Unbelievable

I have been listening to a lot of talk radio as of late and I must say I'm flabbergasted. I can not believe any party or group, let alone any individual, could be so utterly disrespectful of the President of the United States. I understand party politics and I understand disagreeing with a particular point of view, but come on! The president is trying to politicize "our children" because he wants them to stay in school? Every past president has spoken to school aged children and some with a heftier political message ie. George W Bush and the war on terror. And that was never debated as politicizing "our children," nor were children's parents threatening to take them out of school. This is insanity. The right has finally gone of the deep end and has forgotten their paddle. (Pardon the mixed metaphors) And this whole nonsense about health care is really driving me up the wall. The bill would ban individual health care insurance? The Federal Government would control our medical treatment? Mandatory death panels for senior citizens? Are you f*ing kidding me?! I don't get it.

This is blatant racism, disguised as patriotism, with Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck at the helm. Revolting! I say President Obama needs to stop trying to placate and kowtow to the republicans and just do what he needs to to get the job done. I've had it! I'm with Mike Malloy. I may put up my dukes and fight or I may leave this country all together in disgust! Who are these people?! Really...

Grassroots Information

I have become a huge fan of grassroots information from various new media and other non-mainstream sources: Internet, non-network TV and radio.

I Twitter and have started following LGBT Tweets, which is following the California Supreme Court's oral arguments on Prop 8. I have been able to follow various blogs, newspaper reports and the like....riveting. I've become quite the Twitterbug and love the iPhone version, Tweetie.

Kim and I have also become fond of the Rachel Maddow Show. I listen to her via Sirius XM satellite radio and then we TiVo her MSNBC program. I find her humorous slant and articulate, well researched views on current politics an easier pill to swallow. Then there are the staples, BBC news and Pubic Television that have been a part of my life since childhood. Many thanks to my aunt Eileen for that influence.

And of course there's my obsession with National Public Radio: Left, Right and Center, All Things Considered, Marketplace...Need I say more?

The dawn of a new era and I missed it

Yesterday there was much celebration, rejoycing and deep felt emotions with the inauguration of our new president and I pretty much missed it. It was one of my busiest days and I didn't get a chance to watch anything. As I ran around California State Northridge's campus, I could see students, faculty and staff surrounding available televisions watching in awe our 44th president speak. But I missed that too. I will have to catch up by going on YouTube or Google to find what out Obama had to say. I feel like a doofus not being able to participate in this monotonous occasion. One thing I will admit, there is hope in the air and I look forward to how the next for years will unfold.
Yes we did!

Just blog out of it

I've been just so out of it since the election, that I've completely forgotten to blog. I will soon I have some great and some not so great little stories to tell. In the mean time be sure to keep checking Dan's blog (I blog on it too) Prop8life
Blog at you later ;-)

A Little Story

Amidst all the excitement and devistation, I forgot a little story that has made a difference in my life.

A former student of mine took it upon himself to join the cause. I will call him Mr Shy for the purpose of this blog. Mr Shy joined a local LGBT group, who were getting the word out against Prop 8. Members chose to wear pink triangles on their clothes to show their support up until the elections. While out at local eatery, Mr Shy was asked what the pink triangle stood for by an employee. Mr Shy explained the fight for equal marriage rights for the LGBT community and convinced this employee to vote against the proposition. Wonders, really do, come in small packages.

I want to thank all of my friends, collegues and family who were equally devestated by the passing of Prop 8. I've received texts, emails, voicemails, Facebook messages of support and disbelief. Your warmth, generosity, kind words and advocacy mean the world to me. Thank you for who you are and thank you for being there for me.

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Yes We Can...Well Some Of Us Can

Today's excitement is bittersweet. I am thrilled that we elected Barak Obama for president. This is an historic moment on so many levels and I'm so proud to have been a part of it. What I can't get my brain around is church sanctioned bigotry that led to, not one state, but three states passing amendments to ban gay marriage! People look to California for leadership and today we failed to show that leadership. It was close and I haven't overlooked that point, but I'm truly disappointed, heartbroken in fact. This is not over, not by a long shot. That which is too precious to lose is worth fighting for. I love my wife and they cannot take that away from me. We will have to take this all the way to the Supreme Court and nationally get the rights we deserve. I'm ready are you?

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Today, I vote

In a few minutes, I'm going to vote on this historical day. I don't care if the lines are long or if all of my neighbors vote against me. I voted on this historic day and I am a part of history. I participate. I care. I stand up for myself and others I care about. Today, I vote.

I'm Ready To Vote

I can't wait, I want to vote now! I don't care if I have to wait in line forever, I need to be heard. I need to speak out for my rights and for those who are too young to have their own voice. This election is too important to be passive. Speak your heart. Speak your mind. Vote.

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Ruffled Feathers!

