Angry Liberal Mommy

So This Is My Life Now

2005-09-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been over a month since I've posted. I'm sure everyone has stopped checking, and I'm probably posting to no one, but I feel like I have to explain my absence.

This may come off as whiny, but I'm really not complaining. This is my day:

5:00AM: My alarm goes off. I used to jump right up, but lately I've been hitting the snooze until 5:10AM

5:10AM: I get out of bed.

5:20AM: After giving some petting to whichever annoying, attention-starved feline chooses to accompany me into the bathroom, I take a shower.

5:30AM: Put in contacts, moisturize, put on some makeup, and all that other girl stuff.

5:50AM: Feed the fish. Feed the cats. Get my lunch together. Usually, I have laundry to put in the dryer (or take out of the dryer).

6:10AM: Eat breakfast. Usually, I will try to read a bit of the paper while I eat. Greg is usually getting up about now.

6:30AM: Finish makeup. Fix hair. Get dressed. Usually by this time Mia is awake, so I say "Hello" to her, give her lots of kisses, and give her a toy or two to play with until Greg is out of the shower & able to get her up.

7:00-7:10AM: Make my latte. Grab my stuff, kiss everyone "Goodbye", and head out the door.

7:10-8:00AM: Hellishly slow 25 mile commute to the office.

8:00AM-5:00PM Work. Typically, I do not take a lunch hour, so that I can leave on time.

5:00PM-@6:15PM: Hellishly slow 25-mile commute home.

6:15-6:25PM: Change out of my work clothes.

6:25PM: Take charge of Mia. This could mean feeding her, if she hasn't been fed, or just reading to her or playing with her.

7:00PM: If it's bath night, I'll give Mia a bath. Otherwise, I will just give her her medicine (4 syringes/3 different medicines), brush her teeth, get her into pajamas, get out her clothes for the next day, and put her to bed.

7:30PM: Take charge of Norah. Change her, and get her into pajamas, and feed her, and feed her, and feed her. Somehow, I manage to eat dinner while I'm doing this.

9:00PM: Norah finally falls asleep.

9:15-10:15PM: Most nights there is laundry to do. Every two days, it is time to wash my hair and let it air dry a bit. Then, it's time to get ready for the next day: Boiling water, making formula, opening the mail, loading up the coffee maker for the next day, and general straightening up. Occasionally, I will get to read the rest of the newspaper.

10:15-10:30PM: If it's a hair washing night, I'll blow dry my hair. Then I do the usual washing, teeth brushing, etc. Then it's time for bed.

3:30AM: Norah wakes up because she has lost her pacifier. Replace pacifier.
4:00AM: Norah wakes up because she has lost her pacifier. Replace pacifier.
4:30AM: Norah wakes up because she has lost her pacifier. Replace pacifier.

5:00AM: Alarm goes off...Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

I'm Back, Baby!

2005-07-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

After many weeks of trying to get the time & energy to post, circumstances in our Nation's capital (and elsewhere) force me to post...

First off, just how psychotically Christian is our president when Bill Frist is supporting stem cell research? I mean, Frist is the man who diagnosed Terri Schiavo as someone just in need of a little therapy, based on a videotape! Kind of puts things in perspective, doesn't it? The pro-embryonic stem cell research crowd now has a new slogan---"Stem cell research; Even Bill Frist approves".

Second item: Is God mad at the Boy Scouts? Last week, four Scout leaders were killed by electrocution. This week, lightning strikes a group of Boy Scouts in California, leaving one child brain dead and injuring seven others. I realize that this isn't a laughing matter, but can this be a coincidence? And the manner of their injuries is sort of suspicious, too. Is the Big Man trying to send a message? Oh, and is anyone else disturbed by the casual mention at the end of the first article that the Pentagon, until recently, financially supported the Boy Scouts of America????

In related news, the electric companies are making money, oil companies are making money, why aren't we making money? Big business is booming, and studies show consumers are spending like crazy, but is it spending, or increasing our personal debts? The gold collar kids are running themselves into deep debt and then moving back in with Mommy and Daddy. Thanks, parents. You're providing us with yet another generation of whiny, Holden Caufieldesque adults who have no idea of how to take care of themselves.

My biggest story of the day, however...Speaking of Big Energy, congress has finally approved money for exploration into some new forms of energy to wean our dependence away from oil. Wow, let's see--we've got coal--COAL! Are we in the year 1870? Anyone who grew up in the "coal region" of Pennsylvania (shudder) can tell you that coal is incredibly filthy. Ahhh I can reminisce about waking up on snowy mornings, as a child, and looking out on all that pristine soot, blackening the snow in everyone's yard. Also, the scenery created by strip mining is not to be beaten! Nothing but black fields of coal dirt for miles, with nary a tree in sight--ahhhh coal! Perhaps the new jobs referred to in the article are for chimney sweeps?

And nuclear power (perhaps Bush has finally learned to pronounce it, so we are moving forward with it)...who (in Pennsylvania, again) can forget Three Mile Island? Did someone say Chernobyl? Yet I'll bet every congressman in Pennsylvania voted for this because of the powerful energy lobbies.

How about solar energy, for Christ's sake? We live in Arizona where it is sunny 364 days a year, and we can't promote solar energy?

I'm depressed now. Thanks America.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder...I Hope

2005-07-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

Angry Liberal Mommy has had to take a brief hiatus due to...well, becoming an Angry Liberal Mommy for the second time. My new daughter, Norah Igraine, was born June 22nd.

For my husband's humorous account of the birth (and surrounding happenings), see our other blog for details & photos of the latest angry liberal in the family. Of course, I'll still consider loving her even if she grows up to vote Republican.

I'll endeavor to find some blogging time soon!

