Do you really remember what the 1950s were like?

When it is impossible to be who you are, you become someone you are not.  This is the core element of Completely Loyal to Me.  The 1950s was a time of McCarthyism, segregation, and discrimination.  People spied on each other, making it nearly impossible for a person to be their true selves even in private.  When a person is forced to pretend to be someone they are not, they become vulnerable to others and their own dark impulses.  However, the era was especially hazardous for women and the LBGTQ community. Women were considered property with little to no rights. To have any power in their lives, women had no choice but to lie and manipulate. Thought of as deviants, who were threats to society, gays were brutalized and murdered.  To save themselves, both needed to hide their true selves or risk becoming social outcasts or victims of violence.

Completely Loyal to me is a dark comedy feature film with the suspense of Hitchcock and the slapstick of the Keystone Cops. It is comparable to Family Plot, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Deathtrap, and Honey Pot.  Its primary goal is to entertain.  However, it will also serve as a reminder of what life was really like in the 1950s. 

Samuel and William James were twin flames who loved each other and were very happy until the rumors and grumblings started about their relationship.  Margaret was the mastermind behind her and George’s cons. They traveled the world romancing others out of fortunes. Samuel married Margaret to shield his relationship with William James.  She accepted, believing that he, like the others, would be an easy mark.  When Margaret’s business acumen started the rumors that she wore the pants in the family, Samuel looked for a way to put her back in her place.  He couldn’t let her go without exposing his secret.  Instead, he tried to force George to leave. It was the mistake that cost him his life. Yet, even in death, Samuel continued to control Margaret.  The terms of his will bound her to the estate and William James.  Heartbroken, Williams James was forced to stay silent.  He couldn’t expose the murder without their relationship being revealed. Stuck with each other, they agree to work together.  When William James meets Lennette and Gary, he sees a way to free himself and get revenge.

 

We are looking for investors. We have started negotiations with a distributor, but nothing has been made official. Additionally, we are looking to product place a soda and beer that was available in the 1950s and today. Each will be mentioned by name at least twice, have at least 20 seconds of screen time, and have one of their 30-second retro-commercials aired in their entirety. We would also like to place a radio station with the same parameters. Its call letters will be mentioned on-screen at least twice. 

 

If you believe that women have equal rights, support the LBGTQ community, or if you just think that many people need to learn how to mind their own business, please support our efforts to bring Completely Loyal to Me to the screens of the country and the world. 

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IMDB

Dark Comedy reflects back consequences of discrimination

 

Kaleidoscope Film and Television announces the development of the dark-comedy feature film, Completely Loyal to Me. Set in the 1950s, it depicts a time when people had to hide who they were to be accepted and safe. But that wasn't easy. McCarthyism made it difficult to keep secrets Neighbors spying on each other became the norm. Those who were different, even in private, were ostracized, especially women and the LBGTQ community.

More than just a dark comedy, Completely Loyal to Me will take the audiences on a wild ride of plot twists and turns which will end in a very unexpected place. As in Family Plot and Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf, the two couples plot and scheme only to learn that even the best-laid plans can still go awry, especially when the person they believe to be an ally has an agenda of his own. Much like the surprise endings of Deathtrap and Honey Pot, the audience will be kept guessing until the final moment when the double doors close. Unlike most in the genre, greed is only a façade. The true motivations are revenge for a love unjustly stolen and societal pressures, which force people to conform.

Margaret and George were a team, who used their considerable charms to romance others out of their fortunes. Margaret marries Samuel to inherit his millions only to learn after his “untimely” death that the terms of his will have bound her to the estate and Samuel's manservant, William James. Changing their strategy, Margaret and George married. Instead of traveling the world to find new marks, they use the mansion to lure. them into their web. William James reluctantly agrees to help. When he meets Lennetta and Gary, William James realized that he has found who he had been seeking. Manipulating the meeting of the couples, he moves forward with each believing that he is their ally. It is only when their cons come to fruition that they realize he has another agenda.

Filmed in the Sacramento California area, Completely Loyal to Me will entertain, but it will also act as a reminder of the consequences of discrimination. By holding up a mirror and reflecting the true image of the decade, Completely Loyal to Me will help prevent those behaviors from once again becoming the norm. Currently, the production team is looking for funding to produce and distribute Completely Loyal to Me.

Kaleidoscope Film and Television is a new film and television production studio that will be producing projects based on age, gender, and ethnic diversity. It will be breaking stereotypes in front of and behind the cameras, especially for women, Native Americans, and veterans. To be located in Oklahoma, KFAT will be making full use of the film and business incentives the state has to offer.

Its creator and motivating force, Theresa Chaze started working in film and television in the mid-1980s at a small independent TV station. Moving to Traverse City, she worked at an ABC affiliate as a writer, producer, editor, and director. In the early 1990s, she was hired as a ghostwriter for two feature films and two shorts. Additionally, she worked on several independent films as part of the crew and as a producer. On the third project, she learned things about the production team that forced her to walk away from the industry. About ten years ago, she started the slow journey back only to find that starting a career as a writer and producer is easier than restarting one.

Website

And Freedom For All: The Murder of Dr. George Tiller a Foreshadowing of things to come?

