Thursday, December 1, 2011

A Glimpse Into The Brain

Hello new and old readers of Lame and Forceful. Today is a very special blog post. Because you see, millions of people (and by millions I do mean about eighteen) will be reading this. Not just reading this, but reflecting on it as well. Be nice, I'm just a little girl.

There are a lot of things I am passionate about. That might be one of the things that sets me apart from my peers, in fact. As a sixteen year old, I've found it to be incredibly difficult to express my political passion. I started this blog, that's one thing. I also started Salem Youth For Change (which you can read more about here), so that's something else. This idea of being passionate beyond my... age comes out in ways other than politics of course. For example, education. I love it. I love the college experience, so I'm getting started at the youngest age I can.

I write a lot as well, not just blogs, but more creative writing too. I have about five half-novels, some screenplays, and lots of short stories and poems. I had a thought the other night. The title of my New York Time's best seller. Politics portrayed through a sixteen (almost seventeen... I hope you're preparing your gifts...) year old's eyes. Not just any sixteen year old, though that would be interesting in itself, but a sixteen year old that is potentially more informed than the masses of society (not to, uh, play my horn loudly in the ears of others). 

So here, for you, today (or tomorrow, or the next day), is a glimpse. A glimpse into the brain, the surge, and the world of my political mind.

(this is an inaccurate picture of my brain. I'm not really being controlled by a dictator... nor am I a man. It's called irony)

The first door you walk through takes you to a swimming pool. Inside the swimming pool, sporting patriotic speedos and bikinis, are our current Republican presidential candidates- Sarah Palin is life guarding with her rifle. One could easily mistake this pool as a cesspool, but we'll pretend there is a fine line for now. As of right now, the two leading candidates are Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney. I've researched both of them many times, along with most of the other candidates (Huntsman, by the way, is my "favorite"... or at least, most rational). Looking at Gingrich as a teenage girl, I have a looming sense of: I would never want to be in the same room as this guy. His child labor views? Creepy. His sexist comments? Creepy. But here's the thing. It would be amazing if he won against Romney. The reason is that there is no possible way, unless hallucinogens were distributed in the voting box, he could win against Obama.

As the chlorine starts getting to your head, and Bachmann seems to be copying the Palin theory of coming to a public event with three lines memorized for any question (don't believe me? See for yourself), you decide to back away slowly. Or jet out of there. No one is blaming you.

Down the hall and to the left we come across the topic of socialism. If you've never honestly read about socialism, from a source that isn't Fox news, go do it now. I really really love the idea of socialism. Of course, I don't believe it would work in what we have left of a society today, but if started from the root with a strong core and equal participation among everyone in a community, I truly believe it could be a very effective way of governing. Today I delivered my speech on Women Oppression from a Marxist Perspective in my speech class. It may have gone over some of my fellow students' heads, but it was really fun and challenging for me to write this speech. I got to dig into not only the Communist Manifesto, but The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State Summary as well! If you are at all interested in Marx and Engels, and the concepts they created, I highly suggest both short books. A main point that works for me with socialism is the advocacy for equality. Obama by the way, as much as I do wish it were true, is not a socialist.

Back in the awkward architecture of the PS201 classroom, we talked quite a bit about slanted news sources, about bias, etc. This is actually my biggest aggravation. I've had A LOT of personal experience with it, as I'm sure most of us who can recognize it have. I have a... relative who is constantly roaring on about the importance of neutrality, looking at situations from all sides, not obtaining all your information from a one-sided source. However, he mainly quotes Fox news and regurgitates the words of Rush Limbaugh in HIS blog. He's totally going to read this and hate me, but hey, it is for the sake of academics. It's obvious that I have an opinion. I have a limp to the left. However, as often as I can, I read the same stories from each standpoint. My go-to neutrality sites are NPR, BBC, and Al Jazeera. Being sixteen and looking around at my "elders", it's really kind of disappointing in most instances. My mother (who I know won't read this, so we're okay) is one of the least politically informed people I know. Other relatives, some teachers (not ours of course, she is wonderfully informed), peers, celebrities, and quite frankly a whole lot of politicians, are not at all informed. So how am I supposed to grow into adulthood with an overbearing idea of apathy?

It's a question that haunts and takes over most of the kids in my generation. I mentioned that I have gone to many extents to be able to express myself politically without filling out a ballot. Unfortunately, the larger portion of my peers haven't found that idea yet. I know, most of you reading this are registered to vote, and at least somewhat informed as well. So just, keep in mind that there is another generation growing up, going to be replacing what you are now, so don't forget to stress the importance to them as well. I'm trying anyway.

Pop your knuckles, stretch your back, yawn a bit, and feel free to leave my mind. It's getting a bit humid in here anyway.

DING DING

 The clock strikes 1:02, and I decide to actually sleep before a full day of work and studying during my lunch break.






Thursday, November 17, 2011

Demeaning Women and Dehumanizing Sexuality

I accidentally got into another Facebook debate today...