Links To More American Stupidity...If It Weren't News, You'd Think I was Making It Up!

2005-06-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

Arrrgh! Finally some time on the computer!

I've been keeping up with the news & getting pissed off about--namely this little piece of news. OK, so first it's having former oil company lobbyists changing reports about global warming, and now we're altering reports about the effects of grazing on public lands? And don't even get me started on the Downing Street memo...Honestly, congress voted to impeach Clinton for lying about having an affair?? Where's all that righteous indignation now??

Here's something I've always secretly suspected about women. Explains a lot when you think about it...like why your friend is sticking with that loser she dates...Hmmm.

Honestly, I saw this headline out of the corner of my eye & had to read the story. Mmmmm Yogi never tasted better.

Should Florida just annex itself as Land of the Idiots?? This story seems to illustrate the kind of logic the average Floridian applies for everything from voting to managing a dispute (in this case). Of course, if I lived in a State governed by Jeb Bush, I'd probably be sticking a pistol in my mouth, too.

Anyone else creeped out by the impending Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes nuptials? I heard some interesting & wacky things about Scientology during the discussions about Tom's indoctrination of Katie, and much goofiness can be found on the actual, official Scientology website. Check out the glossary. More fun, however, is this site, with fun photos of Tom accepting various awards from the church and steering Katie Holmes around like a ventriloquist's dummy.

Well, that's enough for me. Hopefully, I wont have to wait another two weeks to have a chance to update!

The Ultimate In Tackiness Goes Mainstream

2005-06-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

I don't think we can blame Star entirely for this phenomenon, but surely she bears some responsibility for making this tacky practice more "acceptable".
OK, yes I understand that people are getting married later in life these days, and often already have all the household accoutrements they need. I also understand that these people may prefer cash gifts, because it isn't customary for Mom & Dad to pay for the wedding anymore, but I think it is the ultimate in tackiness to expect your wedding guests to foot the bill for your wedding. Come help us celebrate our day...and bring your checkbook. The couple in the article seemed to be whining about spending $30,000 on their wedding---well...who said you HAD to spend that much? It was their decision to have a big wedding, so they shouldn't complain about not having enough for a honeymoon.

My husband & I got married 3,000 miles away from our home State. There were about 10 people at our wedding. We paid for almost everything ourselves despite subtle hints from my Mother-in-law about how it was "traditional" for the bride's family to pay for everything. I felt strongly about paying for it myself for several reasons: 1.) As a grown woman who had left my Dad's house and was supporting myself, I didn't think it was fair to go back to him & demand a wedding. 2.) I knew Dad didn't have the money, 3.) I didn't want to have to acquiesce to anyone else's wishes simply because they were holding the purse strings. We simply planned a wedding we could afford & put off the honeymoon until we could save enough for a trip. Greg's Mom & Dad paid for the Rehearsal dinner and the flowers because that's what is "traditional". My Dad paid for the church & Minister. We paid for the rest. My dress was off-the-rack $99.00.

The article in the paper really sounds like it is making excuses for this money grabbing trend. Sorry, I agree with Emily Post on this one. Have a wedding you can afford. If you want cash gifts, have your family put the word out, but for God's sake, don't put it on the invitations. I won't even get started on the whole "sponsorship" issue, because there is no way to make it sound like a good idea. This is the breakdown of society, people, we have to fight against this whole era of entitlement, irresponsibility, and selfishness!!

The whole point of a wedding celebration is to invite your GUESTS to share in your joy. Doesn't the word "guest" imply that you are responsible for taking care of them? They bring you gifts as a gesture, and to help you out--they are not obligated to give you cash, or even to buy from your registry.

Check out this fun website--Etiquette Hell. Read the wedding sections for true horror stories about brides, families, and weddings from Hell.

Bottom line: Stop whining! Stop feeling like everyone owes you. Be happy you are marrying someone you love, that you have your friends and family with you, and that they care enough to give you a gift.

Just A Few Random Thoughts...

2005-06-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd cover some of the less political news today. Follow the links & enjoy!

OK, I only have one thing to say about this....EWWWW!

It's heartening to see Mike Tyson defending pigeons, but two things: 1.) Wow, I didn't know he even lived in Phoenix and 2.) He has to ask WHY people dislike pigeons???? They're noisy, messy, and disease ridden. Besides, they're vaguely creepy in flocks. If a large flock of pigeons starts swarming around for food at the park, I always have flashbacks of "The Birds"--run, Tippi, run!

I was wondering today about censorship...I was listening to my IPOD, and am still angry that I can't find an uncensored version of Harvey Danger's "Flagpole Sitta'" available to download. They bleep my favorite line from the song: "They cut off my legs. Now I'm an amputee, Goddamn you!" I was wondering why the song's blatant masturbation references were deemed OK for today's tender youth, but they had to bleep "Goddamn"?? Should I assume that the parties responsible for the censoring of the song were too stupid to comprehend the not-too-subtle masturbation references, or were too much in a tizzy of the Lord's name taken in vain to notice anything else?? Either way, it pisses me off--Goddamn it!!

I don't have a link for this, but Margaret Cho mentions in 'The Rep' (the entertainment guide, such as it is here in Phoenix) that she's seen a production of 80s TV show 'The Facts Of Life' performed by drag queens. Now, THAT sounds like fun! Just picturing "Blair" (played on the TV show by actress-turned-Christian-Rock singer Lisa Whechel) as a drag queen, makes me smile.

Just another thing for overachieving yuppie parents to freak out over. Oh my God, my baby doesn't have rhythm!!! Welcome to the world of being white--can't jump/no rhythm. Hey, at least we don't get pulled over by cops as often.

