Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The One Where She Goes Where She's Been Trying To Avoid...

There is an old addage that says one should not discuss sex or politics with friends. And, since NOT talking about sex is completely out of the question - I am going to break my rule and go to that other place I have been trying to avoid. In light of certain things that have come to pass and with only a few weeks left in this most historic election - I will give a few of my political opinions and hope that I can try to make sense of some of this absurdity called an election. If you came here looking for my usual fun and jaunty post....come back another time.



First of all - I have a theory regarding the subject of Presidency itself. Four years is simply not enough time to effect change or really leave a mark on things. The first year on the job is spent establishing oneself, choosing a cabinet, pardoning a few cronies, succumbing to party pressures and promises, settling in and redecorating the White House, whipping out a State of the Union full of "I told you so's " and "don't shoot the messenger's" and "it's not us , it was them". You know, getting one's POTUS* MoJo groovin' - so to speak.

*for those of you who don't know, POTUS = President of the United States



Year two is all about globetrotting, State Dinners, making the cover of Time Magazine Man of the Year, (or People's Sexiest issue) acting on a campaign promise or two (pork , pork), in other words - staying low. Years three and four are spent gearing up for and running (again) for the second term! Can you say Lame Duck? Then in the second term - you do your 'thang' for two years...then ready the Big Rolly Chair for the next schlub to assume the position.



So here's my suggestion - 6 year term, no re-election. Get in, futz around for a few months - Then get busy - fix shit... roll a head or two....fix more shit...restore the US 's world position ...then, get the fuck out! And while you're at it - end this friggin' thing in the Middle East. I hasten to call it war - as clearly there is no opponent and no prize to be won at the end.

And while I am eating my pie in the sky...how about co-Presidency's? I think there are admiral qualities on both sides of the political fence - so how about sharing the love inside the Okay Corral? In this the year of Newbie v. Veteran (neither of which has shown any real chutzpah** without cowtowing to the right or left (I mean , do you really think McCain chose that woman for any other reason but religious right political pressure?) - Why can't they run the country together? Really make the Vice President's position important for something other than spoof and parody? If either one have them suggested the other as a running mate I think that would have nailed it!! True Bi-Partisanship. Presidency by Steering Committee? Nyaaaah. But a girl can dream can't she?

** chutzpah = balls


I am trying to stay as neutral as possible in this election, because as of this very moment, I am registered as "Undeclared" as far as political party affiliation - so this year, my vote clearly counts. At this very moment, I am still on the fence - And in the last election , I stood there at the polls in sort of a stupor until I chose a candidate. They literally asked if I had a problem because those on were getting antsy waiting for my spot. Shit, I wasn't tossing around whether I was going with the Grande or the Venti, I was choosing a President. Sheesh.



I don't vote based on Party rhetoric, but rather on issues that are important; in sort of a conical way - with myself and family at the center and wending it's way out and out and out to include, yes, even people who are less fortunate than I. Strangers too. People who have differences in opinions, religions, sexual orientation, financial status, education, values, environmental concerns - yes, they are all in my concentric equation as well. Call me a commie- but I think part of our job in this country is to try to address the needs of EVERYONE as best we can.



But- we should all be ashamed of the way we have been behaving as a country lately. Here's just a few reasons why:




~ While at a friend's house a few weeks ago, my 9 year old daughter was told by another 9 year old that if Obama is elected, he'll be assassinated while in office. Note to self, don't let your kid hang out with that kid ANYMORE!! This family goes around sporting their Vote Yes on 8* buttons while couching their beliefs in Christian morality. I don't think their Jesus would be too happy with that sentiment. It sickens me that a child would say something like that to another child. 9 year old's should be wondering about which Jonas Brother is the cutest, not about what assassination is.

*Prop 8 in California would amend the state's constitution to include the definition of marriage to be one man and one woman. They say they don't want gay marriage to be taught in school. I have never seen the lesson plan, but I hope they don't use Britney's 37 hour marriage to a man, or Liz Taylor's 8 marriage as the bar standard for traditional marriage. But this issue is a mired in religiousity, fear, and hatred. Enough already.

