“Well, I guess I should tell you.”
“Tell me what, Mom?”
“I know you won’t be in town Dear, but I should tell you that your father and I are having a Christmas party for our old friends.”
“That sounds nice. You guys like to entertain. Am I missing something?”
(This social group of my parent’s has been around since all of their kids were young, much like my Gourmet Club, but 30 years into the future.)
“We were all together to celebrate Cathy’s remission from cancer and I announced our plan for the party,” my mother continued.
“Uh huh,” I said, focusing on the fact that my parents still socialize with these old friends.
“Anyway, you know about Jill, right?”
“Remind me, Mom.”
“Jill announced that she is gay a little while ago. Remember? Anyway, she just married her partner and they are living in San Francisco.”
“That’s so nice. I am glad she found someone.”
Her voice shot up an octave, as if she had doubted how I would feel about a gay marriage. (I guess that topic doesn't comes up frequently with my mother.)
“Exactly! I agree. Anyway, her parents were being, well, a little nasty about it. They stopped talking to her when she announced she was gay. And, when they found out that we knew, they stopped talking to the rest of us too.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear about that. They will regret estranging their daughter like that.”
“We all thought so too. Jill is an adult. She’s an honest, confident professional who has made a commitment to her partner. They act like she’s some sort of criminal. We are all pretty mad about it. I mean, we all just want our kids to be good people with happy lives. This is 2008, not 1960. Anyway, I am sure there are exceptions, but I think most people are just born gay or not gay, it’s just whether or not they feel comfortable enough to express it.”
“That is really a shame that her parents are shunning her.”
“So, when I announced the party, one of my other friends said that Jill and her partner will be in town over Christmas (but not at the parent’s house). She suggested that we have a reception for the new couple.”
“So, you’re hosting a lesbian wedding reception? My conservative Republican parents are hosting a lesbian wedding reception? I love it!”
“Well, yes. . . . . That is right. Jill and her partner are very touched.”
“I think that’s really nice. That whole group was at my wedding. You should celebrate their wedding too. Um, but what about Jill’s parents?”
“Yeah, I called Jill’s mom to invite her.”
“How did that go?”
“She was upset at first. But, in the end she said that they will come and even asked why everyone is making such a big deal out of it (as if she hasn’t stopped talking to everyone).”
“Well, let her save face. Anyway, if she sees that everyone else is accepting of her daughter, maybe she will be too. Seriously, this is really nice of you guys to bring everyone back together.”
“We were all pretty upset about it. Someone said they are talking about maybe having kids.” She shifted a little, her body admitting to a little discomfort with the idea that her voice did not betray.
By the way, Mom, if you think people are just born that way, it seems odd to me that there aren’t any gay people in our family. Even if its genetic, I would think there would be one at least.
I leaned over to refill my mother’s glass of wine.
“You mean, I never told you about Uncle Fancypants??”
Showing posts with label Republican mom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Republican mom. Show all posts
Monday, October 27, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Debate
Dear Senator McCain,
I watched your debate this evening with Sen. Obama. I am sorry you were having a bad night. I do agree with many of your policies. However, the reasons I am voting for you have nothing to do with William Ayers or the Columbian trade agreement.
You seem like a pretty nice guy who was very frustrated this evening. We are all frustrated. Please keep focused on doing the right thing. Its worth it. Unfortunately, pretty nice guys don't tend to win elections. Eloquent, charismatic guys do win. (Of course, a lot can happen in three weeks, right?)
The good news is that the next president of the United States will not be the supreme ruler of the empire. There are checks and balances, debates and votes. And, I think this election cycle has made everyone just a little more aware of the importance of paying attention to the details. A lot of smart people will be thinking, talking, and sharing their opinions. We will all be watching a little closer than we ever have before.
In the meantime, I will keep debating the issues with my friends here on the internet. Hopefully, it will make us all just a little smarter. And, if anyone out there is listening, maybe we will even make a positive difference.
Just in case you forgot why I care, I have included a picture. It is from my son's 5th birthday. He chose the American flag for his cake because he loves America as much as his mommy does.
Enthalpymama
Mommy, Wife, Blogger, Republican
I watched your debate this evening with Sen. Obama. I am sorry you were having a bad night. I do agree with many of your policies. However, the reasons I am voting for you have nothing to do with William Ayers or the Columbian trade agreement.
