why I support planned parenthood

I'm incensed that the House thought they could sneak in the disruption of funding to Planned Parenthood.  I wrote a letter to my Representative today, and here's what I said:

Dear Representative Southerland:

When I first moved to Florida nearly five years ago, I visited Planned Parenthood because my health insurance didn't cover my birth control pills.  I was engaged to a man working for a Republican Governor, and although our politics don't often align, he understood how important it was to protect our new family from an unplanned pregnancy.  As we actively plan to start our family today, I am thankful that Planned Parenthood was available for me and for the future of family. 

I understand your hesitancy in supporting a service that seemingly violates some of the principles you believe in, but I implore you to reconsider your support of the Pence Amendment to H.R. 1.  When you think of Planned Parenthood, I urge you not to think of pimps or a pipeline to abortion.  Instead, I urge you to think of the women (and their partners) that will be affected by your decision.  In Tallahassee alone, think of the college-aged women who rely on Planned Parenthood to help them effectively protect against pregnancy, stay safe from STDs and monitor their health. 

Representative Southerland, I expect you to do right by the people in North Florida.  We may disagree on policy, but to strike the funding of an organization that serves the people in your district is ludicrous.  I am disappointed in you.  You have daughters - imagine a reality where they didn't have a supportive father and had to turn somewhere for information and help.  Where would they turn?  Who would give them access to information?  Not everyone has the privilege of being raised in your family.  Don't close the only doors that are open to many of the people you have sworn to protect.

Along with countless other Floridians, I am determined to fight against this bill as it moves to the Senate, and to oppose every effort to undermine women's health and access to care. We will continue to stand with Planned Parenthood -- and we call on you to focus on the needs of our community -- rather than politics -- by supporting women's access to their health care providers, including Planned Parenthood.

Does this make me feel better?  A bit, I suppose.  Just like the Uppity Women in South Carolina who lobbied for equal coverage for birth control and Viagra, I wonder why the rights of women are so often trampled.  Take abortion out of the equation -- indeed, federal dollars don't pay for them anyway.  What is the great evil of Planned Parenthood?  Birth control and pap smears?

I simply don't understand the intention.  If a conservative legislator's goal is to prevent abortions, then removing access to affordable birth control options just doesn't make sense.  You can't talk about the snake bite without talking about the snake (thank you, C. Everett Koop) and I just don't see how this makes sense: fiscally or ethically.

Great job, Republicans.  Bumbling from the beginning.

on surviving republicans

I attended the Annual Meeting of the Republican Party of Florida last weekend.  Before you get all hot under the collar, let's remember that K. himself is a craz-o Repub.  (Holy crap, I married a craz-o Repub!)

My husband's boss ran for Treasurer of the RPOF and, he won.  I had a small hand (perhaps for a giant) in his election and it was quite fun to design collateral that would resonate in the minds of Republicans (albeit not that difficult).  I was almost pushed over the edge when I was asked to plan the Hospitality Suite. 

But, let's face it - I love a good Hospitality Suite.  And I adore K.'s boss, so it wasn't really that hard to agree.  I didn't say anything that outright agreed with any of the Republicans, but I did say "them" when referring to Democrats.  I wore a hair shirt the next day, don't worry.

Honestly, it made me sort of homesick.  I loved our conventions in South Carolina.  I'm not homesick enough to throw my lot in with the other side, but it did make me want to try to get involved with the Leon County party again.  Who knows, can you see K. manning my hospitality suite someday?

can't be bought

I've already voted. I'll be traveling next week -- and today I mailed my ballot back to Ion Sancho.

I love voting -- my favorite professor and political mentor told me it was akin to communion. Voting was a sacred ritual with my government, and every cycle I take it very seriously. Of course, I had to wait until I moved to Florida to vote for the people that transition from candidates to elected officials. I used to think it didn't matter that my candidates never won, but it certainly feels better to go to a victory party that does actually end in victory.

This year, the races are tight (other than US Senate, I should add). I voted for Alex Sink. Not shocking considering the fact that I'm a Democrat and used to compare myself to Harold Ickes ("I'd put my hand over a flame for the Democratic Party").

I read tonight that Rick Scott has pumped $48.8 million of his own fortune into his campaign and is now raiding his wife's trust fund for more (naked truth here). I commend him for dedication and desire and all that -- but seriously, Rick Scott? What do you need to buy that you haven't already bought? I understand your competitive nature - we're close to the end and what's a few more million, huh?

A few more million might be the difference between a community center for a county and another round of ads in Orlando. A few more million provides travel expenses for volunteer advocates for several years. A few more million feeds, clothes, educates more Floridians than your ads will solicit votes.

If you really want to make a difference, don't talk at me about Arizona immigration laws and your "conservative" values. The political mentor I mentioned above told me I didn't need an office or a fancy strategic plan, I just needed to walk out my front door determined to make a difference.

