (Italian for mosquitoes) more than just pesky, though the present season lessens the risk. 

I am fighting myself to calm down after a long day that showed what unpaved Africa is like, a rocky ride. I want to use the lessons of my first few nights in country as a reminder that warnings and dangers come off much worse without rest. Still, that part of me – from growing under my father’s tree – that drives me crazy until the trip is over, until the Malawians let me back in their country, is latching hold to this silent fear. Something tells me tomorrow and Saturday will be better: I’ll read (Persuasion), I’ll write, I’ll enjoy the company of the Brits who run and visit Thornicroft, I’ll take hundreds of pictures (525) of hundreds of animals and then I’ll save all that nervousness until they say ‘yea’, ‘nay’ or do not notice at all (what fortunately happened, though I should look into getting the vaccination anyway) Sunday afternoon. Until then, I’m on safari.

8 July 5:18 a.m.

Under the circumstances of a different summer, I might be, at this moment, out drinking with friends. Instead, I am up – breakfast is in ten minutes – and cold, after sweating through my clothes for much of the night and then spending an hour and a half (1:30-3ish) listening to the low, guttural calls and loud eating of hippos.

11:30 a.m.

Somehow it is not yet the afternoon. Somehow.

One liners from the morning (kept to self):

            Going into the park, nearly tearing up… I think I could cry – because of the awesomeness.

            Continually, when seeing animals… Will I ever return to a zoo? Doubtful.

Animals seen: giraffes, elephants, hippos, leopard, zebras, warthogs, fishing eagle, various birds and cranes, baboons, monkeys, impalas, kudu

Hopeful to see: lions, hyena

—

A day like today produces two major trains of thought

- Conservation: we could do a better job of it – if it even makes sense to have zoos – in our care of non-native species; we should not overlook the importance of keeping land sanctimonious in the U.S.; there should be a major effort to help lessen the use of non-reusable plastics around the world and to make recycling a feasible venture in parts of the world (ex. Africa) that do not have it.

- Travel: how can we encourage more of it? Cheaper cost? More exchange programs, perhaps focused not in traditional education, but another angle? More cross cultural exposure at a young age?

—

In London on spring break I joked about being able to provide for living in an international city. At the time however, I had no interest in such a life and lifestyle (and the kidding/flirting did not play well, either). The irony is – now I want to try such an arrangement.

Certainly there have been flaws to the last five weeks in South Africa, Malawi and Zambia, but the world is only getting smaller and the chances I would live abroad and be so lonely are slim. Maybe temporary arrangements are best for now – there is school to finish (after beginning it) and leaving might be much easier as a part of couple rather than a single. But, put it on the list: it is something I want to do.

This all seems to be crossing my mind as I realize that trips around Malawi I hope to carry out in the next few weeks and this safari hardly scratch the surface of what is to be experienced in the region: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; Mozambique; Cape Town, Robben Island, Johannesburg/Pretoria, South Africa; safaris in Botswana; travel across the country of, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, Tanzania; Nairobi, Kenya (off the top of my head). All within a two-hour plane ride. All to be left to another trip (likely trips). To live in Europe, Africa, Asia or S. America would make these types of opportunities closer for a while – realistic.

I wonder how to fashion a career – at least for a while – that would let me do such? (My political ambition is not gone – just amended by a want for travel and culture to be permanent aspects of my life. Kansas remains my unrivaled home.)

—

As for the drives themselves – certainly this morning’s – pictures speak volumes as to what I saw: animals in their natural habitat as had never been possible for me before. Riding in an open car, the wind was cold at first, but was wonderful by the end of the ride. I can still feel the sun, too. This is Manuel Antonio (Costa Rica) with more, larger animals. The zebras – my favorite animals since Zoo Books – like the others, eating and herding and interacting with their surroundings as they never could in a cage. To see them wild and free is to have a fulfillment never afforded by a day at the zoo. The ecosystem is minimally harmed, the food chain unimpeded. Man is steward. (I am happy.)

