I’ve been away from my blog for more than two weeks because I was in an alternate universe. No, really. I got there by spaceship. I wish you could have been there. It was very intriguing.
Because in the alternate universe I visited, Barack and Michelle Obama had white skin and John McCain and Sarah Palin, along with their spouses, had black skin.
My goodness, you should have seen the change in perception by the alternate universe American people.
Instead of saying that Obama’s name was “too radical and Muslim,” the newspapers, TV and radio announcers in the alternate universe praised his name for its spiritual meaning, which is “Blessed.” They marveled at the determination and hard work it took for (white) Barack Obama to graduate at the top of his class at Harvard University. The fact that he grew up in Hawaii, was not seen as making him “too exotic and different,” but as giving him a “broader perspective on all the various lifestyles of the three hundred million American people.”
The praise for (white) Obama went on, for how he spent three years as a brilliant community organizer working to help poor people,how he created a voter voter registration drive that registered 150,000 new voters and how became President of the Harvard Law Review. (The title “First Black President of Harvard Law review had to go to some other guy, because in this alternate universe, remember, Barack Obama is white.) .
The pundits on alternate universe FOX news said that (white) Obama showed “real leadership qualities”, because he spent twelve years as a (white) Constitutional Law professor, eight years as a (white) State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, and became (white) chairman of the State Senate’s Health and Human Services committee. What an achievement of (white) Obama that he spent four years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran’s Affairs committees.
In addition, everyone on FOX agreed they were in awe of him for beating the heavily favored candidate, Hillary Clinton, and winning the Democratic nomination, while raising more money than any other Presidential candidate in history. All of these accomplishments proved that he would be “a great (white) president,” they did report, on that alternate universe FOX News.
And his family morals? They went rhapsodized about them, too. How he’s been married to the same (white) woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful (white) daughters with her. That they were “true (white) Christians,” because they did all this while attending (white) Protestant churches.
And the ‘alternate universe Katie Couric’ practically kissed the (white) Michelle Obama’s feet, because not only did (white) Michelle, just like her husband, graduate from Harvard law school, she had such “great family principles” that she gave up her position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community. And then, she even gave that up to raise her family.
“American women everywhere can identify with (white) Michelle, because she buys her clothes off the rack, puts her (white) husband and (white) kids first, and has true, down-home, (white) American values,” is what that ‘alternate universe Katie’ stated for the news cameras, while smiling her very pretty smile.
On the other hand, in that same alternate universe, the unfortunate (black) Sarah Palin, was widely criticized for being the “typical black woman who gives her children outrageous, ‘anti-American’ names, like ‘Bristol’, ‘Track’, ‘Willow’, ‘Piper’, and ‘Trig’.” The same was said for her husband’s nickname of ‘First Dude’. Way too black.
And the fact that said husband didn’t register to vote until he was twenty-five, and was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, was not ignored as it is by the media in our universe, but was being perceived as an example that he’s the “typical” black man who lacks responsibility, while at the same time, trying to lead a half-assed rebellion that would result in ethnic chaos the likes of which the country hadn’t seen since the U.S. Civil War and the race riots of the sixties.
It was described on television in that alternative universe that the American people believed that, “It was just like a Black” to eat something peculiar like ‘mooseburgers,’ and shoot wolves from an airplane. “Just like a Black” to be so shiftless and irresponsible that she attends 5 colleges in 6 years before graduating from the University of Idaho, and then tries to run for Vice-president, by saying that all this had made her “well-grounded.”
And the alternative universe Katie Couric reported that the alternate universe American people perceived (black) Sarah Palin as just the usual, nervy, “uppity” black woman to also state that even though her total resume is being a beauty queen, a sports announcer at a local TV station, then a PTA President; then serving only four years on a city council and six years as the mayor of a small town (which she left in debt), and then only 20 months as the governor of a small state, where she wasted 400 million tax dollars on a bridge that was never completed, makes her qualified to be a 72-year-old heart-beat away from the most important job in the world.
And also that, while (black) governor Sarah staunchly advocated abstinence only, with no other option for sex education in her state’s school system, her unwed (black) teenage daughter became pregnant, an “outlandish and very typical of ‘Negroes,’ thing to happen”, is what the alternate universe FOX News said.
But the most criticism by the press and the Christian Right in that alternate universe was heaved on the (black) John and Cindy McCain. “(Black) John McCain cheated on his first wife with a rich heiress. He left his disfigured wife and married that heiress the next month,” said one leading TV evangelist. “He’s no family man.”
“(Black) John McCain was knee-deep in the Keating Savings and Loan Scandal more than twenty years ago, which caused the same financial crisis then that the country is in now. Because he’s Black, he’s lying about it. Furthermore, he’s no war hero, either. In typical wasteful, Black fashion, the military lost five planes because of him, and he was shot down by the Viet Cong infantry because he couldn’t fly a plane properly,” reported The Conservative Times.
“He might have even done it on purpose, because he’s in league with terrorists. Maybe he wasn’t a prisoner of war at all. Maybe he was a spy,” that article stated.
“(Black) Cindy McCain spent three hundred thousand dollars on one outfit, and is a drug addict,” said one PTA, Christian, hockey mom in that alternative universe, “and those are not the kind of values I want passed on to my children.”
The funny thing was, with this totally different perception of facts going on in that alternate universe, the outcome of who the winner of the presidential race would be was still not so ‘black and white.’ It was still very, very close. Do you know why?
Because in the alternative universe I visited, Joe Biden, the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate running with Obama, was gay.