I think Alex Sink will make that difference -- and I think she's proved it with successes and lessons learned as the CFO. Rick Scott has only learned that money makes things go his way -- I guess there's a flip side he'll (hopefully) learn about on Tuesday night.

Pride.

Yes, it's one of the seven deadly sins.  I get that.  But every once in a while - I just love seeing it. I was reading The Pioneer Woman today on my google reader (srsly, what did I do before google reader?  I know not).  She was writing about a rodeo competition her husband and family participated in -- did I ever tell you about the only rodeo I went to?  A clod of mud landed in my mom's coffee cup and it was hysterical.

Anyway, pride in one's family - it's lovely to see once in a while.  And while no one in my family is riding in a rodeo anytime soon, I am incredibly proud of K.  (No, I don't know about Bar results yet).

He worked on a local political campaign.  The candidate - in my words - was inexperienced, moody and pretentious.  He was also the best option to unseat a very popular incumbent.  Despite raising more money and having served for several terms, the incumbent only won by 1.4%.  Pathetic.  Lots more pathetic than K.'s candidate.

It was K.'s first campaign as paid staff - a fact I like to harp on whenever possible.    And he rocked it.  He worked hard and took it like a gentleman when the final results rolled in.  I hate the words, "mathematically impossible."

I'm proud of my husband.  There it is. 

Election Day!

Floridians will flock to the polls tomorrow to vote in primary and local elections.  One of my favorite people told me that voting was akin to taking communion.  It's important; it's ritual.

And this August 24th, I won't be voting.  Don't worry - I already voted...  for the first time I voted by absentee ballot.  And it was weird.  I missed the whole rigmarole of casting my vote.  I did love all the political mailers I got - I felt seriously popular.  Each day my mailbox was filled with full color, full bleed hope.

Yes, Ms. Dozier I am voting for you.  No, Ms. Headley-Purdue, I do not equate a vote for you with honoring WWII vets.  Yes, Mr. Minor, I thought your full page cash cow was impressive.  And I voted for you, too.  The Hons Aronberg and Gelber, I feel slighted that I didn't get one piece of mail.  Maybe you knew I  was all about Senator Dave?

I love the business behind elections, I love the dreams of candidates, I love every volunteer who wakes up early to wave signs on a street corner.  I have a dog in the fight this year - K. has been working for the Steve Stewart for Mayor campaign.  And, because of it - I took local politics a lot more seriously.

There's not a Democratic way to take out the garbage and there's not a Republican way to lower utility rates.  (I mean, other than the best way is usually the Democratic way).  (Heh).  I wish everyone luck tomorrow.  I hope the folks I believe in get the nod.  I hope the rain stays away.  And I hope everyone enjoys their communion with government.

On Mr. Greene

Dear South Carolina: WTF.

I mean, seriously.  I could yell and shake my fist at the voters, but really...  Honestly...  Where was the leadership?  Folks who work at 1529 Hampton (whoa, I almost wrote Blanding), where were you?  Obviously asleep in the ergonomic and expertly arranged cubicles.  WAKE UP! 

Screening candidates for things like felony convictions isn't exclusive or rude.  It's good practice, heck, one might even say it's a best practice.  Shhhh, I won't tell.  Run background checks.  It's easy, fast and will save us being the punchline on The Daily Show and leave it for the folks who really need the boost -- the SC GOP.

And also, Mr. Greene: who are you kidding?  This isn't high school.  Do you really feel you could represent the people of South Carolina?  You're not running for Prom King, dude.  You can't string syllables together to make words to make coherent sentences.  Stop the charade now.

Canadians.

I think I could pass for a Canadian.  Other than the fact that I would mispronounce "about" and don't use "eh" in normal conversation.  I bet I look like the vast majority of Canadians.

And that's why this whole immigration legislation in Arizona is bonkers.  I understand that federal actions have left very few options for the citizens of that state.  And I can empathize with families that want to feel safe and secure in their homes.

Nonetheless, the last time we condoned a government asking for papers based on appearance, the world erupted in war.  I realize it might be easy to point to a Hispanic man and wonder if he's "legal."  But what about a blue-eyed blonde?  She could be a Canadian illegal immigrant.  (It's not a joke, it happens.)  Something needs to happen - some solutions need to be reached.

But Arizona, let me tell you: this is not it.
Also, I have nothing against Canadians.  Robin Sparkles, I love you.

Really Charlie?

I obviously need to start writing about my love for Kendrick Meek more.  (Perhaps first, I need to start having some deep feelings about Mr. Meek).  Or I could write a sonnet to Alex Sink or maybe even Rick Minor in his attempt to unseat Periwinkle? 