And Freedom For All

Daphne closed the drawer and looked around the room. There was so much she wanted to take, but there was so little space. Two suitcases, her cat Sarah and her dog Maxie were all that were coming with her. Her sister had taken custody of her two mares, Star and Moon. They would be safe with her. Later during one of the horse show tours, she would return them. The rest of her belongings she had arranged for trusted friends and family to store; maybe later, it could be safely forward to her. But she wasn’t counting on it. She wiped away the single tear. Backing toward the threshold, she emotionally let go of the little reminders of the past. She would still have the memories--most of them were sweet. Unfortunately, some were not--resting her open palm on her stomach, she knew that the only way to keep her life and freedom was to run and hide. Angrily, she slammed the door and turned her back on it.
“Daphne?” Melanie ran into the hallway from the kitchen. “You ok?”
Slowly she shook her head. “Just feeling stupid.”
“The trunk’s all packed. There is a little more room if you have something small. Maybe your riding trophies?”
“No. Nothing else.”
“You don’t have to do this. We can find another way.”
“I’m already four weeks. A few more I‘ll start to show and they‘ll stop me at the border.” Getting involved with George Hedge was the biggest mistake of her life. He wasn’t the person he pretended to be. She fell in love with a kind, intelligent progressive man. Only George wasn’t that man; he was an illusion.
“You aren’t married. He doesn’t have any proof he’s the father.” Melanie persisted. “Besides, he can’t prove you’re even pregnant.”
“It doesn’t matter. Not any more. With so many women escaping up north, they are stopping every woman.”
“Remind me again...what country is this?”
“I’ve heard of women being jailed for the full term of their pregnancy to prevent them from leaving the state.”
Rolling her eyes, Melanie shook her head, the dark strands swished over her shoulders. “Let’s go pick up Sarah and Maxie from the vet and get on the road. Do you want to say good-by to your Mom on the way out of town?”
“Yes. But it wouldn’t be a good idea.” Through the window, she saw a tan SUV pull into the drive and two strange men got out. One checked his clipboard and said something to the other. He replied and they both walked toward the front door. Daphne didn’t recognized them or hear their words but she knew who they were. “Don’t ask any questions. Go in the bedroom.”
“What for?” Melanie turned toward the window. “Who are they?”
“Pre-born Protectors.”
“What the hell--”
“George must have filed a claim with them.” Angrily, Daphne marched to the door, locking the screen door before they could turn the handle. “This is private property. You are trespassing!”
A knowing look passed between them. The older of the two stepped forward and pulled on the knob. “Daphne Miller?”
“Get off my property!” Daphne hissed back.
“I’m Agent Schub.” He pointed to the other man. “This is Agent--”
“I don’t care who you are!”
“Agent Robertson. George Hedge has filed and been granted custody of his unborn child you are carrying. If you attempt to leave the state you will be arrested for kidnapping--and if you abort the child you will be prosecuted for murder.”
The fury rising, Daphne slammed the interior door.
“He’s kidding--this is just a scare tactic?” Melanie stepped closer. “I knew it was bad, but they couldn’t do it?”
“They can and have.” Daphne shook her head.
“Ms Miller, open this door.” Agent Schub demanded through the screen of the window. “You are only making it worse on yourself.”
“If you aren’t co-operative, we’ll come back with a warrant.” The other man added.
“Gotta hell.” Daphne snapped back. “You are just rent-a-cops! If you don’t get off my property. I’ll call the real ones!’
“The Pre-Born Protection Act already passed the House. It’ll pass the Senate later today.” The voice came from the other side of the door. The screen door rattled. “The President will sign it and there won’t be any place in the United States where you’ll be able to hide.”
“She won’t need to hide.” Melanie chimed in.
“Who’s with you?” Agent Schub demanded.
“A woman with a legal gun who isn’t afraid to use it.” She snapped back.
Amazed, Daphne snapped around.
Melanie pointed a small silver pistol at the door. “You are trying to break in. I can and will kill you both in self-defense.” She smiled and shrugged. “Mom said never go south without it.”
“Your mother hates guns.” Daphne whispered.
“That and a lot of things changed. She shoots marksman.”
Schub backed away from the window. Their voices could be heard, but their words weren’t distinct enough to be understood. After a moment, Schub returned to the window. “We’ll be back with a deputy and a court order preventing you from leaving the state. If you attempt to leave, you will be stopped at the border. If you do leave the state, you will be hunted down and forced to return.”
“Eat shit and die red neck!”
“Melanie,” Daphne whispered, “you are only making it worse.”
“Like you have any power outside Kansas!”
“The Act will make the PBP part of the Federal Justice system. It’ll give us the power to cross state lines to apprehend, detain, and return any woman we deem necessary to protect the life an unborn child.” He leaned in closer to the screen; his facial features distorted by the shadows of the screen, he continued. “And anyone aiding you will face the same charges.”
A smile crossed Melanie’s lips. Quickly tucking the gun in her pocket and stepping forward, she swung, hitting him through the screen. His head snapped back, his body followed, tumbling backward. His comrade caught him before he hit the ground.
“You’ll regret that!” The semi-prone man growled. “We’ll be back with a warrant for your arrest.” Returning to the SUV, they slammed the doors and squealed out of the drive.
“In a little over an hour, we’ll be out of the state and out of their reach.” Melanie returned the gun back in her purse. “Let’s go.
“But--”
“But nothing. Let’s hit the road! Time’s a wasting.”
Daphne suddenly found it hard to breathe. Melanie was her oldest and dearest friend. She couldn’t allow her own foolishness to endanger her. Grabbing her hand, Daphne stepped in front of her, blocking her path to the door. “I can’t let you do this. They’ll catch us at the border--”


The full short story is available in the ebook Sisters, Mothers Daughters on the author's website at www.theresachaze.com or through Amazon Kindle--click here to go to the page

Women-Are You Willing to Wait Another 50 Years

To watch the video click here

In 1870 15th Amendment to the Constitution granted voting rights to African American males only. Women didn't get the right to make a difference until August 26, 1920 with the 19th Amendment. It took all women another fifty years for woman to achieve full citizenship under the constitution


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Anger Vampires

Anger Vampires
By
Theresa Chaze
Several years ago, a woman started working at the same small factory as myself. At first, Cathy seemed like a very nice person; however, she quickly showed her true colors. Even though she was a very good worker, she was also very good at stirring up trouble between the other employees. By subtly manipulating conversations and people, she was able to cause conflicts that quickly were blown out of proportion. Even though she was the source of the conflict, she was never held responsible. Many times, I went home feeling angry, tired and ill. Many of the other employees complained about feeling the same way.

I didn't understand why the atmosphere in the factory suddenly changed until I talked to a friend of mine who was more spiritually aware. Danielle told me of a of vampire that feeds off the anger energy. Like all emotions, anger has an identifiable frequency that radiates out from a person. Like love, friendship and joy, anger energy can be sensed by others even if it is not verbally or physically acted upon. Anger vampires cannot only sense it, but it is this energy that sustains them. Like all vampires, they are incapable of regenerating on their own. They need feed off others have strength and vigor. In order to maintain a constant supply of food, they will deliberately create conflicts in order to charge the atmosphere with angry energy.

Danielle suggested a test to verify if Cathy was an anger vampire. The next time she attempted to start a conflict, instead of becoming angry I should visualize giving her a bouquet of flowers. If the situation calmed down, there was something else going on. However, if Cathy persisted or increased her attempts, then she was an anger vampire. The next Monday, she started to pick a fight. I smiled and visualized offering her a bunch of pink carnations. She was startled for a moment, but she increased her efforts. I had my answer.

The only way to get rid of any type of vampire is to starve them out. Instead of getting angry, I started mentally blessing her and sending her love. In doing so, not only did I take myself off the menu, but also my energy actually became toxic to her. Granted the first few times, when I mentally said “bless you” it had more of the feel of two other words, but the words themselves were still effective. At first, she tried harder to goad me into an argument. Yet the more I blessed her, the easier it was to actually mean the words when I saw how effective they were. After a few days, she started avoiding me and concentrated on the other employees. There was no way I could explain to the others what was going on, so in their name I blessed her. At first, she was shocked and kept trying, but after a couple of weeks, she quit working at the factory. Suddenly everyone was feeling better and the most of the tension dissipated.

Owning Our Mistakes
By
Theresa Chaze


There is such a stigmata attached to making mistakes that many people are too afraid to own their errors in judgment. Everyone screws up. The key is what you do afterwards. Whether your actions were deliberate or accidental, you need to take responsibility for your behavior in order to make amends and to learn from the experience. The most valuable lessons in life will come from your failures, not from your successes; however, to deny your actions is to also deny the learning experience. There is an old saying--those that don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.


