Caterwauling

At this point, I am tired of feeling heartsick over the election. It reminds me of how I felt about a week after Sept. 11, 2001, happened — I couldn’t watch another news broadcast or read another newspaper. I couldn’t stomach just one more thing that would stir up my emotions. Eventually, I just felt numb.

I’ve made some comments on other people’s blogs, and I wanted to kind of continue that discussion here. So, forgive me if you’ve heard it before. 😉 Like every life situation I’ve had, I just need to spew some vitriol so I can heal and, more importantly, move on.

He who has the most toys, wins
If I hear Bush’s PR people saying one more time, “He’s gotten the most votes any president has ever gotten!” I am SO going to pull my hair back and puke. Really. Sure, he should take a moment, then, to congratulate himself that his people turned out in droves to support him. That is an accomplishment. But what he needs to realize, most importantly, is that no president had that many votes AGAINST him, either. I know somebody always has to win and somebody always has to lose, but when nearly half the nation wants his ass in a sling, what is he going to do to build bridges? Sure, there will always be detractors, and many people just don’t want to hear a word out of his mouth. I mean, I am pretty much resigned to accepting that he got the most toys. Therefore, he wins. And he probably won’t share his milk and cookies because it’s not like he can seek a third term (and I thank my lucky stars for THAT).

But, without the pressure of having a third term, just what is going to happen in this second term that we nearly escaped during the first?

More than 90 percent of D.C. voters wanted Kerry … or, at least, didn’t want Bush. And a great deal of the people who live in D.C. proper work for the federal government in some way. If my neighbors wanted me to be evicted, then I’d be looking at co-existing for the coming four years and maybe, just maybe, extending some olive branches.

Anything But This
I know that the “Anyone But Bush” campaign probably helped Kerry, but it hurt him, too. I chose Kerry based on an untold number of reasons — not because he was “the other guy.” And sure, we can rant about people who voted for Kerry because of who he wasn’t but, well, at least they got out and tried to be heard — the “because it’s our right and civic duty” hasn’t been enough of a reason for most up until now, sadly.

There is, though, a small part of me that is frustrated at votes that did not go to either of the two major contenders. More than a small part, truth be told. But those people didn’t watch the election and want to hang themselves when the concession and victory speeches occurred, either. And maybe they just didn’t believe in either guy as much as I believed in Kerry — again, the “Anyone But Bush” was a seed that turned into a rainforest during the past two years. And that’s OK, but until enough of us band together and support a third-party candidate to give him or her enough of a shot to make an impact on the political radar, well, I’ll keep voting for one of the big two.

What makes YOU pound the table?
And I need to say this — I am not a bleeding-heart Democrat. As recently as last year, I was heard using the word “moonbat” to describe the people who were so left-wing that they were on the tip, about to fall off. Now I reserve that word for other special political wankers. 😉 I registered in 1992 — Bill Clinton’s year — as an Independent. Last year, I became a Democrat. Why? I suppose I figured that social liberties were the most important issues for me, so I went with the flow — and now that I’ve registered with the Democratic National Committee, I am going to do more than exercise one tiny little vote. I know my issues, my hot points, my things that Make. Me. Pound. The. Table. With. Passion. I will do what I can to ensure the protection of our basic human freedoms.

My affiliation with the Democrats, though, has not stoppped me from voting Republican. I really do study the candidates before I vote. And if I don’t know anything about the candidates in a particular race, then I don’t vote in that category. Simple as that. An ill-informed vote is more wasted than none at all.

But if we want to talk about horrible voting tactics, let’s consider that a GOP-controlled executive office, House and Senate will lead to a possible abolishment of the 22nd amendment. Yeah, what was I just saying about not having to see Bush for a third term? *twitch*

Frienemies
And I know, I know, Kerry’s high-profile wife and friends may or may not have helped his cause. Say what you will about Theresa, but I’ve worked with enough of her people in my day to believe that this is someone who does care about investing in the greater good and building/continuing relationships with the community. Those ideals had to have come from somewhere. And yeah, I am not a fan of Michael Moore or a number of the other celebrities who very publicly endorsed Kerry, but you know what? They aren’t the ones running for office! They don’t pass legislation!

