Politics from the Peanut Gallery

Yesterday I posted a letter from a Holocaust survivor. This post was not written out of racism or fear of someone different. It was posted with the intent of informing readers of what a survivor of a past era had to say regarding our current political climate and the winds of change that are brewing in our land. The American Founding Fathers strongly believed in the right of free speech and in the right of the people to examine their leaders and potential leaders.

John Adams wrote in 1765~
Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people, who have a right...and a desire to know; but besides this, they have a right, an indisputable, unalienable, indefeasible, divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge,

I mean of the characters and conduct of their rulers.

My post was intended to illicit thought, not to condemn a particular individual or illicit hate or racism, which I abhor and do not tolerate nor encourage. I do not know Senator Obama, but I can observe what he stands for and the events surrounding his campaign. If I find these events to be alarming, I believe that as an American I have the right and the duty to say so. This letter is also not the only source from which I have heard such comparisons. People who lived under dictatorships have mentioned that Senator Obama's slogans and rhetoric bear frightening similarity to those of their former dictator. Americans need to know that.

In addition, the L.A. Times yesterday admitted to having, yet refused to release, a video tape of Senator Obama toasting a former supporter of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, a decidedly anti-American, anti-Israeli group. Consequently, I am confident that I am justified in posting this letter and thus questioning Senator Obama's suitability for President.

Nevertheless, I understand that the readers of this blog visit it to be encouraged and uplifted in their daily journey, not necessarily hear my political take on current events. To honor that trust, for which I am eternally humbled and grateful, I will now move all political posts to a new blog entitled Politics from the Peanut Gallery and will let Letters from Mudville return to its original self.

To those readers whom I have offended, I humbly ask forgiveness. It was never my intent to insult or threaten anyone. I am flattered that I have readers at all and thank everyone for their kindness, their prayers, and their encouragement.

If you are so inclined, please visit and add your comments and thoughts on Politics from the Peanut Gallery, which will now be added to the Letters from Mudville "Favorites" blog roll. I will also be soliciting guest columnists for that venue, so please e-mail me at peanutgallerypolitics@gmail.com if you would like to write an article or know someone who would.

Humbly Yours,

On the Road Again

Walk for Life

Yesterday, McKenzie and I joined my sister's running club at the Phoenix Crisis Pregnancy Center Walk for Life. The weather was perfect, the race was nice and short (5K), and there was a great turnout. We had not planned on doing the race as we were supposed to be in Albuquerque with my mom visiting my brother and his wife this weekend, but McK came down with a cold at the last minute, so we stayed home. The race was the perfect outing- sunshine and rest for McK and fresh air and a good run for Mama. We were sad to miss seeing Garrett and Michelle, but thankful to be able to get out and support a great organization and a great cause!

There is Only One October

As many of you have noticed, we are now in the midst of October, and as MLB likes to say "There is only one October." It's the only month graced by the World Series- the great, the only, the best match-up in all of sports, or so most baseball die-hards would say. Participating in this much revered event is the dream of every little leaguer and just about every baseball player on the planet. Imagine the excitment the Phillies and the Rays players and their families must be experiencing right now. It's a once in a life time opportunity. A truly memorable time.

For every other member of the baseball world, October, and November and December for that matter, can be a much more stressful and uncertain season. Players who are free agents are trying not to worry, wondering if and who they will sign with next year. Those with a general minor league contract always have the question in the back of their mind- "Will I get released? Will I wake up to read in the transactions section of the sports page that I have become just another name in the list of countless "former" baseball players?" Major and minor league coaches are also being hired, fired and reassigned at this time of year. Their families are trying to figure out how to keep the family close, the kids in school, and stay within the budget next season. Even those who have made it to the "Big Show" are not immune from such concerns. There is only one guarantee in baseball...that there are NO guarantees.

