Uff Da.
Yeah. It's been a rough one, huh? I know. I can't wait for this election to be over. Except that the backlash from this historic presidential election might be worse than all the foolishness leading up to it.
I don't want to talk about the presidential election. Yes, I know who I'm voting for. Yes, I know why and I have my reasons. No, I won't tell you, possibly ever. There has been zero tolerance or acceptance in this election. People have used the election as an excuse for a socially accepted form of bullying by making others feel stupid or less of a person simply for their beliefs and opinions.
But I digress...
Anyway, in preparation for this election, I performed my ritual of becoming an informed voter this morning. I made a pot of strong hot coffee, sat down with my phone, and did a Google search for my local ballot.
{P.S. Did you know you can do this? If not, give it a try. Go to Google, type in your state name + election ballot, then type in your address. It will give you the National, State, and Local options you'll see on your ballot. Plus, it lets you do an internet search for the candidates and their issues directly from the list. Cool, right? Now go do it.}
See, I believe it is incredibly important to be an informed voter, and not just at the Presidential level. Yes, this presidential election will change the course of history for our nation. Whether that will be for better or worse is yet to be determined.
But I don't really care about the presidential election. Not anymore, for reasons stated above. What I do care about are the issues facing my state and local governments. It occurred to me, as it does every year, that I don't even know who is running, what positions we are electing for, or what measures will be on the ballot.
After an hour of research, now I know. Yep. One hour and I am now a knowledgeable voter whose voice will be heard. It was not, however, without challenges. Here are a few thoughts I had while expanding my knowledge of this term's election ballot, particularly aimed towards candidates that are running.
1. If you're a candidate, no matter what position you are running for, get a website. A professional website. I was appalled to discover how many of the candidates running didn't have a website. To me, this means that they don't believe citizens will research them. To me, that means they think we are idiots that don't care and will simply choose them either because they are incumbent or are affiliated with a certain party. Unfortunately, this is true in some respect.
Still, get a professional website. Some of us, like me, actually want to know who you are and what you stand for.
2. On your professional website, don't ask me for money right away. No, I will not give you money. I don't know you. The worst offenders do this in pop-up form. Honestly. I'm not voting for you, regardless of your view of issues. This tells me that the only thing you want from me is my cash. Nope.
3. I want to know your stance on issues. I don't want to know about your family. I don't want to read biased news articles you've been featured in. I want to know where you stand on important issues that impact the citizens you will be representing, like me. I want to know what makes you qualified to represent me. Spoiler alert: Being well-dressed with the perfect smiling family in a professional portrait will not get my vote. I want to know what you think, what you fight for, and why you fight for it.
Is this really too much to ask for?
And on a second note, do I really have to vote in every category? If I either can't find information on either candidate or neither of them have proven to earn my vote, do I have to vote? Asking for a friend...
The point of this entire rant is that you can't rely on anyone else, especially the media, to give you information. You have to go out and get it and then form your own opinion. For example, there are five measures on the ballot for North Dakota this year. I've only heard of one of them (through propaganda so eloquently slipped into my mailbox on a weekly basis. Hey, by the way, my toddler can't vote. Stop sending her political spam.) I wouldn't have had any clue if I hadn't taken an early look at the ballot.
One of the issues that is hot in my state right now is the pipeline. Again, I'm not going to go into it. If you want to know, look it up. Anyway, turns out that some candidates that have a large say in what happens are on the ballot. This is a great example of an issue that I care about, one that I want reflected during the election, and I have the opportunity to do that through voting. Through conscious and informed voting. See, that's how this thing works. It also turns out that candidates from different positions endorse each other in an effort to build a united front for their goals. This is important because it reflects on who else I will vote for.
Issues, people. It's all about the issues. Not just party affiliation. Issues, the future of the national, state, and local governments. All things that will impact you, your family, and your community for the next two to possibly eight years. That's a long time.
At least in this election, we are seeing the weening of being a party-dominated nation. We are no longer just a two party system. Candidates from other parties such as Independent and the Green party are making waves and being heard. There are options. It used to be that these were seen as crazies and no one voted for them simply on principle. Turns out the crazies aren't so crazy anymore compared to other options.
Many voters no longer side with just one single party, either. We are no longer Democrats or Republicans. We are Voters. We Care. We hear you, we see you, we want to know more, and we're not stupid.
Maybe that's the silver lining to come out of this disastrous display of democracy. We're Learning, as a country, together, the consequences of our actions. We're using our brains, relying on our experiences and beliefs. The internet may be full of misleading and biased information, but the facts are out there. Candidates can no longer hide behind big money or public appearances. We see into their private lives as much as their political agendas, and we're using this to make our judgements. No, not always sound or political judgements, but judgements the same.
Spend some time before you cast your vote to look at your local ballot. The information is there and it's public. Know what you will be voting on. Have an informed opinion about the choices you will make. It's easy to do.
Whatever you do, please please please don't boycott voting. You are an American. People all over the world, including women and minorities in this country, have fought for the right to vote. Don't waste it. Grow a spine and form an opinion. Be heard. Stand up for those that deserve it. Do the right thing. Take an hour out of your day, do your research, and Vote. Not casting a vote will not make a difference. The electoral college doesn't count votes not made or take silence into consideration.
VOTE.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
International {Naked} Women's Day
The internet was full of celebration today. Thanks to hashtags like #OneDayIWill and #PledgeforParity, the female gender has now accomplished all of the equality that has been in despair since Adam so gratefully spared that rib.