I’ve heard a lot of commentary that Kerry’s alliances with the NAACP and other minority communities damaged him. Sure, he wasn’t completely pro-gay marriage, but he was willing to compromise for the time being. Yes, I’m sure he isn’t the biggest fan of abortion, but he was willing to leave it be, in favor of more important things (like, oh, bringing our troops home in something other than a bodybag? Christ, even Doctors Without Borders announced today that they are packing up and coming home!). But the “minorities” (self included) had hope that in Kerry, we would have a protector and, if we were lucky, a fighter.

It reminds me of a gay, lesbian and bisexual group I worked with not too long ago. Some discussion arose about adding the “T” to the caues — transsexuals and transvestites. Ultimately, it was added, but not without a lot of fear that it was hard enough to get equal protection for those who loved people of the same (or both) genders. But then to add (and I use this term loosely, for lack of anything better) the “fringe element” of the T — well, that was tricky. Inherently, everyone wanted to be inclusive, because every individual born and reared in this world was supposedly guaranteed certain unalienable rights. But, you’ve got your redneck moonbats out there who might accept someone who is gay, but only provided if he or she doesn’t “look” or “act” it. And to mix in the “tranny” factor, said redneck voter goes apeshit and doesn’t want rights for ANYBODY affiliated with the now all-inclusive GLBT group.

And, I ask, where does that leave the intersex individuals? Those with gender identity struggles? Those whose homosexuality is clearer than a vodka tonic? What about the cross-dressers who are, in fact, straight as Bubba’s BB gun but who loves the feel of silky panties once in awhile? Is everyone going to be exiled to Canada because Bush and his posse either want to ignore them or, worse, outlaw them?

In any event, Kerry did not do enough pandering to the media. There are certain personalities who expected more ass-kissing from him. They didn’t get it from him. Unfortunately, while I respect that he really did appeal more to the common man than to the common man’s television anchor, that unfortunately bit him in the ass. Bush might have been incoherent and illiterate on TV, but at least his publicist forced his ass out there at every opportunity, armed with great speeches — even if he couldn’t say all the big words. 😉

Bitterness would’ve tasted so much better with ketchup
I realize that America is more conservative — nay, Puritanical — than progressive. I get that. Even if someone isn’t a visibly bible-thumping, tobacco-spitting redneck, well, he or she sure doesn’t want to see two men holding hands, walking down the street. But what gives that person the right to want to see the Constitution amended because he doesn’t like what he sees? What if I don’t want to look at that character upon which “Deliverance” was based? Don’t I get to ask my representatives to amend the constitution to require tolerance — nay, acceptance — of all human beings? Oh, wait, our founding fathers tried that already. Whoops.

The D.C. I experience (and granted, I’m young) is a progressive one, and it’s sickening to have Jesus on the Mountaintop (aka, Bush on Capitol Hill) telling us he loves America, just so long as we’re not kinky or gay or liberal or whatever Shrub perceives to be as unwelcome in his world.

Not over yet
The election is over. The world hasn’t gone to hell in a handbasket yet. But we know what a formidable opponent we’ve found in our incumbent. Four years ago, I figured Dubya couldn’t possibly have enough time to completely fuck up the country until someone better could take over. And he didn’t completely fuck things up, but he got a running head start on his coming term.

But before he starts banning abortions and repealing gay marraiges, he’d better fix that messy excuse of legislation “No Child Left Behind.” Yeah, let’s pass even more quasi-literate students into the world to work the jobs that they could have had but, whoops, they’ve been shipped overseas!

And why the hell aren’t we ordering meds from Canada? Or, *gasp* producing the shit HERE?!?! I mean, tonight’s newscast showed the “winners” of a fucking FLU SHOT RAFFLE in my area. Yes, my friends, it be desperate times.

And that Iraq War — shit. If the war really is being done “on the cheap,” then we need to take our men (and the women, natch) out of that mess. There are just not enough men over here in America for us single gals, and I really don’t want to keep losing even more in this modern-day Vietnam. Initially, I supported war. I was upset at the “moonbats” who protested it, because our country was not safe anymore and we needed to do something.

But it’s like when you’re driving with a man and you get lost and he refuses to stop for directions, even though you’ve driven so far out of your way that you aren’t sure you’re still even in the same state. I think that is where we are with this war. Of course, I don’t know the right course of action. But I do know that I do NOT want to see the draft reinstated. There was that public appearance where Bush supposedly accidentally said that our armed forces wouldn’t always be a voluntary group. Umm hmm. My red flag shot up; did yours?