I know, I know, it's a low thing to do. It looks like you're just starving for notifications, yes I agree. And I very rarely dispute virtually anymore. But this time I honestly felt as though I had to say something. This girl, who I'm not actually friends with of course, but who added me because of mutual friends, posted a status today that said "If I were skinnier and actually had a rack, I would totally be a stripper!"

So of course, the raging feminist in me HAS to say something. I can't let an attractive young woman go on thinking these thoughts... it's my civic duty right!? I won't recap the whole thing, it's long and tiring. But basically I said something like the objectification of women's bodies both demeans women and dehumanizes sexuality, etc. etc. And for some reason, that idea is so foreign to today's youth. Like, "be a stipper if you have the body, show it off". For a moment, I got a little lost in my own head. I really did. Not that that's a strange occurrence. But I was lost. Because I felt for a moment, a little bit... Mormon grandma.

It's so strange how these things crossover. Not just in my head, but in everyone's opinion. In mainstream and obscure opinion. We can be so radically liberal, but at the same time so conservative. I found a lot of that in myself today.

Obviously, I love women. If you don't know that about me at this point, then you have not been reading my blogs very carefully. I think the woman's body is amazing, in every single way. I'm fascinated by every single movement, every strand of hair. So some would argue in my case that they should show it off! Be confident with their body! It only makes sense, right? I say: wrong. There are so many other ways one can go about being confident, loving their body, expressing their femininity, than using their body as a sex symbol for the enjoyment of men.

Interestingly enough, it started out with me debating men. Well, I wouldn't really say debating... I would say me spitting out awesome facts and word choice, and them going "women need jobs too". Eventually a women entered the conversation, and her view was that if women are confident they should do what they want with that, yes, okay, I get that. But there are so many women in the "profession" who are only there for the money. And again, there are other ways to be confident. Other ways to earn money.

Here's my solution. We stop supporting clubs and bars where men go to watch women completely degrade themselves, and then the option of being a stripper diminishes. I'm not saying that can happen, it's the same kind of thing with starting up Socialism in today's government. It's not really an option. But in my ideal future, we don't support these things. And yes, there are male strippers. There are women who go to watch men and women strip as well. This goes along with the dehumanizing sexuality thing I mentioned earlier...

I'm getting a bit ahead of myself. Okay. We stop supporting strip clubs. Who knows, maybe prostitution will increase in numbers. Obviously, it's not a one-step kind of thing.

We inform the women.

Another kid stepped in at one point, being the devil's advocate, saying things like "Women suck at math cuz no women in my cs classes duh thats why we make more money girls dont know how to work programming and java too hard so they take pshycology then say we are 99% wtf they complain about getting free dinners for looking pretty idont even get scholarshep for pretty." 


What's horrible about this comment, is that it's sincerely what SO MANY MEN are thinking today! Women in secretarial jobs, nursing jobs, is what we are still seeing dramatically. But what so many people are missing is that it IS the oppression coming from men, telling women that they can't achieve "man's work" and a lot of women even forming these ideas on their own based on society. Based on mass media. Based on the culture we are living in which is blatantly man-run. I don't give a fuck if there are three women in today's major branches of legislation, or whatever. I give a fuck that there aren't more. 

We need to be equal. We need everyone to be thinking on a level of equality. And what does that mean? It means being informed. It means being open-minded (which, albeit, I have trouble with myself sometimes). It means you look at your girlfriend or your wife, and you call them your partner instead. 



Every woman has the same potential as a man does. However, society is looming over us as this fat atmosphere where all you can see is fog. And the fog is sheltering us from what potential DOES reside ahead. 


Okay, I feel better now. Sorry for the super-ranty blog today. I'm re-reading "Women and Socialism", so you know, it was bound to happen.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

So You Got Back Crack

I have many issues. That's not hard to miss when conversing with me, or just viewing my mannerisms. I'm incredibly awkward, and I hate it. I hate not being able to say what's on my mind in a non-blog circumstance, because I can't spit out what my head is processing. Or rather, I can't process things fast enough to regulate with the speed of everyone else. And I do have to process things a lot. I have to look at it from all angles and research the things I don't understand before I give an opinion. That's what makes me such a premium blogger! And a horrible conversationalist. Unless it's through email.


The reason I bring this up, is because people seem to misread me in that sense. They think I pretend to be well-educated in regards to politics, which okay sometimes I do, but all because I can't get out my opinions in person. I could easily be making this up in my head, but really, I can't uphold my image of suave intelligence in person. WHICH MEANS YOU need to help me. Because this public speaking class is doing squat. Seriously, I hate it so much. So. Much.

But this is a political blog so I'll stop being a whiny shit. Oh wait, that's all I do in this blog.

The Occupy Movements are coming to a crack-down all over the country. In New York, Oakland, Portland, you know the whereabouts. This morning they reopened Zuccoti park to the public...
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My niece Emery wanted to add her opinion. She's a little democracy advocate in the making.

