Politics: The Palmetto Way & the Ocean State Way

Well, I’m currently in South Carolina working on a campaign to elect Elizabeth Colbert Busch to Congress so she can represent South Carolina’s first district in the House of Representatives.  I’ve never worked on a campaign in South Carolina.  I think South Carolina has a better understanding of what “southern hospitality” is all about.

     The district itself is only twenty percent rural, or so I’m told.  The President won this district in both 2008 & 2012.  I think based on that information, my candidate should win; however, this isn’t my first election and it is really up to the constituents of the first Congressional district of the Palmetto State.  I believe Elizabeth Colbert Bush is a strong candidate against the former governor of the state, Marl Stanford.  After watching them debate, I think she has what it takes to win over the district.  She is a tough individual and knows the issues that matter to the district.  She tends to put the district first, as any respectable member of Congress should do.  She knows that the district still has pockets of conservative values and understands they still need a voice in Congress.  There is a term for an individual who is liberal on social issues; yet conservative on fiscal matters…the new term is “Blue Dog Democrat.” Another term, slightly older, is a “Dixiecrat” which is essentially a newer generation of a Republican post-Civil War. (At least, that is how I look at it.)

     I guess after really thinking about politics and the issues, I would be considered a Blue Dog in many ways. First, I was a Republican in high school and growing up.  I tend to focus on issues instead of party politics. I also believe that we need to be in control of our own monetary funds and other things that we earn; however, I believe we need to have safeguards to help those in society that are less fortunate or cannot help themselves.  I believe everyone should be equal under the law of the United States.  If you are a citizen, then you deserved to be treated like one and equally as others.  With only some of those beliefs I hold, I feel that I would cast an affirmative vote for Elizabeth Colbert Busch to represent my voice in Congress (and if I lived in South Carolina’s first Congressional District).

In other political news, the state of Rhode Island [and Providence Plantations] became the tenth state in the United States to pass Marriage Equality.  I am extremely proud of this accomplishment.  I drove up to the Ocean State to help out this successful campaign and met a bunch of wonderful individuals (both on the campaign team and the citizens who contacted their state representatives to pass the legislation).  This win in Rhode Island completes all of the states in New England to have Marriage Equality! I hope this will be the positive model for other parts of the United States to adopt, implement, and pass this historic trend to include Marriage Equality into a basic American right.  Hopefully in June, the United States Supreme Court will render their verdict on the right side of history.

From Sea to Shining Sea...One State at a Time

     Well, this week was certainly a wonderful one for Colorado. The state signed a law granting civil-unions to same-sex couples.  Within the past two years, the subject of LGBT rights has really been at the front of American politics. Just to remember some of these events, let's name some:

1) "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" got repealed;

2) Four states put measures on their state ballots and won (Minnesota, Maine, Washington, Maryland);

3) The United States Supreme Court will hear the arguments to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act AND Proposition Eight;

4) President Obama (finally) comes out in support of Same-sex marriage;

5) Colorado has passed civil unions;

6) Tammy Baldwin becomes the first Openly Gay Senator in US History (representing Wisconsin);

7) Nebraska is considering granting Same-sex couples the right of marriage; and

8) Rhode Island will be the next state to allow Same-sex marriage once it gets past in the state senate.

     Notice I end the list with Rhode Island.  This is because I have some news; for the next three months, I'll be in the state of Rhode Island advocating for the state to pass Same-sex marriage!  This is really exciting as I haven't lived in Rhode Island since 1994. I will be helping a state extend the basic right of happiness to all its citizens.  I truly believe within the next 15-20 years, this issue will no longer be an issue.  This same "Separate but equal" mindset regarding the LGBT community is just silly and will be yet another period in American history where we will not be proud of the way we handle change.  in fact, there is at least one other state considering Same-sex marriage in their own boundaries [and that state being Illinois].

    Disclaimer:  As I continue writing, the song "No llores por mí Argentina" :-D 

     Another major thing that has happened this week is the election of a new Pope.  Now, it is wonderful that he is the first Pope from Latin America; I wish him well.  However, even this is a setback for the church.  I suppose I could also argue that this strengthens the "Separation of Church & State" argument, but I won't. :)  

      Now, Pope Francis I (former Archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge Mario Bergoglio) comes from  Argentina.  This is the same country that gave us Evita Perón and that WONDERFUL play that was on

Broadway that I did NOT get to see even though Ricky Martin was Che (no hard feelings of course…but I will see it soon enough).  Anyway, I digress. Now Argentina has allowed same-sex Marriage since July 2010.  The newly-elected Pope was a strong critic and the most vocal opponent against Argentina's position regarding the extension of marriage to same-sex couples.  I respect the establishment of religion, I truly do, but in the United States we have a separation of the two.  I think that when a rather high number of your congregation interprets the holy texts in a different manner that disagree with the official interpretation, it might be time to review the official stance on the matter.  I think the Catholic Church has done a remarkable thing while at the same time standing resolute.  I salute them for recognizing other minorities such as Hispanics being able to lead; but, I also think they are proving that just because a high number of their congregation don't follow their official word on the issue, they will not give into temptation to change their ways (and by the way, that pun was not exactly in my head at the time I wrote that).  There should be some sort of adoration for the Church, but since they don't dictate my life, then I really don't concern myself with what their position is regarding the matter. As I've stated before, within the next 15-20 years, this will be a moot point.

