Allow me a moment to kvell about my wonderful agent, Emily Saladino of Writers House. Doesn’t she look like the perfect agent to represent my nonfiction book, SECRET LIVES OF TROPHY WIVES? Even better, I think we make a terrific team.

Last night, Emily sent me an email about my proposal-in-progress that spoke directly to my heart. First, she was solicitous and complimentary about what I’d already accomplished. What writer wouldn’t swoon when reading words like this:

…You are such a good writer; you have a natural, easy tone that serves your material beautifully.  Your introduction is perfect, and immediately grabs readers and brings them into your quest.  Your interviews are fantastic and juicy, but also heartfelt and respectful.  I am blown away by the amazing access you were given, which as I think I may have mentioned is testament to you as a person and as a writer.  This is going to be a great book….

But while those words certainly warmed my heart, it seemed to me she saved the best for last. For in addition to sending those very kind thoughts, she also sent me ideas for further improvement. And isn’t that what genuine partnerships are all about: encouraging one another to extend to the utmost reaches of our abilities? In her email, she made it clear that the decisions were mine to make, but she also took the time to support with examples each one of her suggestions. 

Some of the ideas resonated right away; others, I had trouble absorbing. So, after talking things over with my critique partners, I decided it might also help to go over a few details with Emily. I sent her an email last night, asking for a phone appointment at her earliest convenience. By the time I’d finished my morning coffee, she’d already written back, cheerfully offering me some of her time before the weekend– even though Writers House is officially closed for the day! That leads me to more things I love about working with Emily: she’s consistently approachable, responsive, and upbeat. I imagine these qualities must endear her to people at all ends of the publishing spectrum.

We just talked things over in a 45-minute phone conversation: a free-flowing exhange of ideas, punctuated by laughter.  Now, bolstered by her enthusiastic support and great editorial eye, I feel ready to begin my next phase of revisions.

How is it possible, I wonder, that our Congress and the White House find themselves wrangling over warrantless eavesdropping, secret CIA prisons, miltary tribunals that operate outside our judicial system, and diminished powers for all but the Executive Branch of our government? 

How can it be, that our leaders have drifted so far from the principles on which the United States of America was founded in the first place, that some now believe they can and should give away our Constitution-based freedoms, rights, and moral authority that have — to this point, at least — defined this nation and its citizens? 

I shake my head, in sorrow and disbelief.

When I saw this manifesto at Firedoglake’s blog this morning, I nodded my head and whispered, amen. I decided I’ll send it to my representatives and also post it to my blog, to express what I, too, believe. 

We believe that the Geneva Convention works. We do not believe in torture.

We believe in accountability and the rule of law. We do not believe in secret prisons or warrantless wiretaps, outside the scrutiny of the courts.

We believe that our morality is not dependent upon the morality of others. We do not believe in giving up our moral stature in times of war.

We believe that no one is above the law – not the president, not the CIA, not the Justice Department, not the Congress, not the courts, not corporations, not unions, not lobbyists.

We believe that no one is beneath the law – not the poor, not the non-English speakers, not the immigrant (legal or not), not the ill, not the outcasts of our society.

We believe that the military and the officers of the intelligence communuity are safer with the Geneva Conventions in place. We do not believe in cutting and running from the protections of Geneva.

Most of all, we believe in three branches of government that hold each other accountable as they do the people’s business.

http://youtube.com/v/sA1vLDK_gQY

Last night, on the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I watched Keith Olbermann deliver this blistering editorial. I feel as if I’d diminish the tremendous importance and impact of his words by adding my own commentary. So instead, I’ll just post access to his video and the MSNBC transcript for those who might not have seen them.

A viable democratic government depends upon conscientious citizens being willing to speak their individual and collective truths. Please take time to register your reaction — support or dissent — with Olbermann’s employer, MSNBC. 
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On Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said critics of this administration’s war policies are suffering from “moral or intellectual confusion” and lack the courage to stand up to terrorists.

Last night, Keith Olbermann hit back at Rumsfeld.  Here, at last, a news anchor willing to speak truth to power — a modern-day Edward R. Murrow. 

Please, sir, may I have another? 
http://youtube.com/v/dH8hwY2bjxc