No one is perfect. Sometimes your decisions lead you to say or do things that you will regret. Afterwards, you afraid of admitting our errors because of the legal or social consequences. Sometimes it is simply the fear of disappointing a loved one that keeps us silent or forces us to lie. Yet by denying our actions, we only compound the blunder and add to the consequences. When we own our actions, we learn from them and are able to grow into a more responsible person. However, when we deny what we have done, we also deny the personal growth that would come from it and are more likely to repeat the misstep.


Yet the lesson is never complete until we make amends for the pain or embarrassment we cause others. It be as simple as an apology or as complex as financial compensation for pain and suffering. However, we can’t control if our apology will be accepted. In most cases, it will depend on how sincere it is and if the person was able to heal through the pain. Repetitive bad behavior only proves that you didn't learn from your past and discounts the creditability of you apology. There are just so many times you can say that you are sorry for the same mistake before people stop listening and withhold forgiveness.


Whether or not the act of contrition is accepted by the injured person, you need be open to the accepting the consequences of your actions. By stepping up to the plate, you not only prove you are ready to alter your behavior, but help the injured person heal.

Police Abuse: Wiccans Beware--
Your Civil Rights are not guaranteed
By
Theresa Chaze

Police ignoring civil rights has become a harsh reality for not only Wiccans and Pagans, but also every other minority. No longer does the First Amendment provide freedom of religion, speech, to gather and engage in peaceful demonstration. No longer does the Fourth Amendment guarantee your home, car or business will not be searched without a warrant signed by a judge. Instead, there are a growing number of law enforcement officers who believe they are above the law; they see themselves not as public servants, but public masters who should not be questioned or criticized. Instead, they should be blindly and meekly obeyed. To do otherwise is to risk being harassed, physically attacked and jailed with little cause.
Under the banner of self-defense, police have used traffic stops to justify warrant less searches. Such was the case of a northern Michigan Wiccan Priestess. Returning home from work, she was stopped. The Deputy initially refused to disclose why she was pulled over. Instead, he ordered her from her vehicle and searched it without her consent. In the bottom of her purse, he found a small athame set--the largest knife was under three inches, but it had a double edged blade. He arrested her; however, he refused to notify her of the reason for the stop or the arrest until they reached the jail. At that time, she was informed she was stopped for swerving twice in the several miles he had followed her, but she arrested and charged for felony-concealed weapon for having daggers in her purse. She did not threaten him, nor was she given an opportunity to explain why she had the athames. Several attempts were made a paying her bond, however the deputies on duty misrepresented the facts and she was held for over fifteen hours. During such time, she was denied medication for her asthma and proper nutrition for her hypoglycemia. Instead, the wheels of justice rolled over her civil rights. Although she had a clean record and the officer had a history of alcohol abuse, lying on the stand and violence against women, her court appointed attorney informed her that she would not win in spite of the illegal search and her religious path. In Michigan, double edge knifes, no matter what size are illegal. The attorney’s stance was that nothing else was pertinent to the case. Eventually the case was settled and the charges dropped to much lesser charge. But justice was far from being served.
Physically an athame is usually a double edge blade of varying sized, frequently with a black handle and a dull blade. However, its magical definition is ritual knife that is use only for the direction of energy. It is used in ritual for creating protective circles and calling the elements. Using it for a mundane purpose would contaminate it and make it unsuitable for ritual work until it had been cleansed and reblessed. A Boline is used for cutting and all other ritual needs. Kitchen witches are an exception to this rule; they believe that by using their tools daily increases their connection to them. Whether an athame or Boline, neither are to be used as a physical weapon. To do so would destroy their positive spiritual quality and attract the negative aspects of the universe.
In the case of the northern Michigan Priestess, if it hadn’t been for the illegal search of her purse, the athames wouldn’t have been an issue. They could have not been produce or used to threaten the officer or anyone else without destroying their religious power. The District Attorney’s office was informed of their religious significance; initially they agreed she had a defense under the First Amendment, however their stance changed without reason, claiming the Priestess told the officer they were for self-defense. By sheer definition of her spiritual beliefs, it is obvious that statement was untrue and the officer lied. Yet, even though he violated her First and Fourth Amendment rights, his word would carry more weigh by the court even though he had a history of deceit and violence against women.
Every state has their own laws pertaining to the legalities of what is considered a weapon. Before carrying your religious tools make you know what the specific requirements of your state are. In some cases, it would be wise to obtain a concealed weapons permit if you will be traveling with your Athame and Boline. By going to http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm you can find an abridge listing of knife laws by state. It is only a starting point and should not be considered definitive legal advice.

We the People--As Powerful As We Chose To Be


We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.....
Declaration of Independence

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Preamble to the United States Constitution


So many people have forgotten that "we the people" are the ultimate source of power in the government. From the President to the local city board members, they are all elected by the people. Yet they have forgotten the definition of public servant and have set themselves up as masters of society. Instead, of serving they use the privileges and power temporarily granted to them to further their own greed, bigotries and lust for power. Yet on their own without the machinations of the government, many of them are nothing.

Above excerpts are part of the Unites States History and government, but they are no longer a reality. The Civil Rights original afforded and those, which have been hard fought for, have been eroded by petty individuals, large corporations, and public servants who see themselves as above the law. Phone calls and bank accounts are monitored without obtaining search warrants. Individual are no longer safe from unreasonable searches in their homes, cars or on the street. Religious, medical and sexual decisions have been usurped by bigots in their attempt to force their religious and moral values on others.

The Scales of Justice System are no longer balanced as individuals from the Justice department to the local deputy sheriff have their fingers on their end. Based more on financial and personal ambition, the justice no longer is fair or balanced. Mike NiFong is only an example of the increasing problems in the judicial system. His personal ambitions were more important to him than the representing the truth. The college boys and the local woman are all equal victims of his lust for power. Yet he is only one of many prosecutor who are more concerned about building a reputations and racking up convictions than protecting the public or being representatives of justice. Law enforcement is worse. No longer serving and protecting, they use their power to intimidate, harass and humiliate those members of society they see as weak. Incidences law enforcement abusing individuals on the bases of racial, religious or lifestyle have been rapidly increasing. For most of them, promotions and job security is based on arrest track record. Yet there are those who see the badge as a source of personal power over others. It is all about have control over others. However, even with undisputable documentation, these officers are rarely held accountable for the harm they do. The blue wall protects its own even to the point of lying, altering records and intimidating. Enforcement of the laws are on longer based on laws, civil rights or common sense, but who can afford the best legal council.