     Until then, I will be fighting to bring Marriage Equality to Same-sex couples in the state of Rhode Island & the Providence Plantations!

     By the way, I'm officially a UNC Tarheel fan. After living in North Carolina for the past 15 years, I've made my decision regarding the whole Duke/UNC rivalry thing.  For me, it's Public Vs. Private and I went with public. :)

Christmas Road Trip to Arizona Part 2

Well, it has been a long day on the road, but we are safely in Arizona for Christmas! We even went to the evening service of church.  It was interesting and a nice service.  It is amazing the level of information I have learned from the Political Rhetoric class and how I apply it to almost everything I hear each day.  I can certainly give credit to Dr. Beth Huber for teaching me the basics of Rhetoric.

So anyway, this will be my first Christmas in Arizona. I am fairly excited about this endeavor.   In addition to that, I have family coming in from California and they have a new addition to their family unit.  Needless to say, I am a first cousin…I think anyway.  This will be the first time I will meet her. As for her parents, I am really excited to see them. I love my aunt and uncle! They are awesome, hip, and closer to my age so it seems like we relate on a lot of levels.

As I write this, I realize that I am writing this on Christmas Eve.  I don’t plan on making a blog entry on Christmas Day.  I try to abstain from all electronic distractions like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, iPhone (in general), FourSquare, etc.  It is always a big challenge to me so hopefully I will be able to go the whole day without checking my phone; or, at least once at the very least.  I know I’ve stated that the holidays are the most stressful time of the year.  I guess the only reason to justify that is because I am my own person.  I know I am much different than the rest of the family (in just about every way). However, at the end of the day, I am able to look past all of the differences and try to just enjoy the company of my family and the time together.  If there is anything to be taken away from the year 2012, it is simply this: spend as much time as you can with those you love because you never know when it might be the last time.  I can say that it is a mature thought for someone in their twenty’s.  I know this is the “time of one’s life”, but it honestly doesn’t need to be all about oneself.; to me, that is selfish (on certain levels anyway).  The only things to really take away from this blog piece are: 1) Texas is the most boring state to drive; 2) Dr. Huber from Western Carolina University is the best Professor to have for any Rhetoric class; 3) Try and go as long as you can without social media (even if it is just five minutes a day); and, 4) Remember that no matter how complex your family members can be, at the end of the day they are still family so cherish your time together while you can.

With all of that said, one other challenge that I will have this week is to not engage in any political discussions – even if provoked…like earlier tonight. I know…good luck with that, right? If I can ride two days in a truck with a parent who is on the opposite side of the political spectrum, I think I can go a few more days with family members that are on that same side. So yes, the challenge has been accepted…and I always win because I’m a fierce competitor.

I hope everyone has a wonderful & blessed Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, winter solstice, or holiday season (mainly whatever you are celebrating over the next couple of days).  If you are traveling, I wish you safe travels to your destinations and will think positive thoughts and energy to you and those that travel with you.  Have a blessed holiday season! I image my next blog piece will be either Thursday or Friday (I’ll be back in North Carolina on the thirtieth of December).

Christmas Road Trip to Arizona Part 1

Well, it has been a long day on the road.  We, my father and I, left at 7:15 this morning from Old Fort, North Carolina and are currently in Texaekana, Arkansas.  We have stopped for gas and some food.  The drive so far has been nice.  We have mainly been listening to audiobooks. As a matter of fact, I downloaded The Hobbit so we could listen to it on the way to Arizona.  As much as I dislike anything “Lord of The Rings” or anything by Tolkein, I know Dad likes it so it might be a good bonding thing.  I don’t think I’ll be doing any driving on this trip though, which is a major bummer.  I can’t help it, I love driving!  At least I am able to take pictures and se the things I usually wouldn’t see if I were driving.  Come to think about it, I don’t know how I would feel getting out of a Dodge truck at a random stop in the state of Texas and wearing my usual style of fashion (Professional Chic).  As I am writing this sentence, we are crossing over into Texas. I have once again found may way to the Lone State.  The last time I was here was not on good terms since they assumed I was an illegal.  I fare them to try that crap on me again! 

Anyway, the drive – like I have already stated – has been nice.  The hardest part for me is to discuss politics whenever I see a bumper sticker, billboard, or enter a state that swings one way politically. My mind is just geared for politics, as it is a challenge for me to not turn that part of my brain off.  I have been secretly going through all the districts, and their representatives, in my head since I am not supposed to utter them out loud. The best I’ve been able to do is just laugh whenever I see a bumper sticker that voted for the losing ticket this year.   Anyway, I guess I should attempt to not discuss politics at the moment (I know, good luck with that goal).