I pulled out grandpa’s lense (70-300mm) when we swept around to see the leopard from another angle as it moved across some brush. Wow. Being able to affect the shot size like this is exhilarating. I wished, for a moment, that he could have been there to share the experience (as I have had such instances for all of you on this trip), that we might have connected more in life. I regret our inability to speak the same language. Reminds me of the importance of adjusting, improving, opening up to avoid shortcomings as best as possible. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

9:45 p.m.

Nice night drive, nice dinner conversations with the group.

-Pre-sunset: six lions, two hyenas.

-Post sunset: two hippos, one or two hyena, African eagle owl, mongoose, hare; Orion, Scorpio, the Southern Cross, Big Dipper, Cassiopeia.

I will never be the same (after Africa).

Lots of daydreaming.

9 July 11:32 a.m. 

The object of the drive is to see cats. Lucky for us, we saw all of them yesterday.

Another truly surreal drive. Cannot wait to get back and share my experiences (and to see if I actually took good pictures).

9:30 p.m.

Last drive. How I love the wind (and sun/stars) on my face.

Saw two lions with a kudu carcass. I have no idea how Steve, the lamp man, spotted either of them in the thick, yellow grass. It was such a flurry of activity – seeing a lion with a red mane (his name, appropriately: “Ginger”); having other cars (three in all) suddenly behind us and then in better position to follow the lions as they worked back into the brush with their prize; being back in the dark of night, quietly working our way to the lodge. Incredible last experience.

(Pictures here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1607893115946.2052241.1194721591&l=14d780b900)  

—

I am not sure if presenting my immediate reactions is better or worse than when I weigh and measure them, but I think each was used appropriately here. I am a sharer: here is the best I can offer other than video chat or, in just four weeks, face to face.

Pura Vida,

T

Africa for Beginners

Note: This summer finds me an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe, Malawi. The following is essentially a combination of my first two updates, sent via e-mail, with a few additional thoughts thrown in. Call it Update 2.25.

To even attempt to describe what being here is like seems a fool’s errand: today is my twenty-sixth in country and I remain on sensory overload from all that is different about being in Malawi from any place I have been before. (That said, of course I will try to explain what a Peace Corps volunteer called “Africa for beginners.”)

Malawi is governed by a parliament (the National Assembly, made up of 193 seats apportioned by population throughout the country) and a president, Bingu wa Mutharika, both of which are elected every five years (the last election was in March of 2009) and currently belong to Mutharika’s party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Despite its size (14-15 million people) and strategic relevance (though there is a uranium mine in the North, and the country is used as a conduit for people moving between South Africa and the Horn of Africa, which places the country as an important place to keep an eye on for human trafficking, potential terrorism, etc., the most risky thing about being here is driving, then theft) the United States has a good-sized mission here working to press the government of Malawi (GOM) on good governance (the presidency has, since the removal of the president for life in 1993, been held strongly for a decade by each of the two men who have won the office) and human rights issues (most well known are stories relating to LGBT issues – it is illegal to be gay or lesbian here) and works to assist the country as it advances. What appreciation for the improvements in Malawi there should be I am certainly not decided upon; both the macro and micro pictures are muddy.

As you might be able to tell, I have spent much of my time here so far “reading-in” on the politics of the country: placed under the supervision of the political and military affairs officer here, J.T. Ice. I have read the constitution, the penal code, a 2009 amendment of said code, the 2009 police bill, the 2009 Trafficking in Persons report for the country, the two main newspapers each day, as well as all cables (information passed between post/the mission and Washington) dating from January 2010 to the present. I am also now privy to the cables sent here as being of interest to post – mostly from around Africa, which has me studying my African capitals.

I have had the opportunity to leave the capital, Lilongwe (which has been the capital since 1994, but until the recent construction project of a new hotel did not have a building more than nine stories high; the real city, I am told, is the financial capital of Blantyre, in the South), once so far – for Salima province with the country director of the Peace Corps, Vic Barbiero, and three other of his staff. We only travelled about two hours outside of the capital, but I was able to get that distinct difference of being out in the natural beauty of Malawi. The yellowed underbrush, the still green trees, the ability to see for miles and miles (we are at some elevation here) are all geographic characteristics I have seen before – yet, the trees are a different species, the houses passed are huts with brick walls and straw roofing, the people are dressed in such bright colors contrasting their deep black skin: the scene is familiar, yet completely unlike any I have born witness to.

