Grandmas in the House.

Reading Ursula K. LeGuin's 1989 book of essays Dancing at the Edge of the World has been a perfect foray into the political tumult of this week.

In her essay "The Space Crone" LeGuin wonders what one should do if aliens show up and ask for the perfect representative of humanity to take back to their planet (of course LeGuin would worry about something like that). In the end she decides to "Go down to the local Wolworth's, or the local village marketplace, and pick an old woman." She goes on to talk about the range of experiences women have, particularly in relation to their role as child bearers and often primary caretakers, but also education, work, power, fertility, and death. "It will be very hard to explain to her that we want her to go," LeGuin says, "because only a person who has experienced, accepted, and acted the entire human conidtion -- the essential quality of which is Change -- can fairly represent humanity. "

Damn freaking straight.

Here's hoping Nancy Pelosi, a grandmother of six and a talented politician and leader (which is not saying I always agree with her), can kick some ass and take some names while being her well spoken, genteel self.

More grandmas in Congress.