I’m not happy with the results. But the world won’t end. I’m not going to Canada because I want to give it a real shot of kicking some ass here. Besides, our elected representatives are there to make/pass legislation anyway; those are the ones we need to focus on now. And even though I’ve always made it a practice to write in, I have a lot more energy and passion in me than to write the occasional e-mail. In war, it is often said that it is not personal; it’s business. Au contraire, my friends. It’s not business anymore … it’s personal.

Well, I’m still pissed off about the election, but I channeled my mild rage into A) enlisting as a DNC volunteer and B) writing like hell.

And when I say writing like hell, you can infer I am writing my novel with velocity or you can assume that it reads “like hell.” Take your pick; they are equally correct!

Normally I post cutesy-wootsey pics like this at Maddie’s site, but I don’t feel like logging into Blogger twice and, besides, we all love a pretty kitty shot now and again, don’t we? 😉

While I’m writing, Kadi is trying to ruin a perfectly good pair of Nine West shoes:

And Maddie is writing her own novel at the other computer:

On iTunes: Live, “Dolphin’s Cry”

Fucknut Bush didn’t get an eviction notice. God damn it.

You are going to see me get more involved in my political party during the next four years.

Hillary Clinton in 2008!!!

I can’t even think about going to sleep. I have been glued to the TV since I got home around 8:30 p.m. I had wanted to work on my novel or maybe, I dunno, find paying work, but I can’t. There is just a snowball’s chance in hell that Kerry may take Ohio (although the Bushies seem to doubt it). I don’t know — I just can’t take another fucked-up presidential election selection like the last one … clearly, my vote didn’t count in my state, did it now?

And WTF is Wonkette doing on NBC? Representing the political coverage by bloggers? I’m going to refrain from comment or I’ll have the Secret Service at my doorstep. *sigh*

Well, my state (Old Dominion) has failed me. Still hoping for the homeland (Pennsylvania) to pull through. Although, as one of my friends noted, Pa. has two cities (Pittsburgh and Philadelphia) and the state of Alabama in-between. *sigh*

I was listening to 106.7 FM on the way home tonight. Some chick with ten million kids called in and said she’s moving to Canada if Kerry wins, because she thinks he looks like Frankenstein and she thinks George Bush is morally superior. I say anybody who is against abortion and lets moonbats like her procreate incessantly needs to be drowned in the Potomac River. Just sayin’. 🙂

I’ve said little about my political stances because, well, it was a decision I came to on my own and didn’t feel like debating. But among the reasons for supporting Kerry was the fact that A) Theresa Heinz Kerry (and her late husband John) are/were very good to the Pittsburgh community, and B) I used to work at Heinz. LOL. Those were not the sole or even the biggest reasons for my vote, but I used to work in the philanthropy field — five years in Pittsburgh, actually. I applied for and received many Heinz dollars for charitable programs I had developed and/or for which I was merely seeking funds. I met their foundation officers and really respected them. I liked how they really tried to make the community a better place and built bona-fide relationships with the organizations they supported.

In any event, I’ve digressed a bit. But I’m really, truly trying to be hopeful for Kerry to be our next president. I don’t want to imagine what will happen if yet another presidential “selection” occurs — I suspect there will be mutiny!

After the madness of finding a parking spot (20 minutes! Ugh!) and standing in a line that went out the door, down the hill and into Arlington, I finally got to cast my vote. Yay! Below are scenes from my neighborhood in honor of the day.

Kittens for Kerry! (aka my Bad Kitty who got out yesterday)

Seen along my drive today …

Gratuitous boob shot — so you can see my “I Voted” sticker, sillies! 😉

As long as it’s for JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT.

I’m sick of having Shrub as a neighbor. 😉

Come on, if the Red Sox can break their losing streak, then the country can break the four-year slump that it’s been in!!!

Not a registered or active voter? Screw it. Show up at your polling place and request a provisional ballot. As Jon Stewart is calling the “Daily Show” coverage today, it’s a “Prelude to a Recount” anyway — your vote will count eventually!!!