Why, you ask, do I need to start writing more about Florida Dems?  Because this ad just showed up on my site.  I'm not a Charlie supporter, think it was a bonehead move to go NPA and personally think he's a little slimy and/or drinks too much of his own kool-aid. 

I'm taking it as a good sign that his campaign folks don't know how to do a media buy.

Back Waxing

I've never been a fan of back waxing. I think it's strange. Ridiculous, actually. Unless you have a pelt, deal with it. Why, you ask, am I talking about back waxing - a personal maintenance topic that has yet to debut on the blog?

Apparently, our governor has a problem with it. Which is interesting on so many levels - the most obvious being the well-founded rumors about our leader's sexual preference. Charlie went on FOX yesterday and made fun of his opponent for spending $135 at a barber shop.

First, the whole RPOF Amex Scandal has been overplayed. Republicans: heads up - we think you're corrupt. Now we have proof. The fact that your employees bled the coffers dry is a good thing for us -- it means we have the funds to go on the air, travel the state and ELECT GOOD LEADERS.

I just love it when they help us!

The thing about the back waxing comment - and CBL disagrees - it rubbed me the wrong way because I thought it was subtly racist. That's right, I said it: racist. Here's Charlie Crist, a wannabe George Hamilton, making fun of a hispanic man. I don't think Marco Rubio got a back wax - but I think it was inappropriate to make fun of it.

And all I can think about is that Charlie lost the vote of two-thirds of the men in South Florida. Manscaping is SERIOUS business down there.

I did not turn.

A room full of Republicans can't sway me. No sirree.

I survived it - and actually had a good time. Once we got past the bad jokes and my initial awkwardness, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

And don't worry - I didn't drink the kool-aid.

Oink, Oink.

I'm sure the term "repiggies" is not unique to Florida, but I just love it. It's so descriptive. I do struggle with loving the man and not the Republican. Politics is much more than a registration card to me - it's just part of who I am.

Where is this going, you ask? You've heard this all before? Yes, yes, I know. I'm a D, he's an R, we're just like Carville/Matlin (save for the public careers and book deals). K. has invited me to a fundraiser for a Republican candidate. This is the first R event he has ever invited to me.

As I freaked out, I received some really good advice: I'm Southern, I'm a woman, I can blend. Other good advice: wear a cute sundress, cute sandals and big jewelry. I can do that. I've got a couple of options on the sundress... And yes, I'm sure I do have something in my closet that would suffice, but where's the fun in that? Not to mention, I'm thinking I can repurpose for the wedding in RI in a few weeks. So, what do you think:

J. Jill

Talbots

Nordstrom

Online window shopping at its best. I'm ordering by noon on Thursday, leaning towards the yellow and brown Talbots dress. Wish me luck Saturday night. If I start blogging on Sunday about "Government Motors" or how I think Jim DeMint might have the right idea about Rubio, shoot me. With a real gun.

Oh, and Katie Cali asked me to finish up my impressions of Inauguration - which was like, so six months ago.

I watched at my desk, cried when it happened (cringed when the whole swearing in thing didn't go as planned). I think the biggest difference has been in the past six months.

I'm not scared to turn on my news. Which, in some way is a bad thing - I mean, I feel much more confident in current leadership. I'm almost not as wary. Perhaps I should be. I hate when I hear people talk about Obama like he's not our president. As if he's just some guy - and not the leader of the Free World.

I like that he's making friends - and I like that they're not all Western European. I think there's been a learning curve - duh. The bow to the Saudis: stupid. The gift to the Queen: pathetic. But overall - comparing those slip ups to the massive inadequacies of current Republican leadership doesn't work for me.

It's still early. I'm still excited. And I haven't removed my Obama bumper sticker.

State Workers

Dude. Florida's in budget hell right now - deals are flying across hallways faster than I can down a diet coke. One of the ideas to balance the budget (and plug that half billion dollar hole) is to punish state workers. Punish - yes, that's my terminology. Some might think a 5% pay cut is not punishment, but I'm guessing those people have had a raise in the past three years.

I do believe some of state government is redundant - and reflective of office procedures that better belong in history. However, the great majority of workers are doing jobs you don't want to do. We're talking everything from prison dentists to budget analysts to the folks who make sure your unemployment check makes it to your mailbox.

What are we thinking? A 5% cut is an income tax directed only at state workers. My other big fear is that a 5% cut will hurt the small businesses in this quaint town. Could the real chamber of commerce please stand up?

*If only the House would get behind some gaming and cigarette "user fees" we'd be all set.

Who pays?

Man, that is one set of cohones. The gov isn't sure if he's going to the inauguration, but more importantly, he's not sure who will pay. (link here)

Really?

