Don't Talk About Religion or Politics or Rules Are Made To Be Broken

Yesterday, I did a little Hillary bashing and I’ve been feeling a tad guilty ever since.

First, let me shell out the honest truth. I don’t care for her. Her insincere and prevaricating demeanor leads me to believe she’ll say whatever she thinks she has to say to get elected whether she believes it or not. Her recent hawkishness toward Iran frightens me. Plus, I find her manner scolding (hence the nightmares) and caustic. Finally, I think it’s wrong for two families to dominate American politics for a quarter of a century. Remember my Dynasty comment?

That said, I do not doubt her intelligence, her drive, or her work ethic. She’s tough and she needs to be. Although exceptions exist, I am hard-pressed to give examples of highly successful females that do not have the reputations of being “bitches” and/or “ball-busters.” As Tina Fey says, “Bitch is the new black.” Power is there to be assumed, and when a woman does just that, our society as a whole has yet to accept it gracefully. It still comes down to the old scenario: A successful man is tough; a successful woman is mean.

So I’m feeling a little upside down this morning, questioning my own feelings and wondering if society’s norms are affecting my views of her candidacy. Honestly, and I’ve said it before, I wish I could be more like that “A-Type” woman, organized, efficient, and hard-working with a life not ruled by emotions and wind direction. Yet, I was born with talents unappreciated in a monetary sense, particularly in a down economy, talents that are possessed by 100+ people in line before me, talents accompanied by a pitiful lack of perseverance to have them noticed. I wound easily and heal slowly and question my worth at every juncture. In short, I wish I was a bitch.

If, by some political machinations, Hillary Clinton is the Democratic nominee, I’ll support her, if only because our country cannot succeed on more of the same and, although I used to admire John McCain for bucking the establishment, lately he is embracing the party line like a hot new lover.

We, as a society, I, as a person, need to change. We need to work harder and respect those who do. We (I) need to figure out what in the world we’re doing and do it well. We need to take back the pride in ourselves and our country that has been stolen by neocons, radical right-wingers, and, for me, the person who looks back at me when I search in the mirror. It won’t be easy; but the alternative is untenable.

No matter your views, please support our Democratic process. Apathy, ignorance, and non-involvement have led us to where we are today. While you’re at it, give a bitch a hand.

UPDATE: I found this montage after writing today's blog and, as it pertained so strongly to my earlier comments, I thought I should include it. After the Howard Beale moment, the rest is basically an ad for Clinton. The conglomeration of media stars attacking her, however, is still worth watching.)

By the way, I’m thinking about temporarily beginning a separate election-based blog, at least so you aren’t subjected to this drivel here. I’d like to get your feedback if I may. I realize I lean a little more left than some (many, all?) of you but a girl wants to know. Or, in psychobabble, how does this make you feel?

Comments

[Michelle]

I don't mind reading your thoughts on politics here. I haven't decided between Clinton and Barack; I'm afraid his idealism and inexperience will be overcome in short order. I think Hillary can get the job done, but is it the job I want to see done? But I WILL vote; I always do. Like you, I used to admire McCain, but now he's sounding a lot like Bush on some things (only 100 IQ points more intelligent; at least that's something). Do you ever catch the PBS political satire "The Capitol Steps"? The last "issue" on April 1 was a killer!

[Julie]

Very well stated Michelle!!

[Suzanne V. (Yarnhog)]

You don't lean further left that I do. I think of myself as "moderate" (don't we all?), but on Political Compass, I scored with Ghandi and the Dalai Lama. I think you could safely say that none of the available political options even comes close to what I consider a reasonable choice. Nonetheless, I will undoubtedly vote for the Democratic candidate as the lesser of the evils, just as I have for the past 20 years.