Another sign of the apocalypse. I was reading the flak about Paris Hilton's Carl's Jr ad, and was reminded of something I saw on Saturday. The gas station down the street from our home is home just about every week to one high school group or another hosting a car wash. I was driving home from the store with Mia on Saturday, and was stopped at a red light on that particular corner. There was the usual group of 15 to 16 year-olds waving signs to entice people into their car wash. One girl, who looked to be about 15, was clad in a skimpy bikini, and holding a sign that read "If you think we're sexy, come and get your car washed".

I'm presuming that there must have been some adults supervising this whole thing, so WTF?? If I were that girl's parent or teacher, she would have been hauled away to 1.) change clothes, and 2.) get rid of the sign. I'm sure she's a huge admirer of Paris Hilton. I'm not saying she should dress like a nun, but Jesus, my Dad regularly inspected what I was wearing & sent me to change if he thought it was inappropriate. I should add that my Dad isn't exactly Ward Cleaver, either.

Why Are Babies Conceived With Fertility Drugs Always "Miracle Babies"????

2005-05-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

So what is it with these people? I've been following this particular story for quite some time(not really by choice--the newspaper was full of it). This couple agreed to pay a surrogate $25,000 for her services. When I first read the story, I thought "Oh well, it sounds like they can afford it". Now, as it turns out, the family in question is unable to afford these children. The surrogate has declined to accept payment "because she realized the financial hardship on the parents". Now, this article has the parents setting up a bank account and taking donations from strangers to contribute to the costs of caring for their children???? Anyone else find this totally obnoxious & irresponsible?

I have nothing against infertile couples seeking other options to have children, but for God's sake, they know the risk of taking fertility drugs (in this case, it was the surrogate taking the drugs). The cost of fertility treatments is exorbitant--didn't they realize that more than one child was a distinct possibility?? I'm sure the doctors covered that with the prospective parents. Maybe they should have taken a moment and said "Gee, we really can't afford more than one baby. Maybe we should adopt?"

I think the part that is most abhorrent to me is the constant references to God's will --such as the parents, friends, and even total strangers saying that "God wanted them to have these children". Hello? If God wanted this couple to have five babies, would they have needed a surrogate or fertility drugs? Maybe their infertility was God saying "Hey, you idiots can't afford to have kids, so I'm not giving you any." In any case, I feel that it is totally irresponsible to bring five kids into the world and then expect everyone else to pony up the cash to raise them.

It makes me ill to think of all the families out there that genuinely need help and are not receiving it because these morons, who chose to burden themselves with kids they couldn't afford, are receiving thousands of dollars in free goods and services simply for taking advantage of the "miracle" of modern science. What makes these people more "worthy" in the eyes of society??

Kind of Looks Like He's Actually Indulging In "Man-On-Dog" Acts, Doesn't he?

2005-05-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

I really wish I could link to the latest quote by US Senator and professional tool, Rick Santorum, but the quote was in a gray box above this article, so you'll have to settle for my direct transcription:

Rick Santorum, comparing the Democrats criticism of Republican efforts to ban the filibuster to Hilter, said it was: "the equivalent of Adolf Hitler in 1942 saying 'I'm in Paris. How dare you invade me. How dare you bomb my city. It's mine.'"

Yes, the man who brought you such kernels of wisdom as saying that legalizing gay marriage will lead to incest, bigamy, and "man on dog" acts; who voted for a cap on pain and suffering lawsuits, even after his own wife sued her chiropractor and won $350,000; and, yes, the man who said "I don't hate homosexuals. I hate homosexual acts."; is currently third in command in the Senate. I'm sure the president has a cute nickname for him.

Read more about this stunning political mind here.

So, Are They Going To Force Us All To Marry Gays?

2005-05-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

Seriously, that's the only reason I can think that would cause such a fuss. I'm still agog that my former lovely, liberal State of Oregon passed a law defining marriage to exclude same sex couples--what happened to you, Oregon?

I would really, honestly like someone from the other side of the fence to give me an explanation of how gay marriage is a "threat" to heterosexual marriage. My only caveat is that the explanation should not contain bible quotes, or "The bible says so". I really want to know, so if anyone has a serious explanation, please share.

My thought is that there is no threat (unless they are afraid that the gays will show us up by having more stable marriages). We heteros are doing a fine job of threatening marriage all on our own. Divorce rates among Evangelical Christians, and "bible belt states", in general, are the highest in the country. (Guess where the lowest divorce rates are?---Evil, liberal Massachusetts!) If these people really want to save marriage, they should consider a ban on adultery, or maybe making divorce more difficult to obtain. Maybe we could even make marrying more difficult--then we wouldn't have people getting married at 18 and 19 years old just because LuLu got knocked up that night after Youth Group bible study class, and then realizing (five years and three kids down the road) that a mistake has been made.

The real fear that these people have is the fear of acceptance--that gay marriage will become accepted in our society, and that our children will accept it as commonplace--it might even be more difficult to teach them how to hate and fear gays if they see loving gay couples all around them! Arrrgh! I can almost hear the wailing and rending of garments.

Seriously, I want to know why the decision about whether or not to "marry" two individuals can't be left up to the churches performing the marriages. Since religious types don't think a civil ceremony counts, anyway, why not let people marry in either a civil ceremony, or in any church that will marry them. If your religion frowns on gay marriage, your church can prohibit it--easy as cake.

Speaking of cake, my dear husband has a birthday on Thursday, May 19th. Stop by his blog and wish him a Happy Birthday.

Why Commuting Makes Me Hate Humans & All They Stand For...

2005-05-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

Being unemployed for two months made me forget the joys of the daily commute. Now that I have about an hour drive each way--an hour of bumper-to-bumper, driving 25mph on the freeway commuting, I thought I'd share my rant of why I hate everyone else on the road.

