Sandra Fluke Considers A Run For Henry Waxman’s House Seat

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/ ^ | 01/30/2014 | n/a

[massmike]

Sandra Fluke, the women’s rights activist who became a lightning rod in a national discussion about contraception, said she is “strongly considering” a run for Henry Waxman’s soon-to-be vacant House seat.

Waxman, 74, a longtime liberal California Democrat, described by friends and foes alike as one of the most prolific congresspersons of modern times, announced Thursday that he would retire at the end of the legislative session.

In a statement released after Waxman’s announcement, the 32-year-old Fluke said, “I’m flattered that I’m being discussed as a potential candidate, especially for Rep. Waxman’s seat, considering his incredible legacy. A number of folks I respect very deeply have reached out today and encouraged me to run. I am strongly considering running. I’ll be making my decision soon.”

[a fool in paradise]

Based upon Les Crane’s 1971 spoken word recording of Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927

[MortMan]

Isn’t it hard to run with your legs in the air?

[DuncanWaring]

The bottom seems to have a “1972” reference; I thought I remembered it from slightly before then.

[a fool in paradise]

It may have appeared in the Harvard Lampoon before that.

[DuncanWaring]

Either way, it was a long time ago.

Back when I was young and healthy.

[Peet]

I am QUITE aware of the original desiderata. They played it on the radio ad nauseaum when it was recorded. I loved the spoof because the original made me want to vomit it was so saccarin-sweet.