You seem like a pretty nice guy who was very frustrated this evening. We are all frustrated. Please keep focused on doing the right thing. Its worth it. Unfortunately, pretty nice guys don't tend to win elections. Eloquent, charismatic guys do win. (Of course, a lot can happen in three weeks, right?)
The good news is that the next president of the United States will not be the supreme ruler of the empire. There are checks and balances, debates and votes. And, I think this election cycle has made everyone just a little more aware of the importance of paying attention to the details. A lot of smart people will be thinking, talking, and sharing their opinions. We will all be watching a little closer than we ever have before.
In the meantime, I will keep debating the issues with my friends here on the internet. Hopefully, it will make us all just a little smarter. And, if anyone out there is listening, maybe we will even make a positive difference.
Just in case you forgot why I care, I have included a picture. It is from my son's 5th birthday. He chose the American flag for his cake because he loves America as much as his mommy does.
Enthalpymama
Mommy, Wife, Blogger, Republican
Monday, September 8, 2008
Republican mom point of view
I am diving in, two feet first. After reading the posts suggested on the Silicon Valley Mom’s blog, I do feel that the Republican point of view is underrepresented. I am no more a political expert than the other bloggers, but let me lend some additional thoughts. (Since I have already written several pages and am now editing, it appears this post will have to be split over several days).
Sarah Palin as a mom, just like us?
Sarah Palin delivered a fabulous speech. I haven’t read a single blog, or spoken to anyone, who could argue differently. We are in agreement. She has presence, charisma, confidence, intellect, and courage. These are all important traits of a good leader. Of course, those are not the only traits of a good leader.
Sarah Palin is a mother of five children. Most people seem to agree that the fact that she is a mother should not play directly into a voter’s decision. However, having been a mother, most people make certain assumptions about her stance on issues. I would be careful. I once watched an interview of a mother who had encouraged her son to become a suicide bomber. Wow. All mothers are not alike.
The argument that running for VP somehow lessens her stance as a mother is ludicrous to me. She has a perfectly good husband. He looked very comfortable with that 4-month old. Please do not insult the dads of this world by implying that he could not fulfill the primary role of parenting, if he is indeed taking on that role. I even heard that she went back to work a few days after her baby was born. That is a little surprising, but only because it is very typical of a father and less typical of a mother. What should be more surprising is that she can balance the budget of the State of Alaska while pregnant.
People often forget that the Lewis and Clark expedition was guided by Sacagawea. She was pregnant for the first half of her journey. On the second half, she toted an infant.
Certainly, Gov. Palin’s requirements in the role of VP will be demanding. It will take away from her time with her children. That would not be the choice of most stay at home moms. Obviously, if we thought that was the right choice for us, we wouldn’t be stay-at-home moms. But, isn’t America about choices? She should be able to make her own choices. I am making the assumption that she didn’t abandon her child after three days, she merely put the child in the care of other capable hands. Truly, the job of governor is not a part-time position either. She has probably worked out her child-care issues. Lots of people work hard, put their children in capable child-care, and have much less glorious jobs.
Most people agree to leave Gov. Palin’s pregnant daughter out of the discussion. I think the most important point is how she has handled the situation. Gov. Palin does not believe in abortion. Whether her daughter agrees with her and has made her own decision or not may never be completely clear, but at least there is consistency. Presumably, her daughter holds the same basic values as her mother.
Would you have done something different than Gov. Palin? It is personally difficult for me to imagine anyone recommending abortion. Really? If oh-my-goodness the unimaginable happened and your daughter got pregnant, you would recommend abortion? That is your grandchild we are talking about. You wouldn’t offer to help her? Really? Wow. Moms are all different.
On the flip side, if your daughter decided on abortion, would you forgive her? I would. I would hold a deep, deep sadness in my heart. Forever. But, I would forgive her. It is their choice. We just try and hope and pray that they make the better choice. Hopefully, they have enough chances to make good choices long before they are faced with such a huge and terrible decision.
It is also difficult for me to imagine withholding birth control and the appropriate education surrounding it. Yes, I’ve heard that Gov. Palin wants an abstinence only education. I do not agree with an abstinence only education. I plan on telling my children about their options. I will even encourage them to tell their friends. (Watch out, conservative neighbors). In fact, if abstinence only education were the norm in our schools, I might accidentally drop boxes of condoms around the parking lot of the high school, with directions if necessary. (Hopefully, if I get arrested for littering, one of my so-called liberal friends will post my bail).