BACK TO THE GOOD STUFF.


So the police have been moving in all around trying to get Occupiers to pack up camp, and get out. It's funny because, you know, right to assembly seems to be turning into right to assembly until the cops get bored with it. My only hope that this is just the peak. That these outbursts of aggressiveness from the "enforcements" are only the ultimate tipping point. Maybe this is the point where we need to be more active than ever before.

Here are some photos to help you sleep soundly tonight.

That's really all I can say right now about the movement. I feel like it's so... been said. There isn't much more I can say without being repetitive.

Republicans annoy me. This is accurate:


I'm related to too many republicans.

That's all I got today. Right now. I want ice cream.

(The title of this blog post comes from my sister Molly's misinterpretation of Montel Williams)

OH AND I FORGOT TO ADD

This Friday I am having a Salem Youth For Change meeting at Broadway Commons. We have a small conference room booked, but we can squeeze! So come on down, it's at seven. Don't know about SYFC? Fancily enough, I have a blog about it: salemyouthforchange.blogspot.com

And remember, the only reason you can excel in public education is because of Capitalism!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

A Pissed Sydney (What's New?)

Hello all.

I'm going to start today off with a quote from myself.

"They ask me if I'm pissed. And I say, Never in my life have I been more pissed than I am now. But never in my life have I been less pissed either" That's from a poem I'm working on.

So why am I pissed off? Many reasons. First of all, my speech class was canceled after I spent so long preparing myself last night and sacrificing study time for my American Govt. midterm. Which was not canceled.

But that's not the main reason. The main reason is that there are so many idiots in the world. Ann Coulter, author of the book "Demonic" (which I assume is an auto-biography) commented on the Sean Hannity Show last night with "Our blacks are so much better than their blacks," talking of course about Herman Cain in comparison to Obama. "If you are a conservative black, they will believe the most horrible sexualized (making up words again) fantasies of these uptight white feminists,” UGH UGH UGH. She is so gross. Here's what I think. Republicans, not in all instances, are racist. Time after time they VOTE on anti-immigration laws. There is no way you can hide that those are fueled by racism against the latino culture. Against spanish speakers. Against brown skin. Are presidential candidates forced to be bilingual? And if you're going to be so "traditional" why are you completely ignoring the fact that this country was built on diversity? That every single person, aside from the natives, immigrated here?

I'm not saying all republicans hate Obama because he's black. I'm saying that you can't say you don't separate people based on race or ethnicity when you are constantly voting on things that prove you do. She says something about democrats always saying "blacks can't be republicans", which is understandable that she would think that's absurd. Because it is. They're just as much an immigrant as she is, but what doesn't make a whole lot of sense is that we as a whole aren't supporting further culture to be embraced by our country. We should be. It's the same with the fact that she's a woman. Constantly, there are clear signs of the right being very anti-woman in their comments and actions. So it's kind of odd that she is supporting a... "thing" that isn't supporting her.

Another reason I am pissed off. House of Representatives is expected to vote on... keeping America's motto as "In God We Trust". This is just annoying and disgusting. I believe this saying was taken on by the United States as a symbol of strength compared to other countries. Kind of a, We Are God kind of thing. It's creepy. I'm not one for religion, we all know that, and the fact the country (again, which holds a very sincere "freedom of expression" quota which involves religion) is forcing me to bow down, makes me very uncomfortable quite frankly. I don't care if you're religious, but don't push anything on me, and do not use "the bible" as your only source of "factual information". I'll be even more pissed.

That's all for now. You're welcome, Jill.



Thursday, October 27, 2011

The Exception

My french exam went swimmingly. At least, I think so. We'll see on Monday. I mean, Lundi.

Cardinals won the world series or something! I actually had to have it confirmed that they were a baseball team. I was thinking hockey for some reason. I know nothing of sports. Except yoga. Which, to you non-believers of the power of yoga... you try sitting in lotus for five hours straight. Or the crane, ohhh the crane.

Apart from my lack of passion for baseball, there is something I am passionate for. And that would be the prohibition of Fox news. Okay, that's not completely true. It's nice to have a little self-esteem boost every once in awhile. You know, seeing their ill-conceived "facts" and incredible fallacies. It makes me go "Wow, I'm not dumb at all. If half of the US population watches this shit, I am way intelligent". This boosts my small hopes of getting into Reed or Brown (on only scholarships...). Though the Fox watchers can buy their way in, right? Because, as far as I'm concerned, if you're a rich white man, it's somewhat acceptable (SOMEWHAT) to watch Fox news.

People always tell me I'm an "exception" in regards to my generation. I think I'll just allow my cocky self (I hate that adjective... let's go with self-involved instead) to leave this sentence at that. Muahaha.

