Wonderful Women Of The World
Posted by Michelle Moquin on December 7th, 2013
Good morning!
If you are on a spiritual path and follow new-age gurus then you must know of the spiritual teacher, bestselling author, and speaker, Marianne Williamson. And…you will most likely know that she is running for Congress in Califiornia. For those of you who haven’t heard of her, you may be thinking., “Oh that is soo like California!” :)
Williamson has been a name I have been hearing for years. I haven’t read any of her books but she has come across my plate and into conversations that I have had. And from what I have heard, she intrigued me enough to every now and then follow her by tuning in to a few of her videos for inspiration. Most recently I watched her lecturer on Tedx. I like this woman. A lot. In my book, anyone who wants to spread more love on the planet is a Wonderful Woman of The World.
Marianne Williamson, New-Age Guru, Seeks Congressional Seat
Monica Almeida/The New York Times
Marianne Williamson, a best-selling author and lecturer who is running for a House seat, speaking last month at a bookstore in Redondo Beach, Calif.
Instead, they found Ms. Williamson, a best-selling author known for her new age spiritual guide “A Return to Love,” arguing against drone strikes in Yemen, denouncing the influence of money in politics and soliciting donations for her latest campaign — for Congress.
After three decades as an author and speaker, Ms. Williamson, 61, is stepping onto a path familiar to California celebrities, with a midlife career shift into politics.
It is a transition plenty of Hollywood entertainers have sought to make — take Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger — some more successfully than others. Ms. Williamson, however, would almost surely be Congress’s first new age guru.
“I’m sure they’re going to say I’m a new age nutcase, dragon lady, lightweight thinker,” she said, as she waded into the crowd of about 100 people.
In these first days of her unlikely campaign, Ms. Williamson is making the case that an injection of her brand of spirituality is what American politics needs. “America has swerved from its ethical center,” she said. “Most of us want to feel that we can have a progressive conversation and contextualize it morally. To me, drone use is a moral issue.”
Almost as an afterthought, as if mindful of her new profession, she added, “And also, I think strategically it’s just absurd.”
Ms. Williamson has chosen an unusual race for her initial foray into politics. She faces the daunting task of trying to unseat Representative Henry A. Waxman, a popular Democrat who has coasted to re-election for nearly 40 years, in an increasingly Democratic state. The district stretches south along the coast from Malibu, through some of the wealthiest communities in the country.
Ms. Williamson will label herself an independent on the June ballot. But in an interview, she described herself as a “lifelong Democrat” and acknowledged that she had voted for Mr. Waxman many times herself.
She offered very few substantial policy differences with him, and, perhaps unsurprisingly, she has adopted rhetoric more common to positive spiritual discourse than traditional campaigns, declining to refer to him as her opponent. (“We are just two people applying for the same job,” she said.)
As with most celebrity candidates, she is facing questions about why she is running, particularly against someone she disagrees with so little.
Mr. Waxman pointedly noted the lack of differences in a written statement, signaling a potential weakness in her challenge.
“I’m gratified Ms. Williamson thinks I’m doing a good job and agrees with me on most issues,” he said. “And while some think it would make more sense for her to challenge a Republican and help us regain control of the House, I respect her right to run.”
In 2009, Ms. Williamson explored running in a Northern California district near San Francisco. Instead she chose to run in her home district, where she said she would have the best chance to alter the political discourse, which she called her primary goal.
“Democracy as we know it is being dismantled in front of our eyes,” Ms. Williamson said. “I can’t any longer toe the line that if we just vote here a little different or vote there a little different, that it will all be O.K., when both major political parties are moving in such a corporatist direction.”
She added, responding to critics, “Would a man ever be called vain for speaking his mind?”
Bob Shrum, a Democratic consultant, said celebrity candidates had been successful when they had a well-established history of serious political involvement (like Reagan before his successful run for governor in 1966), or they faced another candidate whom the public simply could not stomach (like Mr. Schwarzenegger, who took advantage of the recall against the unpopular Gov. Gray Davis to win office in 2003).
Mr. Shrum said he did not understand why Ms. Williamson was running.
“It seems like a candidacy without much rationale,” he said. “Henry Waxman is doing everything he can to prevent the House Republicans from acting like crazy people, and I think folks know that.”