Ooh! And we get to celebrate with wine! And let's make cupcakes! Happy International Women's Day!
...
According to www.internationalwomensday.com, on Tuesday, March 8, all women, men, children, international leaders, and cyborgs are to "Celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. Yet let's also be aware progress has slowed in many places across the world, so urgent action is needed to accelerate gender parity. Leaders across the world are pledging to take action as champions of gender parity."
Can I just note the irony that only 2 of the 7 leaders are women? Not that you need ovaries to champion gender parity for women, but... ya' know. Oh, and parity means "the state or condition of being equal, especially regarding status or pay." Also known as bitches wanna get paid.
Adding to the glory were, of course, the celebrity posts. Like from Kim Kardashian, who posted a nude (but censored) photo. In a surprise move, the internet lost it's shit, apparently forgetting the other 8,657 nude photos of Ms. Kardashian.
I have so many questions. So many. I want to sit Ms. Kardashian down and ask her questions just to see what falls out of her mouth. Then I want to get her drunk and hear the truth.
Let's not forget that this is a woman who has built a billion dollar entertainment industry on nothing. Literally, nothing. This talent has propelled her entire family into Hollywood gold as well. Every month, there is a new story. The Kardashian family has managed to remain at the top of our internet searches and "reality" TV fodder for at least the last 10 years. Despite the inability of Kim to keep her clothes on, she is anything but stupid.
The result of being able to put herself out there (pun intended) is that she is an easy target and a delectable one at that. This means, naturally, people hate her. A lot of people. A lot of opinionated, vocal, hilarious people. This is why we are always excited when a new Kim Nudie comes out. We don't care about the picture. We want to hear what people can come up with this time.
This time did not disappoint. Bette Midler took to Twitter, made an excellent point, and the lines were drawn. Some have said that Midler and other celebrities criticized the reality diva, Ms. Kardashian herself deeming the comments as "slut shaming." In their defense, the criticism was simple and fun joking.
Like I said, so many questions...
First, I just want to point out that a nude selfie plastered all over social media may not help the women's movement. However, in the modern and accepting time that is 2016, Kim is following the trend of using her sexuality to claim her empowerment. In a statement, Kim explained, "I am empowered by my body. I am empowered by my sexuality. I am empowered by feeling comfortable in my skin. I am empowered by showing the world my flaws and not being afraid of what anyone is going to say about me. And I hope that through this platform I have been given, I can encourage the same empowerment for girls and women all over the world."
Alright. Tatas and hoochie are empowering. I get it. Really. I do. It's a good statement. Clearly, Kim is comfortable in her skin. Also, clearly, skin sells and she's made a lot of money from it. For her, that means shedding all clothing at every chance possible. She's popular, and I have no doubt that she will inspire other women to be comfortable in their skin, embrace their flaws, and not be afraid of what people say.
If that's true, you'd think she'd have a tougher skin and ignore what people say. Then again, if she did that, there would be no Twitter feuds and no one would need to search for what people said and then no one would see her naked picture and then we all might forget about her for a day.
Again, she's not stupid.
Next year, all women around the world can use this day to follow her path by embracing their birthday suit. To hell with burning bras. Let's take off all our clothes, post our naked bodies everywhere, prance around and let the titties breath. We'll run through fields with dandelion crowns nestled in our long hair. We'll throw parties with fondue and drink wine and share beauty tips. Because on International Women's Day, we should make sure that everyone knows that we're women. Here's our God given nakedness to prove it.
Oh, yeah, and we want equality and all that shit...
And then, on International Men's Day (November 19), the men can do the same thing. I don't know about you, but I'd be more than willing to see a socked Channing Tatum. Of course, he's also not afraid to show off his body either. Or make a movie where he gyrates and strips. In the name of equality, let's make sure to sling the term "slut shaming" at all those that are offended by a disrobed Channing Tatum.
In all honesty, I don't think International Women's Day is a real thing. I don't think Kim Kardashian made it better or worse. I don't think the "haters" that made such clever observances promoted the shaming of women.
Is gender inequality a thing? Yes. Is it important for a woman to feel proud of herself, her brain, her appearance - not just physical, but the appearance she projects into the world? Yes. The websites, world leaders, hashtags and celebrity nudes won't make one fucking difference in that aspect. Posting quotes about strong women won't change the mind of the economy and start handing out promotions or wage increases. It won't stop the slut shaming and the "weaker sex" mentality.
Am I a strong woman? You bet I am. Why? Because I was raised that way. I was surrounded by strong women, raised by strong women, told that I was a strong woman. Not just by the women, but by the men. The men I grew up with respected women. I always knew that women were equal - if not superior - to men.
And that can't be captured in a picture - sans clothing or not.
I get it. Kim Kardashian needs to be naked to feel powerful. That doesn't bother me, and it shouldn't bother you. Good for her. I hope that my girls will be able to look at their naked bodies and feel comfortable. I hope they will know that their strength comes from the inside and is shown in how they think, speak, and treat others.
What is a powerful woman? What will change the world? I don't think it can be defined. I think it means a lot of different things and can be seen in a lot of different ways. I don't think one single declaration will change the world.
The world is changed every day, by every woman. Naked or not.
Ooh! And we get to celebrate with wine! And let's make cupcakes! Happy International Women's Day!
...