The greed of big business has polluted the environment, manipulated the political system, and eroded the middle class. Companies who deliberately damage the environment receive only minor retribution in comparison to the damage they do. Whether it be contamination of ground water or release of toxic waste through improperly filtered smoke stacks, the companies pay small fines, while the public moneys clean up the hazardous situations. Oil, insurance and drug companies have manipulated prices and available of necessary product and services to insure they maintain a monopoly and thereby maximize their profits. Although alterative fuels like bio-diesel, solar, and wind are viable options, their availability has been limited by legislation and lack of governmental support. Drug companies’ sole goal is to maximize their profit margin. It is why they attack alternative healing methods and solutions, such as herbs, so aggressively. If they can’t sell it for a large profit, then it must be debunked or made illegal. It is the same tack they use to prevent individuals from buying the same drugs across both borders for sometimes less than half the cost. While medical insurance used to be an automatic benefit of having a full time job, many companies are no longer covering the costs of the premiums or not offering the benefit at all. With the reduction of coverage, the addition of co-pays and the increase in price, few individuals are able to avoid medical insurance on their own. Yet at the same time, insurance company’s profits are sky rocketing. The economic structure of the country is top heavy. CEO make obscene salaries, while the workers, who actually produce the services and products, are forced to struggle as wages and benefits are rapidly reduced. No longer can a single income support a family; at the same time, CEOs are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars as retirement bonuses or part of separation packages after being fired. Both the Japan and Germany have thriving economies, yet the difference in the salaries between the CEO and the person who cleans the bathroom is approximately 20%.

Whether financial, political or legal, intimidation only works if people back down. When we the people remember that we have the power to create change than change will happen. However, we all have to have the courage to say no more. 2008 is the next Presidential election. It is time to stop voting against an individual and start voting for the person who will represent the best interest of all the people of this country, not just special interests or big business. On a local level, we the people can hold law enforcement responsible by reporting abuses and speaking publicly. By being frightened into silence or by defending the abusers, the violence will only escalate. Bullies are bullies with or without a badge or a title. The only way to stop this is to stand up to them. We the people have the power. We the people can make changes. If we the people chose to have courage.

Research for article on Spirituality--Wiccan, Pagan, Earth based religions

I am doing research for an article on life as a Wiccan or Pagan. If you have the time or a story to tell, please fill out the following questions and email them back to me at Tirgana@yahoo.com

Thanks

Theresa





How would you describe your spiritual path?



Are you in or out of the broom closet? Why/when did you make your decision to come out?

How has your spirituality affected your life? Work? Relationships? In society as a whole?



What have been your positive experiences?



What have been your negative experiences?



How do you feel about the availability of information available to you? From the first time you started on your spiritual path to now, how as the quality and quantity of information available to changed?



Are you involved in the political process?



How does your spirituality influence how you see the candidates?



If you could get a message to the political leaders both in and out of office, what would it be?





Do you feel the legal system afford you the same protections as other religions? Why or why not?



What would you like to see changed in Society?



What changes would you like to see in the Wiccan/Pagan/Earth based religions as a whole?



What are you willing to do in your own life and your community to bring about positive changes in society?

DIFFERENT PATHS--free Wiccan Ebook/short story
By
Theresa Chaze

(To download the free ebook Sisters Mothers Daughters Go to www.theresachaze.com)

