Jill and I were in the lucky first wave, 4th pod. Claire was our boater, and we fared pretty well despite some wave action.

The sun rose over the water as the caps of fellow swimmers bobbed ahead and behind us, framed by stalwart kayakers.

Thanks to Barbara Eckstrom having taught me the breast stroke, I was able to sight our goal and went “whoosh! glide…whoosh! glide…” across the waves without swallowing much water.

Many swimmers from the second wave, whose swim was cancelled due to worsening water conditions, took swims from the dock at the Ithaca Yacht Club in small groups accompanied by the kayak safety team.

Despite the change in plans, spirits were high. The sense of community was palpable. I feel certain we were not alone, and I also believe that some lifelong connections were made today.

Now I can honestly say “I’m a swimmer!” On my own behalf and that of a grateful community I’d like to thank Hospicare, its donors, staff, Women Swimmin’ Planning Team, event sponsors, boaters, swimmers, and volunteers. Today Hospicare changed lives for the better.

While exercising to strengthen my knee after surgery, I noted a friend’s dedication to swimming laps. When I asked what motivated her, she replied, “Women Swimmin’”! A few weeks later, my partner Jill and I became two of the lucky 300 women signed up to swim 1.2 miles across Cayuga Lake to raise funds for Hospicare. It’s more than a fundraiser, though. It’s a community builder, a physically fulfilling experience, and an educational opportunity. The slogan says it best: “It’s not how you swim, it’s how you live.”

To quote from (Kathy’s Women Swimmin’ Webpage): “Swimming laps at Helen Newman, Island Health and Fitness, and area State Parks has progressed to lake swimming. It’s deeply satisfying and spiritually nourishing. The lake swimming with friends and kayakers has been especially profound. I’m grateful to be part of this tremendous community swim.

This year finds me especially grateful for my health after successful knee replacement surgery in September. Gentle encouragement provided by a friend who has been part of this event since its inception has inspired me to participate in 2010.

I swim to honor the memory of my mother, Olivia C. Herrera, and my father, John J. Herrera, knowing that Hospicare would respect the wishes and honor the spirits of these giants.
I also swim in memory of Ralph Hill, who passed last year, and Peggy Amici, who recently passed. My friends and their families had the physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort that Hospicare provides. I swim to support the continuation of that mission. We are so fortunate to have Hospicare in Tompkins County!

Rather than rant more about that, I’ll take this opportunity to note that some reform is better than taking no action at all to repair a broken system. Right now, millions of people in the U.S need health insurance reform, and they can’t wait for the perfect bill.

As Democrats line up behind President Obama to support this effort, I applaud the skill and tenacity that got us this far even as I recall that our aim was for so much more. I have to hope that this progress will add momentum to other efforts that are underway.

It looks like President Obama is coming through for us, despite huge resistance from special interests. No matter what, this is historic, and is a sweet moment for working people, the poor, and the unemployed. Let’s savor it even as we work for future gains.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 17, 2009
ITHACA SOCIALISTS SAY “KILL THE BILL!”

The Ithaca Local of Democratic Socialists of America today called for the defeat of the health care “reform” bill that is emerging from the Senate.

The bill reportedly contains no public option (immediate or triggered), no Medicare buy-in for those under age 65, no competition for for-profit plans, no meaningful cost containment and no prohibition against insurance companies colluding on premiums and terms of coverage.

“This is not a reform bill in any sense of the word,” said Marty Luster, Chair of the Ithaca local. “This is a piece of legislation written by and for the insurance industry. It mandates individuals to purchase health insurance from for-profit corporations which retain as much as 40% of premiums paid for administration (including obscene executive salaries), marketing and profit.* We will be better off if the bill fails and we have the opportunity to start over with a real reform plan,” he said.

“Medicare has 3% administrative costs and nothing goes to profits, so Medicare for all would have been the fiscally responsible way to go,” Theresa Alt, Secretary of Ithaca DSA, said. “The Democratic majority really missed the boat when they gave up in advance on Medicare for all and instead pushed the ‘public option’, a compromise from the start. Since then they have compromised again and again until now there is hardly any reform left in the bill,” she added.