I'm sure you've heard about the gay marriage equality in the military scenario. If not, you can read an article from the Washington Post. The thing with gay marriage anything for me, is so, dead. Maybe it's just this skewed view from my gay eyes, but I do not understand AT ALL how the fuck this is still an issue. I mean, I know that there are so many homophobes out there that think AIDS can spread like spores. If a gay man breathes in your general direction, these little hairy things levitate your way and land on your face and you absorb it through your blood stream and BAM. AIDS. I just watched Mary Fisher's speech for the first time the other day in my speech class. It was so moving- I cried. If you haven't seen that speech, you are missing out so hard.

Seriously though. Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or whatever- it's CLEARLY REAL. People clearly are having these emotions, because they are involved sexually. Most people believe in "love" right? Though I can honestly say I haven't had an opportunity to discover this great entity, it's a very universal belief and no one is going to get pissed off at saying "Love is REAL" because whether you are gay or straight or anything else, you do feel it. As far as I know, someone correct me if I'm wrong please.

"God" on the other hand, while I try not to criticize anyone on their religion (unless they're ignorant about it), isn't something that is clear to everyone. Yeah, a lot of religious folks might get mad at that claim, but it's factual. I don't think the existence of "God" is clear. Maybe I'm not enough of a complex thinker, but it just seems to rely so much on... faith. Which to me, faith is kind of a bullshit word. I believe in science, because it CLEARLY heals more than prayer, it CLEARLY shows us processes and outcomes. Right there before your eyes. No, science doesn't prove everything, there is a huge universe out there, there could be anything. Do not tell me however, that you believe there is one mighty man (I might be more accepting if it were a woman) who created us for a purpose. If his purpose was cheap entertainment, then OK. I could see that working. But while so many Christians have the reasoning that the universe is so big there must be something out there, and it must be Him... I say, it's more likely we are living on a speck of dust on a flower in an elephant's hand.

So, religion is unclear to me. It's a foggy way of believing. But back to the same-sex marriage issue (or as it should be "MARRIAGE"... I also hate that we define it as some sub-species thing). It is so clear that it exists. It's right effing there. So why do we even question it? Why do we try to restrict it? It's a natural way of life. If you don't think so, because you don't know a "gay" person.... Hi, I'm Syd. Lesbian as all get-up. Let me change your perspective. Please.

I was going to comment on Rick Perry's stupidity of the day, or hour even, but I'm out of virtual breath and I want to sleep for once in my life.

Hey, there are no graphics in this post... here! To refresh your memory, or to change your life.




Love your neighbors! Unless they're evil.

Hm, how churchy of me.




Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Holy Goddess

I'm having one of those moments, where you get so into a book or a movie or a television show, that you just have to go out and do it yourself. That is me with Veronica Mars right now. I don't even care if suicides don't always add up to a rich movie star sleeping with and murdering his son's girlfriend with an ashtray, or a bus going off a cliff actually being caused by a nerdy little serial killer who was trying to cover up his being raped by the mayor as a child. I'm still going mad with this whole suicide thing a week ago. A women was abused by two previous husbands, suffered traumatically from PTSD, and yet- there's nothing about the situation in the local newspaper. Or the unlicensed therapist attacking specific religious groups telling them they're horrible people. I love it.

I'm just thinking ahead to my career as an Environmental Lawyer. Gotta have some kind of criminal justice experience to back it up, right? Maybe I'll make my dad open up a PI business, and I'll be his witty and all too nosy receptionist. A girl can dream.

You know, I never responded to my Occupy Salem experience. Here's what I thought and think. It's a wonderful movement, I love expression of mass opinions. Even when I don't agree with it, it's exciting. However, there is an exception. When people don't know why they're there at all. The oh-so-famous "Marijuana is non-toxic" sign made me very curious. Because, hm, what does that have to do with fixing our economy? Oh, marijuana isn't going to kill me? I guess that's something. If, however, it were to say something like "Legalize and TAX Marijuana to get our economy going" I'd be way on that band-wagon. Way. But no, it was just some incredibly stoned kid who was just there for the sake of being there. Which, okay, that's good that he wants to be heard too... just know at least a little bit about what you're advertising and what the soul intent of the protests actually are.

There was also at one point a log truck that drove by and honked it's horn... everyone cheered?

I honestly have no idea what is going to happen to the protests at this point. I think we've seen it's ultimate high point a couple weeks ago, and now it's just a waiting game. The lack of attention from the government doesn't seem too promising though. I would love to see this explode even more than it already has. They think we've finally given up then BAM ULTRA MEGA FANTASTIC REVOLUTION! Maybe I need to take the initiative there.

Oh but last night a very violent act sprung a leak in Occupy Oakland. Read this post from NPR. I think it could be the fact that the police don't know how to deal with open-ended protests. But then again, and here is my "you must see both sides" voice, the demonstrators in some ways are being totally cruel and inconsiderate. But maybe that's what it takes? Stooping to the side of the opponent? I actually really admire the police force most of the time. Union, hey. And (at least with my experience... we'll see how this differs if I ever get a ticket) they've been pretty helpful. In the Salem march they were awesome. Though, again I am battling with myself here, the tear gas and mase and smoke grenades and rubber bullets were totally unnecessary.

