Make it a double and bring your flip-flops

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted. The end of the year in my other life (Corp World) was quite busy with travel and wrapping up 2009 business. I also had to tend to a sick cat diagnosed with liver problems ultimately resulting in diabetes. Suffice to say he is doing well and thank God for that. My nursing skills had about had it. I did not sign up for feeding tubes, weekly vet appts., administering 5 medications and now needles twice a day. But hey, that's what cat moms are for. It's their world and people are here to serve them.

My 2 week holiday vacation has been filled with catching up on the latest political ruckus. And there certainly has been no shortage in that dept. Healthcare, Afghanistan, and the latest terror attempt. Oh, where do I begin? Well, since I don't want to keep you too bored with my endless ranting let's focus on Healthcare and the latest terrorist attempt.

I think I can sum up these two topics in one sentence: The GOP is a platform of double standards and flip-flopping. You know the old saying, what is good for the goose, is good for the gander. Apparently, this certainly does not apply to our fri-enimies, the Republicans. Here is why:

Let's start with Healthcare Reform. Specifically, government funded options that have been the source of great debate in the House and especially the Senate. Without getting into the right and/or wrong about the inclusiveness of this option, one Senator surely has pulled out his summer flip-flops to wear in the Winter. That would be none other than Joe Lieberman. When the initial Senate bill included reducing the eligibility age for Medicare to 55, who was the first to speak out against it - why Senator Joe Lieberman. Now read this next part carefully. In 2000, Joe was pressing the flesh of Maine voters in his bid for President by talking about Medicare for younger Americans. But wait, that's not all. In September, 2009, he opposed a public option, however he stated, 'we can extend coverage of Medicare and Medicaid to the uninsured'! The thing is Joe doesn't know what he is saying or, in reality Joe does know that the $50K + he has taken from the health insurance agencies may go away by supporting any government provided plan. So he flips his support - and is once again has a total flop to Democrats. He's all yours GOP, please take him.

Now onto the latest politicized news item. By now everyone has heard of the thwarted terror attempt on Delta Flight 253 flying from Amsterdam to Detroit. Immediately I'm thinking the Republicans are clapping and stomping their feet to this one because it gives them another Obama bashing moment. And sure enough, that is exactly what is happening. This incident's double-standard award goes to to...none other than Dick Cheney. Mr Cheeeney (as Chris Matthew's pronounces it) is now bashing the Prez and everyone around him with not stepping up and addressing the American people sooner. And the rest of the Republicans? Well they are just positively giddy over this incident hoping for political gain. Now, here's where the double standards come in. Let's see, this happened on Friday, and President Obama addressed the Nation Monday, then again Tuesday , so if my basic math is correct, that is 3 days. Now stay with me here cause this is where it gets tricky. Back in December, 2002, Richard Reid was arrested on an AA Flight for having so-called bombs in his shoes. In that incident, GW decides it's time to make a statement 6 days later. Nevermind that only 3 months prior, the US suffered it's first real attack on 9/11. But folks, it doesn't stop their in double-stand Republican land. The President announced after Umar Farouk's arrest that he would be tried in a US Court. Well that was enough to send Cheney and his GOP compadres well over the edge demanding that he should be tried in a military court. And nope, it doesn't end there, Cheney's fear-mongering gums are flapping all over print and airwaves stating that Obama is 'trying to pretend we are not at war'

I'm wondering why Dick Cheney, master of war, just doesn't sit down, shut up and go hunting with the family. That would sure make us all feel a lot more safer.

