Sunday, August 31, 2008
A Conversation with My Mother
I honestly didn't expect this from my soon-to-be 85-year-old mother.
Me: Did you think McCain lost his mind or what?
Mom: Sarah Palin? I think she makes the most sense of all of them.
Me: You can't be serious! McCain is probably going to drop dead before his first term ends and she'll be the president!
Mom: Well, Obama is probably going to get assassinated.
Me: At least we'd have Biden who has some experience.
Mom: I can't stand Biden. And Palin is Governor of Alaska with an 80% approval rating.
Sigh. If my mother gets her way we certainly won't be seeing any positive change in this country in her lifetime. None whatsoever. But then, we can't even agree on the definition of positive change. So.. at least she'd go out on a high note.
This is bewildering to me.
Me: Did you think McCain lost his mind or what?
Mom: Sarah Palin? I think she makes the most sense of all of them.
Me: You can't be serious! McCain is probably going to drop dead before his first term ends and she'll be the president!
Mom: Well, Obama is probably going to get assassinated.
Me: At least we'd have Biden who has some experience.
Mom: I can't stand Biden. And Palin is Governor of Alaska with an 80% approval rating.
Sigh. If my mother gets her way we certainly won't be seeing any positive change in this country in her lifetime. None whatsoever. But then, we can't even agree on the definition of positive change. So.. at least she'd go out on a high note.
This is bewildering to me.
Women, Keep Your Eggs Under Control
For those of you who are pregnant, or thinking about it, or not planning to, but end up pregnant by accident, or getting raped and impregnated by a total stranger, or a father or brother, the Republican Party would like to remind you that the life within you has more value than your life, regardless of the stage of development, or the cause.
Because once knocked up, they believe your choices are over. The government will handle it from there.
The Republican Party platform this year will reassert the party’s opposition to abortion. And again it will not allow for exceptions in the cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother, even though Senator John McCain, the presumptive presidential nominee, has long called for such exceptions.
Apparently McCain got overruled by his superiors.
Connie Mackey, a lobbyist for the Family Research Council, said: “It is out of the platform. We were told early on that the platform is going to be pro-life and that any differences the senator has with it are his own.”
Sarah Palin: A Clear Choice for Feminists?
Via Toast, who finds some amusement in the fact that some who call themselves feminists are impressed enough with Sarah Palin's feminist credentials to support her as the VP choice.
Now that Palin can be heard giggling as two shock jocks have called Senator Lyda Green, an opponent of Palin's, a "cancer" and a "bitch," we know she's the real McCoy. Or maybe that's some funny shit up in heavily-Republican Alaska.
Now that Palin can be heard giggling as two shock jocks have called Senator Lyda Green, an opponent of Palin's, a "cancer" and a "bitch," we know she's the real McCoy. Or maybe that's some funny shit up in heavily-Republican Alaska.
One Nation Under Ignorance
I have come to the conclusion that a good number of European immigrants who settled this land were not exactly the best representatives of their gene pool.
Granted, I already wasn't in a great mood this morning after rolling to the edge of the bed and planting my feet squarely into a pile of cat vomit as I arose from my not-so-peaceful slumber.
And the sight of an 18-inch tapeworm hanging from Sweet Pea's anus was another bad start to the morning.
All that aside, walking out to the street to pick up the Sunday New York Times would ultimately prove to be the most annoying aspect of my morning.
I simply cannot grasp the concept that so many Americans are straddling the political fence between Barack Obama and John McCain. It makes no sense to me whatsoever. How many people do you know who are undecided on key issues such as abortion, gay rights, Iraq, and the economy?
The differences between the two candidates are as stark as night and day, or if you prefer, black and white.
And yet, I read quote after quote from Americans in this article who simply can't decide. Am I asking too much to expect a little common sense? It's as if there are no issues, only empty, meaningless labels such as "maverick." Just read this.
Judith needs to brush up on her facts. Or maybe the Republicans will seize upon that inaccurate statement and use it in campaign ads. Who knows. But Barack Obama served in the Illinois Senate from 1997 until 2004 and has been a US Senator from Illinois since 2004. Do the math. That's a hell of a lot more than 20 months. Maybe Judith doesn't know the difference between months and years.
Thank God her daughter seems to have a brain and is putting it to good use.
For our next exhibit, we go to another suburban outpost where a vacant mentality apparently abounds.
Pardon me, but there's a county to run here. This should not be about thinking a candidate is cool because she calls herself a soccer mom and you're a football mom. But she's "very pretty" so there you have it.
"Supermom?" Please. This all might be relevant if she was running for mayor again. It is not relevant for someone running for governor and it's sure as hell not relevant for someone on a VP ticket in these trying times.