I know that everyone thinks they are a better driver than they actually are, but I know I'm not alone in thinking that all drivers fall into one of the following categories:

1.) Punk Boy: Slumped down in the driver's seat, steering with hand in the 12:00 wrist position. Backwards baseball cap and absurdly large spoiler are optional. He can be seen tailgating everyone else and madly zig-zagging through traffic. He's usually driving a Honda Civic or similar, but pimped out with a stereo system and shiny rims that cost more than the car is worth.

2.) Phone Boy: Basically the same person as Punk Boy, but he can also be driving a "status" car--usually a BMW or Audi. The one difference is the cellphone plastered to his ear. You've seen him driving slowly & erratically in front of you. Yes, there are "phone girls" as well, but the boys seem to be more common.

3.) Glamour Girl: She's driving slowly and erratically in front of you because she's busy applying her makeup on the freeway. Honey, if you can't make it work for you before you leave the house, what makes you think mascara at 50 mph is going to help? She is usually driving an SUV and dominating the left lane.

4.) Lane Nazi: Probably my #1 pet peeve. Lane Nazis will spread themselves across all lanes of traffic, driving slower than the posted speed limit. They see themselves as pace cars, leaving huge open spaces in front of them, and snarls of back-ups behind them. Damn it! They can't understand why everyone is tailgating and in such a hurry, and they will not speed up or leave the "fast lanes" for anything. Usually, they will slam on the brakes if you get too close.

5.) Obnoxious Vanity Plate Person: Personally, I think all vanity plates are stupid. They don't bother me except when they are over-the-top annoying like the one I saw on Friday--a woman driving a Lexus SUV with a vanity plate that said "Admire". My all time most loathsome sighting was a college age girl, driving a Spyder convertible with the vanity plate "IOU1 Dad"--It took every ounce of willpower I had not to slam my boring, practical, worked-my-ass-off-to-buy Toyota into that car.

6.) Obnoxious Bumper Sticker Person (OBSP): Poorer, distant cousin to "Obnoxious Vanity Plate Person", OBSP will litter their car with every sort of political bumper sticker available: American flags, "Support Our Troops" magnets, Jesus or Darwin fish, basically any bandwagon they can jump on. The best one I've seen was the pickup with "Bush/Cheney" stickers all over it--one read: "We're winning the war. The economy is great, so shut up!" The driver was wearing a big 'ol cowboy hat--talk about a stereotype.

7.) Marshall, Will, & Hollys: These people are truly in the Land Of the Lost and can usually be found on the surface streets, driving slowly and slamming on the brakes at each intersection (Is this where I turn?) If there is more than one person in the car, there is usually a lot of pointing going on. Pull over and look at a map or ask Enoch for directions, Damnit!!!!

8.) Old People: Sorry, Q-Tips. If you are unable to see over the steering wheel or the freeway scares you, so you can't drive over 45 mph, then it's probably time to hang up the old driving goggles.

9.) Mini-van Mom (Can also be SUV Mom)- Mom is so busy turning around in the car, van, or SUV to yell at, talk to, or hand things to her kids that she is completely unaware of her surroundings and drives accordingly.

And to all the other weird things I've seen: eating (not fries & a burger--I'm talking utensils and a plate), reading (mostly a newspaper, but in one case a Bible), rummaging around in the car (a bone of contention with me, since that's what caused the accident that disabled my daughter), not signaling ever...I could go on and on.

But why should I have all the fun? Please add your favorite on-the-road character--I'm sure I've forgotten many.

If You Thought The Youth Of Today Couldn't Get Any Worse...

2005-05-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

I'm way too angry over this one to pontificate...This incident just leaves me speechless excecpt to say to these stellar "young adults":

Maybe someone should tie a rope around your necks and drag you behind a car speeding down the 51--how fucking funny would that be? Perhaps Johnny Knoxville would volunteer to drive? Then it could be broadcast on Jackass to show everyone what happens to assholes who torture animals. I think we need some creative sentencing in this case.

Bush Tightens Screws On Centrists

2005-05-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

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Honestly, that is the actual title of an article in today's paper. Check it out! This just confirms the bully-boy tactics I was talking about in my last post. Independent thought is not allowed in this party. Nyuck, Nyuck, Nyuck. You knuckleheads better straighten up!

I'm hoping that the moderates are able to stand up to this. We only have to look at what happened to Arlen Specter when he mentioned casually that the President might have a difficult time getting his judicial nominees approved--people were calling for him to resign, even though he was saying that the opposition would not be coming from him. If the hardliners continue to dominate, I might as well start looking into moving. Are there any countries out there that still like Americans? Really, we're not all assholes.

If anyone has read The Handmaid's Tale (the actual book, not the wretched movie), it deals with America basically becoming a theocracy overnight--Women are denied rights and forced to become breeders for high-ranking officials. Their money (since all transactions are done with plastic cards) is transferred electronically to the nearest male relative. Rather scary stuff when you realize that Margaret Atwood wrote about debit cards long before they were available. Every time I think that I am feeling paranoid, something else happens to make me feel like it's not so impossible, after all.

In other Stooge related news:

Our Republican controlled State government has decided that lowering the standards for school testing is the way to improve Arizona's compliance with the disastrous 'No Child Left Behind' standards.

This seems to be the standard strategy of this party. Have an endagered species that's about to become extinct? No problem. We'll just remove it from the list--see it's not endangered anymore! Air and water quality getting worse? We'll just increase the limits on the amount of toxic chemicals allowed--poof! Problem disappears. Education system has some problems? Don't worry, we'll just lower the standards so that enough kids pass to make it look like we're actually making improvements! Wake up Porcupines! We're getting screwed here and no one is talking about it. Can't get enough of the 'runaway bride', but give us some real news and we sink into apathy. Does no one feel outrage anymore?