According to www.internationalwomensday.com, on Tuesday, March 8, all women, men, children, international leaders, and cyborgs are to "Celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. Yet let's also be aware progress has slowed in many places across the world, so urgent action is needed to accelerate gender parity. Leaders across the world are pledging to take action as champions of gender parity."
Can I just note the irony that only 2 of the 7 leaders are women? Not that you need ovaries to champion gender parity for women, but... ya' know. Oh, and parity means "the state or condition of being equal, especially regarding status or pay." Also known as bitches wanna get paid.
Adding to the glory were, of course, the celebrity posts. Like from Kim Kardashian, who posted a nude (but censored) photo. In a surprise move, the internet lost it's shit, apparently forgetting the other 8,657 nude photos of Ms. Kardashian.
I have so many questions. So many. I want to sit Ms. Kardashian down and ask her questions just to see what falls out of her mouth. Then I want to get her drunk and hear the truth.
Let's not forget that this is a woman who has built a billion dollar entertainment industry on nothing. Literally, nothing. This talent has propelled her entire family into Hollywood gold as well. Every month, there is a new story. The Kardashian family has managed to remain at the top of our internet searches and "reality" TV fodder for at least the last 10 years. Despite the inability of Kim to keep her clothes on, she is anything but stupid.
The result of being able to put herself out there (pun intended) is that she is an easy target and a delectable one at that. This means, naturally, people hate her. A lot of people. A lot of opinionated, vocal, hilarious people. This is why we are always excited when a new Kim Nudie comes out. We don't care about the picture. We want to hear what people can come up with this time.
This time did not disappoint. Bette Midler took to Twitter, made an excellent point, and the lines were drawn. Some have said that Midler and other celebrities criticized the reality diva, Ms. Kardashian herself deeming the comments as "slut shaming." In their defense, the criticism was simple and fun joking.
Like I said, so many questions...
First, I just want to point out that a nude selfie plastered all over social media may not help the women's movement. However, in the modern and accepting time that is 2016, Kim is following the trend of using her sexuality to claim her empowerment. In a statement, Kim explained, "I am empowered by my body. I am empowered by my sexuality. I am empowered by feeling comfortable in my skin. I am empowered by showing the world my flaws and not being afraid of what anyone is going to say about me. And I hope that through this platform I have been given, I can encourage the same empowerment for girls and women all over the world."
Alright. Tatas and hoochie are empowering. I get it. Really. I do. It's a good statement. Clearly, Kim is comfortable in her skin. Also, clearly, skin sells and she's made a lot of money from it. For her, that means shedding all clothing at every chance possible. She's popular, and I have no doubt that she will inspire other women to be comfortable in their skin, embrace their flaws, and not be afraid of what people say.
If that's true, you'd think she'd have a tougher skin and ignore what people say. Then again, if she did that, there would be no Twitter feuds and no one would need to search for what people said and then no one would see her naked picture and then we all might forget about her for a day.
Again, she's not stupid.
Next year, all women around the world can use this day to follow her path by embracing their birthday suit. To hell with burning bras. Let's take off all our clothes, post our naked bodies everywhere, prance around and let the titties breath. We'll run through fields with dandelion crowns nestled in our long hair. We'll throw parties with fondue and drink wine and share beauty tips. Because on International Women's Day, we should make sure that everyone knows that we're women. Here's our God given nakedness to prove it.
Oh, yeah, and we want equality and all that shit...
And then, on International Men's Day (November 19), the men can do the same thing. I don't know about you, but I'd be more than willing to see a socked Channing Tatum. Of course, he's also not afraid to show off his body either. Or make a movie where he gyrates and strips. In the name of equality, let's make sure to sling the term "slut shaming" at all those that are offended by a disrobed Channing Tatum.
In all honesty, I don't think International Women's Day is a real thing. I don't think Kim Kardashian made it better or worse. I don't think the "haters" that made such clever observances promoted the shaming of women.
Is gender inequality a thing? Yes. Is it important for a woman to feel proud of herself, her brain, her appearance - not just physical, but the appearance she projects into the world? Yes. The websites, world leaders, hashtags and celebrity nudes won't make one fucking difference in that aspect. Posting quotes about strong women won't change the mind of the economy and start handing out promotions or wage increases. It won't stop the slut shaming and the "weaker sex" mentality.
Am I a strong woman? You bet I am. Why? Because I was raised that way. I was surrounded by strong women, raised by strong women, told that I was a strong woman. Not just by the women, but by the men. The men I grew up with respected women. I always knew that women were equal - if not superior - to men.
And that can't be captured in a picture - sans clothing or not.
I get it. Kim Kardashian needs to be naked to feel powerful. That doesn't bother me, and it shouldn't bother you. Good for her. I hope that my girls will be able to look at their naked bodies and feel comfortable. I hope they will know that their strength comes from the inside and is shown in how they think, speak, and treat others.
What is a powerful woman? What will change the world? I don't think it can be defined. I think it means a lot of different things and can be seen in a lot of different ways. I don't think one single declaration will change the world.
The world is changed every day, by every woman. Naked or not.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
The Great Want
About a month ago, I decided to take a break from the world, a sabbatical. I deactivated my Facebook account, deleted my blog, took a long dive off the edge of the earth. I wasn't happy. I needed to refocus. I needed to recenter myself. I was feeling a little worthless, like the world was against me at every turn. I was sad, angry, and selfish. I simply couldn't understand why I wasn't getting what I wanted - what I deserved. I'm a good person! I do good things! Look at all the good things I've done! Where is my reward?! I threw myself an epic pity party and was righteously pissed when no one showed up. So I did what I don't normally do - I sat, pouted, waited, threw fits to get attention. Look at me! Look how terrible my life is! Someone fix it for me!