But wait. There's more! By the time I was near the end of the first section of the paper I was prepared to breathe a sigh of relief and I ran head-on into Peter Applebome's Our Towns column, and this excerpt made the milk in my coffee curdle instantly.
A liberal Republican, huh? What does that mean exactly? Because from where I stand in the political spectrum, Barack Obama is closer to a liberal Republican than John McCain. Part of the reason we live in a dangerous world is because of the failed policies of President Bush. And John McCain vows to continue trotting down that path. And this "liberal Republican" lives in Connecticut! Wait until we get to some thoughts of the non-so-liberal Republicans in the deep South.
The idea of a member of our armed services not even paying attention is baffling. I suppose that's worse than the tendency to ignore the fact that we have issues facing us.
Whatever. This makes me want to cancel my subscription and live in a cave.
William Safire alone is reason enough.
Asshat.
Granted, I already wasn't in a great mood this morning after rolling to the edge of the bed and planting my feet squarely into a pile of cat vomit as I arose from my not-so-peaceful slumber.
And the sight of an 18-inch tapeworm hanging from Sweet Pea's anus was another bad start to the morning.
All that aside, walking out to the street to pick up the Sunday New York Times would ultimately prove to be the most annoying aspect of my morning.
I simply cannot grasp the concept that so many Americans are straddling the political fence between Barack Obama and John McCain. It makes no sense to me whatsoever. How many people do you know who are undecided on key issues such as abortion, gay rights, Iraq, and the economy?
The differences between the two candidates are as stark as night and day, or if you prefer, black and white.
And yet, I read quote after quote from Americans in this article who simply can't decide. Am I asking too much to expect a little common sense? It's as if there are no issues, only empty, meaningless labels such as "maverick." Just read this.
Judith France and her daughter Holly France-Kremin have been torn about their choice for president ever since Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton lost the Democratic nomination to Senator Barack Obama. Now Senator John McCain has made up their minds, but in different ways, by his surprise pick of Sarah Palin, the little-known Alaska governor, as his Republican running mate.
“It made me like McCain a little more,” said Judith France, 62, of Thornville, Ohio. “They always say he was a maverick, and this made me think, well, he really is. He went all the way to Alaska — there aren’t that many people up there, they don’t have that many electoral votes — and he picked this person. I know people will say she’s inexperienced. But she’s been a governor for 20 months. That’s more experience than Obama has.”
Judith needs to brush up on her facts. Or maybe the Republicans will seize upon that inaccurate statement and use it in campaign ads. Who knows. But Barack Obama served in the Illinois Senate from 1997 until 2004 and has been a US Senator from Illinois since 2004. Do the math. That's a hell of a lot more than 20 months. Maybe Judith doesn't know the difference between months and years.
Thank God her daughter seems to have a brain and is putting it to good use.
Ms. France-Kremin, 36, who lives nearby in Dublin, an affluent suburb of Columbus, likewise has qualms about the seasoning of Mr. Obama, a first-term United States senator after eight years as a state senator. But she also strongly favors abortion rights, and Ms. Palin — more prominently than Mr. McCain — does not.
“That sealed my decision,” said Ms. France-Kremin, who added that she would no longer consider voting for Mr. McCain.
For our next exhibit, we go to another suburban outpost where a vacant mentality apparently abounds.
Shopping at a suburban mall in Michigan on Friday, Cathy Gates, 40, a registered Republican and a mother of two who calls herself a “football mom,” said that the Palin pick was “a big risk” but that it “makes me feel a little better” about voting for Mr. McCain.
“She does appeal to me,” Ms. Gates said. “You would feel she has the same values as you. Having a child with Down syndrome, and being the governor, and she calls herself a hockey mom. I was impressed. She’s very pretty and seems very smart. I hope it works out.”
Some Democratic-leaning women, as well, welcomed Mr. McCain’s barrier-breaking choice as some consolation after their dashed hopes of having a woman at the top of the ticket.
“I wish the Democratic Party had the courage” to pick a woman, said Kimberly Myers, a retired transit worker in Pittsburgh who supported Mrs. Clinton in Pennsylvania’s primary and said she now planned to vote for Mr. McCain.
Ms. Myers said she also saw a bonus in the choice of Ms. Palin: “The fact that she’s a working mom will send a message to America that you don’t have to choose children over career.”
Pardon me, but there's a county to run here. This should not be about thinking a candidate is cool because she calls herself a soccer mom and you're a football mom. But she's "very pretty" so there you have it.
As word of the Palin choice spread, some women said they were intrigued by what they saw as her unusual mix of last-frontier pioneer and suburban supermom. She is a sportswoman, hunter and onetime local beauty queen who married her high school sweetheart, as well as a self-described hockey mom and PTA member.
"Supermom?" Please. This all might be relevant if she was running for mayor again. It is not relevant for someone running for governor and it's sure as hell not relevant for someone on a VP ticket in these trying times.