~ I like McCain. I always did. But something happened in the past few months . Dude's been slipping in the polls since Palin's entre on the scene. He was moderate and smart - now he's completely turned his conscience over to the dark side as far as I'm concerned. He is listening to his strategists who are now publicly stating that Obama will win. The hopes here is that people (and that's only stupid people) will listen to them , and not vote on November 4th because it is a 'fete accompli'. Their hopes are that the independents and undeclared would not cast any votes for anyone and McCain would have a chance. Seriously, if that is the only way they think they can get their candidate elected - they don't have as much faith in his ability to lead as they should. That in and of itself is sad, my friends - really sad.

And, Obama is no picnic either. I think it sucks that the guy has to constantly defend his race and religion and upbringing. But, all of these things are out there and he has to defend. We are just not open minded enough of a populace to let it go. And, he's been trying so hard to be nice and not spew vitriole the way his opponent's have been - but I bet he wants to get down and 'shiv them right about now.* Add that to the fact, that by party doctrine - he has to believe in the opposite of everything that happening now, even if he doesn't. And, he's no dummy and knows he won't make a difference in his first two years (see above theory about all that)


* I am not above a little dissin' either fo shizzle.

So what are we to do? Get out there and rock the vote. We have no right to bitch about the result if we weren't part of the process in the first place. And, on or about November 8th, when the President elect has been announced... nobody will give a shit anyway. They'll have taken their toys and gone home. Sales of Goo Gone will exponentially explode so people can scrape their bumpers clean.

And- let's not forget W still has 2 weeks (and several months before innauguration) left to fuck us over even more...

so- every year I am stuck (which is every year) I say to myself " Swirl Girl - vote the lesser of two evils." This year I am afraid I am having to vote for the evil of two lessers.

...I don't want to go there.

23 comments:

jill jill bo bill said...

I like the six year idea. Good post, Swirlie!!

Lula! said...

OK, I was all digging this...beautifully written, succinct, and worthy of my attention. So proud of you!

And then you mentioned Goo-Gone and bumper stickers having to be removed and I swear...I think I peed on myself when I cackled out loud.

Oh. My. Head. You are killing me.

Brilliant post.

Rosemary Q said...

Why aren't you running for President?

Great post!

I am undeclared also...I can't stand the thought of being boxed in. I want the right to choose.

sassy stephanie said...

You are too funny. Well said, my friend.

Tiffany said...

Girl, we need to get a drink.

I am totally with you on 6 years, no re-elect and let #1 be pres and #2 be vice.

I am a registered independent and will probably vote Libertarian, as I cannot bring myself to vote for either of these tickets.

I wish people were more thoughtful, like you. I know gay marriage is a huge trigger from some (which I just don't get, who cares?), but to change the Constitution... please. That's ridiculous. That proposition is fueled by fear and ignorance. It is the furthest thing from "Christian" that I can imagine.

These are the reasons I have a hard time finding a church. I don't want to be handed a "Yes on 8" sticker on my way out.

It's called SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE.

I could go on and on, but I won't. I kept my political views off my blog, so I thank you for letting me spew them on yours!

Fannie said...

I am so weary of the campaigning by the time Election Day rolls around I can barley drag myself to my polling place.

Anonymous said...

The Evil of two Lessors...i like that!

Anonymous said...

Great post, as usual, my friend. McCain and Palin scare the crap out of me. I will say no more. Anyhoo - I thought I better check out the ballot questions for the great Commonwealth of MA, and was overjoyed to see that question #2 was to replace the criminal penalties with civil penalties instead for possession of one ounce or less of weed. I have an 18year old...not always the brightest bulb. Jodi's voting YES!!!

Heather said...

I agree that we can't complain about anything if we're not going to vote. SO, the kiddos and I are going down to the library to vote early tomorrow. Yee haw!!

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Kgirl said...

