Shannon Agan's blog

Conspiracy theories did not interest me in the past. I just could not believe or care to believe the wild claims people have made. But yesterday when Osama bin Laden's tape made the news I have to admit the timing was eerie.

Either Osama is a bigger idiot than I believed because the timing of the release of that tape was not great... He just helped Bush explain to the American people why he NEEDS to tap phones -- to catch the "evil doers"-- OR, and I know this is crazy but it flitted through my mind-- are Osama and W working together???

But somehow I can see this conversation taking place:

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I wrote this before I read the previous blog...Do not be scared Republicans, speak.

There are some articulate social conservatives who peruse and write on BloggerParty. I wondered if one or two so had the inclination to explain the reasoning for opposing gay marriage. A couple of days ago I watched Larry King Live while this issue was being debated. From an equal rights point of view, I cannot figure out when this issue eventually gets to the Supreme Court what the side opposing gay marriage is going to present. All I heard on this TV show was “God wants it this way�? (which did not work for Mayor Nagin), or the bible says….

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Am I naive but why can't we change campaign practices? Why can't a monetary limit be set on campaigns -- not just on the candidates' campaigns but also on any group in support of the candidate. (It would limit smears like the Swift Boat shenanigans too!)

The bright idea this week of no more gifts for congress is laughable. But that is not the real problem. Politicians need money to run for office.In the day of TV ads it is expensive to campaign. Something our founders had no idea would happen or perhaps they would have written something into the constitution addressing campaign practices and money. Who would have thought running for office would cost so much??!! Of course, politicians are taking money, gifts, trips...they have to have money for their campaigns. It is survival. So, let's limit the cost of campaigns.

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The news media reports about the Bird Flu pandemic almost as much as it reports about the mess in Iraq. I understand that Bird Flu is a problem for birds and the people who handle birds. I understand it is a concern for poultry farmers. I understand the concern that it is spreading from Asia toward Europe. As long as poultry is well cooked though, there is no concern for consumers of poultry. I am curious why ALL the media attention in the media. I am suspicious. Almost two years before the US lead coaliton war on Iraq, CNN did a special, "Iraq, the unfinished war." When I first saw the advertisements for that special I wondered..."Hmmm, what White House PR machinations are behind that?" Viola, look at us now!

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Today it was cold while out walking so I popped into the Kazan Cathedral in central St Petersburg, Russia to warm up. If I had not left all my rubles at home I would have popped into a coffee shop instead. I am glad I experienced the cathedral though. I am NOT religious. I was raised in a strict religion but once I reached adulthood, I was rid of it as soon as I could.

But standing in the cathedral and watching the service, all in Russian so I could not understand much of what was being said, nothing the priest said could piss me off. Listening to the beautiful choir sing. Watching people kiss and bow at icons. Feeling their dedication to their faith. It was touching. Especially, to think that religious observance was difficult in Russia while it was the Soviet Union. Now people are fully free to practice their faith.

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We have had a house guest here for a week. He is loud, does not stop talking but worst of all is totally oblivious to his environment and the people around him. Whatever he thinks comes out of his mouth -- if he thinks at all before it comes out of his mouth!! He speaks foreign languages to random strangers who have no idea what he is saying...I have to watch what I say because he totally reminds me of my in-laws and a few of my own relatives. When I crawl into bed at night and want to vent to my partner about how much it is driving me crazy, I have to be careful about not saying something like how much he reminds me of YOUR family!

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My therapist and I discussed on the phone today the decision to stop spending time away from therapy and get to work on the issues. Funny one of the issues is abandonment and here I am moving away from the ex-pat life, my partner, my career and doing exactly what I fear. Am I nuts?

Funny question since I spent a couple of weeks in the nuthouse last year. Yes, I am nuts! So, back to the States for quiet, introspection and headshrinking. Nuts!