Obama announced the other day that we are pulling our troops out. Why is this surprising to people? This was part of his initial campaign, remember?

Ironically, I have obtained a job that involves creating a blog. My life is one big internet rotation, I swear.

I know this has been way overstated in my blog, but I hate how true it is. The Republican Congress need to stop being stubborn assholes. I mean, really, cut the Pres. some slack. He needs to have at least some leeway to do what he actually believes is right for the country. And he is being SO, if not TOO nice to the Republicans-he has been this whole time. And they're just walking all over him because he is too nice. His new proposal involves CUTTING from Medicare and Medicaid. That sucks. But he's doing it in hopes of seeing some kind of compromise. At least, I think. His proposal also hold promise for less student debt in my future. Holy goddess, that sounds magnificent.

This is why I love this man:



I've got a French midterm tomorrow. Study time! Stay cool.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Yeah Yeah Yeah, Blah Blah Blah.

Howdy y'all!

Occupy Salem is happening in just a few hours. I have a killer stomach ache /headache combo. I will probably do some coffee drinking and tums eating. Because my hair is too perfect to sleep on. Whoever said I was butch, should really rethink their lesbian category for me. So yeah, my hair is looking good (sportin' the good 'ol rosie headband), and I've got my union colors ON.

And of course, the rain is looking grand. Oh, Oregon.

I'm kind of pissed off that I was born into the wrong year. I should be in my twenties right now. Because, then, I could apply to be an intern for President Obama. I'm bright and motivated! *sobs*

Okay, I kind of admired Romney's response to Cain's Mormon vs. Christian bashing. His response was "Answering that is not going to boost the economy." (*) I... I admire that. But nothing else he has to say is going to boost the economy either, so eff him.


Are we really still "celebrating" Columbus day? God, that's such a G-bush thing to do. I bet he's celebrating the holiday by walking into the White House and declaring it his, while he eats all the Obama family's turkey.

I think this poster sums it all up:
Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas (of course) somehow managed to pass a B.S. bill called the "Drug Trafficking Safe Harbor Elimination Act of 2011". To be completely honest, I think drugs of any kind are stupid and a waste of time (Yes, even marijuana), but the extent these GOP kids are going to is so unnecessary and will just cause more problems and make our country look worse. I mean, there are already strict regulations on the substance when going to different countries, no matter the means of transportation. So why did Lamar think he had to throw this one in? Just a little more security? I bet keeps his bathroom locked when he's not using it. I bet he has a seatbelt for his desk chair. Okay, I'm being critical. But I really don't see this helping anything. Read the full article here.

Here's the latest tear-jerker from It Gets Better:


SEE YOU THIS AFTERNOON. OCCUPYING SALEM. YEAHBOY.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Shut up and get educated!

Occupy Portland is taking my state by storm right now, and I am stuck 50 miles away, gas-less, freezing, and running on a horrible internet connection. Or maybe it's just my horribly slow Powerbook G4. From '02. Oi, I need a new laptop.

LOOK AT THAT! HOW BEAUTIFUL IS THAT?

This blog, wearethe99percent.tumblr.com is so... emotional.

BUT HEY, Occupy Wallstreet is not by any means the only thing going on in this country. My new favorite thing is to wake up and immediately turn on NPR. This morning it was full coverage on the press conference in the east wing of the white house, where President Obama answered questions from the press (because, you know, it was a press conference...).

THERE ARE SOME SERIOUSLY SCARY NOISES HAPPENING IN AND OUTSIDE OF MY HOUSE RIGHT NOW.

Basically the gist of what I got out of it was a bunch of reporters asking the same questions, and Obama answering the same way "Republicans are not going to let anything I say pass, just because I said it", and so forth. Though, he did use some very nice anecdotes.

I think that passing the American Jobs Act Bill is just as essential as the Occupy Wallstreet movement. Well, I guess if the greatest vision is accomplished by the Wallstreet Occupiers, that won't matter because the whole system will just be overthrown and we won't have to worry about it anymore. I'm kidding of course. I just ended a joke in such a teacher/NPR host fashion.

I'm going to the Occupy Salem event this Monday. Maybe I will add a twist of "pass that bill"!

Today a guy from my American Govt. class asked me my political views (hello, if you are reading this). I told him I was mostly Socialist.

Now, to clear up confusion, here is why I consider myself socialist.

Essentially all of my beliefs line up with those in socialism. It would be SO GREAT to have free health care, schooling, transportation (more so than we do now, anyway). Do I think socialism would work right now in this country, however? No way. There's no possible way it could! The only way socialism would work efficiently, would be if we started over completely from scratch. There's is simply too much opposition to those that compare socialism with extreme leftism (which, the lesser educated ones seem to think is Fascism? No).

