a week in review

on december 2, a two part series, UNIQUELY HUMAN started in the mjs (milwaukee journal sentinel) with an article about a little girl whose first sentence was "i boy".  the article is well written, touching and talks about a family's coming to grips with gender identity issues.  the second details the struggles of a middle-aged man.  i know these will stir emotion all around, but read with an open mind, they honestly address the issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.  i urge you to search these out and read them.        on december 5, read the article in mjs about the senate rejection of the u.n. disability treaty.  despite support from high-ranking members of the gop, it was rejected on the grounds that it "threatened american sovereignty".  now, mind you, i haven't read all aspects of this treaty, but, since i hear it is basically an international version of the americans with disabilities act, it baffles me how something that confirms the rights of the disabled, many of whom are servicemen and women and veterans, could be so threatening.  our rep. senator, ron johnson, wrote in an op-ed piece in the mjs december 7 edition, spending most of his time denigrating the u.n., pointing out its failings and all the things it coulda-shoulda-haven't done.  the sovereignty issues insinuates that u.n. thugs from nations with iffy human rights records will invade oshkosh and tell us how to handle our infirm.  typical scare tactic seen often in the recent campaign season,  the accompanying letter from the editors is so correct when they call the vote "a sad day".            hoorah!!  a royal baby on the way!!!  being a fan of the royal family, must say it makes me happy, but can you believe the prank call?  i'm sure the nurse was just flustered not being sure how to handle a call from the "queen".  but, c'mon..it didn't even sound like her!!!         grammys....who was nominated...who was snubbed...carly jepson (sp?) nominated for one slightly annoying song you can't get out of your head (ARRRGH!!)...WHO CARES!!!  it's not like it's the oscars or tonys!          i guess that's all for this week.  rant at you next time.