And, since nobody, in any universe, apparently, thinks a gay man or woman should be allowed the same inalienable rights of, “all men are created equal,” and “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” then of course, nobody would want one to be vice-president.
* Many thanks to Barry H. for forwarding much of the political information in this blog. It’s been researched and is accurate. (And I’ve just learned that a parady similar to this was presented on the Jon Stewart Show. But it is too late, I’ve just spent two hours writing it.
And many thanks to Michelle Solange for her rendition of “Black Sarah.”
Hmmm… definitely good things to think about.
Thanks, Charms, Okay,I admit it's a little overstated, but I was trying to make a point.
Oh my goodness, this is good 🙂 Excellent food for thought.
Thanks. Sarah Palin doesn't look black in my photo, though. She looks blue. I wish I had a good photoshop programme. I'm going to ask for one for Xmas. Thanks for stopping by. I'm exhausted and going to take a nap.
Enjoy that nap 🙂 Sounds like the perfect Friday afternoon to me…
Lately I've avoided the hot buttons politically and tried to focus on the real brass tacks, what people in government actually do and who wears the pants. But your post brought me back to an early post I found here written by Marc Andresson, if you don't know who Marc is then I'll be glad to enlighten you, but I take his perspective somewhat seriously. Check it out.
[هذا هو الحكم]
[هذا هو الحكم]
The truth is, I ache for a black president. Sarah's conservative politics would fit nicely into my preference for a step away from the president black candidate. The point is, I don't vote or comment on color. I do comment on track record, affiliations with criminals and literal terrorists. The links are real, and the O worship is also real since he makes claims that WE will experience an epiphany through a light shining down that we must vote for O and that the earth will be healed.Had Condi Rice been willing to run, would you have the black love for her? Not according to the blogs and comments I've been reading. Most liberals have as much spite for her as they have for Sarah (White) Palin. Your premise is faulty and if the liberal candidate was white and the conservative black, there would NOT be links to Muslim terrorists and home grown terrorists and criminals, but there would have been and has been RACIST cartoons and vile slanders against her character.
Loved it! I never really thought about it that way – especially the part about how Obama would be viewed if he were white. Scary.
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JB, this is a satire. If it didn't come across that way, I apologise. You're right that Sarah Palin is being criticised, as is Barack Obama and all the other candidates. The point was that they are not being criticised nor examined for the things that willmatter in their roles as leaders of the free world and are being judged by many very superficially. If you had a look thorugh some of my previous posts, you'd notice that I sometimes come across as liberal and other times, conservative. The truth is I'm neither. But, the fact that you took the time to write this comment is very much appreciated.
LOL That happens to me every time I use Skype. I can never seem to getthe letters to go where I want them to. Thank you very much Beauty, for your comments and for stopping by.
Sorry Patricia, I am perhaps over sensitive. I received your link as a suggestion to visit from another neighbor. I think she was interested in my take on your satire. My humor is wearing thin this late in the game. Only 32 more days to go. What I know of the candidates is pooh, poohed as the rantings of a radical conservative religious extremist. I gleefully admit that I am radical, conservative, religious and even extremist. Unfortunately, the general public relate such buzz words with killer religious fanatics, who point their noses at Mecca five times a day and claim theirs is a religion of peace. That same general public disregard the evidence and assume all religions belong in the same nuthouse or hell. I won't go into a religious rant as I have not been invited, but suffice it to say there is a world of difference between the teachings of the two most populace religions of the world.So, when I saw the hyper characterized racist stereotype of the conservative….peace, shalom, etc.,
There are are really no apologies necessary,but it was very nice of you to offer them. You said nothing in an offensive way. I always like to hear different points of view, if they are presented in a respectiful way, as yours were, because then I can keep my mind open, not get on the defensive and maybe even learn something. I had a quick look at your blog before I responded and think you have some interesting stuff there.
Can you tell me a little bit about this person? I went to the link you indicated but am a bit confused….
I never really thought about it that way – especially the part about how Obama would be viewed if he were white.
Or even, just Republican. ; )
Thank you for stopping by and leaving this comment, Margy.
Oh, My gosh- you're reading it?! I'm going to be on pins and needles wondering if you'll like it, especially because I put you in my next one!
Hey..thank you. That's very, very nice of you.
Hey Patricia! Sorry, but you couldn't have written such a perceptive piece if you were in any way conservative. To write such a piece, one has to have some empathy with those who are marginalised in society such as blacks, Hispanics, poor people, and gays. No conservative could ever write such an article. Have I offended a conservative? Sorry, but you've had it coming for the last eight years, so wear it. And point me to your equivalent post to Patricia's. All I see on your blogs is about me, me, and me in that order, and bugger everyone else!So, keep up the good work, my friend, and yes, I'll be buying your book. You didn't really think I wouldn't take the opportunity to probe your innermost secrets, did you? Well, did you?And here's to an Obama/Biden landslide! We, in the rest of the world just can't wait for that to happen. I'm getting in a supply of aged corn likker now to celebrate. I'm told it'll be almost three weeks matured by the time of the election. The good guys do win on occasion. This one is ours.
Brilliant Patricia!!!
Dear Snowy,
Your comments about me are very much appreciated. I know I have gained a friend in Australia, one who means a lot to me. But I have to confess to you I have occasionally voted Republican, and do have some what would be classified as Conservative ideas on several issues. A woman I know is staunchly Conservative and even homophobic at times. And yet, I can't dismiss her as a bad person, because she still has so many good qualities.
