It started with a Virginia bill that would require a transvaginal ultrasound before allowing a woman to have an abortion. To which a conservative commentator said that a TVU is just like sex and when someone else repeated her words back to her she (commentator) then referred to that person (a male) as a pervert and, bonus! A child molester and then the rest of the Internet got really mad and several progressives expressed their hope that the commentator be raped only to be followed up by referring to said female commentator as a CUNextTuesday. And as I am typing this all out I just keep rolling my eyes more and more dramatically and whoops! One just popped out.

This situation doesn’t deserve to be called a ‘debate’ or ‘discourse’ as those who engaged from the commentator to her foes on the other side of the aisle are adult enough to have participated in actual discussion. I returned to my computer after 18 hours of true engagement on how to help communities of color and promptly stepped into a Twitter feed of WTF. One of those moments where you’re looking back at who said what and when and for God’s sake, WHY? I was turned off. It has nothing to do with who in this argument was wrong or right and I would be remiss not to say that I do not agree with giving women transgavingal ultrasounds or any other ultrasound before allowing her to have an abortion. I do not agree with a growing sentiment that women who want to use contraception are ‘sluts’ or that rape and incest are things that women should just roll with. And I am most certainly not OK with men treating my body as if it is their own and their very manly way of assuming that because they have a penis they know what is best for everyone. Unless you are my gynecologist you have no business being all up in my uterus. Thank you very much.

While the above makes me shake with rage that hasn’t been the root of my concern over the past 48 hours. My dismay is not just because I am a woman (a woman who can make her own choices about her body but thanks for the faux concern) but as a person who has spent much of her time encouraging debate and pleading with friends and family to take an interest in what happens on all levels of government. I am constantly asked how to get women involved in politics and I have stayed true to saying that ALL women, no matter their ideology, should voice their concerns and be aware of what is happening in the world around them. To come home to a Twitter feed of progressive women being referred to as ‘pro-abortion’/'pro-murder’ and the response being calls for rape made me quite literally hate everyone. How can I suggest to women to get involved when voicing their opinion means being called a cunt? How am I to say with a straight face that discourse is a good thing and that democracy and difference is why we are able to have real discussion but in the event that someone disagrees you will be threatened with rape? How?

I literally shrug and sigh deeply as I type these words because I feel defeated as I ask for conversation to happen and then I see that women don’t want to be involved in politics because they will be threatened with bodily harm. Women don’t want to be involved in politics because of the above. Because discourse can turn to evil. Because no one can focus on REAL issues. Because it’s all about besting the other person instead of conversation.

And I don’t know what to do.

Thanks!

HB

P.S. If you have trouble viewing you can also fill out the survey/form/thingamajig here: Poliogue Survey 2012

P.P.S. You look nice today.

I ask because I have a little secret for you: There is no perfect candidate. There is no perfect President.

You won’t find him (hopefully one day *her*) in this election or the next. To think that there should be a President with whom you can agree on every topic is not only naive but it also goes against the basic tenets of democracy. There should always be something the leadership is doing that pisses you off, gets you fired up, and makes you want to voice the need for one change or another. I’d much prefer to say that though I choose Barack Obama as my candidate for 2012 that there are things about his policies with which I disagree. Hell, there have been moments of anger but it is my belief that having any of the Republican contenders in office would be detrimental to the country and our relationships around the world.