Well... no one came to fix it.
Turns out, the only person that could fix it was too busy being mad at the world. Why? Why wasn't my life going the way I wanted it to? Why was this happening to me? Why was the world so ignorant to my needs?
Then the epiphany came...
The world doesn't need me. It doesn't need my thoughts, my opinions, my words. It can go on without me, none the worse or better. BUT - I need the world. I need to think. I need to feel. I need to learn. It's empowering, knowing you need something that doesn't need you back. In my world of chaos, it's refreshing to not be needed. My only purpose in the world is to GIVE, not receive. It owes me nothing and in return, I don't owe it anything, either. Instead, I CHOOSE to give what I want to. I can choose to give it good or I can choose to give it bad, but that choice reflects only on me. That choice impacts the people I love and those that love me. It doesn't do a damn thing to the world as a whole.
What this led me to realize is that my world is small. Yes, in this globetrotting, international business dominated, news traveling in a flash orb, my world is small. It is small, but important, and I am important to it. I am important to my family, my friends, my community. I can be important for good reasons or bad, and I am no more important than the next person.
But even this small world doesn't need me. It WANTS me. I found this out when I took that unannounced break and red flags sprang up all over.
It doesn't NEED my cynical face, my rants, or my raised eyebrow full of suspicion. It wants my kindness, my ability to see things from another point of view, and my knack for making people think.
Sometimes, we lose our place in the world. Sometimes, we forget what our world is, what it means to us, and who lives in it.
What don't I need or want from my world? Approval. Acceptance. A "good reputation." That's too much pressure to please everyone. It doesn't change who I am or how I think. I am who I am. Take it or leave it. The change is that how you treat me won't determine how I treat you. I'll still show you kindness, help you when you need it, speak only the good things or nothing at all. I'll learn my lessons and move on.
I woke up today and for the first time in a long time, I was happy. I had a list of things in my head that I wanted to do, not what I had to do. I wasn't sad, hopeless, or full of anger. I wanted to do better and be better. I felt like I had my world back, my rose colored glasses firmly in place, the understanding that my world doesn't NEED me but it WANTS me. That I have a place firmly planted in it.
The beautiful part is that it's wanted me all along. I just had to allow myself to be wanted.
Well... no one came to fix it.
Turns out, the only person that could fix it was too busy being mad at the world. Why? Why wasn't my life going the way I wanted it to? Why was this happening to me? Why was the world so ignorant to my needs?
Then the epiphany came...
The world doesn't need me. It doesn't need my thoughts, my opinions, my words. It can go on without me, none the worse or better. BUT - I need the world. I need to think. I need to feel. I need to learn. It's empowering, knowing you need something that doesn't need you back. In my world of chaos, it's refreshing to not be needed. My only purpose in the world is to GIVE, not receive. It owes me nothing and in return, I don't owe it anything, either. Instead, I CHOOSE to give what I want to. I can choose to give it good or I can choose to give it bad, but that choice reflects only on me. That choice impacts the people I love and those that love me. It doesn't do a damn thing to the world as a whole.
What this led me to realize is that my world is small. Yes, in this globetrotting, international business dominated, news traveling in a flash orb, my world is small. It is small, but important, and I am important to it. I am important to my family, my friends, my community. I can be important for good reasons or bad, and I am no more important than the next person.
But even this small world doesn't need me. It WANTS me. I found this out when I took that unannounced break and red flags sprang up all over.
It doesn't NEED my cynical face, my rants, or my raised eyebrow full of suspicion. It wants my kindness, my ability to see things from another point of view, and my knack for making people think.
Sometimes, we lose our place in the world. Sometimes, we forget what our world is, what it means to us, and who lives in it.
What don't I need or want from my world? Approval. Acceptance. A "good reputation." That's too much pressure to please everyone. It doesn't change who I am or how I think. I am who I am. Take it or leave it. The change is that how you treat me won't determine how I treat you. I'll still show you kindness, help you when you need it, speak only the good things or nothing at all. I'll learn my lessons and move on.
I woke up today and for the first time in a long time, I was happy. I had a list of things in my head that I wanted to do, not what I had to do. I wasn't sad, hopeless, or full of anger. I wanted to do better and be better. I felt like I had my world back, my rose colored glasses firmly in place, the understanding that my world doesn't NEED me but it WANTS me. That I have a place firmly planted in it.
The beautiful part is that it's wanted me all along. I just had to allow myself to be wanted.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Full Term: The Witchhunt for Planned Parenthood Continues
Last summer, The Center for Medical Progress released a video - on YouTube - of "PLANNED PARENTHOOD’S TOP DOCTOR, PRAISED BY CEO, USES PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTIONS TO SELL BABY PARTS."
I wrote about it then. You can see that little ditty here.
At that time, my thoughts were: 1) The Center for Medical Progress wasn't a trustworthy source. 2) There was no concrete evidence in the heavily edited video. 3) It was all a political stunt. 4) An investigation needed to happen.
Well... I don't mean to toot my own horn, but.... HONK FRICKEN' HONK HONK.