What I've observed about people who are so unwavering in their blinkered perspectives, whether those perspectives are one way or another, is that they are not bad people mosto fthe time, but simply, very afraid to contemplate something new, or contemplate that they may have been living by an erroneous or misguided idea.
On the other hand, I want Obama to win not for any other reason than because I have never believed for one second that Iraq was a threat to us, I have never supported the invasion there or in Afghanistan.I fervently believe thousands of lives have been wasted there, thousands ruined for no good reason. I could explain my perspective on this in great detail if anyone were to care to know.(My family has heard the whole rant, I can assure you, and they're very patient about hearing it over and over again) But it's my belief, the older I get, that all politicians, whether on "my" side or "theirs" have their own personal agenda that has nothing to do with the well-being of the people whom they've been intrusted to represent. To a greater or lesser degree they all make decisions every day that are more in their own personal best interests than our own. I don't see any true heroes, not in politics, anyway. In fact, I can only think of one true hero I know personally, and that is my own husband.
Having said all that, my son actually asked me yesterday, "What's more important to you–that your book does well, or that Obama wins the election?"' It was a very sharp question, because he knows very well, as does everyone of my friends and family, how much time and effort, sweat and tears that book took, not only to write, but to publish, and how much it means to me to make a small difference with it to someone who might read it and gain perhaps some goodness from it.
But, I tell you now, as I told him, I'd happily give it up if it meant the difference between a defeat for Obama and a win. I'm not so egocentric to assume it would ever mean that much at all to anyone except me, mind, but if it did mean that much, somehow, I would give it up to put an end to all this and gladly. That's how much the withdrawal of our troops from Iraq means to me.
But, than you for saying you're going to read it. I want you to read it because your opinion means alot.
Thank you. I very much enjoy reading your blog, too, it's extremely informative and smart. I wish you allowed comments on it.
Thank you, Lucy. I'm very glad you enjoyed it.
Damn, I sent you the whole month's archive rather than the one post that was pertinent. It's about Marc and his Wife meeting Mr Obama back in 2007.
This should be mandatory reading to anyone interested in the elections
I enjoyed reading that.
Sometimes I feel very sorry for Barack Obama; not only does he have the responsibility of rehabilitating the Presidency in the eyes of 50% of Americans and pretty much the whole of the rest of the world, but if he puts a single foot wrong he'll be letting down every single black person in America. Somehow, possibly because she was terrifyingly competent, then terrifying and then slightly mad, when Maggie Thatcher became Prime Minister the fact that she was the Iron Lady never received the recent Palin/Obamaesque level of analysis and her mistakes were her own, not all womankind's (or white-humankind's). I doubt we'll see that lack of unnecessary demographic partitioning again, even in the UK. These days, no-one can just be a good, excellent, poor or mediocre politician; they're always a symbol for a stereotype.
Hi Patricia. Yes I admit to being a blinkered liberal, but I do not classify people as good and bad according to political persuasion. I do however believe that the words that adorn my blog are true. Those words are "The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in
moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral
justification for selfishness." John Kenneth Galbraith. I see that underlying truth in every action by conservative governments around the world, with similar disastrous results for the little people. The present train wreck that is Wall St is testament to that, as is the disaster that is Iraq.I see the actions of the neocons in using 9/11 to further their imperialistic agenda in Iraq as being on a par with those of Hitler, and if those good people who support them cannot see that, then I have to call them on their sheer stupidity. It isn't some game we're playing with chess pieces. Those chess pieces are human lives. It isn't a game at all. It's literally a matter of life and death. The neocons will still hold positions of influence in a McCain/Palin government. That is why an Obama win is so essential if the world is to progress beyond the stifling selfishness of conservatism which has brought death and economic ruin to millions.
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My God. You got the point of the blog. I was starting to wonder if I should have written it differently.Thanks, Alex!
The present train wreck that is Wall St is testament to that, as is the disaster that is Iraq.I see the actions of the neocons in using 9/11 to further their imperialistic agenda in Iraq as being on a par with those of Hitler, and if those good people who support them cannot see that, then I have to call them on their sheer stupidity
I agree with all of this except the last bit- "sheer stupidity." being a headstrong, passionate individual myself, I can't imagine how anyone would be swayed to rethink any position by being called 'stupid'. If someone called me stupid, Snowy, my friend, for my passionately-held beliefs, that would only serve to make me want to prove that person wrong, or strike out at him.
By calling those stupid who are persuaded by smooth-talking politicans, you're actually criticising some of the very people you're trying to protect—the little guy.To use a sickening term that Sarah Palin used over and over again, it's 'Joe Six-pack' who is blue-collar and hardworking who mostly support this administration. Forget the upper crust Conservatives, who are indeed selfish as you say. Those are the ones who will make not millions, but billions of dollars on this bail out.But they tell the guy who gets up every mornng at seven, walks his dog, then makes a sandwich and puts it in a brown paper bag to drive to work, or more likely, take the bus or the subway to work a nine-to-five job for minimum wage, that they are protecting him from terrorists. Some are blue-collar and middle class by design, and others by lack of options. Either way, they lack the political savvy to strategise what's really happening, how a war in Iraq has anything told with a mortgage meltdown which eventually costs him to get laid-off. They can't connect the dots my friend, because they don't have the education to do it. They only know what they've heard on our very corrupt media news stations and in our very pasrtisan corrupt newspapers. They're not stupid necessarily, they are just uneducated.Then there are those who have had religion shoved down their throats since they were tiny tots, and/or who've been brought up to believe that if you take a bullet before your life has even begun for a government that is using your body as a bartering chip for more oil contracts, that you should be thankful for the opportunity, for you are helping your cause, your religion, or your country. These little people are not 'stupid'. They simply do not know what you know and because they are surrounded by others who have been taught the same as they, there are few, if any opportunities to know any differently.
