Is it a “Clash of Titans,” or a Titanic crash? President Barack Obama is about to test the limits of the U. S. Constitution-backed government “of the people, by the people and for the people.”

Immigration reform has created a deep political fissure in the country where one side favors reform and has for several years and another opposes it. Support comes from Democrats and Republicans, from Anglos, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians and registers overwhelmingly and consistently in national surveys.

People often feel that real change in society is impossible. Sometimes they stop trying to create change because the challenges seem so large. To restore our hope and energy, I think we need to look at things that have changed for the better – things that we didn’t think were possible. I just learned of a great example of progressive change here in Alameda County that is natural, human, and inspiring. Doctors at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland are now encouraging their patients to spend time in nature as part of their healing. Instead of prescribing only the usual hospital treatments, these doctors have acknowledged the real healing ability of being in outdoor places like parks and beaches.