Anyway, the purpose of the trip was to see Peace Corps volunteers – health volunteers Ellie, Annette and Sally – as they helped the Malawian health care officers distribute bed nets (some 180,000 total) in the villages of the province. Though I forgot my camera and we struggled to find distributions in progress until around two in the afternoon, the experience was incredible.

The indelible images of the day are:

1 -           the crowded markets we passed through: out in the country villages are either deserted or, one day a week, teem with people who come from as many as 3k (just under 2 miles) around to obtain fresh fruits and meats (this was the first time I have ever seen meats hang out in front of me like one would find at a butcher shop), ground nuts (peanuts) and other, distinctively American wares (sandals, shoes, t-shirts, etc.) with some natively produced clothing also there. To get through in a car, one has to actually honk and move extremely slowly;

2 -           just off the main street of one such market, through an alley to an open square, to a restaurant where we ate lunch: I have eaten in the piazzas of Venezia, Roma, Firenze with the unique feeling of true peace - good company, delicious food, incredible atmosphere of the sun fading over the tops of the nearby buildings and being lulled into the belief that you are alone in the moment; to contrast that with the scene of worn down buildings (which I can only possibly say remind one of the Old West in their ragged appearance), dry dirt covering the center of the square, eating insima, a corn-based, doughy substance that one pulls apart, rolls in your hand, and then grabs at greens, chicken, beef and beans to eat as one bite, and then paying roughly 200 kwacha (which, if valued correctly against the dollar would be the exchange rate, but the government – which is getting it into economic trouble as well as with the IMF – values the rate at 151 to $1) for the entire meal and a Coca-Cola in one of those classic glass bottles is a wild comparison;

3 -           the village disbursement we did witness: the true rural quality of the living arrangement - passing though a field of cotton to get to the place, being one of five white faces surrounded each by our own little contingent of curious youth - some wearing distinctly American apparel, such as a Patriots’ jersey I saw, curiously wondering how many had turned out to actually use the nets (since they all expect to get malaria), how many were there for that unique experience of seeing a white person, how many would sell the nets for fishing in Lake Malawi or use them as displays for their goods in the market or some other purpose. However, I choose to believe that the little help I did offer – in opening packages to be handed out for a little bit of the afternoon – will impact someone positively, even if it’s just one.

Since that initial week and excursion, I have had the opportunity to help interview Malawians for Fulbright scholarships for American study (a process I was proud to participate in) as well as participate in a number of meetings on human rights issues from presidential intimidation of individuals he creates rivalries with because they openly criticize government to the government’s questionable respect for academic freedom, rights over one’s own body (LGBT) and the protections established for Malawians against government action. I wish I could share the details, but on principle alone I will keep most of them out of my recollections. Let me sum those experiences: I was in awe. The courage required of actors in these struggles can be astonishing, and I find myself looking for ways to stand in their shoes.

Meanwhile, J.T. has me working on research – of the state of political parties in the country and the impact any sort of regional identities (North, Central, South) have on politics – to have a cable or memorandum to show for my time here, something that will put me on the official department record. As I hinted at in the previous paragraph, I have also started to find my mind looking for an outlet to channel my interest in the country for after I leave. Perhaps it is premature, but I am starting to try and meld some sort of larger idea of how that which I have already committed myself to champion and the new causes and concerns which arise into a picture of what I can do now – while I am here, what I will be capable of while a law student and ultimately in a career. Ample time to read, write and reflect has offered some interesting early returns on how that might manifest.

What else might I say? I got to see Chelsea Mertz, fellow KU grad and Peace Corps volunteer, for whom I brought a fair number of things from the states – mostly notebooks for a camp she will help run at the end of the winter here (late July, early August) called Girls Leading Our World (GLOW), three times while she was down from her site. I met other volunteers Talia and Deborah and got to share dinner with the three of them and the Health Coordinator for the corps John, who hosted them and me for two homemade dinners my first Thursday and Friday nights which were delicious and truly produced that small social scene which I love dearly: friends listening to music, swapping banter, drinking, collectively making dinner, sharing a great meal and conversation and then playing a game (Apples to Apples) or watching a movie (“Get Him to the Greek”).