But wait. There's more! By the time I was near the end of the first section of the paper I was prepared to breathe a sigh of relief and I ran head-on into Peter Applebome's Our Towns column, and this excerpt made the milk in my coffee curdle instantly.
Michelle Drury watched Barack Obama’s speech Thursday night and she swooned.
“I think the guy’s amazing,” Ms. Drury, a registered nurse from nearby Beacon Falls, said on Friday over the low buzz at the Valley Diner in Connecticut’s blue-collar Naugatuck Valley. “I thought he gave a great speech. To be honest, I can’t turn my eyes from him when he’s on. For a 41-year-old, getting-divorced woman, he’s a hottie. I thought he laid out a phenomenal plan and finally told us a lot about himself.”
And whom will she be voting for in November? John McCain.
“I’ve loved watching Obama emerge and evolve, but I don’t vote based on the swing of the fever,” said Ms. Drury, a mother of three who said she thinks of herself as a liberal Republican. “He put out a lot of great words, but we live in a very dangerous world, and I just don’t think Obama’s ready yet. I think he will eventually be a great president, but not yet.”
A liberal Republican, huh? What does that mean exactly? Because from where I stand in the political spectrum, Barack Obama is closer to a liberal Republican than John McCain. Part of the reason we live in a dangerous world is because of the failed policies of President Bush. And John McCain vows to continue trotting down that path. And this "liberal Republican" lives in Connecticut! Wait until we get to some thoughts of the non-so-liberal Republicans in the deep South.
The idea of a member of our armed services not even paying attention is baffling. I suppose that's worse than the tendency to ignore the fact that we have issues facing us.
And then there were the customary wonders of American indifference. Mike Palmieri, 23, is in the Army at Fort Drum in upstate New York and then headed to Afghanistan. You might think he’d have a stake in things, but he said that politics was not his thing and that he was not paying attention. There was the woman who declined to give her name who didn’t know who was running for president.
The person most in limbo seemed to be Geraldine Peter of Ansonia, a Clinton voter in the primary who’s not sure if she will vote for Mr. Obama. She said she would take a longer look at the Republicans with Mrs. Palin on the ticket.
Whatever. This makes me want to cancel my subscription and live in a cave.
William Safire alone is reason enough.
A stern editor could have improved the 4,500-word acceptance by cutting a thousand words of populist boilerplate and partisan-pleasing shots that offend centrists.
Asshat.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Periodically, When I'm Feeling Down I Get Angry
J. Goff at I am Jack’s Non-Blog says this is what Obama needs:
I don't believe those are listed in order of importance. I get the distinct impression the #1 issue is sexism. Visit any widely-read feminist blog, find a post about sexism in politics or the media, and watch the fireworks fly in the comment threads.
All of us progressives are, and should be, angry about a multitude of issues. I've been angry since J. Goff was still in his mother's womb, so trust me when I say I'm in touch with what needs to change in this nation.
I'm also a realist on some level and I know there is never going to be the perfect candidate running for any political office. There are 300 million Americans and 300 million different ideas about how to address the problems, let alone fix them! The question is this: are we going to start correcting even a few of them in 2009, or are we going to allow a single hot-button issue to destroy what may be our best hope for real leadership in our lifetime? Or am I just spewing more "hype?"
How many angry feminists does it take to swing an election the wrong way as the result of voting one's conscience or not voting at all? Who knows. This may be a year in which we learn the answer. Feminists don't like having the guilt-card played on them, nor would anyone else. And they are quick to point out that their individual vote is their individual personal choice and their business. I wholeheartedly agree. But there is a "but."
Since I brought up womb earlier, let me tell you what I think.
What you do with your body is your own business and I'm fighting hard to keep that right for you. How you cast your vote is your own business and I'm fighting hard to make certain that vote is, at the very least, actually counted. Your reproductive choices, even as a group of millions, have no recognizable impact on my life whatsoever. On the other hand, your vote as a group most definitely impacts my life and the lives of millions of others who are desperately seeking a new direction for the US. And this is where I get mightily annoyed with some of my feminist colleagues for the same reason I feel raging anger at fundamentalists and other neocons who make the election about preserving the sanctity of marriage and putting God back in the classroom. John McCain picked Sarah Palin for several reasons and I can assure you her position against reproductive freedom was right near the top of that list.
Regardless of who wins in November, even if it's Cynthia McKinney, we are going to be fighting sexism, racism, misogyny, capital punishment, corruption, lobbyists, offshore drilling, global warming, creationists, homophobia, discrimination against the transgendered, right-wing radio hosts, immigration policies, the loss of jobs, warmongering for profit, and a host of whackjobs in every corner of Congress. And I'm certain I didn't name at least 40 other injustices.