That reality tends to cause subconcious stress in my life at this time of year. Yes, it's wonderful being home with family, and yes it's grand to be back in our own neighborhood, our own city, and our own state, but thoughts of next season blow in with the cooler weather. What ifs, if thens, and so whats crowd my mind. Most of the time, I try to turn these concerns into prayers, hoping to "worry about nothing, but pray about everything." Unfortunately, I will never be able to do that perfectly on this side of heaven. 'Til I am made perfect and am dancing with the angels before the throne of God, I keep on striving toward the goal of worry-free living by the grace of Christ.

Thankfully, He always gives us just enough light for the road ahead. Today, that light came from an unexpected place. A few weeks ago, I wrote a review of Megan Basham's book "Beside Every Successful Man." In between her busy schedule of promoting a book, appearing on The Today Show and other media outlets, and keeping up with her freelance writing career, she wrote a very kind post today on her blog about the life I and all other major and minor league wives live. You can read Megan's post here.

While Megan's blog doesn't tell me if Josh will be in AA, AAA or the Big Leagues next year, it is a refreshing breeze of encouragement during the long winter months and a reminder that the Lord knows my every need, even when I don't.

So while you are watching the match-up between the Phillies and the Rays, take a moment to pray for baseball players and coaches and their families. They may not all be on the field, but they are not off the hook.

As Crazy as I am

With my non-stop schedule as the wife of a professional baseball player, mother of an almost two year old, and part-time writer and editor, I had to laugh when I saw this cartoon. "Yes!" I said, "someone else is as crazy as I am." It it always so refreshing to find a kindred spirit. 

Teach Us, Oh Lord, to Number Our Days

On Monday evening, Mary Ann went to be with her Lord Jesus. Please keep the family in your prayers as they walk through this time of mourning. They are thanking the Lord that Mary Ann is with Him, but are grieving over the loss of a wife and mother gone, as it seems to us, much too soon.

Going Before the Throne

At times, life is not beautiful. Sometimes it is a struggle. A battle. A fight. Right now, some dear friends of ours are waging a battle on their knees for the renewed health of a loved one who recently had surgery to remove lung cancer. Since then, pneumonia has set in and she is fighting for her life. Please beseech the throne of our merciful and loving Father in Heaven for Mary Ann and her entire family.

Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.

Politics, Tacos, and Refried Beans

For as long as I can remember, my family has always done three things: farm, fight, and follow politics. Farmers are an independent lot and if pressed will go to battle for what is right. It never occurred to me as a ten-year-old that there was something unique about taking legal, political, or judicial action against an entity that destroyed or defrauded an individual's property or possessions. If there was something amiss in our town, county or state, the Smiths took action. It was something that flowed in our blood like the freedom of farm air. We were Smiths. And Smiths fought.

These "battles" were waged on many fronts. Some of the skirmishes included city council members, school superintendents, and grocery store baggers. All out war was waged against the water, cotton, and land barons of the area. Analysis and discussion of all of the above was lunch-time fare and the subject of long stories, heated discussions, and always much laughter, generally directed towards the foibles of the most current "villain." Inevitably, a farm-fresh side of politics was served with the meal and often as not, was the main dish.

We voted, petitioned, called our senators, and wrote letters to the editor. That was just life. It was what we did. It was who we were. But we weren't political for politic's sake. We were political because it was the only way we knew to protect and defend our normal, everyday sort of life.

Apparently, we weren't the only ones. Last night as I watched the Vice Presidential Debate I realized that Republican VP Candidate Sarah Palin would fit naturally in our family circle. She grew up in a small town, worked her way through college and eventually got married and started a family. She and her husband owned their own business and she shuttled her kids to and from sports practice. Apparently, she decided to take a stand in her community for what she believed was right and became a city council member. All very normal, every day sort of stuff.

From council member, she advanced to mayor. From mayor to governor. From governor to VP candidate. Now she is running for the second most powerful post in our nation. And yet, she could be our neighbor who sometimes drops in for politics, tacos, and refried beans. She's a mom who "wouldn't take nothin' from nobody" in regards to what she thinks is important for her family, her town, her state, and her nation.