The less educated folk might also get the urge to ask, IS DAT Y U LYK OBAMA DERP HERP CUZ HEZ A SOCIALEEST. No. That's... kind of insulting, actually. Don't get me wrong, I love Obama. But the reason I love Obama is because I know that that's about as far-left as we're going to get in this country. Obama is nothing near socialist! At all! So shut up, and get educated. Ooh, new catch phrase?

So there you go. Another blog. I've been doin' well, eh?

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

That's a little cheese ball.

Salut! Today, through MoveOn.org a MASSIVE virtual march is taking place! Have I mentioned that I want to go to Law School on here? Environmental law, oh yeah.

So above is my contribution. Send yours in! Seriously! I didn't make it up to the general assembly last night in Portland, but I am HOPING SO MUCH that I can make it to at least some of the march tomorrow. If not, there's always the one in Salem this Monday. Giant movements make me so excited. I've been staring at pictures of the march today, like this one:


IT'S JUST SO EXCITING.

Many more labor unions are joining in the march, including nurses and transportation workers.


One thing I've noticed that has been made very clear on the Occupy Portland group Facebook page, is that they are lobbying against all of the government, including of course President Obama. But can I just make it clear that one can still be an Obama lover and march? If it wasn't for the congress, I truly think a lot of these Wallstreet protester's demands would be made directly through the Obama Administration. The big thing for me though? Education, and the funding that goes toward it. That's essentially what I think we need to be working on, and what I will be lobbying for at the Occupy Wallstreet marches I attend.

Holy nuts my house is cold. But that's okay. I like having to snuggle up for warmth. Hnnnnng, but it's really cold. But hey, I could be out in the snow marching like a lot of people.

This article about a guy who lives off of $0 a year is really really cool. Suggested read, man. Suggested read.

SUGGESTED WATCH:


The It Gets Better Project is so wonderful. I've probably watched all the videos like five times. They're so nice and comforting and as cheesy as it sounds... bring me back up on low days. Yeah, cheesy. But hey man, that's awesome right? It does get better. It's already getting better. In the words of Michael from Arrested Development, "That's a little cheese ball".

And now, before I go somewhere warmer like my car, this photo made me laugh:

A bientot!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Can't Take Me Away

Hey hey hey everyone.

Welcome to my blog. Introductions are so awkward.

I'm really sad that there are only two more episodes until season 5 of The Guild is over.  And that the last episode is so like... hngnfdnsdf. But that doesn't relate to politics, so, onward!

I read a pretty interesting interview between David Graeber (on of the leaders in Occupy Wallstreet) and Ezra Klein (of the Washington Post). You can read it here, and get a better idea of the roots of the thing, including the reason for a lack of appearing leadership that I kind of mentioned in the last blog post. So yeah, read it.

AND IN REGARDS TO OCCUPYING WALLSTREET...

Tomorrow (Tuesday, October 4th) for those of you Oregonians, there is an Occupy Portland General Assembly at 7 pm, at the Ankeny Plaza in Waterfront Park. I plan on trying to get up there. But if I can't...

Literally three minutes ago, while I was writing this post and watching Veronica Mars, Occupy Salem added me on Facebook. Heeeeey, so October 10 it looks like there will be an Occupy Salem event. Go add'em on Facebook for more information. And I'm sure there is some kind of event being scheduled near you (wherever you are). Well, unless you live in Hong Kong. Then you might be out of luck.

ALSO on Wednesday MoveOn.org is organizing a virtual march. RSVP and learn more here! So there's no reason for being sad that you don't live in the Eastern part of the country. There's lots to do near you to stay involved in this powerful movement!

In other news, Governor Martin O'Malley kicks off Maryland's marriage equality campaign with this video that almost made me cry (but that's not saying much, I watched Bridesmaids the other day, and cried because the cop was just so nice to the main character... I'm going through an emotional age, okay!?).



And speaking of crying...

video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

Alright, I need to study study study! I just wanted to comment on Occupy Portland and those things. LET'S GO.

Don't forget to like Lame and Forceful on Facebook. L8er G8ers.






Thursday, September 29, 2011

Sincere Excitement

EXCITING NEWS EVERY PONY! I mean, what. My sticker came! It's beautiful, isn't it? Although, don't pay attention to the fact that it is super crooked in relation to my equality sticker which is fading and it's sad.

Today in American Government (by far my favorite class so far... and I'm not just saying that because the instructor will probably read this at some point), we looked deeply into Elizabeth Warren's latest big quote, I'm sure you've all heard it or read it by now. For those of you who are way behind...

There is nobody in this country who got rich on his own. Nobody. You built a factory out there — good for you!
But I want to be clear. You moved your goods to market on the roads the rest of us paid for. You hired workers the rest of us paid to educate. You were safe in your factory because of police forces and fire forces that the rest of us paid for. You didn’t have to worry that maurauding bands would come and seize everything at your factory, and hire someone to protect against this, because of the work the rest of us did. Now look, you built a factory and it turned into something terrific, or a great idea — God bless. Keep a big hunk of it.
But part of the underlying social contract is you take a hunk of that and pay forward for the next kid who comes along.
I love this so much. I love her a lot. Mostly because you would think she would be incredibly conservative looking at her history, but in reality she is really open and in my opinion, really right-on.