In a reply to a commenter on his post, J. Goff had this to say:
Unfortunately, due to the nature of politics these days, "centralist bullshit" is what we put up with until such time as a progressive cloaked in "centralist bullshit" can get elected. Politicians will do and say what they have to in order to appeal to the greatest number of voters. And that, much to my never ending dismay, is always going to involve a move to the "center" which is particularly irksome when the current center resides at the 35 yard line of the opposing team thanks largely to almost 30 years of Reagan and the Bush family. Sadly, Clinton didn't move that center as much as he could and should have.
I have spent the bulk of my voting life as a single-issue conscience voter. When I learned that Obama and Biden are both supporters of capital punishment I wasn't sure I could cast my ballot for that ticket. But this year I realized we have too much at stake for me to walk away in disgust. (I will not support them financially with any donation; I have to draw the line somewhere.)
J. Goff does have the benefit of being 25 which is young enough to hope for another chance or two for change in his lifetime even if this one isn't viewed by him as worth it because the candidate is perceived to be throwing women under the bus. (Or supports strapping people -- mostly black men -- into an electric chair, or pumping them with a toxic cocktail.)
Perhaps when J. Goff is my age, 48, and realizing that nothing much has changed, he'll also be getting fast and furiously fed up with waiting for.... something...before reaching retirement age.
I don't like taking baby steps and I really don't like even small compromise when it comes to politics this year. But I am taking a leap of faith because I am desperate for a glimpse of something different, an improvement, a sign of intelligent life in the White House. Being able to relax for awhile without worrying that a member of the Supreme Court is going to drop dead under a Bush or McCain watch is a nice perk.
Under all these circumstances, I am frankly astonished that sexism seems to be a focal point of the resistance to Obama given the fact that sexism is ingrained in our culture. It's not like the guy is out peddling this garbage although I am dismayed if his supporters are doing it.
It's great that the issue is finally getting more attention this year than I've ever seen in previous years, even if it is limited mostly to genuine feminist blogs (as opposed to say, a feminist group like Palin's Feminists for Life. But positive change has to start somewhere. And we must continue to push and fight for the changes we so sorely need. The ultimate question is: which candidate is most likely to listen?
In the end, if McCain is victorious, he and Sarah Palin (only the VP for as long as McCain's ticker keeps ticking) will shred this country for another four years, and it could even be worse than 8 years under Bush. I firmly believe it would be worse.
Such a victory could easily send a signal to future Democrats that the only way to have a chance of being elected is to move more to the right.
Or it could make Democrats so angry, and maybe enough moderate Republicans, to finally swing this country around in the 2012 elections with a progressive candidate who is more explicit with his or her policies, and never, ever says anything remotely sexist, and manages to finally unite the left and center as one big happy family.
I'm not banking on the latter. That's what I was certain 2004 was supposed to be.
Let's ALL get out this November, stand before that touch-screen and vote your conscience, be it McCain/Palin, Obama/Biden, McKinney/Clemente, or another. All I ask is that you let your conscience consider the bigger picture.
If the election tilts to McCain by a slim margin in one state, just don't tell me, or the millions of others who are ready to seize this moment, not to get angry if a few thousand voters in that state were refusing to support Obama because of a dogwhistle.
- LESS SYCOPHANTS.
- LESS SEXISM
- LESS TALK
- MORE SUBSTANCE, i.e.:
- MORE EXPLICITLY PROGRESSIVE POLICIES
- LESS HYPE.
I don't believe those are listed in order of importance. I get the distinct impression the #1 issue is sexism. Visit any widely-read feminist blog, find a post about sexism in politics or the media, and watch the fireworks fly in the comment threads.
All of us progressives are, and should be, angry about a multitude of issues. I've been angry since J. Goff was still in his mother's womb, so trust me when I say I'm in touch with what needs to change in this nation.
I'm also a realist on some level and I know there is never going to be the perfect candidate running for any political office. There are 300 million Americans and 300 million different ideas about how to address the problems, let alone fix them! The question is this: are we going to start correcting even a few of them in 2009, or are we going to allow a single hot-button issue to destroy what may be our best hope for real leadership in our lifetime? Or am I just spewing more "hype?"
How many angry feminists does it take to swing an election the wrong way as the result of voting one's conscience or not voting at all? Who knows. This may be a year in which we learn the answer. Feminists don't like having the guilt-card played on them, nor would anyone else. And they are quick to point out that their individual vote is their individual personal choice and their business. I wholeheartedly agree. But there is a "but."
Since I brought up womb earlier, let me tell you what I think.
