Yellowstone

I haven’t written because we had no service in Yellowstone and have been busy, going hard and we each fall into bed at night with new experiences under our belts.  

On Sunday we woke up in Idaho Falls.  First things first, the boys had to relearn the etiquette of the free breakfast room.  No shirt, no shoes, no service.   And for mom’s satisfaction, no pajamas.  The Leeks have standards!

Our first stop was Shoshone Falls just east of Twin Falls.  It’s called the Niagara of the West and is beautiful.  The water was flowing well and it gave an impressive performance.  As we were leaving an entire bus full of Japanese tourists unloaded.  Perfect timing on our parts, we left.  Now, onward to Yellowstone. 

 The trip to Yellowstone was fairly uneventful until…..  Just inside the gate, at the least convenient spot, the “check engine” light came on and the engine shook anytime we got below 30 mph.  Pretty disconcerting.  Our van has over 110,000 miles on it.  Before we left, Bob and I agreed that if it went belly up mid trip we’d just get a new one and press on.   While the timing was horrid, having a back up plan was reassuring. 

We arrived at the campsite, set up camp and then headed to Old Faithful, the Yellowstone Lodge and the first set of paint pots.  The plan all along had been to all ride in the RV with mom and Ed while in Yellowstone. With the van on the fritz, this was even a better plan.  What made it even more desirable was the fact that Iva (our dog) was with us.  The RV stays much cooler than the van when they are not moving.  While dogs are welcome in the park, they are not welcome on ANY of the paths.  They are also not supposed to be left in cars.  This makes having a dog with you a true pain.  We decided to leave her in the RV at most stops and hope for the best.  She barked like mad every time but it was the only way we could all see the sights. 

Old Faithful did it’s thing after we waited for 30 minutes or so.  There were about 2000 people and hey, our Japanese buddies from Shoshone Falls were there too.  And they brought three more buses full with them, hooray!

We went through the lodge and as always, it is beautiful.  The rough-hewn logs and natural bend of branches prevail in the structure.  The stone fire-place is central and it’s chimney reaches up four stories and out the roof.  It is a marvel and a national treasure.  We went to the gift shop and Kees got a pin and Coulter bought a Yellowstone mug as a gift for my mom. The pin Kees got started a collection.

On the route back to camp we went to the paint pots.  The paint pots consist of colorful pools, bubbling mud pots and steam vents that can reach 300+ degrees.  They are not shy about sharing the fact that many people have died or been badly burned over the years.  The most gruesome story being of an eight year old boy that fell in a boiling pool and was recovered a day later.  All that was left was eight pounds of bone, flesh and clothing.  It made a real impact on the boys. 

Back at the campsite we started a fire and nibbled on whatever was available for dinner.  Hey, this is camping, just eat what you have.  At 9:30 there was a ranger talk that explained the colors of the pools, the eco-systems and their fragility, where the heat comes from and many more aspects of the park.

10:15 and it was lights out….  For a very cold night.   The boys were in the RV with mom and Ed, Sophia was with Bob and I in the tent.  It was cold but didn’t snow, like it did the week before when our friends were there.  Yikes! Waking up early is easy when you are cold. 

In the morning we had a quick snack, gave mom a couple cards and gifts (it was her birthday), headed north and then counter clock wise around the North Loop.  There were lots of bison sightings, steam vents, elk, vistas, paint pots and so on.  And hooray, our Japanese friends found us.  Quick, to the RV to get ahead!  At the furthest point of the day was Mammoth.  There are amazing falls there that emit calcium carbonate to the tune of a ton a day.  It looks like ice.   Beautiful. 

We made our way back to camp, had some food and went to bed.  Again, exhausted.  We bolstered our sleeping quarters with extra blankets and all slept much better.  Being warm is underrated. 