What are your opinions on the Occupy Wallstreet deal? I honestly wish I could be there shaking my fists in the air with rage wearing my radical 100% cotton smock. Mostly because I think the whole situation is riveting, exciting, but I have one little concern. Have the rioters lost their spunk solely on their disorganization? MSNBC suggested they are lacking leaders, and that's what really is differentiating them from the London riots earlier this year. I could see it.

UM, so I have a job interview tomorrow... My do nothing days that happened for about two weeks could potentially be gone. That is so sad. But so okay, because I will actually be able to afford my car. Hoorah!

Our favorite Malkin at the Fox News Station has made a very... fox-y claim. "Obama is the guy who is shaking around his brass knuckles every time... someone criticizes him". Ha ha! Yeah, okay. Honestly one of my only complaints about Obama is that he doesn't do enough shaking of the brass knuckles. Hell, I think he should be whippin' them around at all them congress members.



Walmart Adds Transgender Provisions To Employee Non-Discrimination Policy today.What, does that mean we're supposed to put them on a floating carpet and praise them for their concern? Let's not forget about all of their ABUNDANT line of history in incredibly blunt anti-LGBT regimes. So yeah, this is a good thing of course. But dammit Walmart, you make so many lives miserable every single day and make people think you're being charitable by selling less than acceptable in the level of quality items for a great price! You suck. Go die.

I'm off to stress out about my interview, and do some homework now. Stay fresh, ya'll. And go be active on the Lame and Forceful Facebook page!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Please Do Not Control My Vaginal Rights

The wonderful Ezra P. Miracle has been giving me advice on maintaining a blog without getting distracted from it and neglecting it. So I now have a whole two pages in my journal titled "shit to blog about". Yay!

Herman Cain (I always say "Hermain Cain"... which is kinda funny. To me, anyway...) recently came in first as a GOP Presidential candidate in a Florida Straw Poll. For Hermain, this is a first. Are you wondering what his secret is? A campaign that an NPR writer called a "Buy one pizza, get one free", which is fitting. His pizza campaign is also known as the 9-9-9, this clever abbreviation stands for NINE percent flat income tax, NINE percent corporate tax, and NINE percent nation sales tax. If you  are lost, so is the rest of rational America. But hey, who needs rational America when you've got irrational Florida!?

*Takes break from blogging to do French homework*

Congressman Cliff Stearns is still a big 'ol douche bag. This time he is using a "backdoor tactic" to shut down Planned Parenthood. Has he been combing his eyebrows too long to realize this battle should be over by now? Please do not try to control my vaginal rights, Stearns. You were already on my bad side anyway.

You can sign one of the many petitions here.

Today on Faceboook, "Have you ever deceived other people for an extended period of time? NPR is looking for personal stories of public deception that involved a large amount of self-deception as well. If you’re willing to tell your own story on air, please tell us about it in the comments. Thanks!"

There's a whole party of those folks, drinking tea and being stupid. Maybe NPR should contact every single one of them?

The Daily Beast today is worried about Rick Perry's blueprint for America (I am still laughing at the Pizza CEO, Hermain). But hey, who needs a blueprint when you've got the perfect presidential face? Why not run for President completely on your handsome American next-door neighbor looks? George W. Bush had a similar tactic... well, his was based on sincere lies and cheating. But Perry seems to be easily lying and cheating through the roots of society, right? Making you feel like he is some kind of angel? We all know, or at least I hope everyone reading this blog knows, THAT is certainly not true. 


You can read more on that here. 

President Obama needs me.  Or at least that's what I am telling myself. In his back to school address today, he announced that  we are 16th in the world of students with a college degree. "That's not good enough. And so we need your generation to bring us back to the top. If we do that, you guys will have a brighter future. And so will America."

I don't even care about my super-mega-liberal-socialist beliefs. Obama's got me hooked. I love him. And when he addresses my generation, I think of him the same way I think of my dad. Like, all I want to do is make him proud of me! I think I will use his speech to reflect upon when I am having one of my "poop on school" days. I'll make you proud, B. I'll make you proud.

Now I am off to get some "Caramel and Cinnamon" towels from Kohl's because my dad is going through his mid-life crisis. Is that appropriate to post publicly? I don't know.

Be kind to one another.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Oh hey there American Government class...

Bonjour!

Alrighty, my classes are shaping up quite nicely. French, Speech, and American government. I think this will be a super fun term! Full of... voicing my opinion. Especially in American Government!

My instructor wants to show this blog to the class, so I figured I had to clean it up a little. If this is being read out loud right now in the class I am awkwardly sitting in, well, I don't know what to think. Just don't look at me, okay!

