Living where we do, I’m sorta used to be outnumbered. Recently, I’ve met (and embraced) 2 other liberal-leaning spouses on my street and one at co-op (who even invited me to a protest!). I had not realized how nice it is to be amongst sisters, or how often I feel slightly under attack. The upside is that I’ve had to spend real time thinking about what I truly believe. The conservatives that I sleep with know well repeat what they hear on the “Talk Radio Du Jour”. Many conservatives seem to think all liberals are for increased taxes and handouts and against personal responsibility, ethics, and/or initiative, and of course, none of us are “religious”. I realized that I am for personal responsibility, initiative and ethics – but doubt many others will rise to my own standards, so I am happy to meet people where they are (which I believe is a tenet of most faiths – “Do unto others….” ring any bells?). I am not for increased taxes, but better use of the ones we currently pay. I am not for handouts with no consequences, but I am for leveling the playing field. I believe that most thoughtful, intelligent people want decent, affordable healthcare, good schools, the right to choose how to live your own life – whether it includes lots of religion, no religion, abortion, 10 kids, or a partner of the same gender. I have absolutely no problem requiring some personal responsibility of the able-bodied once the playing field is level. Once every child has a well-equipped schools (computers, art classes, a library – heck, how about having air conditioners and inside bathrooms), and every child goes home to an encouraging family with plenty to eat, medical visits when necessary, and – heck, how about having air conditioners and inside bathrooms, then we can talk about who gets federal scholarships.
Then, a few weeks ago, while in the BX I found this book. It’s not exactly light reading, but the author has managed to find citations, quotations, and research supporting all the ideas I listed above. You’ve got 20-something days – pick it up and think about it alittle.
So now, I’m feeling so supported and confident, I headed out to my first political rally. Barack Obama was in the area on Saturday. I wasn’t ready to stand in line for hours, so I went close to speech time and got to the gate (along with about 200 others) but was turned away. Apparently, the 13 -18 THOUSAND people were packed in pretty tight and the Fire crews were having trouble getting out those with medical needs. It was disappointing – so close, yet so far -but I was impressed at everyone’s good mood (even when denied entry), and the police’s professionalism. I walked around downtown for a while, checked out the vendors, and tried to get some pictures. Links from the paper are here and my pictures are below.
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/dp-local_obamascene_1005oct05,0,810809.story
http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-dayinphotos,0,5558855.photogallery
Here are mine:
From WAY far away
Some of the 200ish in my group that was turned away.
McCain is here next week…time to get out the tempra paints again!
