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As an American citizen, I’ve never questioned my American freedoms. After all, I live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

My mind is oversaturated with news of record violence, gun rights, police brutality, personal responsibility, abortion rights, corporate greed (think big pharma) and too many more issues for my brain to sift through. I don’t even remember which news story I was watching when I heard the brain click that lead me to question what freedom looks like in the new millennium.

What are we, as Americans actually free to do?

Have our freedoms slowly morphed into different shapes over the years?

The website state.gov under the INDEPENDENCE section says, “In their private lives, Americans are free to live where they wish, socialize with whom they select, and practice their chosen religion. In summary, this notion of independence creates the opportunities for people to determine their own lifestyles free from government control and social conventions.”

I’m feeling a bit queasy on some of this. Am I free to practice my religion without suffering a mass shooting during a peaceful service, having my kids ostracized at school for wearing faith-based clothing, or have the media depict me as a bible thumping idiot? If I rent a home or apartment in my neighborhood and the owner sell out to flippers creating a high dollar gentrified neighborhood that I can no longer afford? Where’s the freedom of choice in that? Can I expect non-biased fair treatment from our legal system? Do I have freedom of my body? Will a new Presidential administration tighten the belt on our freedoms based on their beliefs or those of their constituents?

One more thought…Why can’t we set term limits for the fat cats in congress living in their timeless tower of privilege and power?

I don’t know…my head hurts.

Hypnotist fined for stealing a kiss with a woman he thought he had put in a trance.  In my opinion, this man’s actions equal the crime of dosing a woman’s drink with Rohypnol.  

Can you say desperate?  Clink on this link for story… http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32314866/ns/world_news-weird_news/?gt1=43001

I had a dream. Not that kind–a weird one. I was vacationing with the cast of Reno 911 and Richard Gere (no, it was not a bad food or TV-before-bed thing). The Reno gang was chasing me around a swank Italian hotel because I didn’t want to hang out with them.  At one point I was actually Neicy’s character. Richard was trying  save me from them.  Just weird. I can usually interpret dreams…not sure where to go with this one.

What’s the oddest dream you’ve had?  Share.  Maybe I can tell you what yours is about.

Love & Blessings,  

-Leesa

Dancing makes me happy.

What would make you happy?  Thanks to writer Angie Fenton for asking the provocative question, “What’s the one thing you want to do that would make you really happy?” She polled yours truly and 24 other readers in the current Voice/Tribune: www.voice-tribune.com/index.cfm?action=app.showDetail&pageid=212&item=1430 

Let me pass the question to you. What do want to do/have that would add more joy to your life?  Tell me here.

Love & Blessings,

-Leesa

The Bullet Blocker is the latest back-to-school accessory.  For $100 to $400 you can purchase a Kevlar lined backpack or notebook for your child.  Co-creator Bill Barbin said, “In 2006, the Department of Justice reports over 760,000 violent incidents occurred in schools. And this was a way for us to provide for our own children a level of safety they didn’t have before by offering protection from 99% of all handgun rounds,” rounds,” (whas11.com).  

Do they work? Jeffersonville Police recently put the Bullet Blocker to the test with shots from a .40 caliber handgun.  The Kevlar backpack and notebook did stop the bullets, but the JPD said the school supplies probably won’t block rifle fire. 

What do you think?

• Bullet proof school supplies; good or bad? 
• Does this bother you?
• Would you buy one for your kid?

Weigh in on the Diva’s blog.

Much Love &  Many Blessinigs

-Leesa

It’s good to live in the USA.  We can see any immoral, vapid, useless piece of brain drivel we choose to see without the government’s permission.  No so much in the Ukraine where Sacha Baron Cohen’s new movie, “Bruno,” has been banned. Calling “Bruno” an obscene and immoral abomination, Ukrainian officials are not giving citizens a choice to “view or not to view.”

I don’t know if the new hit film is good— haven’t seen it, but choice is good, censorship is not (another reason I’m a fan of church and state separation). Like it or loathe it, as Americans, we get to read and watch whatever we choose (or not).  

 As for SBC, I’ve been a fan since his public access days. Some of his incarnations and bits are over the top— some are clever, some are not.  Bruno the character has always pushed the envelope, but I am not making a judgment call on a film I have not seen.

Will the Derby City Diva fork out the paper for “Bruno?”  I don’t know. Money is tight and movies aren’t cheap.  You can fill me in on the movie— right now I’m watching another free TV showing of Cannonball II.

 -Leesa

More at:  http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=420986&gt1=28101

 I am seldom impressed with professional athletes. While superstars on the court and in the field, they fail horribly as role models. Anyone remember the hot personal mess Darryl Strawberry wallowed in during his heyday?  Fast-forward to May 14th, 2009, when Mr. Baseball talked to Tavis Smiley (PBS) about what makes a real man; it ain’t all those millions and being an eight-time All Star, four-time World Series Champion and National League Rookie of the Year.  

Now I’m impressed. 

Read excerpts from Darryl Strawberry’s new bio “Straw,” and watch his interview with Tavis Smiley here.  http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200907/20090714.html

 Debbie Rowe, mother of Michael Jackson’s two oldest children, told a court in 2001 it was her choice to forgo contact with those children. Her decision was no doubt encouraged by the large lump of money given to her by the baby daddy.  Looks as though Rowe has changed her mind and will seek custody of the children from their current guardian, Michael’s mother Katherine.

Should courts defy Michael’s will and turn the kids over to Rowe?  Turning children over to the biological mother is common in the court system; but is it always the wisest choice?

Weigh in please.

Love & Blessings

-Leesa, your “DCD”

Good morning all. I’m starting the work week with a question for the ages. South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford issued a statement about her Gov. husband’s extramarital affair. Here’s an excerpt:  “I remain willing to forgive Mark completely for his indiscretions and to welcome him back, in time, if he continues to work toward reconciliation with a true spirit of humility and repentance.”

Suppose you were in her shoes; what would you do?

Love & Blessings,

 -Leesa

Read more at: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/06/25/2009-06-25_south_carolinas_governors_wife.html#ixzz0L9LctORx&C

The world said goodbye to Michael Jackson today. Yeah, I watched. For me, the most humanizing part of the memorial was when his family addressed the fans reminding us that Michael was a son, a brother, and a father — not just the guy who entertained us. He was human.

CJ writer Jeffery Lee Puckett figures that our reaction to Michael Jackson’s death  is defined by “…an era where pop culture has become bigger than life.” Puckett claims we won’t see the same sort of feeding frenzy when Dylan, McCartney or Jagger dies.

Curious. What do  you think?

Read Mouring Michael in today’s CJ http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090707/SCENE04/907070317/1010/FEATURES/Mourning+Michael

You’ll also find a link to the memorial there.

Love & Blessings,

-Leesa