In September, a month after the video was released, the Republican driven U.S. House of Representatives gave into conservatives threatening to shut down the government by passing a bill that would strip the funding for Planned Parenthood for a year. The move was simultaneous with the consideration to create a special committee to investigate the allegations against Planned Parenthood. This means politicians took this video as fact and claimed Planned Parenthood guilty before having any chance of being proven innocent. Sounds pretty American to me.
For the record, I'm going to remove the facet of pro-choice or pro-life or whatever other stances there are on abortion. I'm also going to remove the political facet of it. Even with those two (major) factors removed, the act of moving to completely defund an organization based on a YouTube video, without any sort of investigation at all, doesn't make sense. Hang first, ask questions later. And yet, it gained overwhelming political and social support.
This move was explained by a Republican Representative from Tennessee as common sense since apparently Americans have stated for a long time that they don't want abortion funded by federal dollars. I'm just gonna leave that little tidbit right there to simmer for a minute...
Side Note: One of the bills passed would have taken any of the funding Planned Parenthood received and redirected it to clinics that don't offer abortions. That's a pretty clear statement on choosing a side. {Also, dear government, unless you're going to find a way to make me not bleed and turn into a rabid werewolf with a murderous need for chocolate each month, get out of my uterus.}
It seemed like a slam dunk for Republicans. They (dare I say it?) staged a witch hunt and were ready to execute. Then comes President Obama, who decided to go against popular opinion and stick up for the justice system by vowing to veto any such bill that crossed his desk.
The bills hit the wayside as the Republicans decided to focus on different political issues. As promised, a committee was created by House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), consisting of eight members, all Republicans. The process of the investigation can be read on the GOP's government website, here. It's pretty interesting, albeit boring. I particularly liked one of the entries for September 9 where "The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing entitled, “Planned Parenthood Exposed: Examining the Horrific Abortion Practices at the Nation’s Largest Abortion Provider.”" Whew. Good. Here I was all worried that they wouldn't be practical and open minded and actually investigate if there was any wrong doing and instead just continue manipulating their power to get the outcome they want for political and financial reasons. Glad the justice system dodged that bullet...
Seriously.
More ammo was needed, however, as during this "investigation," the media had somewhat forgotten about the atrocity that is Planned Parenthood. I mean, after all, Kimye had another baby and the Democrats were on the up and up in the debates and campaign. Hilary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are political media gold, spreading warm thoughts and feelings like hippie fairy dust across the nation.
The Republicans got their wish when, on November 27, Robert Dear walked into a Planned Parenthood facility in Colorado Springs and opened fire. Three people were killed, including a police officer, and nine others injured. His reasons? Religion and to protect the babies. Too bad he's currently undergoing mental competency evaluations. That could have been one hell of a political endorsement speech.
Before Dear was even seen in court, Senate Republicans were again voting to defund Planned Parenthood based on the tragedy in Colorado. Because it's human nature to turn every negative into a positive.
Which begs the question of how human they are and at what point they had to sell their souls.
But I digress.
Eleven states also held their own investigations, including Texas. In a small victory this week, a grand jury in Texas cleared Planned Parenthood of any wrong doing. Instead, they accused The Center for Medical Progress of tampering with government records. The founder, David Daleiden, was also charged with buying human organs. Apparently, he's been posing as BioMax for years and trying to buy baby parts from Planned Parenthood, which the organization has previously called disturbing and never responded to.
He defends his actions as using the same undercover techniques used by journalists for years. Which is weird because no where does it mention that he used to work for Fox News. Or CNN.
Out of the eleven states holding investigations, nine have determined that Planned Parenthood is innocent. Two other states are still investigating.
Nine states have independently found that Planned Parenthood has done none of which they are being accused. Meanwhile, the government committee that is supposed to uphold justice for the better of the American people is trying to take away their funding while holding seminars about exposing the horrific abortion practices.
Just to review: 1) The Center for Medical Progress isn't a trustworthy source, as documented in a court of law by their investigative practices and the fact that they have been charged with the very illegal activity that they targeted Planned Parenthood for. 2) There is no concrete evidence in the heavily edited video, confirmed by preliminary investigations into the practices of Planned Parenthood on both the federal and state levels. 3) It is all a political stunt. Because really, using a shooting by a religious maniac to tout your political stance on abortion is repulsive. However, good luck in the next term since you'll probably be voted into office again.
The other good news in all of this? People are standing up for Planned Parenthood. People are voicing their opinions, with words and positive actions. We're making our voices heard. We're using our brains and listening to the facts. We're asking questions and making sure things are done right. Does this mean that Planned Parenthood is completely innocent? Maybe not. There are still ongoing investigations. In reality, this issue will most likely never be solved because the root cause - abortion - isn't a factual topic, but a moral and spiritual one. You can't fight a person on their moral and spiritual beliefs. There is no right or wrong answer with that one.
It is easier, however, when political corruption and financial kickbacks aren't involved.
Oh good, I did say that out loud.
I wrote about it then. You can see that little ditty here.
At that time, my thoughts were: 1) The Center for Medical Progress wasn't a trustworthy source. 2) There was no concrete evidence in the heavily edited video. 3) It was all a political stunt. 4) An investigation needed to happen.
Well... I don't mean to toot my own horn, but.... HONK FRICKEN' HONK HONK.
In September, a month after the video was released, the Republican driven U.S. House of Representatives gave into conservatives threatening to shut down the government by passing a bill that would strip the funding for Planned Parenthood for a year. The move was simultaneous with the consideration to create a special committee to investigate the allegations against Planned Parenthood. This means politicians took this video as fact and claimed Planned Parenthood guilty before having any chance of being proven innocent. Sounds pretty American to me.