Again we were up early and broke down our camp-site by 8:30.  It was Tuesday and that meant we were headed to Cody, WY.  We exited the park via the east entrance.   This was the first time we drove the van since the “check engine” light came on, it was still on and running like crap.  It made me a bit nervous but once we were above 40 mph it seemed to run fine.  Every time we slowed down the shaking would start again.  If we made it to Cody we’d get it checked out or buy a new van.   Buying a new van would put a dent in the vacation budget!  So it goes and off we went….  Look out Cody, here we come.

We've Only Just Begun

We are off on our next adventure and I am grateful to say that Bob is in tow this time!  Hooray!  The kids and I have been on quite a few road trips and Bob (God bless him) stayed behind to pay for our good time.

Last year the kids and I were planning on going on an around the country trip.  I thought that Bob could join us at one or more points along the way so he could keep working.  It's hard to get lots of continuous time off.  As we drew closer to a shove off date Bob said he wanted to come and would we postpone for a year?  It was an easy decision.  We waited.

When Bob took his current job he told them that he would be gone for a month this summer.  They said it wouldn't be a problem and the held to their promise.  He is with us!

I have been researching for months, pouring over maps and guide books, making reservations and getting all our museum memberships in order.  The kids did a little research too and each have two locations where they will be the tour guide.

Kees has been pretty, "Go with the flow." He is ready and has done a little research.  He's excited.

Coulter is another story.  He has been really nervous.  He kept saying that he was afraid that we were going to get into a car crash.  I think it's because of the unknown and he doesn't know exactly what to expect.  Summer in Portland is pretty great and he was going to miss his friends and the pool.

Both boys were driving me NUTS!  Each year when school gets out we have hit the road almost immediately.  They know the routine for that.  Everyone helps, everyone pitches in, everyone carries their weight.  My kids are great at that.  This year we waited two weeks after school got out.  Big mistake.  The kids all have acted like every day is Saturday morning.  They haven't lifted a finger to help do ANYTHING!  They have spent too much time on screens and have hardly done any chores.  They have left all their crap all over, all the time.  I have begged, pleaded, yelled, cried  for help and it all fell on deaf ears.  Our kids need a trip to get their summer in order, they need to pitch in!

My mom and Ed rolled into town on Thursday evening so they could head out on Friday morning to get a jump on the road trip.  Their RV can't travel and the rapid pace of the lightning van.  Bob had the brilliant idea to have them take the boys.  They needed to go.  I was sick of trying to keep them from fighting, stopping them from leaving their stuff all over and trying to get ready to head out.  Mom and Ed accepted the challenge and it was the right decision.  They have had a fine time and the boys got to stay in the RV.

Our friends the Klines had us over for dinner last night.  We planned to come home and pack....not so much after dinner and drinks.  We hit the sack.  Bob was up at 6 and Sophia and I were up at 7.   I had a heart to heart with Sophia about stepping up and she did.  We loaded up and were on the road by 9.

We drove up the Gorge and honestly, we live in the most beautiful part of the country.  It takes my breath away every time.  The picture at the top of this post is overlooking Pendleton Valley.  It was overcast but still, so beautiful.  We are now 6 hours in and have covered 400 miles and it sunny and 81 degrees.  We are slated to cover 6500 miles and over 100 hours of driving so we are just beginning.   Check back here for more updates.  Hang on, it's going to be a wild ride.

A Day to Remember

Yesterday we had our friends the Klines over for Easter Dinner.  We talked about who's house we should have dinner at....  The Klines?  They host a lot, Sarah is an excellent chef, hostess and friend.  Or our house?  I can cook. I like to entertain, albeit in a much more casual manner since the time line is usually free form.  The biggest reason I wanted to host was because the weather was going to be nice and I wanted the kids to be able to play in the park.  I know the days of the kids playing in the park all together are limited and I want to have as many of those days as I can squeeze in.

