For the first time in my life, I have that dreaded feeling in the GUT of my stomach over the next two weeks. The utter thought that this country could be turned over to a man so inexperienced, arrogant, and will destroy what this country was founded on is scary! How people can't see beyond the eloquence and smoke in mirrors is beyond me!
I've seen SO much hatred around me from his supporters that it's frightful! I have friends afraid to post signs showing their support because of potential vandalism to their property, people's tires have been slashed because they have McCain stickers on their car, children are being suspended from school because they wear anti-Obama clothing, the racism against whites is UNBELIEVABLY acceptable and the future of this country, if turned over to this man, is dire.
What is even MORE appalling is the WOMEN that are supporting the behavior they are portraying toward Gov. Palin! Women have worked long and hard to gain what they have and EVERY step of the way, men continue to belittle us, patronize us and make light of our achievements. Regardless of whether you like or dislike her beliefs, the fact that a woman would treat her the same and as poorly as the men do.... it just simply goes to prove that all of this "feminist" talk is nothing but bull shit from these so called "liberated" women. If anything, they are an embarrassment to our sex and intelligence.
I and many others have already started looking at homes and properties in Mexico. My best friend's father has lived there for YEARS and sells real estate there. The homes, though needing A LOT of work, are as cheap as buying a brand new car! AND, located mere miles from the ocean! Who could ask for anything more? There is no quarantine for animals, so I could bring my dogs and cats with me, sell what I could and start FRESH! Some of us may even go in and buy a group of casitas together, fix them up and take over a whole block! I bet I could even talk my dad and uncles into coming with me.
I would much rather live in a 3rd world country where people respect each other than in a socialist one. Who in their educated, sane mind would even vote for him? I just don't get it? Are people that easily fooled by his flair and empty promises? If I read the word "temporary" ONE MORE TIME in his Economic Plan, I would have screamed! Temporary means nothing more than "I don't have to do this if I don't want to, but if you want to hear it, there it is." Temporary. I guess it's a safe word to use. "Temporary" - like the first three Economic Plans he issued... "temporary" - like his views on every day, middle class Americans. OH how people have forgotten the early days of his campaigning, belittling "small town, blue collar" workers.
Ugh, I'm just too tired to go on anymore. If you aren't blind, you know who to support. If you are, we will ALL pay the consequences. If you though W was bad, wait until you see what O will do!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
WHAT A DAY! Sarah visits Richmond
WHAT A DAY! I had the pleasure of joining more than 20,000 other supports at a rally today for Sarah Palin. VERY inspiring and a fantastic speaker. She covered several important topics, ranging from Clean Coal Energy, freezing government spending on non-essentials, and made a statement directly at Obama et al with “the arrogance of the Washington elite” and “anger about voter fraud.” (If you've lived in Chicago for any amount of time or know their political history, you understand)
It was a great event, but POORLY organized, unfortunately. It was a standing room only contingency at RIR and unless you arrived well before 10 am, you weren't allowed into the inner circle (which held maybe 1,000-2,000). It was frustrating as we had already been standing in a line for 3 hours that twisted and wound around the grassy area behind the stadium 10 rows deep. If you think waiting for rides at Disney World is bad, you haven't seen anything yet!
I met another open-minded friend who had driven down from Alexandria, actually wound up with some great photo's (despite my camera battery dying 1/2 way through and resorting to my cell phone camera) and waited until the very end when the crowd was less than a few hundred. We worked our way around the barriers and were lucky enough to come within 6-8 feet of Sarah and Todd. The crowd at that level was unbearable, people pushing and stepping on each other, wanting to get closer to the woman who will be the next VP. I also LOVED that they played Shania Twain's "She's Not Just Another Pretty Face" - SO FITTING - which almost seemed like her theme song.
I'd say the only annoying things (outside of the disorganization) were that I felt sorry for the people 60/70 and older. They were standing right beside us in the heat. One gentleman with a cane lost his footing and collapsed onto us. One of the gals with us was kind enough to go all the way back to her car to get him a seat. Then, three people over a woman actually fainted. Second, the ABSURD and FRUSTRATING error in reporting and headlines by the press! (BIG surprise, huh?) Keep reading....