With a redrawn, less Democratic district, Mr. Waxman may be more vulnerable than in years past, if only slightly. He faced his toughest re-election bid last year, when Bill Bloomfield, the co-founder of the bipartisan group No Labels, took 47 percent of the vote after spending millions of his own money to paint Mr. Waxman as a stubborn partisan who had spent too long in Washington.
Ms. Williamson appears to be hoping to tap into that same anti-Washington sentiment, a popular tactic that cuts across ideological lines in a year when congressional approval ratings have fallen into single digits. (Brett Roske, who has also declared for the race, is also running as an independent.)
She has presented her scant political experience as an asset, and at the bookstore last month, she played on her own mistrust of government. (“Look at Fukushima,” she said of Japan’s crippled nuclear plant. “Should we or should we not agree with the U.S. government that none of that radioactive energy is making its way here? Hello!”)
“There is an insidious lockout,” she said. “Financial leverage determines political influence in a very disproportionate way. Looking to the political status quo to fix this situation, when the political status quo created this situation, is naïve at best.”
Southern California voters have shown a willingness to give celebrity candidates a serious listen, though they are just as frequently the subject of lampooning.
Mr. Schwarzenegger endured nonstop jokes about his role in the “Terminator” movies, but was able to capitalize on his fame and access to well-heeled donors.
Acknowledging that she would need to raise millions of dollars to be competitive, Ms. Williamson has begun tapping her nationwide network of supporters, many of them in Hollywood. Jane Lynch, star of the television series “Glee,” is throwing a house party for the campaign.
Still, Mr. Waxman’s last opponent, Mr. Bloomfield, who left the Republican Party to run as an independent, appealed not only to anti-Washington voters, but also to the conservative voters in this redrawn district.
That is not a constituency likely to respond to Ms. Williamson, who is advocating free college, universal health care, universal preschool, gay marriage, an end to domestic nuclear energy production and “massive investment” in renewable energy.
At the bookstore last month, one man in the crowd suggested, “You need new voters, I think.”
Ms. Williamson disagreed. But when asked what constituencies her campaign might target, she said there were none. “The kind of politics that sees some voters as more important than other voters, that’s not why I’m doing this,” she said. “I’m speaking to the American in people.
*****
Readers: Do I think she could be a great representative for California? Basing my opinion on what little I know of her, which is mostly her spiritual beliefs, I want to say “Yes! I think she could be pretty darn amazing, and quite refreshing in the House.” And, however as much as I agree with some of the issues that she stands for, I am not familiar enough with all of her political views to make a well-informed opinion right now. But…I can tell you, I am HOPEful.
What are your thoughts? Fill me in with what you know. Blog me.
Peace & Love…
Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.
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michelle
Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)
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December 7th, 2013 at 8:21 pm
Strabo
I don’t doubt a racial component in the public’s views but it would be hard to argue that racism and not anti-communisim was at the heart of the Kennedy and Johnson Administration’s foreign policy support for SA during the early years of Mandela’s struggle.
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LeTa0
It wouldn’t be hard to argue “that racism and not anti-communisim was at the heart of the Kennedy and Johnson Administration’s foreign policy support for South Africa during the early years of Mandela’s struggle”, if you were an OTW citizen in this country.
The proof is before your very eyes today. Communism isn’t a block to any foreign policy today but color is still the chief influence on just about everything we do in this country.
30% of the country vote color regardless of their own welfare. We have a party that the majority of the country knows is dedicated to keeping white males the Affirmative Action Beneficiaries of this country.
We have a tacky entertainment station that rose from obscurity to being the number one “news” outlet in the country. It did it by race baiting, and lying at every opportunity to divide the races in this country. It’s run by a foreigner who bought his citizenship and half the politicians in this country so he could make $billions as an American.
And you don’t think RACISM was at the heart of this country’s foreign policy with South Africa. Where have you been living since Obama got elected?
This comment has been removed.
December 7th, 2013 at 8:36 pm
Michelle, this guy usually agrees with you. Fine as you are with brains to match that’s not hard to do. But this time I beg to differ.
While I agree she is a formidable person. She is not ready for politics. It requires the kind of willingness to compromise I don’t see her being able to accomplish given her present viewpoint.
December 7th, 2013 at 8:49 pm
Howie, I watched your President Obama at the Saban Forum in Washington today. He was wonderful. Most of us felt that he could not only be trusted, but he was a greater leader than any of the other US presidents in our history.
I want to know your opinion. Please post something.