And You Will Know I Am The President When I Rain My Vengeance Upon You...

2005-05-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

OK, so I'm a bit confused about what threats are going out to Republicans who dare to oppose their Commander In Chief. First, it was John McCain, prior to the election, criticizing the Administration. A visit from the Prez and our wayward Senator was toeing the party line once again. I've always admired Senator McCain, even if I don't agree with him. He's a man who speaks his mind and isn't prone to parroting the party jargon like so many other politicians. It was really scary to see him gagged, even temporarily.

This latest incident really has me wondering. Republican Senator Voinavich says that John Bolton is "The poster child of what someone in the diplomatic corps should not be". After having the courage to stand against his fellow Republicans, and cataloguing Bolton's failures at diplomacy, he....Hold the Phone!...votes to continue with the nomination process. Huh?

What hold does the Administration have on all of these would-be dissenters? Nude photos of Jane Fonda? Salacious e-mails from gay lovers? We should be very frightened that officials elected to retain the checks and balances our founding fathers carefully put into place, are so frightened of whatever repercussions they might receive, they will vote against their consciences to stay on the President's good side. Why have the Republicans suddenly come up with this "My way or the highway" attitude--51% of the vote is NOT a mandate, and I'm guessing a lot of those folks have come to their senses in the last five months. Politics is about compromise from BOTH sides and our President and elected officials do not seem to be willing to do that.

All seriousness aside, here is a website where you can purchase your very own "Bad Motherfucker" wallet just like Jules. Buy one and intimidate someone today.

OK, I still need some entries in my Caption Contest. Don't be shy, give me some captions. There's still time to beat Michael's hilarious caption!

An Age Old Question is Finally Answered...How Many Clowns Can You Fit In A Volga?

2005-05-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've been too serious, lately, so here's something fun I jacked from our newspaper...Create your own caption for this photo & post it in the 'Comments' section. Remember, you don't have to register to comment. Just post as anonymous and type your name in with your caption.

Have fun! My favorites will be highlighted in an upcoming post, and the "Winners" will have all the fame and glory that such recognition will surely bring them!

I should add that I do not care whether your caption is 'pro' or 'anti' Bush--I'm judging purely on creativity, so feel free to comment, Mr.Hannity!

Was Jesus Really a Republican?

2005-05-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

During my Grandmother's visit this past October, I attended the local Catholic church with her. I've had many issues with the Catholic churches in this area--namely that they are aping the "big box" evangelical churches by trying to make the services more about entertainment than worship (professional choirs and musicians, hand holding during prayers and hand waving during hymns). Not my cup of tea, but I went so that Grammam wouldn't miss mass.

The pre-election fervor was pretty intense at that time, and I marveled at how the priest was able to convey who he thought we should all vote for (take a wild guess) without specifically naming a candidate or political party. As an aside, this priest is currently under investigation in a sex scandal.

Apparently, subtlety is something lost on some clerics, however...This guy not only voted people out of his congregation for not voting Republican, but has told his congregation that if they do not agree with his politics (which he is still preaching even after the election), they should leave his church.

Will anyone in the administration dare question the tax-exempt status of churches that endorse political candidates? I'm hoping, at least, that the governing body the Baptist church will throw this guy out on his ass.

I'm honestly thinking that Jesus wouldn't have endorsed any political party. Both have beliefs that come in direct conflict with the Bible. Come to think of it, I can't imagine Jesus favoring any specific Christian religious sect, either. How arrogant is it to say "Jesus would have..." done this or that? If you read the New Testament, Jesus was pretty much a Socialist "Distribute your riches among the poor and follow me". Not to mention that he told people to go home and practice good works privately (not shout your good deeds and holiness from the rooftops).

I'm also so sick of people saying that God had a hand in either the most evil, selfish, or mundane things...

1.) Baseball players signaling their thanks to God for a victory or homerun. Like God cares who wins a stupid baseball game, or any sporting event for that matter.
2.) Politicians and leaders of Nations saying God was responsible for their victory, and then using that victory to push an agenda that is full of intolerance, greed, and phony piety.
3.) Couples who take massive amounts of fertility drugs to conceive, or hire a surrogate, and then say that "God wanted them to have five babies". If God wanted you to have five kids, you would have been able to conceive them naturally.
4.)Terrorist acts or wars in the name of God (any God).
5.) Men who treat women like crap, or as subservient, because that's what the Bible, Koran, Book of Mormon, says.

Does anyone else think that God is sick of taking the rap for all of this crap?

What scares me is that I'm sure that there are people out there who would think that our daughter's accident was because my husband and I aren't "good Christians". What's scarier is that years of a Catholic upbringing still have me believing (on occasion)that everything bad that happens to me is "God's punishment", rather than a series of bad but random events. I'm hoping that someday karma will level the playing field for us.

We live a good life even if we don't go to church, so its always frustrating to see Joe Hypocrite attending church and mouthing the words and acting all pious on Sunday, and then behaving like a bastard for the rest of the week, but living the good life.

Is this all God wants? Lip service, church attendance and a "Support Our Troops" magnet on our car?

Sorry, I got off track here, but seriously, this is what I think about sometimes.

I Guess Jason and Leatherface Can Start Updating Their Resumes

2005-05-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

Today's "moment of anger" is once again brought to you by our wonderful Commander in Chief...

This article was buried in our paper (I didn't even notice it until I looked at the online version). My only disappointment is that there wasn't a cute, ironic name given to this project--my vote was for "National Forests Accessibility and Protection Initiative". See? All that matters is the spin you put on it.