I keep running into angry conservatives because of the choices they have been given during this primary. It seems that there is nothing that pleases them: Mitt Romney is a RINO and don’t forget about “RomneyCare”. Sure Santorum is a social conservative but the former Senator is also a “big Government” conservative and there is nothing they dislike more than the already bloated bureaucracy. And one cannot be a “real” conservative if they aren’t willing to board the “let’s get rid of the Department of Education” bandwagon. Despite Santorum’s wins in Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri on Tuesday evening, many are left to wonder whether or not he has the infrastructure to campaign seriously all the way to the convention in August. Newt Gingrich is fun to think about but this is a serious Presidential race, correct? With Paul we are privy to the thought that Civil Rights is a ‘mistake’ and severely isolationist foreign policy. While he could play to the ultra-right his ability to be elected leaves much to be desired. He’s like your crazy uncle who gets invited to Thanksgiving: you nod and smile but you run away as quickly as possible. Huntsman worked for Obama, Tim Pawlenty couldn’t handle it and Perry turned out to be a dud. I picture Conservatives walking around aimlessly until the contest arrives to their state then just closing their eyes and placing a finger on someone…anyone. I wonder what it is that Republicans are looking for and who would be their idea of a good, quality candidate.

Then there is the President. When the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed, there was a thrill in the air. He did what he could to keep people working and the same goes for the Education Jobs Fund. Then came the events in Wisconsin and Ohio last spring where his leadership left much to be desired when it came to the union workers who helped to get him to the White House in the first place. That said having a ‘Right to Work’ proponent in office would send me screaming for the hills. I’ve often wish that he could be stronger and take a harder line on issues instead of just sitting on the sidelines. Taking issue with his leadership came up again during the work of the SuperCommittee. I know that it was technically congress’ responsibility but a little nudge to work harder and better would have been far more helpful than a pissing match with Eric Cantor and John Boehner. But he reformed Health Care, he has made great strides in education even though when I do a deep dive into his policies I question why grant writing takes precedent over educating. My point is that this President isn’t perfect and I never expected for him to be. He was voted to bring hope and change. Not hope, change and being infallible.

It’s not just the angry Conservatives but the annoyed Progressives that cause me to scratch my head. For the latter I wonder what exactly they were expecting? For Barack Obama to enter the West Wing, snap his fingers and suddenly everyone has free healthcare and a job? Did we not expect change to take years and realize that it was the hope that it can one day happen? It is to both Tea Partiers and Liberals, Republicans and Democrats that ask: What do you want in a President? Is there a ‘perfect’ choice?

At the time of Judy’s death my knowledge of breast cancer was fairly limited and I cannot say that all these years later I am any wiser. I knew that it could be a fast killer and that in some cases there is a genetic factor. I also knew that early detection of the cancer can give patients a higher survival rate. Of course during the month of October there were marches and runs and every store I entered proudly displayed pink products on behalf of breast cancer research but I am amazed at how little thought I gave to any of this. I purchased items because it was a good cause. Because I was doing something and contributing to breast cancer research. I contributed and bought Yoplait containers with pink tops because it felt like the right thing. Ignorance is bliss, my friends and no one told me otherwise.

Even when finally faced with breast cancer and to watch what it does to a person and a family, I felt even more empowered that years of pink crap was doing something for the overall good. Giving to the Susan G. Komen foundation would lead to prevention and a cure, I thought. They were doing good work. I type these words now while shaking my head. Feeling duped. How could I be so stupid? How could I believe that “pink washing” buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken would lead to a cure? How could I be so stupid to believe that an organization whose mission is to educate and inform the public on breast cancer would not fall into the political fray. This is what I wonder now. There was a fantastic interview after the Komen foundation pulled its funding from Planned Parenthood with Andrea Mitchell and Komen founder, former Ambassador Nancy Brinker. The way that Andrea – recently diagnosed with breast cancer – keeps pushing and digging at Ambassador Brinker with questions of why Komen changed their grant process, why underinsured or uninsured women shouldn’t be allowed to have their services and potentially life-saving early detection; there’s this urging and pain coming off of Andrea Mitchell. Not that she’s just pissed but that so many people believed in the Komen foundation and now that trust is gone.