With any luck fo rthem, along comes a person who maybe does know, someone like you, and wants to tell them what he knows. Well, I found when I was in the position of 'knowing' (when I was teaching,) that some of those very people (my pupils) were able to listen because I didn't call them names. Granted, there were always those who didn't want to know, but I wouldn't call them stupid either, but more like lazy. Because I came from what I consider somewhat humble beginnings myself (neither of my parents had college educations, both were blue-collar) I was one of the people who didn't know alot of what you know now. And there were those who were willing to teach me. Because they didn't call me stupid, I was willing to learn and keep my mind open.
I also knew that there was alot of wisdom that my parents were able to impart, despite the fact that they were not very educated. From that experience I concluded that you can learn from anyone, whether educated or not,whether he agrees with your perspective or not, something that can have value to you.
With that perspective, I even learned from my pupils. I had a boy in one of my highschool classes who could barely read, but he knew how to fish, because he'd been doing that since he was three with his father. He taught me how to fish and I taught him how to read.
Finally, I want to say that religion can be a very, very powerful influence, both bad and good. There is so much emotion attached to it, that sometimes people get it muddled up. There they need help again, not in becoming athiest necessarily, but in using their beliefs as a tool to benefit them and mankind rather than destroy both. And you know, that can happen. Good can come from spiritual beliefs and a belief in a God.
I hope you know I point this out with great respect for you. But, the one thing I object to that's going on, which is destoying us all, especially in this country now, is that people have forgotten that we are all Americans here in the United Sates, whether Conservative or Liberal, and we are all citizens of one very small planet. With that always in my mind is how I like to approach people and talk with people.
: ) Mrs. Peel it is with great joy and friendship that I point out that it seems you are looking forward to this book almost as much as I was! I thank you so much for this vote of confidence in my work, and a soon as all the selling part of the book gets under way, now that's it's finished, I can't wait and sit down to complete the next one with you in it as one of my main characters! You can be sure I'll be phoning you up for research purposes! I might even have to pay a visit and declare it as a necessary business expense. ; D
Thank you adn thanks for stopping by. (I like King Lear, too by the way.)
This was a very interesting post and a very interesting guy. I love his first paragraph, especially. I have to try to get an introduction to him somehow.
Thanks for this, T.
That's quite a compliment, Blue-Cat. Thank you. I can think of a number of things people should be reading before they vote, not least of all, some good economics books! Thanks for stopping by.
I chose my words carefully, Patricia, in full knowledge that there would be some who would be offended by them. I no longer care. I've tried the softly, softly approach with little, or no, effect on the attitudes of those who march to the beat of the "selfish conservative" drum. If it becomes a choice between offending those people or speaking for the rights of this woman then I'm sorry. It is no contest so far as I am concerned.I am however aware that my words may provoke a response from those I criticise, and for that you have my apology. I will not do you the discourtesy of hijacking your blog in order to respond to them.
Yes, I read her blog and it's a horrible tragedy and a shameful misconduct on the part of this administration what we've done there and what we've done to our young soldiers. Also, keep in mind that my blog is always at your disposal and you can say whatever you like on it to whomever you like. Because "my house is your house." So no worries there, nor apologies necessary, at all.I just thought you should know that this woman and this man are both Christian Conservative, and though I don't agree with their perspective on abortion rights, gay rights, the war in Iraq, John McCain, or Sarah Palin, if you read their blogs, they are very caring people, good writers, too, and I know it's not selfishness that drives them to believe what they do.
One more thing- did you see the new photo Michelle sent me for this blog? Sarah looks pretty with a tan, doesn't she? I'll bet she doesn't get much chance to sunbathe in Alaska. Maybe that's the trouble. There's nothing like the sun (and some good corn liquor) to heal whatever ails ya. Darn right, you guys! ; )
I'll stay away from personalities but I do wonder how often Christian Conservatives read Riverbend's blog. She hasn't posted for over a year now, so we don't know if she is dead or alive. I don't recall any posts from caring conservatives expressing any concern for her wellbeing. Yet they assure us that the invasion of Iraq was for the benefit of Iraqis. Really?I make no comment on anyone's religious belief which is a personal matter. I am enraged though when people such as Palin make the outrageous cliam that "God told us to go into Iraq". I didn't notice any calls for prayers for Riverbend, or other Iraqis for that matter. It beggars belief that anyone could seriously entertain the possibility that this brain dead hypocrite may one day have her finger on the "nucular" button. To me, that's just plain stupid.
You know, I've been called a sinner for being gay, from a very caring individual. They believe I am going to hell because I am making the wrong choice and that I should find myself a cure for being born as someone who is attracted to the same sex. Being gay is as cureable as a missing finger; there are simply no prosthetics for sexual orientation. The fact that this 'caring' person viewed me as sub-standard in their book and the fact that they placed judgement themselves when their own bible tells them to leave that up to their god, tells me this person is self righteous despite their 'caring'. Maybe their just reciting what they think their god is going to do– o.k., sure. I appreciate the wonderful caring people around me, and don't get me wrong, I believe there is good in everyone. However, when that caring comes in the form of religous pitty or condescention, I have no time or want of it. When someone disagrees with fundamental human equality (equality for couples regarldess of sex), I suppose I don't really care how caring they are are– in the end, it seems like their caring is lip service. Anyways, perhaps I am being harsh, perhaps I'm used to living in a country where government is less concerned with religion. In the end, I would rather die with my heart in tact than pierced by another's false caring, hipocrisy, and self righteous indignation.
ps – I'm glad you liked my tanned Palin. It was quick and fun since I'm not doing a lot of graphics work at the moment. 🙂 x
Yes, I did notice the new photo. All she needs now is a brain transplant.