That was a silly thing to say. I am Catholic. Abstinence is a much better choice. Not getting in car accidents is also the best choice, but I still put my kids in car seats. What is a mother to do? Just pray?
It is our job to protect our children. It is our job to make the country the best place for them to pursue THEIR happiness. That is what we should do. We should all vote with our hearts in the right place. We should check all the issues. Think about what is truly best, not about whether or not we want to invite the candidate for dinner. Then decide.
Feel free to disagree with me. You are still my friend. That’s what America is all about.
Sarah Palin as a mom, just like us?
Sarah Palin delivered a fabulous speech. I haven’t read a single blog, or spoken to anyone, who could argue differently. We are in agreement. She has presence, charisma, confidence, intellect, and courage. These are all important traits of a good leader. Of course, those are not the only traits of a good leader.
Sarah Palin is a mother of five children. Most people seem to agree that the fact that she is a mother should not play directly into a voter’s decision. However, having been a mother, most people make certain assumptions about her stance on issues. I would be careful. I once watched an interview of a mother who had encouraged her son to become a suicide bomber. Wow. All mothers are not alike.
The argument that running for VP somehow lessens her stance as a mother is ludicrous to me. She has a perfectly good husband. He looked very comfortable with that 4-month old. Please do not insult the dads of this world by implying that he could not fulfill the primary role of parenting, if he is indeed taking on that role. I even heard that she went back to work a few days after her baby was born. That is a little surprising, but only because it is very typical of a father and less typical of a mother. What should be more surprising is that she can balance the budget of the State of Alaska while pregnant.
People often forget that the Lewis and Clark expedition was guided by Sacagawea. She was pregnant for the first half of her journey. On the second half, she toted an infant.
Certainly, Gov. Palin’s requirements in the role of VP will be demanding. It will take away from her time with her children. That would not be the choice of most stay at home moms. Obviously, if we thought that was the right choice for us, we wouldn’t be stay-at-home moms. But, isn’t America about choices? She should be able to make her own choices. I am making the assumption that she didn’t abandon her child after three days, she merely put the child in the care of other capable hands. Truly, the job of governor is not a part-time position either. She has probably worked out her child-care issues. Lots of people work hard, put their children in capable child-care, and have much less glorious jobs.
Most people agree to leave Gov. Palin’s pregnant daughter out of the discussion. I think the most important point is how she has handled the situation. Gov. Palin does not believe in abortion. Whether her daughter agrees with her and has made her own decision or not may never be completely clear, but at least there is consistency. Presumably, her daughter holds the same basic values as her mother.
Would you have done something different than Gov. Palin? It is personally difficult for me to imagine anyone recommending abortion. Really? If oh-my-goodness the unimaginable happened and your daughter got pregnant, you would recommend abortion? That is your grandchild we are talking about. You wouldn’t offer to help her? Really? Wow. Moms are all different.
On the flip side, if your daughter decided on abortion, would you forgive her? I would. I would hold a deep, deep sadness in my heart. Forever. But, I would forgive her. It is their choice. We just try and hope and pray that they make the better choice. Hopefully, they have enough chances to make good choices long before they are faced with such a huge and terrible decision.
It is also difficult for me to imagine withholding birth control and the appropriate education surrounding it. Yes, I’ve heard that Gov. Palin wants an abstinence only education. I do not agree with an abstinence only education. I plan on telling my children about their options. I will even encourage them to tell their friends. (Watch out, conservative neighbors). In fact, if abstinence only education were the norm in our schools, I might accidentally drop boxes of condoms around the parking lot of the high school, with directions if necessary. (Hopefully, if I get arrested for littering, one of my so-called liberal friends will post my bail).
That was a silly thing to say. I am Catholic. Abstinence is a much better choice. Not getting in car accidents is also the best choice, but I still put my kids in car seats. What is a mother to do? Just pray?
It is our job to protect our children. It is our job to make the country the best place for them to pursue THEIR happiness. That is what we should do. We should all vote with our hearts in the right place. We should check all the issues. Think about what is truly best, not about whether or not we want to invite the candidate for dinner. Then decide.
Feel free to disagree with me. You are still my friend. That’s what America is all about.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