December 7th, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Dafne, I’m not Howie but I am jewish also and I have lived in Israel for 29 years off and on. I am hoping that Obama will be able to do what he wants to do in spite of the resistance by the republican party.
December 7th, 2013 at 9:08 pm
Dafne. the world will be surprised at the skill international skill of Obama. He knows how to lead. He is the first true world leader. He has shown that he can use the power of the United States as the greats military power on the planet to get other countries to come to the table and negotiate.
He doesn’t bluff and the world knows it. If you play fair with him, he will do the same with you, but don’t cross him because he is not afraid to pull the trigger and he has the biggest guns on the planet.
He has done what no other leader could do on this planet. He has brought the Palestinian and the Israeli together to broker a deal and they have one in the works.
It is not the treaty itself that will amaze, but the borders within the treaty that shows the skill and diplomatic talent of President Obama.
December 7th, 2013 at 9:32 pm
Joel, why not ask Howie what he thinks of all the preying on underage girls in Israel?
My daughter was 15 when she got caught up in a sex scandal involving several of her friends her age and men 45 years and older. It is so sick that these men get to prey upon our young daughter and not be prosecuted.
Channel 2 franchisee Keshet has started an investigation of some of their stars to see how many have had underage girls pimped to them.
December 7th, 2013 at 10:52 pm
I generally like Marianne Williamson but we differ when she finds the need to rely on God, which albeit is her message, and her following. She has a great understanding of the human need to connect, to serve, do good, and think of others and consequences of action and intention, and I like her for that, but when she starts to go off on religion, she loses me. Yet, I see with the upcoming political arena, someone with a religious background that can resonant with the masses is what the left needs to go up against the right, which mark my words, will come out guns ablazing and that is not a pun!
For the record, I’m kind of souring on Hilary and I never thought I would say that, but if Elizabeth Warren steps up, she has the female vote. Hillary is too mired in her political deals to be the kind of negotiator the human race and woman need at this time, IMHO.
/SB
December 7th, 2013 at 11:08 pm
Perhaps this explains it better, Marianne is almost there, but she’s not a total feminist, I believe from hearing her speak. So she may be a viable ticket to challenge the church ballot on the right and those republican women that need to cross over to the side of women, but for all the strong women fighting the fight, I’m not sure she’s up to the task. I think she’ll cow-tow to traditional M-F roles. We need a gender neutral trail blazer for equality rights. Its gone passed the time to fit it and work around the male rules, we need to change the way things are done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6R677_rnko
/SB
December 7th, 2013 at 11:15 pm
BTW, she says woman doesnt need a man in this video but if you watch more she’ll say a woman cant be complete until she fulfills god’s purpose to be a woman, a traditional mate and mother. Like I said, she’s almost there. And the true beauty of life: we can all be shown a new way and change our thinking. So, jury’s still out, but she just might cover the conservative vote, from the left side, and that can only be good if opens just a few eyes of the zombie woman on the political right.
/SB
December 7th, 2013 at 11:31 pm
Yes, we can always change our opinion of ourselves or our circumstances. We can forgive those who have hurt us, and we can end anger and choose to be open and loving. We need more people making the choice to be altruistic and helpful for no other reason but we can. Hold the door open for an older person, make a purchase for someone you see struggling to pay for things they need, reach out to a withdrawn friend, donate blood, visit a retirement home, donate to the food bank. Just be present and happy and share that however you can. Let’s make life about living in love and light, not a race or a competition. You probably have enough shoes and you have running water and electricity. Others don’t. You can share without it making your life less. In fact, I’ll bet a million, it will make your life more full and you’ll find greater peace and joy in living. Love is all there is. It’s really that simple. Don’t let every day fool you. It’s man’s creation of life, work, consume, and do it agian. We are more than that. We need to wake up to the mess we’ve created before it’s too late to turn it around. It may be too late all ready, but just in case there’s an out, never give up, create hope wiht your thoughts, create love with your actions. This is in some way, Marianne Williamson’s message. She could be good for politics if she can get that across.
December 8th, 2013 at 8:35 am
I’m with Troy on this one.
Also, I’ve heard her speak and I didn’t feel it, fervor and passion but hmmm, hard to explain, the words are there but viscerally uh-uh (for me) so I’m ho hum on her as a ‘religious leader’ or a ‘feminist’ (not) and certainly not as a political one, she’s not prime time material.