Sorry, wrong link to Palin God told us to go into Iraq. Try this one.
I agree with this. Completely.
What do we do when people are one hundred percent convinced that being gay is a choice? What do we do when they have been told this since they were children? What do we do when possibly the reason they say those things is because they themselves are gay and really and truly are afraid, no- terrified that they are going to hell? Or too scared to admit they are gay because their families will desert them or ostracise them? You and Snowy both bring up all good points and have a right to be disappointed and angry, but exactly the point of this post is that things are not always black and white. There are lot sof people who are judging Obama because he is Black and lots who are not voting for him for other reasons. There are those who have been so brainwashed, to believe certain things, so damaged, that it's very difficult to change. But just being angry will not fix the problem. A lot of these confused values people hold is because they themselves are scared and confused, but not necessarily evil.
I saw this on vid. No need to see this again. It's awful. Snowy, I hear your anger, but you miss my point. We are angry at the wrong people. It's the education and parenting people get that is at fault for their weaknesses and insecurites, and blinkered persepctives. The politicans, priests, anyone in power, play into that.It's them I'm angry at, because they use their positions of respect to gain power and to manipulate. As a result, many of these conservative 'Christians' that you despise are just as much victim as a fundamentalist Muslim is a victim. It's only thanks to the pollies that they both end up dead and the pollies end up with more money in their pockets. With my posts, I try to get people to think out of whatever box they think in, that's all. I'm glad you're reading my book, because when you do, you'll see why I feel so strongly about this, and about how education and experience can make such a remarkable change from a person's upbringing and perspective. Though I never believed most of the things I hear spouted from the mouths of pundits, I was under other false impressions when I was younger. They affected my entire life and many of my decisions greatly. I was able to grow and change.Those who met me thirty years ago, would say I am a very different person now than I was then. If I had been condemned then, instead of educated by those who decided to take the time to show me because they thought I was worth the time, I would have felt such resentment that I would not have listened to anything they had to say. And I wouldn't have grown and changed. And I wouldn't be the person you like now. I knowi n my heart that my current husband would have not been interested in the woman I was then. Funny thing is, I wouldn't have recognised him back then for what he is, either. I'm lucky that I got the opportunity to grow and change. I got away from the insular, the xenophobic, the ethnocentric, the depressed, and the religiously fanatical. It was hard work to become the person I am now. That's why I don't like to turn my back on anyone unless absolutely necessary, in the hopes that there is still a chance to communicate. I have only ever walked away when it was an absolute must and I did so with a heavy heart and not before leaving no stone unturned. Just being right is not enough. Much much better to be understood, or at least, respected enough that even in not understanding one another, we can let each other live in peace.
but exactly the point of this post is that things are not always black and whiteI get a mention so I guess it's OK to respond here, with apologies to Michelley-Shell.Maybe some things aren't always black and white, Patricia, but that is no excuse for not stating our truth. We see supposedly caring people treating gays with utter contempt for no other reason than they differ in their sexual orientation. Do we pussyfoot around, afraid of hurting their feelings, or do we clearly state our repugnance to this ignorance, if for no other reason than it is repugnant to tolerant people? By our silence we allow them to think we agree with them, and that is moral cowardice. At my age I refuse to remain silent, even if I ruffle a few feathers in the process. Those feathers needed to be ruffled.
I sincerely doubt anyone can accuse me of being silent. I state my truth emphatically. But two wrongs don't make a right, I won't do it by calling people names, because it only brings me down to their level.
I find nothing to disagree with here, Patrcica, so maybe we're talking at cross purposes. I agree that the masses are subject to an ongoing campaign by media outlets, right wing shock jocks, public relations organisations and religious proselytisers to gain control of their minds. That many of us have eventually worked our way through that brainwashing process is satisfying, but it has been a long hard process. I don't see any tolerance in the above organisations for a differing opinion. I see no shades of grey. Conservatives have shown no tolerance to liberal viewpoints, and it has worked for them. In fact, liberals have been cowered by the relentless right wing machine into now calling themselves "progressives". I think it's high time that liberals shouted their truths from the rooftops in defiance of the conservative narrative of selfishness. I'll continue to do speak my truth. And no, I wasn't implying in my last comment that you weren't. I'm not that stupid. ;o)
I believe that sometimes a little anger is healthy. As long as it's managed. Anger is part of the fuel-mix of passion. Many of the greatest benefits to humanity would not have taken effect without that vital ingredient. Even Ghandi became angry at times– it is human to experience this emotion. Without it, we are prone to apathy and an apathetic populous is a dangerous thing. Apathy is the ally of the governing bodies as it ensures ultimate control.
Anyways, you are absolutely correct, nothing is black and white, I would not contest that ever. I was replying to your comment "if you read their blogs, they are very caring people, good writers, too, and I know it's not selfishness that drives them to believe what they do." My point may not apply to the people you mentioned, but it was that it is possible to be caring and still marginalise people… and that governments should not be in the business of marginalising people when the reason for a rule is because the bible said it to be so, uh-uh… no way… everyone has a different religion in this world. To think that one set of rules based mainly from one old book is a good enough reason to marginalise people, kill people in other countries, or control the rights of a raped woman to have an abortion… well that *is* in fact selfish ad near sigthed.