This all started with a minor disagreement about the California Teacher's Association position of No on Prop 8, in the workroom. Coworkers in favor of this proposition put bumper stickers Yes on Prop 8 in their cars and not a word was mentioned. The tension at the school became palpable and finally Anne, Kim and Rowdy had had enough. The threesome began to put up signs in their cars, off school's property, against Prop 8. Well it looks like Kim, Rowdy & Anne's small protest warranted attention from our local right wing rag. Tuesday the Antelope Valley Press paid the school a visit and photographed Rowdy and Kim's vehicles. The sign read: America's History of Persecution: Native American, Women's Movement, African American and Now Gay Americans. Apparently parents were up in arms, calling the Superintendent, to complain about the signs against Prop 8 as they were dropping of their children. Rowdy, Anne & Kim are provoking a controversy, quite possibly forcing people to think about others outside of their immediate circle. This newspaper article may be a ploy to try and frighten them, but that's just not going to happen. Yesterday, Dan's friend Ann, came up from Los Angeles to interview the "rabble-rousers" for the Advocate.

Today's sign reads: Amend the Constitution to Take People's Rights Away?

Go baby go!

Anticipation @ Camille's Sidewalk Cafe

I want the election season to be over and done with. The tension in the air is palpable and uncomfortable. People are politely not talking, or if they are talking it gets ugly quick: neighbors not speaking, co-workers staring each other down and so on.

Kim is fighting an uphill battle and I'm very proud of her. She is making small banners on Vote No on Prop 8 and placing them on her car for all to see at work. She said she's sick of the double standard, with which I completely agree. Unfortunately I feel very alone in this political climate. So I'm sitting here at Camille's Sidewalk Cafe in Lancaster trying to think positively and waiting in anticipation for the election on November 4th. Cross all of your fingers and toes.

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Vote No on Prop 8

I can not believe that people are so up in arms about this proposition. How does this directly affect anyone, but those who are being discriminated against. In our neighborhood, I'm seeing signs for Yes on Prop 8, but very few opposing it.

I thought we had arrived at the 21 century where Americans were more civilized, thoughtful and respectful. England, Canada, Spain and various other countries have adopted laws to protect gay marriage, but the United States is so entrenched in their Puritan roots that we won't let go of the past.

I'm losing faith in our humanity here in the USA. No one cares for their neighbors, elders or downtrodden. The focus seems to be on making sure that people tow the line and focus on themselves. Patriotism and the American flag, once representing our quest for freedom and righting injustice, now is used as a weapon to separate us: us versus them, right versus left, terrorists versus freedom fighters and so on. I only hope that I am respired on November 4th and that this country turns onto a more positive path.

?*!#@

What has happened to this country? How did we become so ignorant, apathetic and disinterested? How did we become so uninformed about policies, laws and judgements that directly affect us? When did we start accepting a progressively lower and lower status quo? And what truly baffles me, is how someone, anyone, of sound mind could possibly think that our current economy, civil liberties and foreign relations are in good health!? Unbelievable!

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Tighting the belt

No more so than recently, have I felt the economy's pinch at my purse strings. I feel overworked, underpaid and I'm hoping that a change in the White House will relieve that feeling.



I've finally gotten into a somewhat of a schedule with work, but I'm keeping crazy hours. My students have settled into the class (they're awfully quiet) and the university schedule keeps me on my toes. Freelance work is what it is and I know what to expect, but it's hard to keep track when you work for so many agencies. Sigh, okay I'll quit my proverbial bitching and realize everyone is in the same boat. Shesh! It's crowded in here.

Let's get out the vote!

After watching Barak Obama speak last night at the Democratic National Convention (via TV), I am inspired. His speech was as close to perfect as a one could can get, Mr-Smith-Goes-to-Washington-esque. It has been a long time since I've seen a politician so forthright, passionate and awe-inspiring. His candor and energy are the missing pieces of a puzzle that this country has desperately needed. We as a nation need to come together again, agree to disagree respectfully and stop being so selfish. What happened to taking care of your neighbors and elders? It is after all "We the people" right?

I don't believe the Republicans have a chance this election, but I've also learned after the past 8 years to never say never. I know I need to do my part, vote, and encourage those of like minds to do the same. Here's looking to November 4th, 2008!

My final days of summer

This is the final weekend before I go back to teaching and interpreting full time. Part of me is looking forward to getting back to a schedule, somewhat, and part of me is dreading having to be somewhere on an ongoing basis. I could get used to working a little here and little there and having all sorts of time to myself, but my pocketbook won't allow it...darn it! I have been enjoying nesting with my honey and making the house our home.

I'll have lots more to blog about in the coming months with elections approaching. This election, more so than in the past, is making me nervous. I can't handle another 8 years with a Republican in office. It's time for change...that sounds so cliché, but I don't like where this country is headed if we don't.