I can't believe that Mark Rey says that the goal was to "afford protection to roadless areas in the right way". Huh? Apparently, the way to protect these areas is to build roads and allow industry, because we all know how well industry protects the land it uses.

What astounds me more is how little the public knows about the beliefs of its highest governing bodies. I guess if you subscribe to the type of Evangelical Christianity practiced by the president, his closest advisors and key cabinet members--namely, that the 'End Times' are almost upon us, then you don't see much point in preserving anything for future generations because...well, there won't be any. All the Bushies will be swept away into a glorious afterlife, while we Godless Liberals roast marshmallows with Bill and Hillary and bitch about the humidity.

Having lived in two of those "Western States" for more than 10 years, I've read all about the fighting that goes on between industry (namely ranchers and loggers) and the powers that be. If you've ever driven around Oregon and seen the acres of stumps that were logging areas, or driven around Pennsylvania to see the devastation caused by strip mining, or driven around Arizona and seen...well, that there's not much worth preserving...but my point is that industry is never going to be happy with a small piece of the National Forest pie. They will demand more and more until we have nothing left, but hey, at least we'll have lumber for all the new houses going up in Queen Creek and AJ!

Not relevant to the topic, but a fun peek at my wacky family:
With the President's popularity at an all time low following the Shiavo fiasco, Social Security, and the endless Iraqi fighting, my Dad (not a liberal guy--he generally votes Republican, but loved Clinton due to the fabulous economy we had) had the following observation: "I'm still trying to figure out how this asshole got re-elected. Everyone I know is complaining about him, but none of them will admit to voting for him. Somebody had to vote for him". My Mom, who admits to mooning the TV in her youth whenever Nixon appeared, says she can't even stand to look at Bush long enough to moon him--a sad turn of events for her. Personally, I don't think you should be mooning anyone at age 56. At the very least, you should check with your physician before attempting it.

My Need For A Paycheck Overrides My Righteous Indignation

2005-05-04T21:42:00.000-07:00

I did see several items in our lovely daily rag about which it would be easy to be angry, but since I did not have access to the computer until 9:30 PM, sleepiness has overtaken my rage. Now that I am once again gainfully employed, I am exhausted by this time, and thinking only of my soft bed.

I did find out yesterday, when I was sitting with another underwriter to "observe the process", that the company outsources all of its verification of employment checks to an office in Bangladore, India.

Today, when I took the "Welcome to Mortgage Company X" online course, I found out more... The course was designed to give a history of the company, as well as detail its Mission Statement, goals, etc. There was even a test at the end (which is the only reason I paid attention to any of it). There was a section in which you clicked on a year and a "significant event in company history" popped up.

When I clicked on the year 2001, the pop up touted the closing of two American offices in order to "streamline" the operations by moving those jobs to Bangladore, India. Of course they didn't talk about "moving the jobs". It talked about how great the event was for the shareholders, because so much money had been saved, and profits had increased. I just couldn't believe that they'd try to spin it in a positive way. Maybe I'm just that naive.

Anyway, I am sad to report that I need a job more desperately than I need to cling to the saddle of my high horse, so employed I will remain...for now. Perhaps I will have the energy to be angry about something else tomorrow.

Until then...

Just When I Thought I Was Out, They Pull Me Back In!

2005-05-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

I thought I could stop my pro-choice ranting, but shit like this keeps coming up, and making me angry all over again!

OK, so this child is not mature enough to make the choice to have an abortion, but she is mature enough to be a parent????? Where is the logic in this argument??

Let's see...what would damage this young girl's psyche the most?
1.) Having an abortion (a quick procedure for which she doesn't even have to be awake, and will recover from within a few days).
2.) Giving the child up for adoption and always wondering what happened to it. Not to mention possibly being confronted by the child when it reaches adulthood, when she may wish no contact.
3.) Becoming a parent at age 13, with all the consequences, responsibilities, and ramifications.

I'm going to go with Number 1, Chuck.

If she has an abortion, she'll automatically receive counseling to make sure she is making the decision on her own and is emotionally able to undergo the procedure. Despite what the other side says, clinics do NOT let a person with doubts go through with the abortion. Also, I don't know the circumstances under which she became pregnant (I mean if she consented to the sex), but she would also receive free counseling on birth control and STDs.

I hope that the ACLU can help this poor girl! Seriously, what is up with Florida? They love you if you're an embryo, or in a vegetative state, but just try to get legislature to improve education and health care for everyone else.

2005-05-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Arnie & Carl Discuss Jungian Philosophy

Just Some Random Thoughts, Today, on Predator???

2005-05-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

So, we were flipping channels on the TV yesterday and came across 'Predator'. How surreal is it to watch an action movie starring not one, but two U.S. State governors? The U.S.A. won't reach international cool status, however, until we begin electing porn stars (like Italy), or rock stars (Australia elected Peter Garrett of Midnight Oil to parliament a while back, and I believe he is still serving in government).

'Predator' also stars Carl Weathers, who I can't see, since his hilarious stint on Fox's 'Arrested Development', without uttering his famous catch phrase from the show... If you haven't yet seen 'Arrested Development', shame on you because the season is over, but do try to catch any reruns you can find.

Carl Weathers guest stars as himself. He is mentoring would-be actor, Tobias. Apparently Mr. Weathers is, well...thrifty...in real life. Producer and narrator, Ron Howard asked if they could use this in the show. Weathers agreed. The result is seeing Carl Weathers unabashedly stuffing his coat pockets at buffets and excitedly telling a note taking Tobias "Just add some water and a few potatoes and you've got yourself a stew!" He does this repeatedly.