And I agree with all of this, too. Emphatically. I hope you and Snowy did not get the impression I did not. I also get angry. But lashing out in anger never did me any good, never accomplished what I wanted it to, it only served to weaken my argument and put the other person on the defensive, or the attack. It's like playing right into someone's hands if they are as bad as they come across. If they're not as bad as they come across, it doesn;t help either. If we maintain our sense of reason, an unreasonable person can never win. But if we don't, and stoop to the level of 'attack anger', we fail in our purpose. . The most that was accomplished in the Civil Rights movement of the sixties was through Dr. Martin Luther KIng's way of passive resistance. Michelle, in the situation of Conservative vs Liberal, there is already way too much anger and resentment. In the situation of Gay Rights, however, I believe there isn't enough resistance, angry or otherwise, in my opinion. A person who has black skin cannot hide it and so has to deal with racism. A person who is gay, can hide it and so avoids censure in that way. Since they have the option, many prefer to just live a life of pretense. But, if like a person with black skin, one didn't have the choice? If everyone who is gay came out and said so, the world would be shocked at how many of their very favourite/most successful/ most wonderful, etc., people are gay. What to do then, when confronted with that? People's mindsets would have to adjust, as they did to civil rights in the 60's. And what would the politicans do if every gay person refused to vote, refused to PAY taxes? (What happened to "No taxation without representation?" Is there representation by either candidate for Gay Rights? No. One is adamant about it and the other wishy-washy. Because their goal is to get elected. To "Get" the job, not necessarily "DO" the job. That's why I see neither one as a saviour. )
Gay people should ALL collectively revolt against this societal prejudice. Remove their services from society, make their importance, their contributions known by having the world do without them and the world would see what we'd be missing. Instead, many gays hide, through phony relationships and phony personnas, because they can. Every gay person who does that is part of the problem, part of allowing the LIE to exist that gays are sinners. Yet, it's hard to stand up, and it's even harder to stand up without getting vicious. As Aristotle said, "Anybody can get angry–that is easy. But to get angry with the right person to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, in the right way, that isn't within everyone's power and is not easy."
I'm not sure I'm making any sense any more, I'm tired and I have to stop typing for now. Planning the book launchand magazine redesign has become a fulltime job and I'm too tired to be thinking this hard.Good night, Michelle. Goodnight Snowy. We'll talk again. It's been interesting.
Good onya Patricia.After sitting through the debate I'm pleased to see someone cut to the thinking behind US politics.I think you can relax on Obama's behalf. Palin's outburst today about Obama's links to internal terrorism clearly puts McCain's ticket in the Looney Party.Hey,that probably works for the hard core but they need the swinging voters.
I think we're all preaching to the choir here. We're simply agreeing with each other and the discussion has gotten far away from your original idea, which was wonderful. It is an interesting side discussion though eh? It was a really great way as petermcc writes, to 'cut to the thinking' behind US politics. As Canadians as neighbours, my feeling is that we all watch from the outside at the highlevel tactics that are used and we either shake our heads in disgust, or we laugh uproariously and thank our lucky stars we were born in a fairly liberal country. The problem is that with the amount of issues to present, the number of people capable of thinking critically to really consider the candidate on their true merits is low. The majority of people in the US can not relate to someone who has a resume chockablock full of accolaids. So black vs. white, on vs. off, stick or stone– binary descision making is all that is left. The world waits with baited breath for this election, even some of us who are in the midst of our own elections now. I think it's a final straw strike three sort of situation for the US. Black vs. white… yes indeed, let's pray (ha!) that way of thinking by the masses has be transcended this time.
PS Patricia… you are one of the most skilled people at leading "chairing" long string discussions in blog comment format. You must put a huge amount of work and thought into your responses. Otherwise, you are a genius. And YES… you conduct your discussions with empathy. Quite frankly, it's amazing how well you do that. You have a wondeful gift for satire also! I never doubt any of that for a minute and I think that's the reason why so many people come here to 'chat' with you about your ideas. 🙂
It's important that you know that sometimes, when I get really discouraged with the way politics is going and the way people think, I come over and read your blog. I also have read everything in the other links to your writings. It actually makes me feel better, to know that there are people like you and Michelle out there. When I hear people making statements that are, as Michelle says, so 'binary' it sometimes actually scares me that we can be that gullible and that frightened. That sort of a mindset is more threatening to people's well-beings than any outside threats they can imagine.
Thank you MIchelle, for your comments here. I am praying , as hard as I can. I was depressed for days after George Bush signed the Military Commission Act, depressed again when the Patriots Acts II were passed (also signed by Obama, Clinton and Pelosi, by the way) and if this new uber-conservative faction of the Republican party wins, I truly think it's the end of the United States as I remember it. We were going forward for a time, but because people didn't listen to each other's concerns, we polarized so much that it was a 'social civil war' where only one of the American people 'side' feels it can win and the other must 'lose.'. That sort of uneasy alliance never works. We have to sit down and discuss the things that concern both sides of the liberal -conservative issue–fight for the things that really matter, and compromise on the rest, Call me naive, but I believe it can happen. Okay- I shoudl amend that to I hope so.
Holy Cow, did she? Peter- have you got the link to the news article on this ? After reading your comment, Hubs and I have been looking everywhere to find her quote and we're not getting it here.
Cancel that last question, Peter, I just found it. I just heard it, too. She's astonishing. And she's 'reaching.' If people believe that, I don't know what to say. Judging from the crowd reaction, I think even her constituents were a little shocked. I sure wish I had more than one vote, but you only getone.