What you do with your body is your own business and I'm fighting hard to keep that right for you. How you cast your vote is your own business and I'm fighting hard to make certain that vote is, at the very least, actually counted. Your reproductive choices, even as a group of millions, have no recognizable impact on my life whatsoever. On the other hand, your vote as a group most definitely impacts my life and the lives of millions of others who are desperately seeking a new direction for the US. And this is where I get mightily annoyed with some of my feminist colleagues for the same reason I feel raging anger at fundamentalists and other neocons who make the election about preserving the sanctity of marriage and putting God back in the classroom. John McCain picked Sarah Palin for several reasons and I can assure you her position against reproductive freedom was right near the top of that list.
Regardless of who wins in November, even if it's Cynthia McKinney, we are going to be fighting sexism, racism, misogyny, capital punishment, corruption, lobbyists, offshore drilling, global warming, creationists, homophobia, discrimination against the transgendered, right-wing radio hosts, immigration policies, the loss of jobs, warmongering for profit, and a host of whackjobs in every corner of Congress. And I'm certain I didn't name at least 40 other injustices.
In a reply to a commenter on his post, J. Goff had this to say:
I will die for my country. I will not vote for Obama, though, until he starts talking progressively instead of dealing with centralist bullshit.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of politics these days, "centralist bullshit" is what we put up with until such time as a progressive cloaked in "centralist bullshit" can get elected. Politicians will do and say what they have to in order to appeal to the greatest number of voters. And that, much to my never ending dismay, is always going to involve a move to the "center" which is particularly irksome when the current center resides at the 35 yard line of the opposing team thanks largely to almost 30 years of Reagan and the Bush family. Sadly, Clinton didn't move that center as much as he could and should have.
I have spent the bulk of my voting life as a single-issue conscience voter. When I learned that Obama and Biden are both supporters of capital punishment I wasn't sure I could cast my ballot for that ticket. But this year I realized we have too much at stake for me to walk away in disgust. (I will not support them financially with any donation; I have to draw the line somewhere.)
J. Goff does have the benefit of being 25 which is young enough to hope for another chance or two for change in his lifetime even if this one isn't viewed by him as worth it because the candidate is perceived to be throwing women under the bus. (Or supports strapping people -- mostly black men -- into an electric chair, or pumping them with a toxic cocktail.)
Perhaps when J. Goff is my age, 48, and realizing that nothing much has changed, he'll also be getting fast and furiously fed up with waiting for.... something...before reaching retirement age.
I don't like taking baby steps and I really don't like even small compromise when it comes to politics this year. But I am taking a leap of faith because I am desperate for a glimpse of something different, an improvement, a sign of intelligent life in the White House. Being able to relax for awhile without worrying that a member of the Supreme Court is going to drop dead under a Bush or McCain watch is a nice perk.
Under all these circumstances, I am frankly astonished that sexism seems to be a focal point of the resistance to Obama given the fact that sexism is ingrained in our culture. It's not like the guy is out peddling this garbage although I am dismayed if his supporters are doing it.
It's great that the issue is finally getting more attention this year than I've ever seen in previous years, even if it is limited mostly to genuine feminist blogs (as opposed to say, a feminist group like Palin's Feminists for Life. But positive change has to start somewhere. And we must continue to push and fight for the changes we so sorely need. The ultimate question is: which candidate is most likely to listen?
In the end, if McCain is victorious, he and Sarah Palin (only the VP for as long as McCain's ticker keeps ticking) will shred this country for another four years, and it could even be worse than 8 years under Bush. I firmly believe it would be worse.
Such a victory could easily send a signal to future Democrats that the only way to have a chance of being elected is to move more to the right.
Or it could make Democrats so angry, and maybe enough moderate Republicans, to finally swing this country around in the 2012 elections with a progressive candidate who is more explicit with his or her policies, and never, ever says anything remotely sexist, and manages to finally unite the left and center as one big happy family.
I'm not banking on the latter. That's what I was certain 2004 was supposed to be.
Let's ALL get out this November, stand before that touch-screen and vote your conscience, be it McCain/Palin, Obama/Biden, McKinney/Clemente, or another. All I ask is that you let your conscience consider the bigger picture.
If the election tilts to McCain by a slim margin in one state, just don't tell me, or the millions of others who are ready to seize this moment, not to get angry if a few thousand voters in that state were refusing to support Obama because of a dogwhistle.
Friday, August 29, 2008
A Musical Dedication to Sarah Barracuda
But first, some humor. This has been a surreal day.
I am predicting that on Wednesday morning after election day, that home-schooling, pro-oil drilling, anti-abortion, global warming denier, will be heading back north to resume her normal routine activities.
John McCain having a Sarah Palin fantasy. She may not have Cindy's money but... Cindy's money is hers anyway. Fucking prenups!
Get a fucking room!
I am predicting that on Wednesday morning after election day, that home-schooling, pro-oil drilling, anti-abortion, global warming denier, will be heading back north to resume her normal routine activities.