She licked her lips and continued around the room in a counter clockwise direction; she held the smudge stick in front of her. The smoke gently flowed into the already smoky room. She didn’t know how to ask. Last time she convinced them against their better judgment and the situation went from bad to worse. Did she have the right to ask them to fix a problem she had intensified?
“Angie, it’s getting thick.”
“I’m smudging.”
“It’s a full moon meditation, not an exorcism!” Jackie waved her hand in front of her face, in an attempt to clear the air.
Angie stopped at the window and opened it. The smoke was immediately drawn out. “Better?”
“It’ll help.” Alyssa placed a low table in the center of the room. Standing, she tossed her hair back over head, allowing the blonde curls to fall naturally back down to her waist. She spread a white silk cloth on top and put a large, white candle in the center. “The food’s ready.” Shanna walked out of the kitchen. Untying her shoulder length hair, she ran her fingers through the chestnut colored strands, half scratching, half massaging her scalp. “Need help?”
“Yes.” Jackie laughed and pointed to the smudge stick. “Take that away from her.”
“I get the hint.” Angie reluctantly buried the burning end in the soil of the fig tree and opened another window. She leaned against the frame and looked out.
The lawn was brightly lit by the moon. The forest beyond beckoned as the moonbeams danced off the breeze blown leaves, hinting at the possibility of joining the little people of old in their nightly dance. The last of the lilacs were fading along with the rest of the spring flowers, yet their scent still flavored the air with a sweetness comparable to the first bloom.
Angie inhaled; she smelled the coming of a rain shower. She guessed it was still a couple of hours away. They’d have time to meditate, do ritual and eat afterwards before the rain turned Shanna’s driveway to mud.
Angie had always admired them. They were older and had shared things that were no longer possible. Shanna Marie Semion, athlete, free-lance writer, tarot reader. She owned--Angie immediately corrected herself--borrowed from Mother Earth this ten acres for herself and her shepherd, Chester. Angie marveled how she seemed to be able to hide the house when she didn’t want company. Alyssa Lee--a blonde haired, blue eyed, long legged beauty, who had blazoned her own trail through motherhood, marriage, co-dependency and divorce without straying far from her spirituality. Angie had met her through her daughter, Danielle, but the friendship with the mother lasted longer than with the daughter. Danielle's path twisted in a direction Angie hadn’t found appealing. They were not enemies, nor could they still be considered friends; they were simply polite when they happened to meet. Jacqueline McCloud known to most simply as Jackie introduced her to the miracles of massage therapy and to love without the barter system. She is the only person Angie had ever met who was completely at peace with herself. By most standards, she was not beautiful until you looked into her deep brown eyes; there you found a mixture of impish elf and the wisdom of an Archangel. She would love to bear a child, preferably a daughter, but if it never happened, she’s still considered herself completely blessed and fulfilled.
Why they found her interesting, Angie didn’t understand. She was a college educated woman, who had dreams of writing movies, but the only job she could land was manufacturing clocks. She had written two screenplays. She had found an agent. Everything was done right. Yet nothing happened. So she made phone calls on her own, verbally knocking on doors across country, but none of the beautiful people would open the door or come out to play with her.
“Angie?”
Startled, Angie turned, bumping her head and breaking the train of thought. Alyssa stood next to her. Jackie and Shanna knelt by the table; both were looking at her.
“What’s the matter? You were a million miles away.” Jackie sat back on her heels.
Angie licked her lips and lowered her eyes, trying to decide if she should ask for their help or try to handle the problem on her own. “I was thinking.”
“So we noticed.” Alyssa rubbed her shoulder.
“Give her some space. She might not want to share.”
Alyssa looked over her shoulder at Shanna. “I think she does.” Turning back, she lifted Angie’s chin so their eyes met. “But you don’t have to. You thoughts are always your own.”
“I don’t know how to ask.”
Jackie patted the floor beside her, her silver rings tapping against the oak floor. “You can start by sitting down.”
Angie tried to walk to the table.
Alyssa held on to her chin, forcing her to remain. “Angie, we are all equals here. Don’t try to make less of yourself or your accomplishments. Sometimes we have to learn other things before we can reach our true goals.” Her voice was a mere whisper, but it echoed within Angie’s soul. “You’ve come a long way in four years.”
Feeling the tears well up, Angie closed her eyes. Suddenly she felt the warmth of Alyssa's hug. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around the older woman and held on.
“Jeez, what’s with the water works?”
“Shanna” Alyssa warned. “It’s obviously important to her.”
Feeling foolish, Angie slowly pulled away and nodded. She tried to smile, but another tear rolled down her cheek.
Alyssa wiped it away and led her to the center of the room. Crossing her long legs, she sat down opposite to Shanna. Angie sat next to her, only farther from the table. She leaned against the sofa and brushed her nose with the back of her sleeve. Swallowing and blinking back the tears, Angie tried to find her center. She wanted to calmly explain. Pulling her knees close to her chest, she hugged them. She looked from one to another. “We-I made a mistake.”
“Won’t be the first. Won’t be the last.” Jackie quipped back. “Some of my best lessons came out of them.”
“Mine too.” Shanna chimed in.
“Everyone makes them.” Alyssa shifted her position. “What did you do or not do?”
“My co-worker, Ronda. I asked you to help her. Remember?”
Shanna uncrossed her legs, accidentally kicking the leg of the table. The candle wobbled and she steadied it. “She was treating everyone poorly.”
“You thought it was because she had such bad luck.” Jackie leaned forward, resting her elbow on the table and cupping her chin in her open palm. “So we did a luck and prosperity spell for her. Didn’t it work?”
“It worked. Too well. She won a new car. Two small lotteries. She was promoted to supervisor--”
Cocking her head to one side, a furrow formed between Alyssa's eyes. “What’s the problem? We helped her.”
“But hurt everyone else, including myself.” Angie tightened her hold on her legs to the point of discomfort, but she used it as a focus point to hold back the tears. “The more she was blessed, the meaner she got. Because of her three people were fired. Two suspended. Production has dropped.”
Jackie sat straight up. “In a month?”
“A month real time. Forever to us at the plant. Everyone’s angry. Frustrated.”
“Did you send something big, bad and ugly after her?”
Alyssa's bluntness didn’t surprise Angie. She knew after some of the things Danielle and she had done, the question had to be asked. She could see it in all their eyes. There was a time her anger would have brought forth her own definition of justice. Only it wouldn’t have been limited to Ronda, but included everything and everyone she cared about. It was a path she no longer found appealing. “I thought it. Of how easy it would be to take it all away. Her job. Her home. Her family. Make her afraid to go to sleep at night. I thought it.” But quickly added. “I banished the thought into nothingness.”
Slowly Shanna exhaled in a low whistle, as if she had been holding her breath.
“So what do you want to happen?” Alyssa continued.
“Justice.”
“What kind of justice?”
“I don’t know Alyssa. I don’t have the proper perspective. I’m too close. This could be a grand karmic lesson. Or it could just be a backlash from what we did.” Angie shook her head. “I’ve made so many angry mistakes. I wanted to help. But it looks like I did more harm than good. My intentions were pure. Which is why I intervened.”
“Could that be the lesson?” There was an angry bite to Shanna’s question.
Frustrated, Angie looked across the table. “If it’s my lesson, why hurt everyone else?”
“Maybe that is part of the karma?” The bite of her tone became more of a slap. “To not interfere with another’s lesson.”
“Somebody had to do something!” Angie glared back. “I was trying to help!”
“Calm down both of you.” Alyssa snapped, shooting warning looks at both of them. “Shanna, I know you were against us interfering. But what’s done is done. Agreed?”
Silently Shanna looked out the window.
“Agreed?” She repeated.
Slowly Shanna’s head turned to meet her gaze. After a moment, she nodded.
Alyssa turned back to Angie. “You’re right. It was your mistake. It’s your lesson. How are you going to fix it?”
“I don’t know.”
“We could--”
“No, Jackie. She has to do it herself.” Alyssa cut her off. “In the past, she responded with psychic violence and violation. She knows better now. It’s time she walks the walk, not just talks the talk.”
