The Bickersons

Monday, May 06, 2013

Benghazi

"The fast-tracking of Nakoula’s jailing was highly irregular. Among other things, I’d like to see the Congressional investigators get Nakoula’s prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Dugdale — and perhaps his boss, U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. — under oath about communications from the White House or the Justice Department regarding this case.

Because what it’s looking like is that Nakoula was targeted and jailed so as to provide a scapegoat/villain in a politically motivated cover story that the White House knew was false. If that’s the case, it’s extremely serious indeed, and in some ways more significant than whatever lapses and screwups took place in Benghazi. I’d also be interested in hearing from Nakoula’s attorney, Steven Seiden, about any threats made by the government to secure a plea deal.

If there’s an impeachable offense anywhere in the Benghazi affair — and at this point, I’m not saying there is — it’s more likely in what happened with Nakoula than in the problems abroad, which by all appearances are simple incompetence, rather than something culpable. Railroading someone in to jail to support a political story, on the other hand, is an abuse of power and a breach of trust."

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Yoga

Ignoring the tacky chipped polish, can you understand why I don't know whether to laugh or cry when the instructor says "toes and heels together"? I wish he said "toes OR heels together. That's doable.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

A Good Lesson

Getting fired can be the best medicine.

Hope was pinked-slipped by her piano teacher last fall because she never practiced. She was both relieved and aghast that she had been let go.

Then we went to see Les Miserable and it's all Andrew Lloyd Webber all the time around here. She's working the melody and bass out herself (while singing along) and when she gives me the okay I will have to post a sample. It's pretty awesome.

Heads up, Jessica: I'm considering having her reapply for lessons.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Hope

I love coming across verses about hope. And running!

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
—Isaiah 40:31

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Lucky

13 years is a lot and a little at the same time.

This post is for me, Hank, so zip it. I know it's embarrassing. It's what moms with access to Apple products and easy blogging templates do. Take your complaints to Steve Jobs' family and Al Gore. I will try to minimize the embarrassment.

You are as easily embarrassed as are all kids your age. I remember that feeling. I feel it 50 times a day. Your dad is smart enough to thwart me when he senses I'm about to do/say something stupid to and/or about you and your sister. I hope you appreciate his skills. I'm trying to learn from him. (He's napping now so he has no control over this post.)

I hug your shoulder. If a kid could give a good hug with a hockey-style shoulder check, it's you. You can't imagine how much I look forward to late summer with the beginning of football practice and your 'practice tackles' in the kitchen when I'm trying to scramble eggs. Those are the best hugs. The best.

A friend told me to not get on the puberty roller coaster with you. I was (and will continue to be) tempted to ride it with you, but I know the best place for me is to wait at the exit, holding your coat, or wallet, or soda. I will buy you an Icee® at SA on the way home. If you throw up, I'll clean it.

Long story short, Hank. You are a good person and a wonderful son. Thirteen years ago today was the happiest day of my life. Dad and I thank God for you. You have a wonderful life ahead of you.