I am continuing to figure out my own grocery shopping, trying to figure out what foods I want to have to cook for myself, which is a regularly challenging yet exciting prospect. My accommodations are great – I am now in my second (of a potential three) temporary houses, now with internet (which I used to have to go outside to get), but no longer any television (nine American Forces Network channels and their Department of Defense commercials against smoking and tobacco use, bringing news updates on the various fighting forces of our military and updating soldiers on technology or processes relating to moving or the GI Bill, etc. Mostly I was enjoying Wimbledon in the evenings.). But again, I have a comfortable bed, a nice couch and clean kitchen and bathroom. What more could I ask for?

As I am aware, most of you who will read this are in the northern hemisphere, and therefore are experiencing the longest days of the year. Difficult, I understand it may be to wrap your minds around the idea of a strict 6 am to 5:30 pm frame of daylight, but that is winter in Malawi. Despite the dew on the grass and the ability to see one’s breath at night or in the early morning, I still hear the grasshoppers outside making noise just as they were when I left home. Highs around 75; lows of around 50.

Also an unfortunate result of your location: you missed out on an 100 minute total lunar eclipse (the longest since 2000) on June 15. In Africa, I could see the entire thing as the earth’s shadow was cast over the moon and the atmosphere turned the brightest light in the sky red. So. Cool. I was like a little kid, searching for the darkest spot nearby to watch (and even take pictures) from. I did manage to walk through a previously burned field and get my shorts covered in ash, but I loved every part of it. Wonderful, childish awe. (My little boy excitement to balance out all the powerful mature moments I’ve been having.)

In the last nine days, I have gotten out for four good walks and two runs (both on Sundays), initiated by a round trip of three-and-a-half hours through indoor, Western, and outdoor markets to grocery shop and also to take about 160 pictures. (I continue to take more, but have been picky about those that end up on Facebook). The walking has helped me to feel more a part of both the cultural and physical place – and, as usual, it is no coincidence that being more active increases the function of my mind. Hopefully I will add more of that to my routine soon and finalize the travel I so need to accomplish before I leave. Six weeks left.

Pura vida,

T

Perspective

For context, read these: Fuel crisis out of control in Ndix, NGOs plan fuel shortage march, 83 fuel tankers in Malawi. And then, take a look at thebeginnings of a social movement to find fuel which might eventually congeal into demand for more consistent delivery and lower prices (though that potential has yet to be reached).

Expressions of Passion

The fact that I throw myself into my work, into emotion, into most everything except fun (or at least the local bars) friends might argue, combined with my sheer enjoyment of highlighting others’ great enthusiasm for life and the activities within it make “This Love” an appropriate name for this blog. (This is not to mention nice songs of the same name by Maroon 5 and Ellie Goulding.)

And so, with that, I would like to suggest this recent post of “Glee” actress Dianna Agron (Quinn), which is all the more appropriate of a first post after New York became the sixth, and largest state in the U.S. to legalize gay marriage last night. (Best paragraph from the story: “I apologize for those who feel offended,” Mr. Grisanti said, adding, “I cannot deny a person, a human being, a taxpayer, a worker, the people of my district and across this state, the State of New York, and those people who make this the great state that it is the same rights that I have with my wife.”)

Why?

I have never been afraid to express myself, but there should be a discernible difference between my projects - Kansas Matters and now, Graduate Kansas - and my own worldview intertwining pictures, music, politics, passion. Yet, I often wonder if it makes much sense for any of us to throw our opinions and even our barest thoughts out into the expanse of the internet, or to create organizations without many resources - other than pure will, or, in my case, to write about my own experiences and share them in any number of ways - particularly short stories or perhaps even a book. The only conclusion I can reach? The same I did with Bethany Christiansen in The Eagle Pub a year ago: relating to one another through our thoughts, words and actions has an inherent value in moving our lives forward with new ideas, better ways of living, the sort of bonds that are necessary to all life and, sometimes most importantly, laughter.