“True.” Jackie leaned back away from the table, as if she was removing herself from the situation.
“Shanna?”
Shanna shifted her sitting position so her legs crossed in front of her while leaning back on her arms. “I will not help or hinder.”
“Thank you.” Again Alyssa turned to Angie. “Talk it out.”
“I don’t know how.”
“What did we do last time?”
“Jackie! No help from the peanut gallery!”
“Back off Ally! She’s new at this.”
“No she isn’t!” Alyssa counter. “This is the place she always stumbles. This time she has to learn.” She returned her attention to Angie. “You can do it. Center yourself and think.”
Angie licked her lips and took a deep breath. She closed her eyes and tried to visualize. Nothing came. It remained dark and frightening. A voice from the past whispered, reminding her how good revenge felt--how easy it was. “No!” She screamed internally. The voice laughed, telling her she could never change. She forced herself to breathe through the rising panic. She focused on the beating of her own heart.
The wind blew through the open window. She felt the sudden coolness raise goose bumps on her arms. The storm was closer than she thought. She could imagine the lightning cutting through the night sky, illuminating the trees and the yard. Suddenly she was standing on the front porch, watching the wind whip through the trees. The dark clouds covered the brightness of the moon. She was alone, yet not. Two dark silhouettes stood a few yard of the porch. One was full off hate and anger; the other radiated love. Lightning flashed. She saw their faces. She stepped off the porch and walked toward them. Their faces kept changing. The angry one’s alternated between Ronda, Danielle and herself. The other wore the faces of Jackie, Alyssa and herself as a child. Angie froze. They frightened her. The loving woman beckoned her. She wanted to run to her, but she couldn’t--not yet. First she had to make peace with the other. She hesitated, and then slowly on unsteady feet she crossed the distance between them.
Laughing the woman slapped her. “You can’t get rid of me.”
“I don’t want to get rid of you.”
The woman tried to strike her again. Angie caught her wrist and pulled her close. “No matter what you have done, I accept you.”
She melted into Angie, filling her with an onslaught of violent images and an incredible loneliness. The memories from other lives flooded over her. Betrayals, both hers and others. Being left behind. The blaming. The shame. All building into a wave of rage propelled by fear. She breathed, allowing the emotions to fill and pass over her. She accepted them as her own. She felt tired and off center. The other woman reached out and touched her shoulder. Slowly she met her gaze. It was like hot chocolate and a favorite blankie on a cold winter night. The woman embraced her and they fused into one. Like the warmth of the sun after a turbulent storm, the love she shared dried the tears and melted away the shadows, which gave the fear its strength. All the empty spots were filled. The wisdom of the moment brought clarity and understanding to the question--Why?
Angie opened her eyes. She was alone at the table. Shanna and Jackie stood at the open front door, quietly talking and watching the approaching storm. Alyssa stood at the window, looking through the screen. In the distance, thunder rumbled.
Angie stood and stretched. She felt stiff, but strangely at peace with herself. It was a feeling she had been missing for her whole life. Taking a step closer, she watched Alyssa's gaze shift to meet her reflection’s eyes.
“You’re back.” Alyssa didn’t turn to face Angie, but continued to make eye contact with her reflection. “I didn’t mean to be so hard on you.”
“Danielle won’t let you help her.”
“The two of you were so very much alike. Bright. Beautiful.”
“Angry. Frustrated. Lonely.”
“She is my daughter and there is nothing I can do to make her happy.”
“It’s her path. Only she can change it.”
Slowly Alyssa pivoted on her toes. The moonlight gave her a halo. “What have you learned?”
“Did you see?”
Alyssa shook her head. “It was private.”
Angie licked her lips. “I saw...” Her voice trailed off. She didn’t know how to explain. “I learned--I understand--”
Jackie stepped into the room with Shanna closely behind. Alyssa held up her hand; they stopped.
Angie looked briefly at Jackie; she smiled and nodded, encouraging her to continue. Returning her attention to Alyssa, she took a deep breath and just let the words tumble out. “There were two women. One angry. She didn’t like me. Her face changed from Ronda to Danielle to mine. She slapped me, but I wouldn’t back away. I embraced her and she became part of me. I saw the before. Why she was so angry? Why she wanted to hurt others? They had hurt her--betrayed her trust. Time after time the ones she loved turned on her. It was the rage and the need for revenge, which kept her strong. It was all she had left.”
Alyssa quickly turned away and looked out the window.
“I felt alone and unlovable. The other woman reached out to me. She had your face, Alyssa, and Jackie’s and my own as a child. She embraced me and all the love came back. All the times it was offered, but I couldn’t accept. It was all there waiting for me to be open to it.”
“So what did you learn?” Jackie asked from across the room.
Confused, Angie again closed her eyes and concentrated on the rapidly fading images. The rage and the fear. The unconditional love. The melding of the two. She felt dizzy. She opened her eyes. There was pressure in the middle of her forehead. She focused on it. Before her, images kept appearing and combining in different combinations. Frustrated, she shook her head. They disappeared. All was dark and quiet. Inhaling and exhaling, she found her center and the words flowed out. “Everyone we meet is a lesson. A reflection of part of ourselves that we must grow though.” She breathed deeply and opened her eyes. The world seemed to move in slow motion.
Outside, in the distance lightning flashed. In that instant, Angie knew they’d be spending the night. She licked her lips; they were salty. “The lesson,” her voice sound scratchy to her own ears, “is that Ronda, Danielle, even myself represent the dark things I’ve done--my need to dominate others to prevent them from hurting me. By accepting them, I accepted the responsibility. Jackie, Alyssa and my younger self are unconditional love and total forgiveness. The ability to love without expectation or strings.”
Shanna walked around Jackie and stood directly in front of Angie. “Now what do you want to happen at work?”
Without flinching, Angie looked directly into her hazel eyes. “Justice. Pure and simple. I don’t have to name the specifics or the players. I don’t have to see it. I don’t have to be involved. I don’t have know any of the details beyond what I owe for interfering.”
“So mote it be!” Jackie and Shanna spoke at once. They quickly looked at each other and laughter over took them, breaking the moment.
“So much for the full moon ritual.” Jackie shrugged and curled up in a chair. “We should eat and split while we can.”
“It’s not to late.” Angie countered. “Everyone had something they wanted work on.”
Shanna shook her head. “Half the group is burnt out.”
“I’m sorry.” Angie yawned. She longed to curl up on the sofa or just go home to bed. But she needed to talk to Alyssa, preferably alone. She looked over her shoulder at Alyssa then back at Shanna.
Shanna nodded and quickly stood. “Jackie, help me get the food ready.”
“You said it was done.”
Crossing the room, she propelled Jackie toward the kitchen. “I gotta show you something.”
Angie didn’t know if she should speak; Alyssa was obviously on her own journey. But it couldn’t wait. She needed to say it; her inner voice told her Alyssa needed to hear it. She walk up beside her until her image in the glass stood next to Alyssa's.
“What you said was beautiful.”
“I was inspired.” Angie bit her lip. “Alyssa, Danielle knows you love her. She told me many times how it was the one thing she could depend on.” She hesitated, not knowing how to say it. “Be careful how you pray for her. Send her your love and support--”
“But don’t try to choose her path.” Alyssa straightened and slowly pivoted. “That’s the hard part. I see her hurting herself and I want to protect her.”
“You can’t. Not really.”
“Only she can find the path out of the darkness.”
“You speak from experience.”
Angie nodded. “She’ll find her own way when she is ready. As I did.”
Alyssa sadly smiled. “That’s the problem.”
“No.” Angie winked at her. “Remember you told me endlessly...we don’t have problems, we have challenges.”
“Challenges are positive growth spurts.” Alyssa nodded and hugged her.
From the kitchen, Jackie shouted. “They’re hugging. Can we come out now?”
With a loud clap of thunder, the clouds released their cargo. Rain slapped against the screens. Moving in unison, Alyssa and Angie moved to close the windows. Reaching for the latch, Alyssa stopped and looked at Angie. She couldn’t read what the older woman was thinking, but she got the impression she wasn’t the only one who had been healed.