I was going to write more, but I really feel like crap today. My last thought is about the fun stereotypes in this movie--the Indian who looks at the ground and can tell you what occurred there days ago, the woman who is smarter at surviving than all these special ops guys, combined, and of course the geeky guy who keeps making all the sex jokes when you just know he's not getting any.

I Feel Vindicated...Well, Sort Of

2005-04-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

On The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, last night, his guest was one of the authors of this book, Stephen Levitt. As it turns out, some of the studies in this book are directly related to my most recent post regarding "parental consent" laws.

First, the author stated that they conducted research to discover what parents can do to help their kids achieve higher grades. They found absolutely no difference between spankers & non-spankers, parents who expose kids to culture and those who don't, etc. The one difference they found was that the children of parents who waited until age 30 or older to start having kids, got much higher grades than the children of parents who'd begun popping them out at a young age. For whatever reason, 30 was the magic number.

The other study discussed was how Roe vs Wade affected crime rates... The study showed that States with higher rates of abortion had a lower rate of crime 20 years or so after the landmark Supreme Court decision. The author, who does not address the subject from any sort of a moral standpoint, or with any sort of agenda, stated that since a large percentage of unwanted children grow up to be criminals, the mothers who aborted the unwanted children actually lowered the crime rate by doing so. He acknowledged that this was a very controversial point, but that they had taken many peripheral factors into consideration: changes in laws, increased police presence, more prisons, etc.

The book sounds really interesting, so I'll probably have to buy it to read more about how these statistical studies were conducted and what other fun stuff they discovered.

A View To A Bill (Great-now I have that Duran Duran song stuck in my head)

2005-04-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

Today's peek into the ever-narrowing gap between Church and State concerns the congressional attempt to sign a National parental consent law for abortion Given that this has already passed through Congress, I expect our wussy Senate won't put up too much of a fight and this will shortly be on the books.

Quite a few States already have parental consent laws, but as I've been saying for years, Republicans are all rah-rah for States rights unless it concerns a "moral" issue to which they object like Oregon's Death With Dignity act, or any State without strict abortion laws or road blocks like parental consent or "waiting periods" (don't even get me started on those).

This is something that my dear husband and I have argued about in the past (Never fear--they are friendly arguments. We're not screaming or throwing things). He says that as a parent, he would like to be informed if his daughter was about to obtain an abortion. As a parent, sure, I hope that my daughters will trust me enough to confide in me. Better yet, I hope I can educate them well enough to totally avoid teen pregnancy.

We have to see beyond the scope of how this would affect our little family, however, and focus on all the teenaged girls out there who are simply not ready to be Mothers. They know that they made a mistake. They just want to have an abortion and move on with their lives, hopefully wiser for the experience. What if hypothetical preggo teen has ultra-conservative parents? Will she be forced to have the child, forfeit her future, and pay for her mistake forever? We talk about horrible parents forcing their children into sports and careers they don't want. What about forcing your child into the ultimate role---parent? Is the child going to end up either raised by Grandma & Grandpa, or being taken away by CPS? Look at the kids CPS takes away from their families---most of the Mothers are young and unmarried. So mom loses her future, and junior ends up totally fucked up. I'm not saying that there aren't any teens who would be responsible parents, but I feel that they are few and far in between.

I know that I'm going to hear the "But she could give the child up for adoption" argument. A fine option, but how many teens say they are going to do it, but are unable to after having gone through the whole pregnancy and delivery? Not to mention that the highest teen birth rates are among minorities. Sure, there is a big demand for "healthy white babies" among those wealthy enough to adopt, but what about the minority babies? What about all the kids already languishing in foster care?

This law also has the nasty side effect of jailing any non-parent family member or friend who may want to help the poor girl obtain an abortion. The pregnant teen has nowhere to turn and no one to help her (I'm not counting God here, since he can't actually give her advice or babysit so she can go to prom). The law effectively ties everyone's hands. If lawmakers want more parental involvement, maybe we should make the parents get involved before the kids get knocked up.

I know that many of these lawmakers have some sort of back-asswards position that making abortion more difficult to obtain will somehow end teen pregnancy. It won't. The only way to do that is to have parents take an active role in educating their children about sex. If you want your kids to wait until marriage or at least a real committed relationship, fantastic! Don't expect anyone else to be able to drill this into their heads except you. This goes double if you had your kids as a teenager--tell them how difficult it was, how much you had to give up, etc. You should want something better for your kids!

I expect Greg will be great at giving our daughters the "Men Are Scumbags Who Will Say Anything To get Into Your Pants" lecture (I heard him give this lecture to my sister, and it's pretty good). I'll do the whole sex-ed, you're too young, diseases, and birth control, birth control, birth control lecture.

I see these restrictions on abortion as just a punishment for young women. If the girl is forced to give birth to a child she doesn't want and isn't ready for, she pays for her momentary lapse in judgment for the rest of her life, on a day to day basis. For many girls it is "goodbye high school diploma", "goodbye college", "goodbye future", "hello welfare". What about the father of the child? Sure he has to open his wallet every month and pay child support, but he can still finish school, date freely, go on to college, and move on with his life relatively unscathed.

Tell you what...I'll support a parental consent notification if an amendment is tacked on that would force the biological father of the child to get a vasectomy. He would not be able to get a reversal done until he was emotionally ready to commit to being a father. Since it takes two to create the child, that sounds only fair to me.

Shoot! No Guns In Bars!

2005-04-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

I've decided to save "Part Deux" of my "Why Women Are Idiots" post until a slow news day comes along, so stay tuned.