And wouldn’t it be ridiculously AWESOME if Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi played at the inaugural ball?

On iTunes: Bon Jovi, “Rockin’ in the Free World”

Although I’m not going to blog my novel, I will be providing updates throughout the month on my attempt at writing 50,000 words by Nov. 30.

Dave has made some excellent progress, as has Pratt, who is keeping up the Blog of Pratt as well as the Novel of Pratt. If anyone else out there is going through this crazy form of masochism, let me know and I will give you a shout-out because it’s important to remember that we are in this together!!!

As for me, I’ve written a bunch of words. That’s the idea — to write in a stream of consciousness. We need to crank out at least 50,000 words, and we worry about editing later. And this obliterates a number of excuses for me — I always start writing a poem or a story, only to hit a wall (often with my head!) because I don’t know what to write next and therefore stop writing. But now, I’m going to just jump on the muse’s magic carpet and ride out the dark and stormy night without regard for the bumps.

Now, as an editor (among other things now!), I am re-reading and changing things as I see fit. But it’s not a hard edit. It’s more like a “But that made sense when I had a cocktail in my hand at 1 a.m. last night!” realization. Then again, you’ve got to surrender to the fantasy world to get the creativity out, and if a bloody mary loosens the typing fingers, well, it’s a business expense for when the novel gets published. 😉

I am writing what I hope will be the first book in a six-part series. My main character is Stephanie; she is 16 years old in the early 1990s in Pittsburgh. Although, I have to admit, it’s hard to refrain from making pop culture references, so I may just set it in the here and now. I’d wanted her to age right along with me (i.e., she’d also be 30 when I get to the part of the story that happens in 2004).

Her life is, of course, out there, to say the least. I’ve managed to make the first ridiculous situation perfectly justifiable, but I’m about to start venturing into ground that I don’t know much about. And I will probably just write what is in my head and eventualy go back and fill in the holes that I will inevitably leave. But the bottom line is that Stephanie is a “real” girl (and looks like one — this is a character with whom a lot of women may identify) with an extraordinary set of obstacles.

Oh, screw it. Here is an excerpt that I posted. Read it and weep. 😉

That’s about all I want to say right now. I’ve been making notes on this character since I was 14, and I have a box in my closet full of notebooks on this series — the box is labeled “bondage materials” because I figured nobody would open it and mess around with what was inside when they saw THAT written on it! LOL.

Anyway, I hope to post more updates! To all my fellow NaNoWriMo-ers out there, we all rock and we will finish the task and we will get book deals — each and every one of us!!!

On iTunes: Jewel, “This Way”

That’s how fast I drove today from Fairfax City to my abode when my apartment management called to inform me that my younger cat Kadi was loose.

My next-door neighbor was kind enough to call the rental office for them to page me. I was out visiting my furry niece Chi and my furry nephew Jupiter while their parents are on vacation (I pick them up at the airport tomorrow, actually). I had just stopped at Fair Oaks Mall to waste some time when the call came through. And no kidding, I hopped onto the highways at the speed of sound and made it home in record time. I mean, hell, it took me more than a half hour to get there this morning!

So, alas, I came home to see Kadi dangling from the balcony railing as I approached. I yelled at her to go inside, and she did. I closed the balcony doors (it was almost 80 degrees today and has been for the past few days) and went to thank the neighbor who called. Another neighbor said, “Oh, that’s your cat? She looked so sweet but she meowed a lot at us, like she didn’t want us to come near her.” Yes, now the whole apartment complex has met the Short Bus of the cat world. *sigh*

Kadi is in her cage right now — I had to go out and buy a screen repair kit (because I just had the apartment management replace the screen three months ago), so we know what I’ll be doing in a few minutes. (Aside to Tiff, I’m feeling very handy tonight! LOL)

On iTunes: Melissa Ferrick, “Drive”

Da Stillers have kicked the collective arses of the Patriots. Neener! 😉

Sandwiches containing french fries and cole slaw for everybody! A toast to the Ahrn City!!!

I remember when it was announced in the ‘Burgh that trick-or-treating would occur tonight. Many an outraged resident raised a fuss that this was unacceptable because our boys were playin’ at the same time. I, for one, am sitting in the house ignoring the kiddies who come a-knockin’, even though I am 250 miles away. 🙂