That's the "beauty" of that format for Palin. Those that disagree (if any) can't be noticed because of the stage managed booing.It's counter productive though. Who in their right mind would fall for such silliness? Mind you the rest of the world is rather horrified that such a thing would even be attempted in a civilised election campaign.
The papers here are already reporting that having the "fluffy little bunny" make such a vicous statement while smiling that perfect smile, was in bad form and may cost McCain. The reference is to a campaign contribution nade by one of the former "Weathermen," but Obama barely knew the sod and was a little boy when that militant group was in action, anyway. (Sigh) But the mudslinging starts in ernest as of now. Anything to divert from the real issues
Thank you, Patricia. Very much a two way street I assure you. I think the Power of Nightmares videos are the most enlightening of my links, and indicative of how the neocons set out to control peoples' minds, including the cynical use of religion, by actively recruiting the evangelical churches to the Republican cause. The animosity towards gays as a political tool is just one example of the outcome. And this, from supposed Christians who are supposed to be about love of their fellow man. Such is the conservative perversion of the message of one of the gentlest men who ever walked this earth.Your piece of satire could very easily have been about any of the minorities marginalised by conservatives for cynical political reasons. I agree that the forthcoming elections are crucial in the battle for America's soul. The rest of the world watches in anticipation of a return to the America we so admired in the past. From my interaction with U.S. bloggers on Vox, I am confident of the outcome. You can do it, and you will. You must. We must.
They have now wandered into "old style Aussie" politics so I am going to have to blog it at the next opportunity.The funny part is one of the American bloggers was pooh poohing Aussie politics and opinions a day or two ago without having the wit to recognise we have been down that path already.As soon as I finish packing up the goods and chattels I'll be on to it.
The comment did not go over very well even amongst her constituents.I'v eeven read on some conservative blogs that the remark was uncalled for. However, I suspect the Obama camp will start slinging mud, too, which will insire that whoever gets the election will be covered in it, for sure.
The smart option is not to engage in it.My young bloke Andrew puts it succinctly. "It's no good wrestling a pig. You get covered in sh** yourself and the pig loves it."
Even if the pig has lipstick, Pete? Sorry…
Good morning. I've just sent you both an email that will be of interest. I also wanted to tell you, Snowy, that my husband was reading our comments here yesterday and he agrees with you and Michelle. And, I just learned yesterday as well, that someone who is very dear to me is also voting for McCain because she "doesn't like" Obama and "likes" Sarah Palin. I had a hard time digesting it, but at the same time, I just can't believe it's selfishness that's motivating her. But you know what? It might be because I don't want to believe it. (Sigh)
It's just bloody ridiculous, that people would actually vote for a geriatric with a history of cancer and an overgrown cheerleading zealot for the simple reason that the alternative is black. It's not until an election comes along that you realise how frighteningly stupid and shallow people can be. And it isn't just the US, it's over here too. Despite the current governments terrifying plans to have ID cards, spy on everyone's email and phone conversations and the fact that Gordon Brown in his years as chancellor has pissed Britain's finances up the wall, there are still people here who would vote for him even if he announced that his first act in his new term would be to drive everyone North of Birmingham into the sea, just because he's 'Labour'. Why can't people learn to use their brains?
In this universe Sarah Palin said to the nation that alaska is building a new oil pipeline now but of course she lied and it is still in development. I want to get a woman to cat fight her to teach her a lesson not to lie,but as we all know thats an impossibility for politicians. I wonder what would happen to her in the alternate universe,my feeling is she would be stoned or hung,lies will get you hurt,but thats what all politicians run in,a sad comentary for our nation.
One more thing I would like to say and that is people are racist weather they admit it or not. Every race thinks theres is the best and thats the unknown factor in the upcoming election,people might think twice before electing a black canditate by bringing up the past horrible things blacks have done to other people. Its going to show how we as a nation how far we have come on the issue of racisism. I think most under 30 will vote for Oboma and the older generation is a toss up. I have been down south and most hate black people,even in springfield MO. 70% hate blacks. It will be a interesting election and I hope these racist peope can overcome there thinking and vote for the right canditate. In my extensive travels I have come to the conclusion most people are ignorant about current events.
I think this comment and your other comment about all politicans feeding us lies is brilliant and true. I hope if people don't vote for Obama ,they are not voting for him because of where he stands on the issues, and not because of skin colour. But you are right, that some will vote for McCain for no other reason than because he's white. Also, I read up a lot on politics and I know that all politics exagerate things in order to look most favourable to the people. The financial mess we're in is one example of that. (Sigh)
Thanks for writing and for your great comments, Craig.
It takes too much work to use a brain. Emotions are a lot easier to go by.
By the way, I love the way you express things. You always manage to make me chuckle even when we're discussing something serious.
A nice salubrious bath of satire, brilliant.
Wonderful bit of satire. I also read many of your following comments and i really wish there were more people like you that would speak out.
Well, you do. And one of the best things about being on VOX was meeting you, because you are one of the people who has convinced me that people who have different political perspectives do not have to despise each other or hold each other in contempt, but might actually be able to learn from one another. I admired the fact that you were one of the few who considered both Republican and Democratic candidates, too. No matter what you might think, it's rare. As Vikki said in her comment, some people will go along with whatever a candidate does or says just because he or she is 'their' party. We can have a favourite team in sports, but not in politics when people's lives and livelihoods are at stake. Because of your openmindedess, there are times that I just come over to your blog to read what you've written and think about it, even if I haven't looked at it from that perspective before. So, thanks for that.