What's wrong in the world today? Well, first of all, my Obama 2012 sticker is STILL NOT HERE. That's annoying. And the other day I saw a bumper sticker that said "NOPE" and in smaller print "Let's keep the changes in America". I'm disappointed in myself for ever thinking there was any sanity left in these ignorant people. So, I am forcing myself to accept the fact that they will never make sense(as a side note that I cannot resist, KEEPING CHANGES? Is that possible? Does that make any sense at all? NO).

Aside from my oxymoronic encounters, what else is going on?

Chris Christie is not in fact running for president. I am relieved, as I hope most people are, but at the same time I am afraid of the potential stupidity these other candidates could cause. Michelle Bachmann makes me want to cry for all of my fellow gay kids, and Rick Perry makes me want to cry for America. Well, okay, both make me want to just cry in general. Which means it's time to buff up and voice my opinion!

Oh, and President Obama is just a "bystander in the oval office". I chuckle to myself as I sit in lotus position on my school-book-covered bed and listen to my favorite cheerful Celtic band. Chris Christie is so dumb.

Guess what, I'm still not old enough to vote. But hey, there's always my dad to influence!

I have recently begun the process of starting up an organization called Salem Youth For Change. Basically, it's an attempt at getting the younger generations aware and active. I'm looking for speakers and helpers for our first meeting! Which will basically be a democracy style discussion.

Here's the blog: salemyouthforchange.blogspot.com
Here's the Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Salem-Youth-For-Change/194264657302063

So even if you aren't "youthful", we would LOVE to have your support and ideas included. You can also email us at salemyouthforchange@gmail.com, get added to our emailing list yo!

But enough advertising. My internet is having a poopish connection. That has no relevance. Continuing...

Glenn Beck is becoming the new Oprah, everyone! McKay Coppins headlines a post on the Daily Beast with "Former Fox News firebrand Glenn Beck is busy building a Winfrey-esque empire. He tells McKay Coppins exclusively how his new GBTV online network will rival Fox—and why all politicians are liars".

My position has changed to a ninety-degree angle with my back rested against a pillow, and I sigh in with a feeling of both disgust and sincere hope that Americans can stop being ignorant assholes who actually believe a word that comes out of Beck's mouth. My second sigh is accompanied by a head-scratch.

That's all I have time for tonight, holy geebs it's already 10! Sleep must reign upon me now!

Au revoir!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Shady's Back.

Guess who's back. Back again.

Well hoowwwdy. Before politics, let me update you on my life a bit.

I'm coming to a close on Spring term (I'm taking all college classes too), I drive a Buick Park Avenue named Bulbasaur, I'm being kicked in the ass by Integral Calculus, my fiery feminism has raised in intensity by exactly 23%, and I am oddly into Beyonce (that just started today whilst watching VH1's Sexiest Pop Hotties).

In Bulby (short for Bulbasaur, my fat grandpa car, keeping up?) I have been listening to NPR pretty much always. These really interesting topics always come up, and I just need to express my feelings about it (yes, I am the type of person who yells at the radio when they're alone in the car and the windows are rolled down and there are strange men in the van next to you at the awkwardly long red light...).

So I am back. Let's get things rolling *cough of officialism*

Our good friend Sarah Palin was accused of stepping on Mitt Romney's toes (can you imagine having a President named Mitt Romney?) with a similar speech using Paul Revere as some kind of example of our freedom...

"(A warning to) the British that they weren't going to be taking away our arms, by ringing those bells and by making sure that as he's riding his horse through town to send those warning shots and bells that we were going to be secure and we were going to be free … and we were going to be armed."

OKAY. I know somewhere in elementary school I learned about Paul Revere, and let me tell you, this is the same bullshit I learned in my small-town hick school; Meaning it's definitely Americanized and wrong. That's just nauseating. Read more about it, and laugh a couple more loads, here.

If Sarah Palin runs for President, I swear to Merlin, I will tip a bucket- I'm in a poetic mood tonight. AND CAN I JUST SAY... the fact that Obama has gained more support by 'killing Osama Bin Laden' is the greatest example of Conservative America's sincere beliefs and ideals. The kind of example that proves so many things so many conservatives deny. But yeah. It's kind of sick.

I wish Obama was a Socialist.

This is awesome by the way. I admire each and every person in each and every tent in Walkerville. Walkerville! It's clever! Hooray!


I've gotta wrap things up, thanks to my final paper for writing that is due tomorrow, cough cough ahem ahem.

Two more days of class for me, then more blogging! I promise! Don't be afraid to hassle me about writing more, I like inspiration even if it is forceful (see what I did there?).

My pseudo step-mom Jill purchased a leather textile futon for $75 that was initially over $1000 and I think it has made her the happiest pretzel in the bulk section (again with the poetry). She's been telling everyone, so I figured I'd just add it here for everyone to read. You're welcome, Jill.

I think a shirt is necessary:

What's wrong with this T-shirt?

Nothing. Everything about it is absolutely right.

MAKE BLOGS NOT WAR, THE END.