This isn’t to say she doesn’t have good intent though that Ted talk was very 101 nothing new in there, just her fervor grew large at the end, ehhh…
I’m also with Social Butterfly, about Elizabeth warren, she’s got it and shes got ovaries, Hillary I think just has joined the boys club and her heuvos have hardened. On all levels.
Luv, Zen Lill
December 8th, 2013 at 8:56 am
Social Butterfly#7
I agree with you about Marianne W. And I would and I don’t trust anyone who uses god as an assist with their arguments or agenda. Religion has no place in government.
A person that cannot put forth a principle or solution because of it makes sense and is a logical approach to a problem without the insertion of religion doesn’t have a principle or solution that makes sense or is a logical solution to that problem.
Erica
December 8th, 2013 at 8:58 am
Zen Lill you ought to go into politics your assessment of people and issues are well thought out.
December 8th, 2013 at 9:01 am
Social Butterfly, I see nothing but contradictions in the spill of MW. On the one hand she wants to be pro woman but on the other she wants to propagate male self-serving religious bullshit.
December 8th, 2013 at 9:05 am
Social Butterfly, I couldn’t get in yesterday to comment. I hope I can make it today before this becomes Sunday’s blog.
You opened my eyes to MW. I have been a staunch advocate of hers. But I see your argument and it is so clear. Her potential is in bringing in those insane biddies on the right, but she has no ability to lead intelligent women who are way pass some male god’s edicts.
December 8th, 2013 at 9:11 am
I disagree with you on Hilary Social Butterfly, but you have won me over with you expert analysis of Marianne Williamson. I was impressed with her and I still am but now that you pointed out that switch she made back to we as women honoring god’s wish for us to be whole I am a lot less impressed.
My husband loved that part. That should have alerted me that something was wrong with her. He is a very good husband, but he is the typical male in that he thinks the Bible is centered on the male being the head of the household.
We, as catholics, teach that crap to our kids. But I take my daughters aside and assure them that is bullshit.
December 8th, 2013 at 9:12 am
Thank you Michelle for including Marianne Williamson in your catalogue of great women. She is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!
December 8th, 2013 at 9:14 am
Erica#12 if more voters used your example when they went to the poll we wouldn’t have so many religious laws that force other peoples moralities upon the rest of us.
December 8th, 2013 at 9:16 am
Howie, Holland is interested in your interpretation of what is going on about dinning on us humans on the blog.
December 8th, 2013 at 9:16 am
Why are so many women so determined to remove God from their lives?
December 8th, 2013 at 9:20 am
In Israel, we accept women along side of men in battle, but they know that a Chuppah is required to make a wedding complete and we males know why God made it so.
December 8th, 2013 at 9:23 am
zooks1
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The U.S. lacks enough Americans for anyone to care, this is fast becoming a nation of immigrants who choose not to assimilate. Today we face a growing wave of immigrants who now impose their cultures upon us rather then adopt our own.
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LeTa0
Perhaps that is because “our” culture was rooted in racism. Why would OTW immigrants want to adopt a culture that tells them they are not entitled to the Affirmative Action Benefits of the white males in their country because they are not white?
Tell me how are you defining “Americans?” The reason America is exceptional is because, unlike other countries, we can absorb ALL our citizens’s cultures as long as they do not infringe upon the life, liberty, and freedom of their fellow citizens.
In our America you are entitled to your opinion, I am entitled to mine, and the rest of America are entitled to theirs. That is but one beauty of our nation, but it is a splendid one, based on our First Amendment rights.
123
words
December 8th, 2013 at 9:30 am
Marianne W. is a good candidate but I prefer my female candidates to come from the calibre of a Elizabeth Warren. I see her type as the next coming for America.
Like Obama she comes with a complete different dynamic from the traditional white male concept. She has a mindset not tainted with propaganda disguised to promote white male superiority.
December 8th, 2013 at 10:31 am
David, ill take the compliment although I’d want the filling list of advisors: Social Butterfly (she’s specific while I’m good at broad brush), Ruth n Alycedale n of course the commander (- this one article about Marianne Williamson though I think I’ve only dist agreed a handful of times in six years, not bad) and there would be a few male advisors in there also. I’m an excellent front person and that’s not ego speaking there. Quite the opposite, I’m willing to discuss openly what most people why away from, a perfect storm. So, that was a long winded way of saying ‘thank you’ wasn’t it? : )
-ZL
December 8th, 2013 at 10:32 am
Following*
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