What I am talking about are the headlines that state "Palin mistakes fans for protesters at rally". It was SO off the mark and embarrassing- so I'm making a point of correcting it HERE! There WERE protesters there.... about 20' away. They were shouting about the war and guns and bombs. THAT is when Sarah made her statement about supporting the troops. I read where one reporter stated Todd actually stood up to correct her and say people were shouting "LOUDER!" (that came about 10 minutes later, actually). How on EARTH would a reporter know what Todd said to her... gimmie a break! What you DID hear right after Sarah's statement was OUR contingency shouting "SARAH! SARAH!" There you have it folks... the REAL facts and time line. If THAT doesn't prove how off the mark the media is, nothing does (and I was shocked to see Fox jump on that bandwagon considering how conservative and White House scripted they are)
When you have a moment, take a peak at the pictures I posted from the rally on my Facebook page. I didn't get an autograph or touch the future "First Dude" (lol), but being that close to a great woman is as good as it gets.
It was a great event, but POORLY organized, unfortunately. It was a standing room only contingency at RIR and unless you arrived well before 10 am, you weren't allowed into the inner circle (which held maybe 1,000-2,000). It was frustrating as we had already been standing in a line for 3 hours that twisted and wound around the grassy area behind the stadium 10 rows deep. If you think waiting for rides at Disney World is bad, you haven't seen anything yet!
I met another open-minded friend who had driven down from Alexandria, actually wound up with some great photo's (despite my camera battery dying 1/2 way through and resorting to my cell phone camera) and waited until the very end when the crowd was less than a few hundred. We worked our way around the barriers and were lucky enough to come within 6-8 feet of Sarah and Todd. The crowd at that level was unbearable, people pushing and stepping on each other, wanting to get closer to the woman who will be the next VP. I also LOVED that they played Shania Twain's "She's Not Just Another Pretty Face" - SO FITTING - which almost seemed like her theme song.
I'd say the only annoying things (outside of the disorganization) were that I felt sorry for the people 60/70 and older. They were standing right beside us in the heat. One gentleman with a cane lost his footing and collapsed onto us. One of the gals with us was kind enough to go all the way back to her car to get him a seat. Then, three people over a woman actually fainted. Second, the ABSURD and FRUSTRATING error in reporting and headlines by the press! (BIG surprise, huh?) Keep reading....
What I am talking about are the headlines that state "Palin mistakes fans for protesters at rally". It was SO off the mark and embarrassing- so I'm making a point of correcting it HERE! There WERE protesters there.... about 20' away. They were shouting about the war and guns and bombs. THAT is when Sarah made her statement about supporting the troops. I read where one reporter stated Todd actually stood up to correct her and say people were shouting "LOUDER!" (that came about 10 minutes later, actually). How on EARTH would a reporter know what Todd said to her... gimmie a break! What you DID hear right after Sarah's statement was OUR contingency shouting "SARAH! SARAH!" There you have it folks... the REAL facts and time line. If THAT doesn't prove how off the mark the media is, nothing does (and I was shocked to see Fox jump on that bandwagon considering how conservative and White House scripted they are)
When you have a moment, take a peak at the pictures I posted from the rally on my Facebook page. I didn't get an autograph or touch the future "First Dude" (lol), but being that close to a great woman is as good as it gets.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Being [what?] in the Workplace?
As it's been requested that I not discuss a personal issue with my close friends that read this (sorry), I'm deciding to go down a different path. Another place, another time ladies and gents.
I recently saw this posted in the cubical of an associate.
Living in Richmond, the workforce is predominantly black ("African American" for the old-school politically correct). One of my closest friends is black and I am Godmother to her daughter and Great-Godmother to her grand-daughter. I know that if things were ever horrible, she is someone I could count on to be there for me, as I have been for her. She's my sister of another color, my "Est-a" to her "Hattie Mae" (private joke between us). I love her dearly.
I have also been subject to, being white, a type of racism I was not raised around. The south has a HUGE cross it is bearing and anyone in the path of fire becomes a target. It wasn't soon after we moved here as a teen that I learned where a 'white' person's place was... and it wasn't one that meant equality or people being able to 'mingle' in the same places as a black person does, often being questioned about why I was in a certain store by an unprofessional sales rep or being cut off in traffic, an elevator or on the stairs by someone who felt I was not equal to them and didn't deserve any courtesy. All of this behavior was something new to me and difficult for me to comprehend. In time, I just surmised it as how the way life is "down here".