The Klines came over at 4 and by 4:15 the kids were all across the street.  The adults moved to the front deck to chat and take in the day.  To my great joy, the kids did exactly what I had hoped.  They played at the park.  All 5 of our kids and about 7-8 more neighborhood kids joined in.  They ranged in age from 8 to 13 and all played so nicely for almost 4 hours.  They played lots of games but the big one was "The Hunger Games."  They all had Nerf guns and ran around chasing, shooting, screaming and laughing.  When they play "Hunger Games" no one dies for more than 10 seconds and they all have a great time.  It was very sweet and they were all worn out.

I can't begin to tell you what a joy our home is.  I love our location.  I love our front deck.  I love being right next to the park.  I love our neighborhood.  I love that our friends come over and share happy times with us.  Individually, each of these things is great but all together, it can't be beat.  It gives me such joy.  Truly the little things are the big things and I wouldn't trade my experience of my existence with anyone.

Yesterday's goings on weren't anything out of the norm and that is what makes it even better.  I get to live like this a lot and it doesn't get any less special any time.  I want to hold these days in my heart and treasure them forever.  I know my kids will grow and go and there will be different joys but for right now I am loving my happy days right here in my 'hood.

Hectic; Because Life Just is....

I have been doing my duties as a mom of three and by it's nature, it is hectic.  To add to the mix, I am the PTA President for my kids' K-8 school of 830 students.  I have also volunteered to be the local PTA liaison to Portland Public Schools for the 482 million dollar bond to rebuild three high schools, one middle school and to repair countless others.  Neither one of those jobs is glorious.  I am blessed to be in a position where I can be a "stay at home" mom, though staying at home rarely factors in.

Our school has grown from 450 kids about 6 years ago to 830 this year. Our rapid growth has created lots of stress and for next year and upheaval.  Our first and third graders will be sent to a third campus about a mile away next year.  That campus is already occupied by a program called ACCESS and they will have to adjust to this change too.  The hope is that this is just a one year solution and that boundaries will "fix" the issue going forward.  The idea of moving some of our community members out of the school is nothing short of crappy but in the end, I believe that is what will happen.  On the plus side, the school that they are likely to attend will have many of the same folks from our current school.  It is highly a emotional subject and uncharted territory .

Kees will be going to the third campus.  This is good because as the PTA President, I have some skin in the game.  My family will be effected so I get to chime in and have my vote count.  Yesterday Coulter said he wished he could go to the new campus, Rose City Park.  I asked why and was very pleasantly surprised by his answer.  He said "I'm worried that Kees will get school sick.  You know, like home-sick but for your school.  If I was there then he wouldn't have to feel alone."  I was so struck by his love for his brother, his thoughtful feelings and what his solution was.

In talking to Kees he is not really worried.  Yes, it will be his third campus in three years but he is basically fine with it.  Our children are generally more resilient than we give them credit for.  I have listened to the concerns of parents in reference to their precious little children.  I went to 12 schools and I turned out this awesome.  Purely by the nature of having parents that care so much, these children are ahead. It also means they have the support of their parents and probably are pretty solid kids.  I wish the parents would recognize their children's strength.  I remember as a child when someone spoke to me in a condescending tone I thought, "I am short, not stupid."  I knew I was strong and until proven otherwise, I will assume my children are strong.  I know they have support.

Our community will slog through this together.  There are many issues that need to be addressed and three campuses are messy.  There is funding, transportation, library, computers, teachers, principals, councilors, moving, aftercare, moving of the existing program, working with the other community in the building, support staff, scheduling and so on.  It is a never ending list at this point.  I am afraid that until the first month of school is over there will be fear and uncertainty.  Until that point, I am pretty sure my life will be hectic.  Wish me luck....I need it.

Sophia's Birthday Present

Sophia turned 13 last month and I wanted to give her wisdom.  I have some....but I know so many women that are wise. It only seemed right to ask for the wisdom of the tribe.  I have had some requests to post my letter.  Here is my request to these women.