Sunday Rambler - 11/01/09

NEW

Weekly summary of random thoughts of the past week. (I find this much easier as an ADD victim to write rambling thoughts rather than put a whole piece together)

• Delicious Frank Rich column in the NYT's about upstate New York's 23rd Congressional District deemed to predict a GOP comeback. The juicy part is the fact that the Republicans are willing to eat their own to bow down to the likes of Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and Newt Gingrich. Wonderful RWNJ fodder to start the week leading into some key local races this coming Tuesday
• So I wonder how many kids will wake up this morning as Satanists after receiving tainted "devils candy"while trick or treating last night. I hope Pat Robertson does a follow up poll. And map it out, I love maps. Like Orange States (Satan States), Yellow States (Jesus States) etc.
• Here is even one scarier RWNJ. Has anyone ever heard of James Manning? He's a Pastor of some church in Harlem - and anit-Obama. His quote: "If Obama lives, then America dies..." Yikes
• Hypocrite Dick Cheney and his little daughter Liz just can't keep their tongues in their mouths. While Obama is paying respects to fallen soldiers, they are spewing lies about how former President Bush did so "without the cameras". Fact of the matter is, they didn't need cameras because there often was no GWB to photograph! Hello?
• Can we all just get over the Fox News vs White House battle. We all know Fox is not news, nor is MSNBC and often neither is CNN. None, apparently fact check so we might as well just call Blogs news. Right? In fact, the conversation I had in the grocery store with some old lady about Healthcare Reform and her concern over loosing her prescription care under the proposed Bill might as well be called news. Stick to MacNeil/Lehrer on PBS if you want real news. The rest is just entertainment. And if the White House decides not to go on Fox's Entertainment Tonight, so be it. Get over it Fox.
• Can someone just bitch slap Dennis Miller. He sucked as a comedian so now he makes a perfect RWNJ political pundit. His choice of guests just elevates his nut job status even higher. His latest waste of airtime went to Mitch McConnell to discuss fear-mongering over the public option in HCR. This time instead of pumping "death panels" and killing off grandma, he switched to bashing the UK and Canadian public health systems. Bottom line, any public option "may kill you". Hmmm.

Happy Daylight Savings Day

Why Ted Kennedy was Real

The Kennedy's were a family of wealth, privilege and power. There is no doubt surrounding the truth of that statement, they seemingly had it all. But they were also a family of tragedy, secrets, and sadness. Every chronicle you've probably read surrounding the passing of Ted Kennedy, I'm certain did not fail to mention more than one of the many examples of the reality of the Kennedy fortress.

During all the eulogies and remembrances of the life of Ted Kennedy, I could not help but think of how proud the surviving Kennedy's should be of a man that truly embraced the meaning of what it is to be a Liberal. Despite his dalliances, drinking and scandals, Ted Kennedy never claimed to be anything he wasn't. He truly understood the perils and struggles of those who had much less than he ever knew. He embodied the spirit of a Liberal by working countless hours trying to put forth a right that he knew was a right, not a privilege, that is, healthcare for all. He was a man of true conviction.

In 1964, Ted Kennedy was seriously injured in a plane crash along with Indiana Democratic Senator Birch Bayh and his wife, Marvella, legislative aide Edward Moss and the pilot, Edwin Zimny. Kennedy broke 3 vertebrae, 2 ribs and had a collapse lung. Birch Bayh heroically pulled Kennedy from the wreckage. Bayh's wife was trapped in the plane along with Moss and Zimney.

What was not widely reported was the Ted Kennedy lain on the ground in serous pain as he insisted that Bayh and other passersby attend to the others. They subsequently rescued Mrs. Bayh and Moss; Zimny had died on impact. Mrs. Bayh suffered small cracks in her back and Moss later died in surgery. Ted Kennedy had insisted they treat Mrs. Bayh and the others first and not worry about his needs. He was more concerned with the comfort of the others than that of his own suffering.

Ted Kennedy's endless battle for healthcare began the night of that 1964 crash. He knew he would be cared for with the utmost attention and care. But his thoughts and concerns were for that of the others, not himself. He lay in wait cold and in pain for hours near the crash while rescuers took care of the other passengers finding them comfort and getting them to the hospital. His suffering meant less than providing the needs for those that may have needed it more. His selflessness carried through a lifetime to help those who would receive much less care that he knew he would always be given. He truly and honestly believed - and lived the fact that healthcare was a right and not a privilege.