I've been told "You haven’t experienced the trials and tribulations of being Black in America." No, I haven't... but I am a woman and have struggled hard for the education I have and the accomplishments I have made. Because my parents earned "just enough", I was unable to obtain financial aid for college and attend the university of MY choice because of my race; people with grade averages lower than mine were accepted because of their race (yes it's that simple; affimative action is what it's called). I moved out at 17 and obtained the education I could afford. No, I haven't experienced the 'trials and tribulations', but that does not mean I am not empathetic and don't 'understand'.
I was always raised to be able to speak and write with proper English, that 'slang' was always an indicator of a lack of knowledge, ignorance or pure laziness (unless used for humor). I remember as a 7th grader having to write 100 times "Ain't IS NOT a word." in English class because I used the word in a sentence and the teacher overheard me. In the workplace, it is essential and necessary to speak with proper grammar and be able to write effectively in order to get your point across and succeed. I do not see how this could be considered something that would hold one back or biased. If memory serves me, black and white grow up and go to the same schools (at least they did when I was growing up). We had the same teachers and opportunities. The difference came in whether or not you were willing to apply yourself and be the change you want to see or simply fade into your surroundings and just exist. I will admit, when I hear someone say "It don't make no....", "I ain't gonna...." or "Let me 'axe' you a question.", I CRINGE. Double negatives, improper grammar, poor pronunciation... these are all BASICS we learned in elementary school! If you didn't pay attention or didn't apply yourself, how is that anyone elses fault but your own. And, both black and white people are guilty of this, I'm not isolating any one race. (BTW, I even edited the poem so that the commas and spelling were correct! I couldn't do anything with the last sentence; I just let it be to make a point.)
So, back to the poem. In a day and age where we have someone stumping for the highest office in the land by using one word -"Change"- without a foundation beneath it, a poem making excuses for why someone is the way they are (I 'live' with enough excuses as to why something isn't done; I DON'T need it in the workplace), I am once again reminded of the society I live in. Only YOU can be the change you want to see... NO ONE else will do it for you. Don't make excuses, feel sorry for yourself or expect others to treat you a certain way. Your actions have results (contrary to what you think your memory dictates). Looking back upon the poem, never once have I considered someones kindness a weakness (do unto others), someones mistakes defeat (from them you grow), or someone standing up for themselves as defensive (my dad always said you have to look out for no. 1 because no one else will).
Do my thoughts make me a racist? I sure hope not. Do my life experiences? Who really knows. This poem could apply to any woman working today. After all, exactly how many women do you see as CEO's, CFO's and Directors (okay, minus the Fed)... hmm, now does that make me a sexist?
Yes, you ALL know me. I am opinionated, you do as I do and take everything with a grain of salt and not out of context... okay, most people don't take it out of context (lol). I have my thoughts and I usually don't waiver in letting it out when something gets stuck in my craw.
[OK - side track... makes me think of a 'Will and Grace' episode:
GRACE: You know, something you said yesterday really stuck in my craw.
NATHAN: What's a craw?
GRACE: I don't know. I think it's something like a claw.
NATHAN: Why didn't you just saw claw?
GRACE: Can we move past this?
that's all- just had to throw that in there... ha,ha,ha]
So, I feel a little better now. Why can't we all just get along, right? (no, that's NOT open for discussion......lol)
I recently saw this posted in the cubical of an associate.
Being Black in the Workplace
They take my kindness for weakness.
They take my silence for speechless.
They consider my uniqueness strange.
They call my language slang.
They see my confidence as conceit.
They see my mistakes as defeat.
They consider my success accidental.
They minimize my intelligence to "potential".
My questions mean "I'm unaware".
My advancement is somehow unfair.
Any praise is preferential treatment.
To voice concern is discontentment.
If I stand up for myself, I'm too defensive.
If I don't trust them, I'm too apprehensive.
I'm defiant if I separate.
Yet, I'm fake if I assimilate.
So, constantly I am faced with workplace hate.
My character is constantly under attack.
Pride for my race makes me, "TOO BLACK".
Yet, I can only be me.
And, who am I you might ask?
I am that Strong Black Person... Who stands on the backs of my ancestors achievements, with an erect spine pointing to the stars with pride, dignity, and respect which lets the workplace in America know, that I not only possess the ability to play by the rules, but I can make them as Well! Black History 365
P.S. Pass -it on to your black co-workers. Good, Better, Best, Never ever rest Until YOUR Good is Better and YOUR Better is Best!
