A Note from the Editor

Cover Art: Casey BowmanIn the past several months, the recession has worsened, a controversial economic stimulus package was passed in record speed, the Obama administration decided not to reverse the reversal of key protections of polar bears, pirates seized millions of dollars in cargo, Amazon had a "glitch" that wiped sales ranks from more than 57,000 books (most relating to the GLBT community, but others relating to disability rights and feminism), Dick Cheney continued to serve as a walking beacon of evil, and Sarah Palin publicly defended Miss California.

It seems selfish to admit that I've just caught up on most of these goings-on. I didn't pay any attention to them at all as they were happening because my youngest son spent the majority of the month of March in the hospital. My husband and I traded off nights with our other three children during spring break at the Ronald McDonald House. It wasn't until I began putting together Issue 12 that I realized how completely out of touch I've been.

Luckily, we had the same strong work and subject matter as always and I was able to jump right in and even get a little angry. Anger is a welcome commodity during stressful times. Our Editor's Choice piece this month, "Gitmo Tune" by poet Ed Bennett, is sure to spark a bit of that. Thomas Sullivan's essay "In the Candy Store" takes a good look at the Wall Street/Main Street connundrum while Ron Burch's short story "Wooden Horse" explores issues of unemployment. Though we have fewer pieces than usual this month, those we have are exceptionally strong and I'm positive that you'll enjoy them as much as ever.

On a final note, since issue 11 published, we've been notified that Deborah DeNicola's poem, originally published in The Externalist, was recognized in the Best of the Net Anthology 2008. This is the second year work from The Externalist was chosen. Congratulations to Deborah, and many thanks to our readers who keep us looking for quality literature that matters.

Thoughtful reading,
L.