Breakfast

It is extremely interesting at times to take a step back, or a long break, just to take in a larger view of the world.

It is the last day of July.

Our presence in Iraq appears no less likely to conclude than it did three months ago despite the escalation of violence.

Israel is in southern Lebanon.

The highest courts in both New York, and Washington have declined to extend basic civil rights to those whose sexual practices do not result children.

This part of the country has just escaped from a crippling heat wave that is in no way related to worldwide temperature increases as a result of people burning fossil fuels.

These are just some of the events that have developed over the last few months. None of them are very encouraging. However, it is also nice to witness many of the campaigns for seats in the House and Senate. It is extremely encouraging to see that people are actually able to get involved and call their elected representatives to account in the two or three months before they again disappear in Washington D.C. only to return to their old ways.

At least during the next few months, people have a chance to contribute to the dialogue.