~Author Anonymous
Living in Richmond, the workforce is predominantly black ("African American" for the old-school politically correct). One of my closest friends is black and I am Godmother to her daughter and Great-Godmother to her grand-daughter. I know that if things were ever horrible, she is someone I could count on to be there for me, as I have been for her. She's my sister of another color, my "Est-a" to her "Hattie Mae" (private joke between us). I love her dearly.
I have also been subject to, being white, a type of racism I was not raised around. The south has a HUGE cross it is bearing and anyone in the path of fire becomes a target. It wasn't soon after we moved here as a teen that I learned where a 'white' person's place was... and it wasn't one that meant equality or people being able to 'mingle' in the same places as a black person does, often being questioned about why I was in a certain store by an unprofessional sales rep or being cut off in traffic, an elevator or on the stairs by someone who felt I was not equal to them and didn't deserve any courtesy. All of this behavior was something new to me and difficult for me to comprehend. In time, I just surmised it as how the way life is "down here".
I've been told "You haven’t experienced the trials and tribulations of being Black in America." No, I haven't... but I am a woman and have struggled hard for the education I have and the accomplishments I have made. Because my parents earned "just enough", I was unable to obtain financial aid for college and attend the university of MY choice because of my race; people with grade averages lower than mine were accepted because of their race (yes it's that simple; affimative action is what it's called). I moved out at 17 and obtained the education I could afford. No, I haven't experienced the 'trials and tribulations', but that does not mean I am not empathetic and don't 'understand'.
I was always raised to be able to speak and write with proper English, that 'slang' was always an indicator of a lack of knowledge, ignorance or pure laziness (unless used for humor). I remember as a 7th grader having to write 100 times "Ain't IS NOT a word." in English class because I used the word in a sentence and the teacher overheard me. In the workplace, it is essential and necessary to speak with proper grammar and be able to write effectively in order to get your point across and succeed. I do not see how this could be considered something that would hold one back or biased. If memory serves me, black and white grow up and go to the same schools (at least they did when I was growing up). We had the same teachers and opportunities. The difference came in whether or not you were willing to apply yourself and be the change you want to see or simply fade into your surroundings and just exist. I will admit, when I hear someone say "It don't make no....", "I ain't gonna...." or "Let me 'axe' you a question.", I CRINGE. Double negatives, improper grammar, poor pronunciation... these are all BASICS we learned in elementary school! If you didn't pay attention or didn't apply yourself, how is that anyone elses fault but your own. And, both black and white people are guilty of this, I'm not isolating any one race. (BTW, I even edited the poem so that the commas and spelling were correct! I couldn't do anything with the last sentence; I just let it be to make a point.)
So, back to the poem. In a day and age where we have someone stumping for the highest office in the land by using one word -"Change"- without a foundation beneath it, a poem making excuses for why someone is the way they are (I 'live' with enough excuses as to why something isn't done; I DON'T need it in the workplace), I am once again reminded of the society I live in. Only YOU can be the change you want to see... NO ONE else will do it for you. Don't make excuses, feel sorry for yourself or expect others to treat you a certain way. Your actions have results (contrary to what you think your memory dictates). Looking back upon the poem, never once have I considered someones kindness a weakness (do unto others), someones mistakes defeat (from them you grow), or someone standing up for themselves as defensive (my dad always said you have to look out for no. 1 because no one else will).
Do my thoughts make me a racist? I sure hope not. Do my life experiences? Who really knows. This poem could apply to any woman working today. After all, exactly how many women do you see as CEO's, CFO's and Directors (okay, minus the Fed)... hmm, now does that make me a sexist?
Yes, you ALL know me. I am opinionated, you do as I do and take everything with a grain of salt and not out of context... okay, most people don't take it out of context (lol). I have my thoughts and I usually don't waiver in letting it out when something gets stuck in my craw.
[OK - side track... makes me think of a 'Will and Grace' episode:
GRACE: You know, something you said yesterday really stuck in my craw.
NATHAN: What's a craw?
GRACE: I don't know. I think it's something like a claw.
NATHAN: Why didn't you just saw claw?
GRACE: Can we move past this?
that's all- just had to throw that in there... ha,ha,ha]
So, I feel a little better now. Why can't we all just get along, right? (no, that's NOT open for discussion......lol)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