Dear women of the tribe,

I am writing to you because you are wise, have good advice, are smart, talented and I love you.  Sophia is turning 13 in January and I am putting together a retreat at the beach with a few relatives.  There are not enough rights of passage for young people (in my view) so I am creating one for Sophia.  I want her to know that becoming a woman is exciting and challenging and that she has support all around her.  I want her to feel your wisdom and know that there are hundreds of years of experience between us that we will share with her if and when she needs us.

My plan is to create a book with all of our collective wisdom, stories, hopes, dreams, failures, successes and ultimately, lessons.  This is yours to create and make what you want.  You can include pictures, articles, poetry, letters, clippings, diary entries, anything you want.  I have listed some questions as a jumping off point but in the end it will be whatever you want to share with Sophia.  Please know that this can be long or short.  I know how busy life gets.  You can type and print it or hand-write it and return it in the enclosed envelope.  Or, if you’d rather, you can email it to me (theleeks@yahoo.com) and I will print it.  Thank you for your time if you choose to participate.   Sophia’s book will be a treasure for her for a long time and will be her big gift at the retreat.   The retreat is on the weekend of January 24^th, 2014.  If you miss the date please do not hesitate to mail it later.  Again, I know this is asking a lot of you and time is at a premium. 

I want to bind the book of 8 ½ by 11 sheets so please leave an inch on the (long) left hand side of the paper (and if you use the back, an inch on the right) so I can bind the book.  I don’t want any wisdom to get lost in the binding. 

The following questions are for reference.  You can answer them or write about anything you want.  The main point is for you to impart your wisdom to Sophia.   

1.     Please tell Sophia about yourself as a young person.  What were your biggest accomplishments? Fears? Things you loved? Hobbies?  What was your life like?  What did you think being an adult meant?

2.     Please tell Sophia about yourself as an adult.  What are your biggest accomplishments? Fears? Things you love? Hobbies?  What is your life like now?  How is being an adult different than you thought it would be?

3.     Tell a story about yourself as a young person.

4.     What do you remember that was great about being a teenager?

5.     What is challenging about being an adult but you still have to face?

6.     What is something it took you YEARS to realize that you wish you had known sooner?

                 

·      For Example - Just because you have known someone a long time doesn’t mean you have to remain friends with them.  If someone is an energy suck, complains all the time or is overly self centered I can just move on.  I don’t have to carry people around that don’t treat me as I deserve to be treated. 

·      Superfluous drama is for weak people with small minds and nothing better to do.  Cut them loose.

7.     Write about your memories of being 13ish.  What do you remember that was good? Bad? Challenges?

8.     What is your opinion of today’s media’s images and definitions of women?  What do you say to a 13 year-old girl who sees these depictions every day and may not believe it every time her mom tells her she is a perfect Sophia.

9.     Write about an obstacle that you faced when you were a young person and how you overcame it or didn’t and how you handled it.

10. What do you see now in your former self that you wish you could go back and tell yourself, “It’s going to be alright.” in the long term? 

11. What do you remember was a REALLY BIG DEAL that the mature you now realizes it wasn’t.

12. Share an experience that seemed terrible at the time but has given you perspective now.

13. Is there something you did that seemed like a good idea at the time that in retrospect wasn’t such a great move?

14. If you could go back, what would you definitely do that you may have been afraid to do for fear of being embarrassed?

15. What piece(s) of advice would you give to your 13 year-old self?  What do you wish someone had told you? 

16.  What’s the best advice you can give about love relationships?

17.  What does success look like?

18.  What does a powerful woman look like?

19.  Write anything else you want for Sophia or any young woman you think could use good advice. 

Thank you so much for participating in this gift to Sophia.  I want her to know that she has many women who love and support her and that collectively, we have hundreds of years of experience.

All the best,

Heather 

2013 Holiday Letter

It’s been another great year with the Leeks here in Portlandia (just like the TV show). We are blessed with good health, growing smart kids (smart parents…not growing), a wonderful community, a comfortable home and many positive experiences over the past year. We are truly living the dream and I am reminded of our blessings every day. 