Sounds like a lot of women I know and the kind I want to be. Which is why I must make the following confession. Even though I have Smith blood running in my veins, I get weary of politics. I vote and I call and e-mail my senators, but I don't picket or write letters or anything that takes me outside my comfort zone. A sort of passive rebellion I guess you could say.

Watching last night's debate changed that. If Governor Sarah Palin, small town wife and mother of five, who didn't go to an Ivy League School, doesn't have a post-graduate degree, and wasn't born into an independently wealthy family can make a difference in her world, and possibly throughout the world, so can I, and so can we all. Governor Palin's passion, courage, and commitment inspires me and I hope and pray that because of it my relatively laissez-faire approach to politics will be a thing of the past. Her humble, can-do spirit is 100% American and will be a blessing and an empowering force for our nation and our world.

If you didn't get a chance to watch the debate, it's definitely worth your time. You can watch it here.

Landing My Dream Job

In these financially frightening times, it never hurts to have a solid resume on file. Mine definitely needs re-written. The latest version of the "Stephanie's Resume" bill was signed into law in 2004. Since the dateline now reads 2008, I figured it was time for a makeover. Stephanie Smith is now Stephanie Perrault and my job experience includes much more than weed extermination, data input, and life guarding.

Though my poolside patina is now a tint of the past, my skill set is much deeper. My modernized, competitive, and highly-specialized resume will set me apart from the madding crowd because of my experience. Without hesitation, I will describe my background as a

• Social Networker
• Housing Coordinator
• Research Assistant
• Editor-in-chief
• Director of Correspondence
• Travel Agent
• Chief Financial Officer
• Secretary
• Wardrobe Consultant
• Barber
• Cheerleader
• Personal Trainer
• Massage Therapist
• Prayer Coordinator
• Personal Moving Specialist

To be honest, prior to yesterday, I would have felt a bit sheepish about listing all those qualifications, which do seem a bit implausible for a woman who has only been in the work force for three years. But after reading the newly released book "Beside Every Successful Man," by Megan Basham, I am confident that I will be able to hold my ground and land that position I've always dreamed of.

The position would provide me constant variety, interaction with people, a fascinating environment, and the possibility of promotion. I would have flexible hours, full benefits, and unlimited comp days. I could travel but never leave home, go to ball games and always get paid. My child would not be in day care, I would be able to cook dinner for my husband when I felt like it, and I would have the mental space to plan fun parties for friends, family, and co-workers. But most of all, I would be able to pursue my passion, knowing that I was investing in a venture with exponential returns for the future.

Sounds a bit like those adjustable rate mortgages doesn't it? Maybe a little too good to be true. But then again, after reading Basham's book, maybe not. What if I've had this position all along and didn't realize how work-wise wealthy I was? What if this ideal position came not as a result of a power suit and a resume on steroids, but a promise to love and to cherish 'till death do us part. What if pursing my passion was the empowerment of the man I married and my investment in the future the advancement of his goals?

Reading Basham's book, which documents the success-empowering impact wives of CEO's, filmmakers, and professional athletes have had on their husbands, freed me to realize my potential and lay claim to the truth that I already knew, but felt guilty accepting. While I may not go to work at "The Office," my work in support of my husband increases his productivity, helps him advance his career, and consequently advances mine as we concurrently achieve the financial and lifestyle goals we strive for.

Basham backs her inspiring cameos of powerful men and their savvy wives with scientific data, logical reasoning, and practical application, giving any woman a hefty return on her reading investment. Granted, the author's advice is simple and something many of us know instinctively.

But Megan Basham's light-handed, personal, down-to-earth touch is a much needed breeze of valiant femininity in today's rabid race for autonomy. "Beside Every Successful Man," countercultural in its reminiscence of a wiser time, cuts sharply through the feminist fog of guilt, re-orienting the ideal of the "working woman" to what possibly, it was meant to be.