As I listened to all the accomplishments and revelations on Kennedy's life as a Senator during his Memorial and Funeral, I couldn't help but wonder how other Republican Senator's or Republican Politician's public life, accomplishments and fights would compare. I can honestly say, I couldn't think of any, not one.

Sarah Palin, We Will Sure Miss You (for now)!

Mention Sarah Palin and it brings smiles to millions of Democrats across the country. Not necessarily in fondness for her political prowess, but more of a smile of amusement. I think it's time , us Dems all face the truth, we will miss her.

I am vacationing at Rehoboth Beach this week with my partner of 1 year (I won't get into the dynamics of that right now- although so far, the vacation is wonderful). So, during an evening of thunderstorms, we actually turned the TV on (that was not on the vacation agenda). Much to our delight, there it was, Sarah Palin's farewell address as Gov of Alaska. Yay, can vacation get any better than this. Just when we experienced a moment of feeling down due to rain on a beach vacation, we had Sarah's comedy act to lift our spirits.

I love watching Sarah speak. Although, her farewell speech was not as dynamic as her announcement of leaving the Governorship, it still had all the fun elements such as:

• Usage of words that only she knows the meaning of
• The "what the hell is she talking about?" moments
• Switching of subject matter without hesitation in her sentence
• The Alassskan accent
• Her consistent listing of all her accomplishments as Governor to which she only understands
• The insider only insistence that we all know why she is quitting. I know why, don't you?

So, we took a moment or two of silence to mourn her quitting. And to remember Tina Fey and how much Sarah resembles her. And the hours of laughter Sarah provided as entertainment. It was such a down-home speech with her family and a local off-key band that made us wish we could be there in person to wish her well.

Okay, back to reality, at least allow us Dems this moment of missing her to linger for at least 2 weeks or so, because we Dems are not stupid, we know she will be back, and probably (or let's hope) funnier than ever. Good bye for now, Sarah, the Entertainer

Mad, Mad Women of the GOP

There is no denying that there has been a rash of misbehavior among the men of the GOP this past month spreading like heat rash in the desert. And there certainly is no shortage of hate and fear mongers among the GOP spokesmen. Fear mongering and infidelities aside, a few of these men such as Rick Sanford have exhibited such erratic and absurd behavior, it makes me wonder if it is a disease inflicting the moral value gene. But let's not forget, this crazy and inexplicable conduct of the GOP is not isolated to just the male members. Here is a rundown on some of the unhinged behavior demonstrated by some female GOP gunslingers:

1. Sarah Palin: If you have any doubt that she is not the Queen of the Disturbed Females of the GOP, all it takes is a 3 second glance at her resignation press conference. Not only did her announcement lack clarity, it was so erratic, it made George W Bush's speeches seem eloquent. And if you have any doubt she is not one mad woman of the GOP, lest we not forget the Letterman incident, Troopergate and her Thanksgiving turkey slaughters. Even her GOP colleagues wish she would stay home. Oh, and by the way, Sarah, there is no Dept. of Law in the US Government.
2. Sally Kern: This Oklahoma State Representative should not only stay home, but her doors should be padlocked. Not only did she equate homosexuality to cancer, she claimed gays are the biggest threat to the US - ahead of terrorism. This child of Jesus is so mad and crazy that she wants her anti-homosexuality rants as part of a Christian hymn. Let's hope her sons don't have gay children. She also was charged in 2008 with entering the Oklahoma State Capitol building with a loaded gun - twice! GLBT - Run from her - quickly!
3. Ann Coulter: She could easily be Palin's assistant in her maladjusted court. Her latest statement claims Palin haters consist of a large majority of liberal women in New York. Okay, I get the part that liberal females probably don't have much use for the former Governor Palin and how she portrays women as fools, but only NY women? Need I say anymore on this woman. At least she's consistently crazy. And if you don't believe she may be mad, just do a google search and take a look at a photo of her...mad!
4. Michele Bachmann: This is my personal favorite mad woman of the GOP. Not because almost everything that comes out of her mouth is ridiculous, but because she is just so absurd it borders on lunacy. Her revolt against filling out the census is just plain nuts. Of course, she should be concerned if the census form asks about mental stability. She is so mad, that even the King of Senselessness, Glenn Beck doesn't get her. Keep it coming Michele, it won't be long before you're bound in a straight jacket and sent far, far away.