Friday Pussy Blog: Yawning Pussy Edition
It's been that kind of a week. We're all tired and ready for a 3-day weekend.
As a Labor Day weekend treat, I give you all four kids in one post.
TGIFF.
As a Labor Day weekend treat, I give you all four kids in one post.
Sissy is being a slut.
Sweet Pea is also showing some white fangs.
Tiger just keeps an eye on my hand because he wants it on his body.
Tater Tot just likes being near his daddy. And a box is always a good place to be.
TGIFF.
Clear and Present Dangerous Pandering
Wow. McCain has gone and done it now.
What a clever man. Somebody will make history regardless of the winner. So let's see how many of those Hillary hold-outs are going to be running to the McCain camp now that he had the balls to choose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate.
Great. Just what we need: a woman who wants to restrict the reproductive rights of women.
McCain needs to shut up about Obama's experience now.
Again, I'll say wow. The choice in November could not possibly be more clear.
Update: I found this comment in a thread at Pam's House Blend.
If 72 year old McCain can't finish his term, we would have 44 year old Barracuda, two year governor of Alaska and former mayor of Wasilla!
Perfect. Now I can't get the song out of my head...
All we need now is for a hurricane to hit New Orleans during the Republican convention. Get ready for a ride.
What a clever man. Somebody will make history regardless of the winner. So let's see how many of those Hillary hold-outs are going to be running to the McCain camp now that he had the balls to choose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate.
Palin has a strong anti-abortion record, and her selection was praised warmly by social conservatives whose support Mccain needs to prevail in the campaign for the White House.
Great. Just what we need: a woman who wants to restrict the reproductive rights of women.
McCain needs to shut up about Obama's experience now.
In an announcement, McCain's campaign said that Palin, who has been governor less than two years, "has the record of reform and bipartisanship that others can only speak of.
[...]
A self-styled hockey mom and political reformer, Pallin was mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, population 6,500, until she became governor.
Again, I'll say wow. The choice in November could not possibly be more clear.
Update: I found this comment in a thread at Pam's House Blend.
If 72 year old McCain can't finish his term, we would have 44 year old Barracuda, two year governor of Alaska and former mayor of Wasilla!
Perfect. Now I can't get the song out of my head...
All we need now is for a hurricane to hit New Orleans during the Republican convention. Get ready for a ride.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Obamanation of Unity
Here we go. The Bearded Bill is speaking. I'm ready for Obama to plaster me to the wall with his brilliance. Assuming I don't do it first. (Plaster myself to the wall, but without the brilliance.)
Since I don't have time to do a proper post on the subject, I'd like to briefly address the numbers of Hillary supporters who are still holding out by threatening to vote for McCain, vote 3rd party, or sit out the election.
Everyone has the right to vote as they please, or not. But some want to hold that right, and not be held accountable if a significant number of like-minded "progressive" people sit this one out, or vote for someone other than Obama as a protest, or by casting the "moral" vote.
It's true that the election will not be decided by one vote. Not yet anyway. But as we've seen in 2000 and 2004, elections are getting tight and are usually decided by one or two states, and often amid .... um, how shall I put this... odd circumstances. Like thousands of voters in Ohio giving up after standing in line for hours to vote.
Several thousand such angry voters in a tightly-contested state could easily tip the balance in favor of John McCain and thus give us another four years of the same old fucking shit. Not to mention a Supreme Court which will most likely overturn Roe v. Wade and worse. (Yes, it can get even worse than that.)
So, I just wanted to get this off my chest since so many of my progressive feminist comrades are still in the No-to-Obama camp. Those who are actually thinking of voting for John McCain can honestly go fuck themselves. That's not liberal, feminist or progressive.
The rest of them who are living in a swing-state and thinking about not voting or voting 3rd party can obviously do what their conscience tells them. My conscience has always told me to vote 3rd party over the death penalty issues which SO many politicians seem to favor, even Obama and Biden. But this year I'm making an exception, even in a state which isn't likely to swing. Because I want my voice heard for a louder cause than a specific moral issue, be it sexism, misogny, or killing people because they killed people.
But let konagod tell all of you this. We may not be in unity right now, but if John McCain is elected, we will all be in the same boat for the next four years.
And that boat will sink. How's that for unity?
Since I don't have time to do a proper post on the subject, I'd like to briefly address the numbers of Hillary supporters who are still holding out by threatening to vote for McCain, vote 3rd party, or sit out the election.
Everyone has the right to vote as they please, or not. But some want to hold that right, and not be held accountable if a significant number of like-minded "progressive" people sit this one out, or vote for someone other than Obama as a protest, or by casting the "moral" vote.
