Birmingham, AL, (USNewsLink) December 21, 2003 -- I was born 59 years ago today. And as is usual, I am writing an update on my 'doings' over the past year.

Reaching the age of 59 is an interesting experience. On the one hand I do not feel my age, and on the other, I am mindful of how long I have lived. I am stronger intellectually and emotionally than I have ever been. And I am physically weaker than I have ever been given my two bouts of pneumonia this year. It is an odd experience.

For my birthday this year I bought myself a present. I'll give you a clue. It's RED and has an 'open air' feel to it. Yesterday someone said, "that sure is a young looking car." I then and there decided that I had done the right thing. In spite of the fact that it is impossible to get in and out of, it's still a fun car - and it's 'young' looking. A perfect morale booster!

And on another topic, I am forming a consumer group in the state of Alabama (similar to ACORN) whose goal it is to file lawsuits against mortgage lenders who practice fraud upon an unwitting public.

Combating mortgage lending fraud is quite a challenge since this type of white collar crime is a billion dollar industry flourishing in Alabama. There are only a few of us who have the will and ability to fight it. But we're up to the task.

One of my main objectives this year as a volunteer fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee is to organize and host two Presidential campaign fundraising swings through Alabama. This will be fun. Alabama is dominated by Republican donors, but there are a few wealthy Democrats left.

It is ironic that all of my old Young Democrat friends of the late sixties and early seventies are now leaders of the Alabama GOP. My, my how things have changed. Glad I didn't marry the one that I was previously engaged to who made it to the pinnacle of politics. I love my Democratic roots too much to help the other side - even in a passive spousal role.

What's in store for 2004? Defeating George Bush and his band of criminals will be my work, and suing the mortgage lending crooks will be my mantra. Wish me luck!