The kids are all very active. With each one in just one sport and one activity this fall we hardly had time to eat dinner. Because it is a priority to eat together, we often didn’t eat until eight in the evening. And getting homework done…that is a whole other challenge.  It wasn’t pretty, but we managed to have a lot of fun in everything we did. 

Sophia is in 7^th grade, will be 13 in January and continues to be a terrific kid. I keep waiting for the “other shoe” to drop but she is still as sweet and kind as ever. Of course she has moments of teen angst and attitude but they are usually followed by her bright smile. Her smile that got braces just 2 weeks ago! She loves her aerial dance with AWOL (awoldance.org) and is in the advanced teen class. Man she is strong. There is also soccer in the mix. She does very well in school and has the nicest friends. That is a big deal to mamma. This summer she ran a camp with a friend. They had “employees” and even had some HR and P&L issues to deal with. It was a great learning experience and a great success! They already have parents that want to sign up their kids for next year.

Coulter will be 10 on the 29^th. I can’t believe my first baby boy will be in double digits! He does well in school and has lots of friends. He makes friends everywhere he goes and has an amazing ability to engage anyone. He has what most leaders want… he has ”IT!” He played baseball and soccer this year but what he loves most is rock climbing. He’s a natural. The first day he climbed, he made it to the top of the gym using a fairly difficult route and really impressed his instructor. He moves confidently and quickly and is strong from head to toe. Oh to have that strength to weight ratio again.  He keeps us all laughing and is a really snuggly boy.  He still likes to sit on my lap. I consider it precious time.

Kees is 8 and keeps us all on our toes. He is one of the oldest kids in his grade. Holding him back a grade has proven to be one of the smartest moves we’ve made as parents. Score one for M&D! He is thriving and is oh so smart. He often thinks in an abstract manner and truly amazes us all. His natural ability to think “outside of the box” will serve him well. He played baseball and soccer and just recently joined his brother in rock climbing. He is pretty excited about it. I can just picture my boys climbing together some day. The idea makes me smile.

The smalls are all very funny…. The other day the boys were making cookies when they called me in. “Mom, do these look good? Can we put them in the oven?” I said, “Boys, your balls are too big.” They immediately went into hysterics…. Great, that’s the path we’re on now. And Sophia can make me laugh at will. She recently saw a kid with a Cabbage Patch Doll and asked, "What's with that doll’s legs?" I said, "It's a Cabbage Patch Doll. It just looks like that." She said, "Well it looks like ‘Needs an EpiPen Doll.’"  Her sense of humor is falling fairly close to the tree.  I can’t decide if that’s good or not.

They are all pals too. Sophia runs a “school” for the boys with a full curriculum when they’re out of their “real” school. They do art projects, read and do math too. It’s very cute. And the boys play together so nicely (most of the time). When they laugh together there is not a better sound in the world. It makes my heart smile.

Bob is the new Deputy CIO for Multnomah County.  The County includes Portland. Yep, he left Kaiser after almost 10 years. He worked tirelessly in the effort to successfully open Kaiser’s newest and most technologically advanced hospital in the country. Then the next week he was working for the County. He loves it. His office is 3 miles from our house and the hours are much better. He is usually home by 5:30 and is able to coach the kids in various sports. Our “Bob hours” have greatly increased vs. “non-Bob hours” and that makes me and the “smalls” very happy. He is even playing futsal.

I am still a stay at home mom and I love that title. I am the president of the PTA for the second (and final) year in a row. It is a job that takes WAY more time than I ever thought it would. Our school is very successful and crowded. We will need to do some adjusting next year for a one-year “fix” and then the boundaries will be redrawn the following year. I still volunteer outside of the school and am still surprised how little time I spend at home given my “stay at home” title.