I'm glad you enjoyed it Cellipole. Thank you for stopping by.
Good food for thought, Patricia (even if I don't have any voting rights in this particular election). Hoping the American people do the right thing!
Oh, Empress! What a
Think some of your reply must have been eaten Patricia!
You're right! I wonder what happened? let's see if I can remember what I was going to say…
Oh! – well I know I was going to compliment you on your new title. ('Empress' suits you much than 'Emu') and I was also mentioning that this is one American presidential election where everyone in the world should be allowed a vote, as it affects the entire planet!
Hope this prints…Let's see…..
Thanks Patricia. And yes, the outcome of this election does have the potential to affect a lot of people outside the US. We made the change in Australia last year but we don't have such a significant religious element as in the US. Also voting compulsory here so think that leads to less of a skewing in favour of particular vocal minorities. Of course compulsory voting has other problems, such as people voting based on really superficial issues but on the whole, i think I prefer this system as it gives every member of society an equal say.
I know you changed over because I as over at Snowy's and Peter's blog. Learned quite a bit, too. I was just saying they shoudl make voting compulsory here, too! How do they manage it? Some sort of tax break or something?
Do you mean how do they persuade people to vote? You get fined if you don't vote. As far as I know it has always been this way so while some people grumble, most people accept it. You always have the option of not filling in your ballot paper properly though (this is called a "donkey vote"). They also go out of their way to make it easy for everything to vote, eg, post votes, mobile polling booths in hospitals etc. I voted flat on my back after a c-section once!
I offer your country my sincerest congratulations on this. I mean that.
Just reading this, it seems it was the Greeks who invented compulsory voting.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compulsory_voting
I am surprised at how few countries actually have it.
How bizarre. I posted a comment on this ages ago and it didn't show up! Maybe I have been transformed to an alternate universe! Go Obama!
I knew you'd come up with some clever like that to say. Yep- I bet the comment showed up on the other Patricia's blog. She writes in Japanese, though, so I hope they can translate. ; )
lol Well Sista! You certainly did it again with this one! I can't tell you how you had me laughing. I have told so many people about your concept and they all went wow…. how true!
Clearly you don't have enough comments here so I had to add one…Awesome post!
Thank you very much, Street Vein. It means alot, because I feel that way about all your posts…
Thank you for writing this, and for encouraging and maintaining such enlightening discourse in the comments.
hullo, just browsing Vox and came across you! I assume you live in the U.S., but I live in Australia, and I know there are a lot of people over here who are hoping you'll elect Obama come November. He's eloquent, intelligent, level headed, so experienced and educated, respectful of all his opponents, and a genuinely nice guy, from what I've seen (Your news dominates ours).
Hey, enSue, how are you? Thanks for stopping by and I'm glad you enjoyed the comment wall… : )
Hello, ELise,
It's nice to meet you. I've met several of your countrymen on VOX and I have to say your country sounds fascinating and without a doubt a place I'd love to visit someday. Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog and I one hundred percent agree with your remarks about Obama and the rest of it. So you hope and I'll vote, I promise! : )
Like Elise, I don't live in the US either. I divide my time between Singapore, Hong Kong and the UK, and I must say that everyone I've spoken to on the issue has high hopes for Obama. I have to say, the politics of those countries definitely lacks the entertainment yours provides!
There's a level of showmanship involved in your elections that genuinely astounds us sometimes. For instance, if a politician stepped up to the podium in the UK and announced that they were a 'maverick' in response to a question on economics, I'm pretty sure some form of fruit-throwing would be involved.
Anyway, the international community can only hope that Obama will succeed. The possibility of McCain and Palin in office makes sleeping at night difficult, and I don't even LIVE in the states.
The possibility of McCain and Palin in office makes sleeping at night difficult, and I don't even LIVE in the states.
Yes indeed, so you can imagine how those of us here feel who want Obama to win.
It's very nice to meet you, and thank you very much for stopping by and leaving this comment. It sounds to me that you lead an interesting life.Singapore, Hong Kong and the UK are intriuguing spots to spend one's life in.
Fantastic post and a very enlightening thread of comments. Congratulations Patricia on a very thought provoking post.
[das ist gut]
I'm glad you enjoyed the comments and the post, Chezz. It just something I was thinking about recently. Thanks for stopping by.
The idea of forcing two teenagers to marry after their lack of sexual education, make s mockery of the "sanctityof marriage" I hear Christian conservatives bleating about and is one step short of child abuse. In particular because these victims of sanctimoniousness will become "parents" responsble for the well-being of yet another vvictim itime of this mentality. . But, those of us who disagree with this distortion of religious faith are 'godless' supposedly.
Histerical and so true. Loved the blog.
Thank you so much, Michele, I'm very glad you enjoyed it. : )
Hi Patricia,
This is flippen GOOD. I like it a lot.
Keep blogging. We need your kinda stuff.
Abie
you know me – i'm only too glad to be "godless":) – especially if being the opposite means being cohorts with the hypocrites we're talking about
I see you're back and up to form. ; D
Computer problems all squared away?
hey 🙂 – we just got back from England and Wales yesterday – sadly, my computer troubles are not over – i'm doing some crazy multi-tasking on steven's computer right now until he gets home – we're currently deciding between getting a new laptop/notebook, or getting mine fixed (steven did mess it up) – i'm going crazy, obviously – and steven would love to have his laptop during the day – luckily, it's in both of our interests to get this thing taken care of – ASAP – harder, because if we were in the US, i think this whole thing would have been solved sooner – ahhhhhh