Pandas and Puppies and Kittens, Oh My!

by SusanD

I believe that it is part of the neocon strategy to overwhelm us with such a monstrous tsunami of extremism that we all throw up our hands in despair and say, "Whatever". They want us to give up, remain silent, and let them do as they will.

For many, or even most of us, our lives were and are quite full without being at all involved in politics. Our plates were already full with daily living and now we've tried to add on another layer called "politics". Not that we had much choice when we saw where our country was headed. But adding that extra layer comes awfully close to being the back-breaking straw.

And it is made even more difficult by the fact that we have faced so much loss, seen so many outrageous acts, that we have so many to fight, both inside and outside party lines. It has become increasingly difficult to find a head-space that's not filled with a "should-do list".

That's where the pandas, puppies and kittens come in. During the worst of times I went to the National Zoo website several times a day. Mei, a first-time panda mother, gave birth to Tai on July 9. Without any instruction, strictly by instinct, she did all the things necessary to insure his survival and growth. Watching her care for him, watching him as he grew, reassured me that we are all...all creatures....hard-wired with survival mechanisms.



And the "Awww" factor of babies, both human and animal, is the very best non-medicated stress relief in the world. For a time you can find peace in gazing on the embodiment of innocence we find in new life, coo over the chubby cheeks and rounded little bodies made for cuddling. You can hold on to the reminder that all beings come into the world radiating innocence and sweetness.

I find peace in those little faces, whether human, panda, puppy, kitten or otter. I'm reminded that our first instinct is to love and protect the newborn of any species. I remember what I'd almost forgotten...that I believe that we were created to be good, to survive, to help each other, and to love one another.

And we will.

Alternate link for comments