There is something about death and the grieving process where we feel the need to do something, try harder and do better. When Judy died I wanted to go all in and at the time the Komen foundation was what I knew. Now I know different. Thank God. I will not give to them anymore not just because of this ‘scandal’ but because to honor those that have died from this terrible disease would not be to give blindly but to learn more. It’s not about covering shit in pink it’s about continuing the education and assisting groups and organizations that give more than lip service to the detection, prevention and the cure. I cannot end this without stating that it doesn’t make me a socialist to think that all women (and men), no matter their financial situation, should have the right to mammograms and early detection. It makes me human.

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The wonderful, beautiful and amazing Susan Niebur passed away yesterday after a five year battle with inflammatory breast cancer. A rare and aggressive form of the disease. In lieu of flowers her family has asked for donations to the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Please consider giving.

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By defunding Planned Parenthood the Susan G. Komen foundation betrays women

What breast cancer has taught me

Social Media Acts as a Catalyst for Policy Change

National Breast Cancer Foundation

the American Cancer Society

Avon Walk for the Cure

I am a total sucker for pomp and circumstance. I love the revelry and enjoy moments of tradition however small. So it is less than surprising that the State of the Union is one my favorite nights of the year. No matter who the President is I still watch with rapt attention not just to watch the address but to watch the reaction of the 535 members of congress in the audience. It’s crazy, I know, to not be among the over 90% of Americans with an unfavorable view of congress right now. That isn’t to say that I think they’re perfect and doing everything right but there’s still that soft spot that has been there since I was 12. The one that cannot help but love congress. So there’s my confession for the day: Congress can be awful but if you find the good ones then you can be swayed.

As I’ve gotten older I realize that I pay more and better attention to the actual address, both the written words and the delivery as I gauge how all of what is said will translate to actual legislation. While I still like congress I am not naive enough to think that bills will be sent to the White House and bipartisan compromises will be made and John Boehner and Nancy Pelosi will hold hands as the ride into the sunset. I am also aware that this is an election year and can I say one thing about that? To all of those angry that the President of the United States is giving a speech that might have notes of what he would like to accomplish into the next year. Can I just say – and pardon my language – NO SHIT. He’s the President and he’s allowed to give speeches and yes some of it might be pandering but I have never read or watched a State of the Union address that wasn’t essentially a campaign speech. For as President of the United States you get to be the Campaigner in Chief. That’s just how it works.

Moving onto the speech itself: It was spectacular. Some might scream BIAS! as I have been less than secretive as to who I will be voting for in November but I can still step back enough and allow for critical thinking. That said it was an address that wasn’t just meaningful in the words that he said but how he said them. He was forceful. He pushed at congress and yes, he scolded. But can you say that they don’t deserve it? He acknowledged the giant rift between both sides of the aisle right now and that for us to move forward as a country we – or, they, the House and the Senate – need to get over their differences and keep it moving. As I tweeted yesterday it was very much “Lead. Follow. Or get out the way”. And that is how I like my President. Presidential. Leading. Keeping us moving despite 535 roadblocks who are more interested in fighting with each other than fighting for the American people.

Despite my congress love I can still be disappointed. I watch C-SPAN and the pointing of fingers and referring to “My friend, the distinguished gentleman from X…” before giving a profound speech that amounts to a giant middle finger. I watch as members speak over each other, heckle and boo and I am dismayed. I’m bothered and saddened that this is the state of our union. As the President mentioned last night we did not receive a credit downgrade because of our finances but because congress was more interested in arguing with each other to the point that they would allow us to default on our loans. The House and Senate have argued us into oblivion and while it’s funny in an “Oh my God, there they go again *rolls eyes*” way it is also disturbing and treacherous. The word ‘compromise’ is not part of their vernacular. But ‘pissing match’ is (well, that’s two words but you get what I’m saying) and right now I don’t know what it will take or how low this country has to go before we are back on solid ground with representatives who care about those they represent as much as they care about their own politics, ambitions and proving the person across the aisle wrong.

I will address the finer points and policy over the next few days – particularly his quest to end asinine policy of ‘teaching to the test’ but I did want to give a few thoughts and hear what you all liked or didn’t like about the speech. Have at it.