Right now, I have to give kudos to our Governor, Janet Napolitano for her veto of the idiotic bill that would have granted gun owners the right to carry their concealed weapons into establishments that serve alcohol--as long as they promise not to imbibe. Bar/restaurant owners would need to post signs if they chose to prohibit guns in their establishments.

My first reaction when this bill was introduced was to wonder how bar owners/bartenders would know not to serve someone alcohol when their weapon is concealed. My second reaction, having been an active bar hopper in my younger, single, childfree days, was how f-ing stupid are these legislators??? How many bar brawls that end now with just a few drunken idiots beating the living hell out of each other would end with one or more corpses if this law had passed?

The bills proponents argued that "responsible gun owners" would not be able to protect themselves if they had to leave their weapons in the car upon entering a bar or restaurant. OK, I have to ask...if these gun owners are out there, carrying their concealed weapons and foiling criminal attempts all the time, why aren't we seeing dozens of news stories about it? Why is it all we hear about are the negative aspects of gun ownership--kids shooting each other with Daddy's pistol, family arguments turning deadly, men shooting their estranged wives or girlfriends, school shootings, etc.?

I know that some people will say that it is a major conspiracy by our so-called "liberal media", but hey, even good old hippie, commie liberals love a human interest story where the little guy triumphs against evil. If these gun owners are out there fighting off criminals just like Spiderman (well, except Spiderman didn't use a gun), we'd definitely be hearing about it. Also, I have to wonder how many people have actually been robbed or assaulted while hitting the salad bar at the local Applebees. Why are these gun owners so angry about leaving the gun in the car? Are they afraid they won't be able to get to it in time to fend off that scary panhandler or illegal alien? I keep thinking of Homer Simpson's reaction when he was told he'd have to wait 3 days for his gun. "But I'm angry now"!

Just for the record, I am not totally anti-gun. I grew up with them. I learned to shoot when I was 8, and won prizes for marksmanship when I was 11 and 12 years old. Dad kept his rifles in an unlocked closet, but I would never have dreamed of touching them without permission. Having said that, I will also say that I firmly advocate gun control especially in the form of a ban on assault weapons. The average "responsible gun owner" doesn't need them, and I share General Wesley Clark's opinion that if someone really wants to shoot an assault rifle, they can put on a military uniform, strap on some boots, and fire all the assault rifles they want.

I was really worried about this bill because our governor has been cozying up to conservative voters recently, but her vetos against this issue and the "pharmacist's conscience law" have restored my faith in her. She may have totally pissed off the NRA, but she definitely made bar and restaurant owners, the travel industry, and local law enforcement agencies breathe a sigh of relief. Sometimes sanity does prevail! Keep those cojones, Janet!

PS. For some levity, I have to add some dialogue from the excellent Whit Stillman movie 'Barcelona':

Marta (Mira Sorvino): How can you say that Americans are not more violent than other people? All those people that die from shootings in America?

Fred (Christopher Eigeman): Oh shootings? That doesn't mean Americans are more violent than other people. We're just better shots!

Why Women are Idiots...Part I

2005-04-24T15:48:00.000-07:00

OK, so I'm coming in a bit late with this one as it is last weeks' news, but some pet health dilemmas (see my husband's blog) have kept me from starting this post sooner. The big news last week was that silicon breast implants are back! I hate to insult my own gender, but the way some women speak of larger breasts as a source of empowering just makes me crazy!

Congress (speaking of big boobs)apparently has nothing better to do than debate whether the merits of the silicon implants outweigh the potential health risks...Huh? Ok people, we're not talking about a drug just invented to cure cancer that might have a few nasty side effects. We're talking about something purely cosmetic that has the potential to harm the recipient.

Congress listened to women who claimed their lives had been ruined by leaky implants, as well as women who extolled the virtues of the implants, claiming that the implants gave them confidence & self esteem. These were not bimbos, either. The women testifying were doctors and lawyers--which some how makes it even sadder. Congress decided to OK the return of silicon.

I don't have a huge issue with breast implants, in general, but I wish women wouldn't lie to themselves about why they are going through the expense and physical pain. If you want bigger boobs to attract more men, just admit it. Last time I checked, "confidence" and "self esteem" were not items you could purchase from a plastic surgeon. These are qualities that come from within. Larger breasts may get you more dates from the shallow end of the gene pool, but do you really want to date someone who is more interested in your breasts than your personality? I won't even get into how many times you'll have to hear the word "Dude" uttered.

For anyone considering the option of breast implants to obtain self esteem or confidence, may I suggest some alternative ways to spend your hard earned cash...

1.) Go back to school. Knowledge is power...power is confidence. Get your diploma or degree, take some classes in your spare time.
2.) Travel, or do an Outward Bound course. Outward Bound practically advertises that their courses instill confidence. They certainly are challenging, and it is definitely a better way to spend your money.
3.) If you're really unhappy with the way you look, a "surgery-free" makeover might be worthwhile: Do a spa day, pamper yourself, get a free makeover from the cosmetic counter at your local department store (pick the salesperson with the least makeup, not the one who looks like Divine), get a professional bra fitting done (most women wear the wrong size), buy some new clothes & shoes that flatter you.
4.) If all else fails and the only way you can think to boost your self esteem is to have plastic surgery, a few sessions with a really good shrink might be beneficial. I'm not even joking about that. Anyone who feels that radically altering your body to please someone else is a good idea, really does need help.

I'll end with this caveat: I don't feel that all implants should be banned--certainly women who have had mastectomies, or who have some sort of birth defect (no, small boobs are not a birth defect) have a genuine need for cosmetic enhancements, but I wish more women would delve into the real reasons they wish to alter their appearance so radically.

I have more to say on the subject of why women feel the need to drastically mess with our appearances to please men, but that can wait for another entry.