For the record, I'm going to remove the facet of pro-choice or pro-life or whatever other stances there are on abortion. I'm also going to remove the political facet of it. Even with those two (major) factors removed, the act of moving to completely defund an organization based on a YouTube video, without any sort of investigation at all, doesn't make sense. Hang first, ask questions later. And yet, it gained overwhelming political and social support.
This move was explained by a Republican Representative from Tennessee as common sense since apparently Americans have stated for a long time that they don't want abortion funded by federal dollars. I'm just gonna leave that little tidbit right there to simmer for a minute...
Side Note: One of the bills passed would have taken any of the funding Planned Parenthood received and redirected it to clinics that don't offer abortions. That's a pretty clear statement on choosing a side. {Also, dear government, unless you're going to find a way to make me not bleed and turn into a rabid werewolf with a murderous need for chocolate each month, get out of my uterus.}
It seemed like a slam dunk for Republicans. They (dare I say it?) staged a witch hunt and were ready to execute. Then comes President Obama, who decided to go against popular opinion and stick up for the justice system by vowing to veto any such bill that crossed his desk.
The bills hit the wayside as the Republicans decided to focus on different political issues. As promised, a committee was created by House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), consisting of eight members, all Republicans. The process of the investigation can be read on the GOP's government website, here. It's pretty interesting, albeit boring. I particularly liked one of the entries for September 9 where "The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing entitled, “Planned Parenthood Exposed: Examining the Horrific Abortion Practices at the Nation’s Largest Abortion Provider.”" Whew. Good. Here I was all worried that they wouldn't be practical and open minded and actually investigate if there was any wrong doing and instead just continue manipulating their power to get the outcome they want for political and financial reasons. Glad the justice system dodged that bullet...
Seriously.
More ammo was needed, however, as during this "investigation," the media had somewhat forgotten about the atrocity that is Planned Parenthood. I mean, after all, Kimye had another baby and the Democrats were on the up and up in the debates and campaign. Hilary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are political media gold, spreading warm thoughts and feelings like hippie fairy dust across the nation.
The Republicans got their wish when, on November 27, Robert Dear walked into a Planned Parenthood facility in Colorado Springs and opened fire. Three people were killed, including a police officer, and nine others injured. His reasons? Religion and to protect the babies. Too bad he's currently undergoing mental competency evaluations. That could have been one hell of a political endorsement speech.
Before Dear was even seen in court, Senate Republicans were again voting to defund Planned Parenthood based on the tragedy in Colorado. Because it's human nature to turn every negative into a positive.
Which begs the question of how human they are and at what point they had to sell their souls.
But I digress.
Eleven states also held their own investigations, including Texas. In a small victory this week, a grand jury in Texas cleared Planned Parenthood of any wrong doing. Instead, they accused The Center for Medical Progress of tampering with government records. The founder, David Daleiden, was also charged with buying human organs. Apparently, he's been posing as BioMax for years and trying to buy baby parts from Planned Parenthood, which the organization has previously called disturbing and never responded to.
He defends his actions as using the same undercover techniques used by journalists for years. Which is weird because no where does it mention that he used to work for Fox News. Or CNN.
Out of the eleven states holding investigations, nine have determined that Planned Parenthood is innocent. Two other states are still investigating.
Nine states have independently found that Planned Parenthood has done none of which they are being accused. Meanwhile, the government committee that is supposed to uphold justice for the better of the American people is trying to take away their funding while holding seminars about exposing the horrific abortion practices.
Just to review: 1) The Center for Medical Progress isn't a trustworthy source, as documented in a court of law by their investigative practices and the fact that they have been charged with the very illegal activity that they targeted Planned Parenthood for. 2) There is no concrete evidence in the heavily edited video, confirmed by preliminary investigations into the practices of Planned Parenthood on both the federal and state levels. 3) It is all a political stunt. Because really, using a shooting by a religious maniac to tout your political stance on abortion is repulsive. However, good luck in the next term since you'll probably be voted into office again.
The other good news in all of this? People are standing up for Planned Parenthood. People are voicing their opinions, with words and positive actions. We're making our voices heard. We're using our brains and listening to the facts. We're asking questions and making sure things are done right. Does this mean that Planned Parenthood is completely innocent? Maybe not. There are still ongoing investigations. In reality, this issue will most likely never be solved because the root cause - abortion - isn't a factual topic, but a moral and spiritual one. You can't fight a person on their moral and spiritual beliefs. There is no right or wrong answer with that one.
It is easier, however, when political corruption and financial kickbacks aren't involved.
Oh good, I did say that out loud.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Loch Ness Mommy
I visited the doctor yesterday. Not just any doctor. A specialist. A gastroenterologist.
A little background: colon and rectal cancers run in my family. Well, all cancers fun in my family, but that one has the highest prevalence. {I was going to make a joke about a death count and relate it to George R.R. Martin, but realized that not all will appreciate my dark humor as a coping method. You're either welcome or I'm sorry.}
Anyway, it strikes young in my family, and I have three beautiful babies to think about. I take my digestive health seriously.
Not serious enough. Apparently, I don't take any part of my health serious enough. While I knew that it most likely wasn't anything serious to be worried about, I still wanted to check it out. Turns out I simply don't take care of myself.