That's what you're worried about? Have you been invited Mr. RINO? Because I'm pretty sure, that while Florida was a key victory for the Obama campaign, you had nothing to do with it. How about stop taking free trips on Florida's dime (lest we forget the Europe debacle), and instead do something to help the failing schools and crumbling roads in Florida. Perhaps - dare I ask - make sure there's money to match SCHIP when Florida's authorization expires in March? Hmmmm.....

The Big Three

I have a lot of thoughts about what's going on with the proposed bail out of America's biggest employer. I'm a fan of keeping auto workers working.

I'm shocked that car companies are being blamed for chasing profits. Sure, it's great to look back and shake our heads at the gasoline beasts - the Hummers, the giant trucks, the Explorers. Man, that was silly! But during the height of the crazy buying sprees, very few were thinking that we should create cars that would be better for the environment, easy going at the pump.

You know who was thinking of all that? Lemme tell you -- (you might have guessed) -- the BIG THREE. That's right folks... Ford had to come up with the Explorer in order to come up with the Hybrid Escape.

I know that there's a certain resonance with build it and they will buy. But, who's to blame for the Hummer craze? It's the buyer right? I mean, no one was forcing aging men to buy tanks to drive down Appalachee, Augusta or Forest Drive. Since when are Americans afraid of making a profit?

Bail out the Big Three. Do it now. Do it before our economy gets worse.

Overwhelmed.

I'm on my knees.

I have never voted for a presidential candidate that became the president. Thank you, President-Elect Obama for changing that pattern. Thank you campaign staff, for working tirelessly to change opinions, fight bigotry and running a cracker-jack campaign. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I am so looking forward to tomorrow.

Giddy.

I am giddy. I know it's still early, but I'm trying to do the math and I can't figure out how McCain wins.

I have never voted for a winning president. THIS IS AWESOME.

Election Night

Just a quick thought -- I'm currently tuning in to CNN, with occasional switches to NBC/ABC during commercials.

Have you seen the images coming from Chicago and the ones from Phoenix? It's as if the visions of the two campaigns were boiled down and regurgitated in some sort of Who's Victory Party Is It Anyway? episode.

One is open, energetic and swollen with proud supporters. The other is exclusive, small and quiet. Go figure.

GO VOTE!

Seriously people: Go vote.
While I hope you do not cast your vote for a future tended by John McCain, I do hope you exercise your fought-for right to share your opinion.

Let it be a safe day tomorrow for all potential voters. Let it be a day that celebrates the tenets of this great nation, and eschews discrimination and personal gain. I love election day - go get your electoral communion.


Now's the time to go buy a hat and hold the f. on to it. (h/t J. Matt)

Dear Red States:

Dear Red States:
If you manage to steal this election, too, we've decided we're leaving. We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue States with us.

In case you aren't aware, that includes California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and all the Northeast. We believe this split will be beneficial to the nation, and especially to the people of the new country of New California.

To sum up briefly: You get Texas, Oklahoma and all the slave states. We get stem cell research and the best beaches.

We get the Statue of Liberty. You get Dollywood.
We get Intel and Microsoft. You get WorldCom.
We get Harvard. You get Mississippi State.
You win on Disney World.
We get 85% of America's venture capital and entrepreneurs. You get Kentucky.
We get two-thirds of the tax revenue; you get to make the red states pay their fair share.

Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22% lower than the Christian Coalition's, we get a bunch of happy families. You get a bunch of single moms.

Please be aware that Nuevo California will support women's health and the lives of American soldiers, and thus we're going to want all our citizens back from Iraq at once. If you need people to fight, ask your evangelicals. They have kids they're apparently willing to send to their deaths for no purpose, and they don't care if you don't show pictures of their children's caskets coming home. We do wish you success in Iraq, and hope that the WMDs turn up, but we're not willing to spend our resources in Bush's Quagmire.

With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80% of the country's fresh water, more than 90% of the pineapple and lettuce crops, 92% of the nation's fresh fruit, 95% of America's quality wines, 90% of all cheese, 90% of the high tech industry, 95% of the corn and soybeans (thanks Iowa!), most of the U.S. low-sulfur coal, all living redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy and Seven Sister schools plus Stanford, Cal Tech and MIT. We have mountains, lakes and plains.

With the Red States, on the other hand, you will have to cope with 88% of all obese Americans (and their projected health care costs), 92% of all U.S. mosquitoes, nearly 100% of the tornadoes, 90% of the hurricanes, 99% of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100% of all televangelists, Rush Limbaugh, Bob Jones University, Clemson and the University of Georgia. We get Hollywood and Yosemite, thank you.

Additionally, 62% believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the war, the death penalty or gun laws, 44% say that evolution is only a theory, 53% that Saddam was involved in 9/11 and 61% of you crazy bastards believe you are people with higher morals then we lefties.

Love & Kisses,
XOXOXO
The Blue States
(h/t AJW)