We spent time at the beach, zip lined, rode horses, threw parties, played sports, rode bikes and traveled a bit. The kids and I drove to San Francisco and Disneyland with a girlfriend of mine and her two kids. We did 2080 miles in 40 hours over seven days with seven people in one van. We covered a lot of ground walking all over San Francisco and then spent two 12-hour days at Disneyland. We had sore feet but we got our monies worth. Best of all, we parted as friends even after all that time in close quarters.  The 4^th of July was spent camping at mom and Ed’s…heaven.  A few weeks later Bob and I spent five days in San Francisco just enjoying each other’s company. It was great fun. We attended my dad’s retirement party in September where he was greatly honored. In August Bob and I went to my 30^th high school reunion and had another great weekend. The friends that I made in high school continue to be the quality people that I knew they would be. I have reacquainted with old friends and have really enjoyed getting to know my high school friends as adults.

It has been a great year and we’re looking forward to a wondrous holiday season.  May you and your family and friends enjoy the season and each other.  If you are ever in the neighborhood please come visit.  We love you all. 

Equity for All

I have so much to write about right now.  I have been doing LOTS of PTA stuff and we have raised about $50,000 this year already.  Amazing!  I have been advocating for our school by making sure that the PPS board and Facilities people know how desperate we are for space at our schools.  I am involved with the high school redesign process for the 3 high schools that will be fully rebuilt over the next 6 years.  The BCS Foundation has kicked off their fundraising efforts and I am there to be supportive.  There is also the parenting thing that includes, 5 soccer practices per week, 3 games and now parties (thank goodness that is drawing to a close).  And there's AWOL 2-3 times per week, rock climbing, band and choir.  There are other responsibilities like, playing ball with the dog.  The meals 3 times a day....every day, seriously, I feel like I am always in the kitchen.  Maintaining the house....kinda.  6:15 daily walks with Bob.  Yoga.  Stair walks.  And so on.  There is no way I could do half of that if I had a job.  Kudos to those of you that can do both.  I couldn't.

I am not going to write about any of that today.  I am going to talk about equity.  It is something that most of us understand conceptually but really we only know the word.  I don't think most people feel it in their soul.  Equity is greatly misunderstood and I want people to really stop and look at themselves and consider what equity is and how it effects what and who is around you.

First, I want to talk about equity between men and women.  This is one that we can all basically understand ........ sort of.   This one goes way back in our culture.  There are other cultures where men and women are equal but ours is not one of them.   Women have not been equal on any level.

Women have been put in the kitchen to feed our families, have been the baby makers and been there to please men for generations.  Look all around you and it's everywhere.  In the Bible a wife must submit to her husband. Check this out, numbers 3 and 8 are my personal favorites.  

Women have been reduced to objects, objects to make fun of, judge, take revenge on, belittle and to put in their place.  Well I am here to tell you that that reduces us all.  Every time a man makes fun of or harms a woman it reduces him.  It takes away part of his humanity.  In reality it makes him less.  The woman feels less than but the truth is, it hurts both parties.   Many times when this happens other boys or men see the put down or harm of a woman and encourage it.  "Awe man, you told her." "She had it coming." "She deserved it." They give the harm power. It's wrong, so very wrong.  As that man reduces himself he looses self esteem.  Let's be honest here, if that man had high self esteem he wouldn't hurt another.  Both parties loose.  Objectification is what makes it easier for men to rape women and even kill them.  Take the case in Maryville High School in Missouri.   She was an object and he was the conqueror.  Take a look at the young man's statement at the bottom of the page, he has no remorse and there was no ultimately no penalty.  This is just one of a million similar stories.

In advertising women are objects.  Go ahead, click it, it's obscene!  Women don't have anything to do with most of the objects being sold but there they are, naked, beaten, choked, stunned, unconscious, shown with heads covered.   These objects belong to everyone but the women in those bodies.  Those aren't women.  If you aren't skinny enough you should be ashamed and withdraw.  You are worth less and there by end up feeling worthless.