Huh. A stay-at-home mother to three littles who doesn't eat enough, doesn't drink enough fluids, doesn't sleep enough and has too much stress in her life. Who woulda thunk....
Here's the deal: I'm not important. That has been my mantra all my life. My children, husband, family, and friends all come before me. I'm okay with that. I carve out time for myself when needed. I do little things for myself when I feel like it. This has always been enough for me.
My tummy, however, disagrees. Loudly. Uncomfortably. In a life-impacting way.
I'm tired, all the time. I don't want to eat because it means I have to 1) stop what I'm doing, 2) hide and scarf it down in record time before my absence is noticed, or 3) share my food and therefore only eat about half. I don't drink anything besides cold coffee. No, not iced. Cold. As in, it's been sitting in a cup next to the coffee maker for the last 30 minutes, just waiting. I could microwave it. Again. But I don't have an entire minute to stand and wait for coffee, so I drink it cold. Yum.
I'm running all day long, whether I leave the house or not. I'm constantly cleaning, doing, catering.
I know, this is of no surprise to anyone. This is the life, the one I chose. No complaining, honestly. Like I said, I always find little pockets of time for myself and little ways to treat myself. I don't need much.
I didn't, anyway. Now, on doctor's orders, I need to start taking care of myself. Focusing on myself.
Not sure if I know how to do that.
I woke up with a mantra in my head this morning: I AM IMPORTANT.
I've always known this, not always felt it. It's easy to get caught up in the daily service of others. I know I'm important in the aspect that if I don't do something, it might not get done. The well oiled machine I have created might have a little setback. No, it won't break down and life will go on just fine. At least, I think so, but why take the chance?
The problem is that I've built all this pressure on myself. Others didn't do that to me. I did. I became crazy with my own power and began believing that if I faltered for even one second, the world would crash.
I'm not the only with this delusion, right? RIGHT?!?!
Phew. Breath. I AM IMPORTANT. Important enough to ME. Not just to others.
This might be the hardest thing I've ever done.
I already feel selfish for buying special cereal that the kids can't eat and then using the milk they love so much to eat said cereal.
Because I'm a mom and we feel guilty about shit like that...
I'll start, one day at a time. I'll eat when I get hungry. I'll drink more water and milk. I'll take some time for myself every day. Isn't this what a person is supposed to do, anyway? Have I ever done this? Did I just stop or is it like the Loch Ness Monster where everyone knows about it but no one has actually seen it? Do I just say that I do these things but they never really happen?
Probably.
Definitely.
Ugh. I hate change.
But I hate gas and constipation more. {TMI? Sorry, I'm a mom. I think it's normal to talk about poop.}
I am important.
Whether I fully believe that or on what level it's accepted is debatable. However, I will eat more. I will drink more fluids. At least for today.
We'll see about tomorrow.
A little background: colon and rectal cancers run in my family. Well, all cancers fun in my family, but that one has the highest prevalence. {I was going to make a joke about a death count and relate it to George R.R. Martin, but realized that not all will appreciate my dark humor as a coping method. You're either welcome or I'm sorry.}
Anyway, it strikes young in my family, and I have three beautiful babies to think about. I take my digestive health seriously.
Not serious enough. Apparently, I don't take any part of my health serious enough. While I knew that it most likely wasn't anything serious to be worried about, I still wanted to check it out. Turns out I simply don't take care of myself.
Huh. A stay-at-home mother to three littles who doesn't eat enough, doesn't drink enough fluids, doesn't sleep enough and has too much stress in her life. Who woulda thunk....
Here's the deal: I'm not important. That has been my mantra all my life. My children, husband, family, and friends all come before me. I'm okay with that. I carve out time for myself when needed. I do little things for myself when I feel like it. This has always been enough for me.
My tummy, however, disagrees. Loudly. Uncomfortably. In a life-impacting way.
I'm tired, all the time. I don't want to eat because it means I have to 1) stop what I'm doing, 2) hide and scarf it down in record time before my absence is noticed, or 3) share my food and therefore only eat about half. I don't drink anything besides cold coffee. No, not iced. Cold. As in, it's been sitting in a cup next to the coffee maker for the last 30 minutes, just waiting. I could microwave it. Again. But I don't have an entire minute to stand and wait for coffee, so I drink it cold. Yum.
I'm running all day long, whether I leave the house or not. I'm constantly cleaning, doing, catering.
I know, this is of no surprise to anyone. This is the life, the one I chose. No complaining, honestly. Like I said, I always find little pockets of time for myself and little ways to treat myself. I don't need much.
I didn't, anyway. Now, on doctor's orders, I need to start taking care of myself. Focusing on myself.
Not sure if I know how to do that.
I woke up with a mantra in my head this morning: I AM IMPORTANT.
I've always known this, not always felt it. It's easy to get caught up in the daily service of others. I know I'm important in the aspect that if I don't do something, it might not get done. The well oiled machine I have created might have a little setback. No, it won't break down and life will go on just fine. At least, I think so, but why take the chance?
The problem is that I've built all this pressure on myself. Others didn't do that to me. I did. I became crazy with my own power and began believing that if I faltered for even one second, the world would crash.
I'm not the only with this delusion, right? RIGHT?!?!
Phew. Breath. I AM IMPORTANT. Important enough to ME. Not just to others.
This might be the hardest thing I've ever done.
I already feel selfish for buying special cereal that the kids can't eat and then using the milk they love so much to eat said cereal.