The Democratic Socialists of America is the nation’s largest socialist organization. It supports a single payer (Medicare for All) health care plan, although it has urged, at a minimum, that any plan adopted by Congress contain a robust public option.

*Report by Families USA
Contact: Theresa Alt 607-273-3009 or Marty Luster mabl64@zoom-dsl.com, 607- 279-2904

It’s about 11 minutes and is riveting info for those of us concerned about the inadequacies of the proposed sGEIS on Marcellus Shale Hydrofracking.

In the interview, Walter urges people to contact NYS Governor Paterson and let him know that until the regulations adequately address problems with hyrdrofracking (documented on Walter Hang’s Toxics Targeting website), “we’re just not ready to go forward with Marcellus Shale drilling, until we get these regulations. Don’t do it. Withdraw this proposed supplemental generic environmental impact statement.”

I agree, and I’ll be looking into signing onto the coalition letter that Walter refers to in the interview. I also urge individuals and groups to contact Governor Paterson to let him know your opinion about this as soon as possible.

Thank you for providing me with your vote, and another opportunity to serve you on the County Legislature. All residents are part of this community, and it is an honor to represent you.
I appreciate your willingness to share your views and opinions on the list serve, on advisory boards, in the community, and directly with your elected officials, like me! We have a wealth of resources and talent available to us, and we are all part of this kind and generous community.

This is a very special place, and today I’m especially grateful to be here in Fall Creek, Ithaca, Tompkins County, and upstate New York.
K
PS–I think I got most of my signs picked up–let me know if we missed any and I’ll make sure they’re taken care of.

Vote on Tuesday, November 3, Election Day 2009
Polls are open Tue Nov 3 from 6am – 9pm Eastern Time

Do you live in District 5 of Tompkins County New York?
Please vote “Kathy Luz Herrera” for County Legislature so that I can serve you and County residents for another term.

Tompkins County Polling Places

Exercise your right to vote! Polling places for the City can be found here.

For more information and sample ballots

Go to the Tompkins County Board of Elections Webpage

I would sincerely appreciate your vote!

Enjoy refreshments, visit with Kathy (and her new knee) and discuss with neighbors and residents the issues that concern you.

For more information or to RSVP, email kathyluz@herreraforithaca.com or call 273-8169.

The clock is ticking. Every hour, another five people die because they don’t have health insurance.1

How many more have to die before everyone in America has access to quality, affordable health care?
Too many have died already. We have waited long enough for real health care reform.
Call your members of Congress today toll free and demand that they support real health care reform NOW: 1-877-235-2465
Now is the time for reform. All across the country, as a part of a nationwide call-in day, tens of thousands of activists like you are calling Congress and demanding real health care reform that:

Controls costs.
Holds insurance companies accountable.
Includes a strong public health insurance option to lower costs and make sure everybody can get health care.
Requires employers to pay their fair share.
Does not add taxes or other costs for working families—we’re already paying too much.
Working together, we can make sure everyone in America has access to quality, affordable health care.
Call and tell your senators and representative to support real health care reform:
1-877-235-2465
Insurance company lobbyists are doing everything they can to slow down the process and ultimately kill reform. Don’t let them block reform. The time for waiting is done. We want quality and accessible health care for all now.
In solidarity,
Working America, AFL-CIO

P.S. We voted for change last November. Now it’s time for Congress to deliver real health care reform. Call your senators and representative today: 1-877-235-2465
1 Study links 45,000 U.S. deaths to lack of insurance (Reuters). http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/tpcw7111Faa5/

Amid news that the president’s top military officials have suggested elimination of the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that has resulted in a net loss of LGBT military personnel, Obama’s talk is sure to be historic. Many in the LGBT community hope that it will provide an prime opportunity for President Obama to announce a reversal of the failed military policy.