Democratic You Tube Debate--A successful experiment.


The Democratic You Tube Debate not only informed the public what the candidates stood for, but also revealed who they are as people. It showed who had the courage to answer the uncomfortable questions and who chose to dodge with clever dialogue or stubborn antagonism. Most of the candidates came off as wise, clever professionals who had the country’s best interests at heart. Clinton, Edwards and Obama benefited the most. All three were well informed and approached the questions with courage and directness. The three of them clearly had an energy and mutual respect connection. However, Senator Mike Gravel came off as angry and bitter; his focusing on the money came off more as sour grapes than any real concern for political change. The rest of the candidates made themselves and their issues more real to the public by not only showing their knowledge about the challenges the country faces, but also their human side and their passion for change.
Senator Hillary Clinton came off as very practical, informed and human. Those who have called her cold and distant in the past will have difficulty finding traction in the future. Senator Clinton was quick and direct with her answers. She clearly was attempting to be not only the leader of the pack but the unify factor between them. The only time this became a negative was at the end when she refused to directly say anything about Senator Obama. Her body language while he spoke and the issues they agree upon revealed the great respect she has for him. However, her refusal to directly address him was more of a political ploy than a personal snub. It was quite evident she likes him as a person and as a public servant, yet he is the one nipping at her heels. The quips with Senator Edwards about her jacket also showed their underlying respect for each other. It seemed to be a private joke between them. Senator Clinton’s laughter was not only genuine, but gave the public a peek into her as person. It was an unguarded moment, which showed the person behind the politician. Her willingness to address the environment issues directly were to her credit, as were her realistic expectations about the withdraw from Iraq. She took the time to investigate the practical limitations and challenges of moving not only personal, but also the equipment and civilian staff.
Senator John Edwards was also very informed, direct and sensible. His focus on poverty, the environment, and health care spoke directly to the needs of majority of the country. His video revealed not only his wit, but also the silliness of his critics. However, he did fall a little short on the foreign issues. It was not so much of what he said, but his lack of participation that caught my attention. He was never really engaged on the topic; however, he was very passionate on health care, the environment, alternative energy and education. It was very evident that his knowledge and passion lies with domestic issues. The changes Senator Edwards proposes in alternative energy are quite doable with the current technology. In addition, his comments on his religious beliefs showed his respect for civil rights and the need of a president to represent the whole country not just special interest groups. He is very passionate about helping lift up the disadvantaged of the country, not as a political agenda, but to fulfill a promise he made to himself and his God. He sees this country’s strength coming from its diversity, its civil rights, and its heart. His shining moments can when he answered the difficult questions, not by dodging them but by defining them on a more specific level that addressed the underlying issue.
Senator Barack Obama has a fresh perspective on the political arena. He sees the web of corruption behind the political scene and how the conglomerates have corrupted the country for their own greedy ends. Repeatedly he pointed out how the oil, drug, and insurance companies have been given special political privileges, which have hurt the individual as well as the pubic in general. However, instead of allowing his frustration and anger to dominate, he has channeled his energy into alternative solutions. His approach to the questions presented to him and his stance the issues is very reminiscent to that of Bobby Kennedy. Like Senator Edwards, his is focused on the health care, education, and the environment, but he was more outspoken on internationals issues. This could have simply been the result of the questions asked him. Although, he was questioned more on foreign policy, his answers revealed his inexperience as well as his passion to restore the country’s image worldwide.
Senator Joe Biden could be best described as practical. His solutions to both the country’s and the world issues are realistic. Although he is very passionate about resolving the conflict in Iraq, he understands the challenges involved in bringing personal and equipment home. He also was the most military supportive of the candidates; by asking that the military have the most effective technology and equipment, he’s focus is on getting the job done, while keeping personal safe. Unlike the current administration, he doesn’t see military personal as expendable. On occasion, his frustration with several other candidates seeped through the political facade on this topic. The conflict in Darfur changed his perspective of the world and made him question his own values. It was a turning point in his life that changed his personal and professional ambitions. With his experience and knowledge, he would be an excellent organizer of the withdrawal from Iraq as well as determining which world issues the country should become involved in.
Governor Bill Richardson was also greatly influenced by Darfur. The cease fire between al-Bashir and leaders of several rebel factions was only one of his diplomatic successes. As with Senator Biden, his trips to Darfur have changed him. But instead of becoming angry, he uses the energy to create alternative solutions. His passion for change and for peace made some of his solutions unrealistic, especially when it comes to troop withdrawal. He was knowledgeable about country’s issues. As Governor of New Mexico, he has already created changes in the educational system, energy resources and civil rights. Although he supported the marriage act, he fully supports civil unions. He is very protective of civil liberties; medical, religious, lifestyle, and legal rights are not optional nor is it the governments business to made personal decisions for the individual.
Senator Christopher Dodd is politically aware and sees the broad picture in foreign affairs, yet his solutions aren’t sensible or feasible. His long political service gives him the inside practical knowledge of how the system works and helps him navigate the turbulent waters of personal egos and special interests. When he was the new kid on the block, he had the spunk to fight windmills, yet that passion has mellowed into practical solutions and the ability to compromise. He believes that a nationwide public service program will redirect the growing lethargy of the American public and reigniting their patriotism as well as reawakening the nation’s adventurer spirit. Although he originally supported the war, he changed his position when the truth came out. He as since become an outspoken advocate of holding President Bush fully responsible for eroding the nation’s reputation and for the increase terrorist threat around the world.
Former Senator Mike Gravel focus on following the money, initially came off as sour grapes as he financially failed to gain traction. He came off angry and frustrated, yet it was only by listening to him and doing research that I found that wasn’t the source of his anger. He has spent decades fighting political corruption only to find the same issues reappearing. He has fought for truth in government and personally helped end the draft. He fought for alternative energy while it was unpopular to do so. He took on the White House and forced them make the Pentagon Papers public. His long service has been exceptional; yet he no matter how much work he has done, nothing seems to change except the faces of the politicians. Many of the same issues he fought for and against at the beginning of his career have again resurfaced as if nothing had been achieve. It would make anyone angry to look back at their career with all the personal and professional sacrifices only to find that so little has changed.
Representative Dennis Kucinich is a one issue candidate. Every issue relate back to the war. His is the only candidate who has consistently voted against the war, but that is all he could really talk about. Every topic was quickly diverted back to Iraq and how he was right. Although he was very passionate, he offered no realistic solutions to domestic or foreign issues. He is strong advocate of civil freedoms, alternative energy sources, and the environment; however, his stances on these issues get lost in the passion to end the war.
The experiment was an over all success. Candidates were able to speak out on the issues and the public was able to get to know them without the preparedness of the traditional debates. Generally the candidates knew what the topics would be, the questions were not screened and their responses for the most part were spontaneous. Although there was some disagreement on the details, all the candidates supported the withdrawal from Iraq, alternative energy, restructuring the educational system and civil rights. Their combined message was that of hope through positive change. For the most part, all the candidates benefited as did the public.

Free Fantasy Ebook: Sisters Mother Daughters-
The Complicated Relationships Between Women


By
Theresa Chaze

Valkyrie Publishing announces the release of the free ebook by Theresa Chaze, Sisters, Mothers, Daughters. Using the fantasy genre, the short stories explore the complicated and ever changing relationships between women. Other worlds, differing religions, and political view points come together as women explore themselves and their life’s path. Sometimes controversial, sometimes frightening this collection of short stories reveals the multi-dimensional spirit of the every changing woman.

Seize of honor is an other worldly tale of how Kelly O’Dell accidentally killed the children of the natives she is attempting to communicate with them to save her people. It was an accident. She never intended to harm anyone, but natives knew she was responsible. They laid the body of one of the children on her door step and pointed their finger at her. Her comrades didn’t understand why. Kelly knew but she lied. Even after the natives attacked, killing most of their party, she kept silent. She couldn’t tell them the truth. At best they would abandon her to the natives’ justice; at worse they would notify command when the rescue team arrived. Either way, she would be as dead; the only question would be is how long and how painful the end would be. To save herself and her people, she must find a way to restore her honor by making the natives understand it was only an accident.

Resa has died, yet her spirit did not move on. Knowing her birth family would attempt to steal her property from those she had gifted it to and inflict their beliefs on her, she refused to cross over. They had tried every legal means available, but this time, she was ready for them. The everything was iron clad. Her wishes would be obeyed; her sisters of spirit would insure her final desires would be followed down to the last detail. In It’s my Funeral, I’ll Disco If I Want, Resa has prearranged her own funeral according to her Wiccan beliefs. Caroline, her spirit guide to the Summerland and long time friend, arrives to escort her to the other side, only find that Resa refuses to leave until after her funeral. Instead she wants to watch as her frustrated birth family is forced to accept in death what they couldn’t accept about her in life.

Politically relevant and controversial, And Freedom For All, projects into the future what life will be like once the religious right has gained power over the United States. Laws are in acted and interpreted according to their Christian doctrine, leading to the over turn of Roe vs. Wade and to a great division between the states. Pregnant by a man who sees her more as possession than a partner, Daphne asks childhood friend, Melanie to help her to escape to a free state. To retain control over her own body, Daphne leaves nearly everything behind and flees for her freedom. Together they must avoid the Pre-born Police, who arrest women they believe are pregnant to prevent them from leaving the Christian controlled states. Three borders and hundreds of miles to cross stretch between them and freedom as they do their best to avoid detection and capture. As they escape, Melanie and Daphne become part of a movement that will once again divide the country.


