It’s the day after the 2012 election. What a ride, right? The hatred and anger bubbled to the surface like a rancid sewage overflow. And it stank like one as well. I admit that it came from both sides, but in my world, the viewpoints from the conservative right against women’s rights, voting rights, and basic human rights and dignity seem to be from one group. I saw it spill over to people in my own family and some close friends that are well-educated, but prefer to believe the hype the media portrays. Of course, they say the same about me. So, as I attempt to make some sense of this all, I wish to share my own views on this craziness.
First of all, my life may not be perfect, but I am much better off than four years ago. Financially, I have what I need – except health insurance. I’m working on that. I am working, my small business is doing well, I am attending college to complete my degree, and I get to do pretty much as I want. I have seen our President’s successes and some failures, but overall, I choose to believe the research I have done rather that listen to the angry rhetoric of the Tea Partiers and those that are so entrenched in Conspiracy Theories that the sun shining odd is the fault of those mystery “powers that be.”
Women’s rights came under fire to be sure. I saw a few far right Tea Party candidates relegate rape to a good time for the guys. All of a sudden, there were visions of reverting back to the 50’s and 60’s when women were seen as dumb sex object who got what they asked for. I saw the issue of birth control come under fire – once again, the fault of those “Jezebels”. Of course, at no time was any blame or responsibility placed on men. The last time I got pregnant, it was a joint effort between my husband and me. I don’t know – maybe it has changed? If so, then women can get pregnant by themselves. So, the battle cry of “Leave Our Vaginas Alone” is apropos!
I saw Social Security called an entitlement. Hey, now! I have paid dearly into Social Security. Entitlement? Nope, that’s my money and I want it after working so long and hard.
I saw the Affordable Health Act attacked. I have not been able to access low-cost insurance as of yet, but you can bet that I will. To imagine a country as wealthy and powerful as ours not offering health care to everyone is unconscionable. A healthy society is a productive society. A productive society is a profitable society.
In California, where I live, I saw Monsanto and Dupont pour massive amounts of money into defeating a proposition that would require the labeling of Genetically Modified foods. I want to know what is in my food! The proposition did not pass – the big GMO corporations won that one. I am compiling a list of those companies that contributed to the defeat, and I will NOT give those companies any of my money. Boycotting at this point seems to be the way in which I can speak my voice.
After all of this, there remain extreme feelings of anger and hatred. I saw that the Dow plunged today. Of course, Wall Street has to make its voice heard with a temper tantrum that far exceeds the capabilities of my four-year old grandson. It proves that our country remains divided between those that hate our President and those that don’t. How do we get past this?
I, for one, am determined to continue to make my voice be heard. I will continue to be proactive in my voice championing those rights of the less fortunate. I will use my voice and keyboard to call out those that would denigrate all that our foremothers and forefathers fought so valiantly for. I urge you all to not accept anything less that honesty and integrity. Do not believe all that the media and strong-arm admen and corporations say. Research, read, study! You, and you alone are responsible for your choices. We are our brother’s and sister’s keepers. If we let one go by the wayside, then we let all go by the wayside.
One more thing, one of my dear friends posted in a Facebook post a comparison of voting for wealth and a strong economy or voting for compassion. My answer to that is we should be able to have both. Without a compassionate citizenry, our economy falters. Greed only goes so far. And since when is compassion a bad thing?
Dancing Naked 