These are real women.  They are all shapes, sizes, colors and look, most of them are smiling.  You don't see that in the objectified women because what, a smile is not sexy?   I don't know.  And while these images are beautiful and real they are from one campaign that I can see.  DOVE!  Thank you Dove for standing up for the 99%+ of us that are real, have lumps, scars, crazy hair etc.

It is frightening to think of what our kids are seeing.  They're little and don't know what's being thrown at them.  I have tried to teach my kids but not everyone does.  Many go along with the notion that you need to be what you see.  I try very hard to introduce my kids to all sorts of things so they have many options of what they can be.  Skinny is not one of the things I want my kids to be.  I want them happy, healthy, smart, successful and fulfilled.  I want them to respect and see themselves so they can respect and really see others.

And some of my favorite disses of women are in politics.  When men discussed Hillary Clinton it was often times more about what a "bitch" she was, how she acted "Hysterical" or what her her pant suit looked like or how attractive she is/was or is/not.  What the hell does that matter?  Not any of that speaks to her politics.  How often have you heard "real news" outlets report what a "bastard" any male politician is or commented about his suit or what his hair looked like?  I am not a Sarah Palin fan but I was out raged to hear men speaking about her in a sexual manner and that it was on "legitimate" new channels.  The same thing goes for Michele Bachman, I'm not a fan but let's talk politics.  I don't care what she looks like or what she wears.

And there is social inequity. "Haves" vs. "Have Nots" is always a big one.  It is in play in our country and all over the world.  The real "Haves" are the top .01% and they are in such control that we, the other 99.99%, can't even imagine their wealth and power and how far it goes.  If you are interested in how big the disparity is check this out, I think it will blow your mind how inequitable our finances really are.

Most of the people I know are "Haves," not the .01% "Haves" but are well enough off.  When a "Have Not" sees all the stuff and the life that a "Have" has they may think, "I want that stuff and that life."  Let's say that person is a hard worker and they go get their first job at a fast food place.  They'll probably make minimum wage of $7.25 (in Oregon it's $8.95) or $15,000 per year.  That does not get you very much stuff.  It's discouraging.

That same person may have a kid.  That complicates things.  Or maybe they decide to get an education so they take on debt and are still working a job.  There are lots of scenarios.  In the best circumstances that person succeeds and they become a success.  Terrific.  Or, in another scenario, that person becomes a criminal.  When you are at the bottom of the food chain and have nothing to lose it is easier to take risks to potentially improve your life.

It seems that it makes more sense to even things out.  If someone makes $15.00 per hour that takes their pay to just over $30,000.  Now that makes life a whole lot more comfortable.  Someone with health care and a decent home is much more apt to be a law abiding citizen.  They are now part of the group with more to lose and thus more of a part of our society.  They also pay more taxes so it's good for the city, state and federal governments.  They can participate in consumerism  Heck, they may decide they need more education so they can make even more money.  I see that as only positive.

That is a different topic of equity but again, it seems that when we have more social equity, we all have more to gain than to lose.  I am for giving a hand up and out, not a handout.  

There is inequity in marriage, education, living conditions, pay, health care, mental health, incarceration, for people of color, people from other countries and of other religions.  As those with more power drive the top higher and the low, lower we will see more of the same.  I am not saying socialism or communism is the answer. I do believe the ideal is much different then the reality.  Again, fiscally I refer to above mentioned video.   I think those graphs suit social injustices too but they are much harder to measure.  So much inequity starts with money.

There is inequity all across our planet.  I don't know what the answers are but I encourage you to look at equity where you are.  Study it.  Empathize with the "others."  Try to see things from their perspective.  Where have you not been treated equitably?  How are you teaching your children about it?  How are you teaching them to treat others equitably? What are you doing to make sure your daughters are treated with respect and your sons treat women with respect?  What do you do to show that equity is important in your life?  Will you step in to right inequity when you see it?  I believe until we are all given the opportunity to be on equal footing none of us is free.  It is an ongoing conversation that I look at every day and I hope you will too.