Michael Jackson: You were just another part of me

I text my girlfriend frantically from Costco. Michael Jackson has died, I type. Twitter still has not confirmed it, but somehow I know deep inside, it is true. Dead at 50 years old, only 4 years older than me. My girlfriend calls me in my car and we sing "I'll Be There" off key in stereo on my car's built in bluetooth. Yet, somehow, even thought by then, I know it's true but has it really hit me yet? I barely absorbed Farrah Fawcett's death and now another icon from my generation gone - in the same day!

The next morning I wake at 4:30. Can't sleep and the first thing in my head is "Michael Jackson has died". As I scour all my usual internet news sites, the story of Michael's death is in headlines everywhere. And so it is as I pull up my usual Huffington Post read, that I am drawn into Michael's videos on You Tube. And that is when the death of Michael Jackson hit me like a hurricane storming up the Gulf of Mexico. Tears streamed down my face as I watched one video after another. At some point, I begin to realize, am I really crying over Michael's death? Or am I shedding tears over the memories of my life that I haven't much thought about, but are being replayed in one song after another?

The year was 1983 and I am 20 years old and my first same-sex relationship is in full swing. It is time to break more ground and go to my first gay bar. Kellie, my first love, decides that her college friend Ed will come visit from Philly and take us there. Ed, as I soon find out is an African American guy who loves and emulates Michael Jackson. A real wannabe. Off we nervously go to a happening men's disco bar and Ed, Kellie and I dance all night. It is when "Don't Stop till you Get Enough" comes on, that Ed takes ownership of that dancefloor. Now, I have always been a Michael Jackson fan, however that one particular night with Kellie, Ed, and my first gay bar completely became a part of me that I will never forget. I felt alive, free and happier with who I was more than any time leading up to that night.

At least that is how it was for a number of years. But time passes, lovers change, music styles change, friends change and we grow up. Ed, from South Philly died of AIDS about 2 years after the gay bar night. We took a road trip to South Philly for his funeral and sang Michael Jackson the whole way there and back. The press began calling Michael Whacko Jacko for various reasons we all know of. I just took in the information and a part deep in my heart believed he really was the kind and gentle soul he appeared to be. I really didn't have much to say about Michael Jackson from that period forward. I moved on in my life, came out to friends and eventually family. I became more and more comfortable with who I am and ever proud of my life.

The morning after Michael's death, I listened to video after video on You Tube until I was almost late for work. My iphone has You Tube so I was able to sneak a few in during the day as well. It was like I couldn't get enough of his songs and I scanned every XM station in my car to find his music. I downloaded all my favorites on itunes and played over and over "Don't Stop till you get Enough".

It is now 4 days after his death. I am still playing my MJ Mix on the ipod. For some reason, I don't seem to tire of my favorites. I hear on the news that this my generation's version of Elvis dying. Maybe they are right. I don't know. What I do realize is that Michael Jackson left an indelible mark on my life growing up in the 1980's. He was there with me in my bedroom when I lived in my parent's home. He was there with me during break-ups, make-ups and my early confusion as I tried to accept my sexuality. He was even there with me, practically live, when I hit the dance floor at my first gay bar. I realize now, I miss him most because I feel he was a part of me and my journey through all of the toughest, yet formative times of my life. Rest in peace, Michael Jackson.