These are only examples of the tales told in Sisters Mothers Daughters as women strive to understand themselves and each other. Each of these women must look to their own hearts and ask themselves--am I strong enough?

Sisters Mothers Daughters is available at www.theresachaze.com. In addition, there are excerpts of Theresa Chaze’s novels, Awakening the Dragon and Dragon Domain, and other short works. Valkyrie Publishing distributes a monthly spiritual ezine, Messages From the Universe and the ebook versions of both Ms Chaze’s novels.

Theresa Chaze has been described as the woman who plays with dragons, especially the dragons of the mind. She leads her readers to magical realms and others worlds. Her work is based on her philosophy that all peoples can live together in peace as long as we come from respect, not only for ourselves but those who follow different paths or beliefs. Her work has been compared to Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey with an adult version of Harry Potter mixed in. Theresa Chaze's major works so far include the first two novels of the Dragon Clan Trilogy and a free fantasy ebook called, Sisters, Mother, Daughters. Her screenplay, Never Can Say Good-bye, is one of the 2006 winners of the Gloria Film Festival. She publishes an ezine called, Messages From the Universe, which is available on her site www.theresachaze.com.

The Good Old Boys’ Club--

Give them an inch and they’ll steak a mile

By

Theresa Chaze





One only has to look to the media to see how the fight between the Piscean Age and the Aquarian is manifesting. Although the tide is slowly turning, the male dominated Piscean is not going into the sweet good night. No longer is the violence against women, children and minorities tolerated or accepted as "boys will be boys" as the behaviors are casually dismissed. With the coming of the new age, those who do violence against others are publicly held responsible for their actions. As the era of "good old boys club" comes to a close, the violence against those they consider lesser than themselves will temporarily increase, but like all social and economic structures, whose authority comes from violence, they will eventually fall victim to their own power struggles.

This can be seen in the increasing the blatant disregard for the truth by the current administration, and the increasing attacks against women, children and minorities. The violence is all about control. Who has it? Who wants it? Who wants to keep it? White, Christian men no longer have the final say or the ultimate power in the home, the work place or in society. With the advent of birth control and the legalization of abortion, women now have control over their reproductive system, which has given them financial independence. No longer are they dependant on men for their economic security. No longer to they need to accept the bad behavior of the men in their lives, because they are now self sufficient and independent. Children are no longer possessions but individuals with rights and wills of their own. They are no longer cheap labor, who are unprotected subjects of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Interfamilial child sexual abuse refers to sexual abuse, which has been perpetrated by blood or legal relative. In the past, abusers were convicted under incest laws, which carry lower penalties; however, several states have enacted legislation that penalized the abuser the same as a stranger. Whether gender, religious or ethnic, minorities have and are continuing to gain the equal rights, which are protected by law and are reinforced by an increasing percentage of the public. No longer legally deprived of educational and employment opportunities, minorities have become active political forces using not only their political voices, but also their economic power to make changes. All these changes have created a black lash of violence and intimidation by those who have been forced to share power.

In the last few years, violence against woman has increased. However, instead of being excused or ignored, the stories have not only made front page, but have refused to go away. In the past, violence against women was down played. The women were blamed for the harm done to them. It was her fault she was raped: she shouldn’t have been there. She asked for it by dressing or acting so sexy. The wife’s behavior “forced” her husband to beat or kill her. Although the results have changed, the behaviors in many "men" have not. Woman and children have more options and more rights, but the violence against them has increased. Jessie Marie Davis is only the latest incident of a husband or significant other using murder as a way t prove he is superior. The kidnappings in Wisconsin are further examples of how a small number of men in this country still see woman as possessions to be used or abuse at their slightest whim. However, instead of the articles being relegated to the back of the papers orthe information being ignored, the stories are leads. The public is no longer accepting excuses from the perpetrators and are demanding the highest level of punishment.

Children have also been under attack physically, emotionally and spiritually. No longer safe to molest their own children, abusers have sought and found children out side their homes. Many children and young adults have disappeared only to be found later dead. Traditionalist, under the guise of protecting children, are attempting to limit what kind of information they have access to. Medical, spiritual and educational opportunities are under attack as a way of limiting knowledge and life experience. By regulating the learning opportunities, they are more able to spread their own bigotry, ignorance and keep control over their children. However, laws like Jessica’s Law sets mandatory sentencing guidelines and places limits on abuser after release. Megans Law forces those convicted of a sex offense to register with local law enforcement and makes the information available to the public. In addition, laws have been enacted to protect children from neglect and abuse. Emotional and spiritual abuse is more difficult to regulate and harder to prove. When parents or family members degrade and verbally attack, they don’t leave physical signs. There are no bruises or broken bones. However, the spiritual and emotional damages are just as great and long lasting. Frequently, it can only be discover after it has started reflecting in the child’s behavior. Teaching hate, bigotry and aggressive behavior is emotional and spiritual abuse. It not only creates angry children, but limits their opportunities and ability to interact in society. By keeping the educational system focused on not only fulfilling the basic requirements, but forcing it to provide a safe, diverse learning arena, the cycle of hate and bigotry can be broken.

Although lynchings are now the exception, not the rule, discrimination is still prevalent. The only difference is that it has become more subtle. From the denial of right to marry for gays to the refusal by the Veteran’s Administration to approve the pentacle on soldiers’ grave markers, minorities still have to fight for rights others take for granted. The glass ceiling still prevents minorities from reaching their full potential, while the good old boy’s club promotes those who are less qualified. Profiling and the Patriot Act give the bigots the excuse they have been looking for openly express their racism. Harassment of women, people of color and non-Christians has been rising; however, the technological advances have also given them ammunition to fight back. Cell phones that are capable of recording video and sound have exposed many abusive law enforcement officers and have forced the legal system to change. If the abuse is on tape, it can’t be denied or explained away by the officer. Although homosexuals have been denied the right to a legal marriage, many states are enacting domestic partnership legislation that gives nearly the same legal rights between same sexed couples. After ten years of legal hearings and massive public support, the Circle Sanctuary has finally forced the VA to accept the pentacle as a religious symbol. Technology has also opened the door for small and home based businesses that not only offer diverse opportunities for those who couldn’t break through the gender or ethic limitations, but have made competitors out of one-time employees. Computers, cell phones and the internet have created more options for work locations and scheduling. No longer are individuals limited to the 9 to 5 routine or being forced to go into the office. Instead they have created successful home based businesses or work spaces that makes them economically secure and individually independent.

Yet, the battle continues. For as much as there have been gains, there is still much to be fought for. Although there have been many positive changes in society, now is not the time to relax or get comfortable with the status quo. The good old boys’ club continues to openly fight to regain supremacy by attacking the rights of those they see as lesser than themselves. They use violence, bigotry and manipulation to create fearful situations that give them the upper hand. If we give an inch back to them, it will only encourage them to try to take a mile.