One of the things I really love about traveling through the central plains is the weather patterns. I am an avid weather and storm chaser! I saw some WONDERFUL wall clouds earlier before the sun started going down.  It is a shame I won’t be in the area in the next day or so because they are calling for major thunderstorms and potential tornadic activity in Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Arkansas.  I think even Arizona might get some snow.  I guess I’ll see soon enough.  On a serious note, I think that after I earn my Master’s Degree, I will move out to one of the central plain states (maybe Iowa, South Dakota, or Kansas) because their weather patterns are AWESOME!  I would love to go back to school and earn a degree in either Meteorology or Atmospheric Sciences…I just have to get a lot better at science and math. At least I have meteorologist and storm chasers that follow me on Twitter (and we often tweet each other which is just awesome within itself)!

Okay, so we have passed Dallas/Ft. Worth and are spending the night in Weatherford, Texas. Tomorrow I will be in Arizona and it will be Christmas eve…Yay! Stay Tuned for another update on the travel adventures – Christmas Special! :-D

It's The Most Stressful Time...Of The Year!

Yes, I was singing that as I wrote it.  Anyway, I hope everyone is going to have a wonderful holiday season.  I am one of the many that say “holiday” as opposed to Christmas unless I know the person I’m speaking to prefers “Christmas”.  It’s not because I’m religious or anything, I just try not offend anyone.  Well, I mean I know I offend people but honestly, I don’t really care.   I tend to follow the phrases, “What you see is what you get” and “If you can’t handle the heat, then get out of the kitchen” (among other phrases, haha).   Anyway, this is the most stressful time of the year to many people. I can honestly count myself among those people. I love my family and of course they are stressful at times…what family isn’t stressful at times, right? So I’m not really talking about that stress.  Well, I suppose I could.

            Family stress is different than other types of stress.  For me, because I have parents who have been divorced for a while, it is kind of a big thing to determine which holiday to spend with which side of the family.  This year, I decided to do Thanksgiving with my Mom’s side and now I’ll be doing Christmas with my Dad’s side of the family. I’ve been doing this for a while.  As an adult, it just seems strange that I am taking the initiative to be the peacemaker of each side of the family…in a sense.

            I guess I just naturally take on the role of making sure everyone in my family is okay.  While there are some quirks regarding some of my family members, they’re still family.  One of the things I’m sort-of looking forward to is this upcoming weekend.  Since my father’s parents have retired to the state of Arizona – the ones I visited and blogged about on my trip to and from there – it will be the first time we will all be heading to Arizona for Christmas.  This is mainly because my Uncle who lives in California has a newborn and it would be better to travel to Arizona than New York State. So anyway, this upcoming weekend, Dad and I will be traveling to Arizona…by driving out there.  Now, I love driving and I love road-trips. I even love seeing the parts of the country I don’t reside in. However, I am really looking forward to spending time with my dad since we don’t live close to each other (he lives in New York State). I can honestly say we have never really had that “father-son” relationship that so many my age have.  We just view the world through different lens and of course we have very different life experiences. It is hard to relate to him as I think we are exact opposites.  Knowing that though, I always try to reach out for common ground and build on that.  If anything the past week has taught me, we need to hold on to our family and be grateful of the time we have with them. So I image the time on the road with my father will be stressful, but it will also be a chance to rekindle that relationship we had during my childhood.

            Another stressful thing that makes the holidays stressful is the money spent during this time.  It seems that everyone is always asking, “what do want for Christmas” or “Do you have your Christmas list”…and that’s fine.  I always create a list, but I generally put things I need on the list. Heck, I even categorize my list!  I even color-code it! I know my best-friend (and roommate in college) would make fun of me and bring up some other things while laughing about it. So I love being organized, sue me! I guess that’s why I always did better in classes than he did, haha! Anyway, I think people tend to forget about the things that matter and get too wrapped up in the superficial things in life.  With that said, I love getting things. I know I don’t need them, but I am a kid at heart (yes, I just said that). I also love spending money to get gifts for others. I am actually getting into the phase of, “Well, I’m going to start making my gifts for people instead of spending money because they are from the heart” because I’m told I’m getting older. I don’t know either!  Maybe I’ll get married in the next year too and have a child!  See what I did there…I got ya! Those two things are not even something I want to think about.

            With the holidays fast approaching and the stress that endures, it is important for everyone to just stop a some point in their day and take some time for themselves. I am at the point in life where I know this needs to happen more.  It is healthy and rewarding. Within a few weeks, we will enter a new year and new paths to walk down in our various roads of life. I always take the one less traveled, and it always makes all the difference.

I hope everyone has a wonderful & safe holiday season! May all of you be blessed and continue have good health through the New Year and beyond!

P.S.

The world did not end today. So, to recap: Mayans - 0 & Humanity in the 21st Century - 1