Sunday, 25 January 2009
A wonderful beginning!
President Obama has ordered the closure of Guantánamo and an end to torture by the US - what a wonderful and brave start to his Presidency.
While it has not had such prominence but also important in terms of women’s health, he also ordered the lifting of a ban on US funding to overseas family planning clinics which provided any abortion services whatsoever, from the operation itself to counseling, referrals or post-abortion services. He said that the ban had "undermined efforts to promote safe and effective voluntary family planning in developing countries," and that the issue had become too politicised.
It is a radical, brave start to his Presidency.
Amnesty International are running a campaign around President Obama’s first 100 days, and incredibly with the ordering of the closure of Guantánamo and an end to torture by the US he has already met many of the demands. You can sign the petition by using this link - Amnesty 100 days campaign.
Recently completed a wonderful book “The Sorrows of An American” by Siri Hustvedt. It is a wonderfully moving and hopeful book about family and friendship in a society where so many have been traumatised and damaged.
And finally, Morrissey is coming to Stirling to play a concert! - so I will go with my eldest son who while loving metal also has developed an affection for the Smiths. Don’t know what to expect, I loved the Smiths and some of the solo work, but it is good to be ready to be surprised:)