It's true that the election will not be decided by one vote. Not yet anyway. But as we've seen in 2000 and 2004, elections are getting tight and are usually decided by one or two states, and often amid .... um, how shall I put this... odd circumstances. Like thousands of voters in Ohio giving up after standing in line for hours to vote.
Several thousand such angry voters in a tightly-contested state could easily tip the balance in favor of John McCain and thus give us another four years of the same old fucking shit. Not to mention a Supreme Court which will most likely overturn Roe v. Wade and worse. (Yes, it can get even worse than that.)
So, I just wanted to get this off my chest since so many of my progressive feminist comrades are still in the No-to-Obama camp. Those who are actually thinking of voting for John McCain can honestly go fuck themselves. That's not liberal, feminist or progressive.
The rest of them who are living in a swing-state and thinking about not voting or voting 3rd party can obviously do what their conscience tells them. My conscience has always told me to vote 3rd party over the death penalty issues which SO many politicians seem to favor, even Obama and Biden. But this year I'm making an exception, even in a state which isn't likely to swing. Because I want my voice heard for a louder cause than a specific moral issue, be it sexism, misogny, or killing people because they killed people.
But let konagod tell all of you this. We may not be in unity right now, but if John McCain is elected, we will all be in the same boat for the next four years.
And that boat will sink. How's that for unity?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I Can't Trace Time
Changes
David Bowie
I still don't know what I was waiting for
And my time was running wild
A million dead-end streets
Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Don't want to be a richer man
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence and
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They're quite aware of what they're going through
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Don't tell t hem to grow up and out of it
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Where's your shame
You've left us up to our necks in it
Time may change me
But you can't trace time
Strange fascination, fascinating me
Changes are taking the pace I'm going through
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Oh, look out you rock 'n rollers
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Pretty soon you're gonna get a little older
Time may change me
But I can't trace time
I said that time may change me
But I can't trace time
This post inspired by txrad.
DNC: Day 3 - Biden Prepares to Woo Us
There are no words to describe my day at the "office" -- so I won't even try.
Let's just get on with politics. It seems we have a nominee! Click the pic for the scoop.
Soon we'll learn if Joe Biden is in the same speaking league as Teddy and Hillary. By the time he takes the stage I may bethree sheets nine shots to the wind.
HOT TIP: If you have Dish Network, they have a DNC Live Feed channel where you can enjoy the convention in true HD without the annoying pundits. Melissa Etheridge is performing as I write this.
Let's just get on with politics. It seems we have a nominee! Click the pic for the scoop.
Soon we'll learn if Joe Biden is in the same speaking league as Teddy and Hillary. By the time he takes the stage I may be
HOT TIP: If you have Dish Network, they have a DNC Live Feed channel where you can enjoy the convention in true HD without the annoying pundits. Melissa Etheridge is performing as I write this.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
DNC: Day 2 - Hillary's Night
I've had another exhausting and long day at work, finishing up at 7:15 tonight, then rushing to prep toppings for pizza while listening to the DNC in the background and slurping some great Australian Chardonnay. Shit, is this a Green Party convention or what??
Now I need to get a blog post up in a hurry so I can catch Hillary's not-to-be-missed speech tonight.
Drop a line and leave you comments regarding your fave moments of the night. It's going to be tough to top Kennedy last night.
But when leaving comments about Hillary's speech, please refrain from obscene and derogatory language for the sake of party unity. This would include words and phrases such as bitch, ho, cunt, heifer, whore, hag, shrill, see you next Tuesday Hillary, and the like. You will be summarilybanned deleted ridiculed and promptly reported to the feminist authorities.
After all, I was for Hillary before I was for Obama. And then I was for her again, and then I was for Obama again. But I can't wait to hear her unification speech.
For those of you who missed this konagraphic the first time around, I give you a replay.
Now, now. Let's have none of that tonight. See ya'll later.
Now I need to get a blog post up in a hurry so I can catch Hillary's not-to-be-missed speech tonight.
Drop a line and leave you comments regarding your fave moments of the night. It's going to be tough to top Kennedy last night.
But when leaving comments about Hillary's speech, please refrain from obscene and derogatory language for the sake of party unity. This would include words and phrases such as bitch, ho, cunt, heifer, whore, hag, shrill, see you next Tuesday Hillary, and the like. You will be summarily
After all, I was for Hillary before I was for Obama. And then I was for her again, and then I was for Obama again. But I can't wait to hear her unification speech.
For those of you who missed this konagraphic the first time around, I give you a replay.
Now, now. Let's have none of that tonight. See ya'll later.
Monday, August 25, 2008
The DNC Has Begun!
And I'm blogging because Nancy Pelosi wasn't exactly yanking my chain. Actually I could use a day off from blogging due to my excessively horrendous day at work. So I'm taking the easy route. I don't even know what's gone on in the world today.
Open forum. What do you like/dislike about the Democratic National Convention?