Watch: The full State of the Union address

Watch: Mitch Daniels deliver the Republican response

“Oh. Well Obama is doing this fundraiser at the Apollo tomorrow night and I have an extra ticket since no one else could go but if you’re not going to be back then you can’t go”

“Uh….thanks?”

So she went to the Apollo and spent the first hour telling me all of the things she would tweet if she were on Twitter:

- Apollo, India, Al, Barack — Absolutely Amazing!
- India Arie just came into the audience to hug Roberta Flack.

Shortly thereafter my aunt sent me a message saying “Thought you would appreciate this”:

Fun, right?

This morning I woke up to this:

There’s the comparisons to President Clinton on Arsenio playing the sax of course but it’s so refreshing to see a President goof around and show off their other talents. It almost makes them ‘real’, if you know what I mean. I found it absolutely charming. Also, I think singing Al Green to a bunch of supporters at the Apollo Theater is a great way to get your base back. But that’s just me.

I recalled this experience during yesterday’s mass protest and inevitable hysteria over the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA). I say ‘mass hysteria’ not because I agree with either bill in their entirety or because I think that people should not be honestly it isn’t the bill language (and yes, I have read both bills) it is about the process leading up to their introductions and the after. My twitter stream was full of folks blacking out their sites and putting giant black ‘CENSORED’ bars over their avatars to protest. But the more retweets and bandwagon hopping I saw the more I thought to myself: Do you know what you’re protesting? Or are you doing it because you heard about something that someone else heard about via Wikipedia and because your friend’s friend is against SOPA, you are too? I’m not trying to be an asshole (famous last words) but it’s a question that needs to be asked before being all “RAWR! STOP SOPA!” then calling your congressperson about an issue that you know little to nothing about.

Of those up in arms how many actually know the name of their member of congress? And of those members of the House and Senate who signed on to SOPA and PIPA as cosponsors really knew the intricacies of piracy and copyrighted content and whether the bill they were attaching their names to could present unintended consequences. Has anyone noticed that the head of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) one of the key backers of SOPA is currently being headed by former Senator and Presidential candidate, Chris Dodd? Oh and the other chief backer was none other than Rupert ‘I don’t know nothing ’bout no phone hacking’ Murdoch. The former who could easily get former Senate friends to jump on board onto what they thought was a harmless piece of legislation and the latter is a gagillionaire.

But more importantly: Did anyone actually read either bill? The cosponsors? The bandwagon jumpers? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

I didn’t say any of these things to be an asshole but to point out that sometimes congress doesn’t make the best decisions ever. This could be because it’s a topic that is so new that they know very little about it (SOPA and PIPA fall into that category as intellectual property when it comes to online content is still so new) or it could be because someone with the right ties and deep pockets wanted a law written and found a sponsor who said ‘Sure! Why not?’ again without really going into the repercussions of such. This is all just speculation of course as I have no clue who or what got the ball rolling but I do know and geared witness to people who aren’t knowledgeable on a subject area playing expert. And that is bad.

I’ll leave you with this thought and a bit of a personal note: It has taken me years – my entire adult life – to learn to be an independent thinker and to not have a ‘bridge jumping’ mentality (If everyone jumped off a bridge would you do it). I mentioned this in my previous post but I want to know every side of the story so that I’m not only well-versed in the facts for my own arguments but so I can also play ‘Devil’s advocate’. I started this site not just because I like to talk about electoral politics and current events but because I noticed that more often than not people were quick to be opponents or proponents without knowing the background. I wanted to be able to start a discussion and to not play a political pundit but to say here is the issue and here are some great resources. Go forth and get schooled. In a time of turmoil and where everyone can play an expert in any field, I hope to foster critical thinking. Reading a bill before denouncing it is the best place to start. And with this entire SOPA/PIPA/I don’t really know but I heard situation I am realizing that there is a need for sites like mine to get people talking and hopefully know what they’re talking about.

