MICROSKIRTS
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viewsNot To Get Political...But...
By Laura Henneforth, Friday, March 12, 2010, 4 commentsI don’t like getting political. I really, really don’t. Mainly because I feel inept when taking a stand and my legs are scarred from years of fence straddling. Which is why I will make an attempt to make a statement and (ahem) try and leave my opinion on matters open to you, dear Skirt bloggers. Besides, it’s been a looooong time since Laura did any blog-venting.
I grew up in a rather political family, one parent a republican, the other a democrat. Dinner time conversations were often usurped by talk of politics. Since I love to ‘date’ myself, the first real presidential administration I recall was Jimmy Carter’s. There was a lot of bellowing and huffing over the way he managed our nation at the time, (especially the Iran Hostage situation). In adulthood when I left the dinner table and sat on my bean bag chair in front of the TV teetering searing hot Lean Cuisine on my knees, I realized Carter, while not our best president ever, is a benevolent benefactor and was doing what we are all trying to do, the best we could.
Mostly I shy away from politics and its discussions. I work in an environment that overpowers my polemic by 75 %. My colleagues and I usually steer from politically charged conversations. If we engage the debate is often respectful but too many times nasty skirmishes ensue and that is never good for business.
Yesterday I got a text message urging me to call my representative and voice my opinion about health care reform. I considered it heavily, the Anthem Blue Cross debacle hit me so hard I had to drop maternity from my plan, (not that I’m planning on child-rearing anytime soon). But in this nation, in 2010, why are teachers losing their jobs, seniors losing their services and women like me forced to lose the care of a doctor so they can become mothers because we can’t afford it???
It pissed me off enough to call my rep. Which I did. And I wasn’t eloquent or witty or full of the big words I use to hear around the dinner table either. But I was honest. I was polite. And I voiced my soul, what I need, what I want, what I pray for to happen.
So this morning when I see the Yahoo headline: Health bill's prospects abruptly improve; Obama delays trip—I can’t help but think, wow…
Okay, maybe it wasn’t my one little phone call. But you know, I kinda like thinking it was…
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4 Comments
you go girl!
reading this put such a smile on my face! The ending was so unexpected - and inspiring! Thanks Laura :)
did u notice the three of us
did u notice the three of us were all in the top blog posts... thought it strangely coincidental ;)
I can almost imagine you watching your parents like a tennis match at the dinner table. Thanks for sharing that!
did u notice the three of us
did u notice the three of us were all in the top blog posts... thought it strangely coincidental ;)
I can almost imagine you watching your parents like a tennis match at the dinner table. Thanks for sharing that!
Thanks!
I'm so glad you called your rep. You put it all so nicely. We're one of the wealthiest countries in the world and we can't afford health care? Good reminder to call my representatives too!
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