Because I'm a mom and we feel guilty about shit like that...
I'll start, one day at a time. I'll eat when I get hungry. I'll drink more water and milk. I'll take some time for myself every day. Isn't this what a person is supposed to do, anyway? Have I ever done this? Did I just stop or is it like the Loch Ness Monster where everyone knows about it but no one has actually seen it? Do I just say that I do these things but they never really happen?
Probably.
Definitely.
Ugh. I hate change.
But I hate gas and constipation more. {TMI? Sorry, I'm a mom. I think it's normal to talk about poop.}
I am important.
Whether I fully believe that or on what level it's accepted is debatable. However, I will eat more. I will drink more fluids. At least for today.
We'll see about tomorrow.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
The Messy Slate
The New Year.
That magical time where everything changes. Hopes, promises, drive, and determination are renewed. The champagne overflows as we learn from the bad, celebrate the good, and make lists on how to reinvent ourselves.
It's a clean slate. A new book just waiting to be written.
And it's all bullshit.
BULLSHIT.
What if I don't want a clean slate? What's wrong with an old, used, unclean slate? What if I want my slate to remain like my house, my hair, and my life in general - messy?
What if I don't want a shiny new book? What if I want to keep the same old, boring, scribbled and scratched story? What if I have a lot more to add to the story I'm already working on?
What if I don't want to make resolutions or plans or lists for how to improve my life? What if I want to keep the same old goals that I've already been working towards? What if I (gasp!) actually like myself and all my faults and all my okay characteristics?
What if my life - and me - don't really need improving?
And DON'T say that's a resolution. That's a cop-out.
I think that 2016 will happen how it will, regardless of plans or resolutions. I think that things will happen that will be out of my control and I'll just have to deal with it. I think life will happen, just as it did last year and the year before that, regardless of what I have written on some list somewhere. I think intentions are great, but actions hold more weight, and success is a variable that constantly changes.
I don't think a certain day will change any of this, and I don't need a special holiday to help me evaluate my life. It doesn't matter to me that there is a last day of the year or a first day of a year because focusing on the first and the last draws attention away from the middle, which is just as important.
Because every day is important.
Every day is a new day, and waiting for a certain time of year to make plans and think about life and the future and what you've learned is a waste of time. The person you are on January 1st might be a completely different person on March 25th or July 30th or December 2nd. Or you might be the same. There's no way of knowing. A year is a long time. I don't even know what tomorrow will be like so why the hell do I think I can plan for the next 365 tomorrows?
I can't. So I won't. Instead, I'm just going to live them. I'm going to wake up every day and do my thing. Maybe tomorrow will be the worst day of my life. Maybe the best. Maybe it will be just another day filled with amazing moments. I don't know.
I'm just going to be thankful that I'll get to find out.
I'm going to take each day as it comes. I'm going to watch the sunrises and sunsets and not count them. I'm going to get lost in the seasons without worrying about the next one. I'm going to enjoy what I have, work for what I want, and be happy about it.
I'm going to do the same thing I've been doing. Today, tomorrow, yesterday and next year.
I'm going to keep my messy slate and make it messier.
That magical time where everything changes. Hopes, promises, drive, and determination are renewed. The champagne overflows as we learn from the bad, celebrate the good, and make lists on how to reinvent ourselves.
It's a clean slate. A new book just waiting to be written.
And it's all bullshit.
BULLSHIT.
What if I don't want a clean slate? What's wrong with an old, used, unclean slate? What if I want my slate to remain like my house, my hair, and my life in general - messy?
What if I don't want a shiny new book? What if I want to keep the same old, boring, scribbled and scratched story? What if I have a lot more to add to the story I'm already working on?
What if I don't want to make resolutions or plans or lists for how to improve my life? What if I want to keep the same old goals that I've already been working towards? What if I (gasp!) actually like myself and all my faults and all my okay characteristics?
What if my life - and me - don't really need improving?
And DON'T say that's a resolution. That's a cop-out.
I think that 2016 will happen how it will, regardless of plans or resolutions. I think that things will happen that will be out of my control and I'll just have to deal with it. I think life will happen, just as it did last year and the year before that, regardless of what I have written on some list somewhere. I think intentions are great, but actions hold more weight, and success is a variable that constantly changes.
I don't think a certain day will change any of this, and I don't need a special holiday to help me evaluate my life. It doesn't matter to me that there is a last day of the year or a first day of a year because focusing on the first and the last draws attention away from the middle, which is just as important.
Because every day is important.
Every day is a new day, and waiting for a certain time of year to make plans and think about life and the future and what you've learned is a waste of time. The person you are on January 1st might be a completely different person on March 25th or July 30th or December 2nd. Or you might be the same. There's no way of knowing. A year is a long time. I don't even know what tomorrow will be like so why the hell do I think I can plan for the next 365 tomorrows?
I can't. So I won't. Instead, I'm just going to live them. I'm going to wake up every day and do my thing. Maybe tomorrow will be the worst day of my life. Maybe the best. Maybe it will be just another day filled with amazing moments. I don't know.
I'm just going to be thankful that I'll get to find out.
I'm going to take each day as it comes. I'm going to watch the sunrises and sunsets and not count them. I'm going to get lost in the seasons without worrying about the next one. I'm going to enjoy what I have, work for what I want, and be happy about it.
I'm going to do the same thing I've been doing. Today, tomorrow, yesterday and next year.
I'm going to keep my messy slate and make it messier.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)