I'm about to go watch. If I get really intoxicated, I might come back and do a post totally unrelated to it. :-)
Open forum. What do you like/dislike about the Democratic National Convention?
I'm about to go watch. If I get really intoxicated, I might come back and do a post totally unrelated to it. :-)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Flashback 18 Years
It was on this day in 1990 when my life would change forever. However, at this exact moment 18 years ago I was a single guy still looking for the love of my life. Little did I know, my wait would only be another six hours or so.
I had only been living in San Diego about two months. But I knew I agreed to move there with a friend because I had a hunch I'd meet my soul mate on the west coast. I was getting a little antsy after 2 months because I've always wanted instant gratification.
My mood was so-so as I got ready to go out with my friend to a dance club called Metro in the Hillcrest area. We got there, had a few drinks, I danced for a bit, and then I sat down at a table alone on a dark side of the bar. I was facing a dark wall. I wasn't having a lot of fun. I just sat there nursing my drink until I happened to notice a person standing very close to my table.
I must have looked up at some point to see his face and had eye contact. I looked back down at my beer as my heart began to race. He was cute! And he was standing close enough to touch. His hand was dangling at his side close to where I was holding my beer. I reached over to touch his hand and he did not recoil.
Our pinkie fingers entwined. At that exact moment, I remembered why I moved to San Diego. And I had found what I wanted.
And 18 years later, I'm still single in the eyes of the law. Just thought I'd mention that fact.
Crossposted at B3
I had only been living in San Diego about two months. But I knew I agreed to move there with a friend because I had a hunch I'd meet my soul mate on the west coast. I was getting a little antsy after 2 months because I've always wanted instant gratification.
My mood was so-so as I got ready to go out with my friend to a dance club called Metro in the Hillcrest area. We got there, had a few drinks, I danced for a bit, and then I sat down at a table alone on a dark side of the bar. I was facing a dark wall. I wasn't having a lot of fun. I just sat there nursing my drink until I happened to notice a person standing very close to my table.
I must have looked up at some point to see his face and had eye contact. I looked back down at my beer as my heart began to race. He was cute! And he was standing close enough to touch. His hand was dangling at his side close to where I was holding my beer. I reached over to touch his hand and he did not recoil.
Our pinkie fingers entwined. At that exact moment, I remembered why I moved to San Diego. And I had found what I wanted.
In Santee, California. September 1990.
And 18 years later, I'm still single in the eyes of the law. Just thought I'd mention that fact.
Crossposted at B3
The Middle Names
It's Hussein/Robinette 2008.
Caption this:
Caption this:
Joe Biden, making a point on Meet the Press.
My preferred method is to tightly grasp the base of my generous shaft with my left hand while using my right hand to gently stroke all ten inches.
Joe Just Emailed Me
And I thought, "uh-oh, he read my blog." This is not so far fetched. Back when I was a teen I wrote a rather scathing letter to the editor about a senator in Arkansas (he was appointed, not elected, to fill out the rest of a term) and I insinuated he must have been bribed somehow for a vote he cast. I won't go into details because this was back when I was a hardcore Republican and thus, a pretty stupid 16 or 17-year-old.
Lo and behold, the phone rang on our farm one evening. My mother answered and then passed the phone to me. "It's [the senator]," she said.
My heart jumped into my throat. I don't remember most of the conversation but he was trying to figure out what the hell would put such thoughts into a teen-age head and how could I make such accusations. But I didn't let him intimidate me. And I stood my ground because at the time, I believed I was right on the issue.
I was dead wrong on that one.
That, my friends, in no way diminishes the fact that senators and representatives are facing such "bribes" on a daily basis from corporate lobbyists pushing their agendas. But I digress.
The email from Joe was simply to pass along this video, and to say "I'd like to thank you for the warm welcome I've received as the newest member of this campaign."
Obviously, he didn't read my blog.
In the name of unity (and hopefully the obliteration of the McCain/Whatever ticket), I'll pass it along.
Lo and behold, the phone rang on our farm one evening. My mother answered and then passed the phone to me. "It's [the senator]," she said.
My heart jumped into my throat. I don't remember most of the conversation but he was trying to figure out what the hell would put such thoughts into a teen-age head and how could I make such accusations. But I didn't let him intimidate me. And I stood my ground because at the time, I believed I was right on the issue.
I was dead wrong on that one.
That, my friends, in no way diminishes the fact that senators and representatives are facing such "bribes" on a daily basis from corporate lobbyists pushing their agendas. But I digress.
The email from Joe was simply to pass along this video, and to say "I'd like to thank you for the warm welcome I've received as the newest member of this campaign."
Obviously, he didn't read my blog.
In the name of unity (and hopefully the obliteration of the McCain/Whatever ticket), I'll pass it along.
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