Daily Archives: 08/12/2010

(Community Matters) Excellent opinion piece on CNN Opinion site.

Simply put, Islamophobia has become ridiculously out of hand. For those who argue that mosques are somehow inherently breeding grounds for extremism, a two-year joint study by Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy and the University of North Carolina concluded that American “mosques are actually a deterrent to the spread of militant Islam and terrorism.”

(Community Matters) So unlike me to miss so many days blogging in the same week – speaks to how much catching up I’ve had to do after Monday and since Steven’s returned home.

Leigh Christie and I have had great Lemonade Day 2011 meetings with Brenda Thompson and with Charles Schwab executives – the latter are in as important sponsors for 2011 (again).  Amanda, Shobe, Donna & I working on fall projects – fall service day (at Zilker Park again this year), the poker tournament, new marketing materials and new equity grants.  Super meetings with Nick Ducoff about InfoChimps, Josh Williams @ Gowalla, Brett Hurt at BazaarVoice and Dharmesh Jawarani & Leo Mathew at AstroWatt.

A telephone conversation with Gov Kaine (DNC chair), talks with Jaime Citron, (head of the DNC’s LGBT Council and Caucus), and lots of online exchanges about politics.  Also lots of email exchanges with ADL colleagues (here, Houston & Ny) plus a telephone call with Abe Foxman on Monday – the ADL Muslim Center statement was a mistake, and ADL stands by its 97 years as the beacon for religious freedom & against bigotry in all forms (including against Muslims).

Dinner three times this week at La Sombra (with Uncle Bob & Sandi Aitken Sunday, the Booths and James & Ben Barron Tuesday, and our buddy (Marine Lt) Brett Lester & Cameron last night).  Plus tonight at Pearla’s, again with James & Ben.  It’s great having Brett as a house guest for a couple of days; he’s visiting from Okinawa.

And, today, finally, I turned in my guest opinion piece & accompanying photos for Saturday, August 22’s Austin American Statesman.  The piece is about the Haiti trip and how agencies are doing good work and spending appropriately – at least those I visited and that HelpHaiti has granted.

Starting with Steven’s return to Austin on Saturday night, then the President’s visit on Monday . . . . it’s been a great week, sans seeing a few of our dearest friends.