Amen! I can't bring myself to vote for either as well...Just can't do it! As for the assisnation thing...it is going around school. Mine have come home with it too and we had "the talk" I personally think which ever party is running for President should be required to pick a running mate of the opposite party...maybe then we would get a real insight as to what they stand for!

The Blonde Duck said...

Wonderful. I just can't wait until it's all over. Since I work in journalism, I've been hearing about this from my moronic co-workers who think THEIR opinion is the only one for over a YEAR!

Unknown said...

#1 - I COMPETELY agree about the 6 years...

#2 - I completely agree that we need to shape up. My big thing is everyone complains about negative ads, but you know why they run them? BECAUSE THEY WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!

#3 - YOu know back in the day the vice president WAS the guy who came in 2nd.

#4 - VOTE FOR LIZZY!!! I'm not the Lesser of Two Evils!!!!!

nikkicrumpet said...

I like the 6 year concept..that's a good one. I agree with some of what you said. I think some of it we could have a debate about. I do agree this election comes down to the lesser of two evils. How sad that there isn't a candidate with courage, honesty and an actual spine!

I live in Massachusetts...and I gotta disagree with the "who cares" attitude on the Gay marriage issue. It is bigger than people think...and it does have ramifications. Churches who do adoptions will be forced to allow adoptions to same sex couples...even if it goes against their docterine...or they lose they're tax exempt status. The bible becomes "hate speech" because of it's stance. There is such a broad base of things that it effects...that people don't even realize until they live under this law. Don't get me wrong...I have no problem with people who are gay...heck don't ask what I do in my bedroom...I won't ask about yours. But I've lived under this law and seen the negative effects it has in so many different ways that people didn't foresee. Sorry about the long comment. I just want everyone to educate themselve...look DEEPER into the issues...not just the surface stuff. Have a great day!

Anna Lefler said...

Great post! I've always loved the idea of term limits - 6 years sounds good to me, then BYE-BYE!

And the same stuff is going on here with kids - our school is COMPLETELY crossing the line by dragging the teachers' personal views into the classrooms. WRONG!

I can't wait for this crapola to be put to bed.

Go, Swirl Girl!

XO

Anna

Mariah said...

I think you should run for president. This was brilliant..

Cristin said...

You're a freaking genius. You should be president.

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

Politics should not be someone's career. And I love the 6 year notion. Because they need time to figure out what they are doing...then they need to do it...and then they need to get back to the real world.

Word verification is jaill. Is there a hidden meaning in word verification??

Kaylia Metcalfe said...

I just found your blog (from BATW) and I have to say I loved this post.

I like the idea of 6 years and no reelection… not so sure about the “co” idea (for practical reasons) but your assessment of year one, year tow, etc was spot on.

I too am troubled by this election… and even though it is historic, dramatic, and important… part of me just wants it to be over already.

Anyway, off to lurk around your blog some more : )

-K (also a non-partisan voter)

A New Yorker said...

The reason "o" has to explain his religion etc...is because he has not been forthcoming. If it's no big deal then be open. McCain was vetted about his birth, by his own party. "o" has no track record so we are forced to look into the man, his past, his upbringing and his associations. McCain has 30 years of service to this nation which can stand as it's own record.

It's not so simple as to say religion doesn't matter or shouldn't matter. I have a post about this on October 30th. So come back then and you'll get more to this from me.

I am sorry that child said what s/he did to your child. It's ugly out there. Uglier than I have ever witnessed in my entire life.

Sadly this is way more than just an election about one parties policies vs another. It's about revolution. Don't be fooled. I've heard this since college from the same folks that are not running the show. It scared me then and now even more.

Also don't forget to stop by on Monday. wink wink.

michelle said...

great post! so glad i found you on SITS.

Mama Dawg said...

My daughter has the same thought as you. She said that she wants both candidates to be President. I thought that was mighty clever for an 8 year old.

Danielle said...

You're right.

I like this. I like "the evil of two lessers". Nice end. I love pointing out about people scraping their bumper stickers! (Seriously I HATE bumper stickers!)

I like the overall sentiment here.

6 year term and co-presidency... hmm... rubbing chin....