As an aside: For all those up in arms yesterday I hope that just because the day of action is over and the topic has been tabled in the House and will be filibustered in the Senate that doesn’t mean that you won’t continue to learn, explore and engage. The work of congress doesn’t end just because no one is paying attention. It is made more effective when people do pay attention. I wish that those who got SOPA excited will get just as excited about education, the state of the economy, jobs, Social Security and this election.

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Stop Online Piracy Act

Protect IP Act

How SOPA would affect you: FAQ

Ten Things You Need to Know About SOPA and PIPA

What is SOPA? Anti-piracy bill explained

Congress, SOPA and a fight over the web

My first reaction upon viewing the above last week was abject horror at the sight of United States Marines urinating on dead bodies. And then as I am wont to do, I shuddered and went back to what I had been doing like perusing Etsy stores and yelling at the television.

Hours later I returned to a Twitter stream filled with conservative blogger/former Tea Party activist/CNN contributor Dana Loesch batting down the progressives for their reaction or as she saw it overreaction to the behavior of these Marines. The following day Dana – and full disclosure here that I have always been friendly with her – mentioned the incident on her popular radio show where she stated that she was fine with the actions of the Marines. She also said that she would “drop trou and do it too”. You can listen to the full statement here:

After my initial reaction of “OH MY GOD THEY ARE PEEING ON PEOPLE” I left ‘gut-reaction’ mode and tried to think outside of myself as to why Marines would defile corpses. Thinking before reacting is something I have been working hard at over the years which is to take my gut as a first stop and explore why I might feel this way and other factors surrounding a particular incident. I don’t want to turn into a person who blindly goes along with what everyone else is saying for the express purpose of being able to say “Well because they said”. I strive to be more of an independent thinker because it’s important when arguing politically to have a grasp of both sides of the equation.

“Well…it is the Taliban”, I thought. Which might sound horrible to say that one should pee on on dead bodies because it’s someone who has assisted in inflicting terror not only upon their own citizens but on other Americans. The same Taliban that has repressed women, starved their own citizens and has had allegiance with Al Qaeda. That said these are dead bodies and the people urinating on the bodies are Marines: A group currently surrounded by war. I cannot fathom what happens on the front lines and what each of our service members bear witness to each day we are embroiled in combat on the other side of the world. I think I would be far more horrified to learn of what happens during each day of war than I would be to see Marines peeing. And that is the honest truth. So while I in no way condone what the Marines did – nor does the US Marine Corps which immediately responded that they would be subject to disciplinary action – I cannot imagine what they have seen and what they have been through to get to that point.

As you can see I have been thinking – possibly over thinking, but that is what I do – this entire event while most of you have gone about our lives. It’s jus that I can’t imagine ever being in their position; the Marines that is and that is what keeps me from being angry towards the entirety of the US Marine Corps and spewing vitriol towards our men and women in combat. I see this as more of a loss of control by these four Marines. They have captured the enemy, killed him no less and in the end urinating on their dead bodies in order to show just who is boss. And so, while I am not angry and getting pitchforks ready as I have seen so many do I am disappointed. That’s what. Marines are held to a a far higher standard than the American civilian and what has occurred is something outside of the realm of what they are supposed to personify therefore they should be punished and just how we will soon see.

In sum: I take the Bill Maher reaction. You?

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U.S. Marines Soul Searching After ‘Urinating’ Video

Correcting the Progressive Spin on My Defense of the Marines

Goldie Taylor Calls Out CNN’s Dana Loesch on CNN over Urine-gate

So here I am. Just a girl who wants to be all up in your political business standing in front a group of readers wondering who in this election you like thus far? Is it the lesser of seven evils? Are you waiting for the New Hampshire primary to be over? Or are you just like get Mitt Romney off my TV? Inquiring minds would like to know.