The ownership society

My good friend and ex, Catherine (she's seen here, on the far right), who came to the U.S. in 1984 from Paris as a high school dropout, is a living embodiment of the American dream. Over twenty years, while manifestly hating this country's government and its misadvantures, she got a GED, then a college degree, became a citizen, got a master's degree and became a certified Marriage and Family Therapist, and to top it all off, a couple of months ago, bought with her boyfriend of eight years a house in Oakland. I finally had the chance last night to visit the new house last night, and aside from its beauty and the way it already reflects the personalities of my friends, makes me so happy for them, and proud of what she's accomplished.