flap your lips friday
Posted by Michelle Moquin on February 25th, 2011
Good morning!
So….wha’ats up?
It’s Friday and there is lots to flap your lips about. Obviously flappin’ has been happenin’ here, and I am still catchin’ up. I can tell you what’s been on my mind…one thing: Wisconsin. Even in light of Walker’s prank, it didn’t prevent him from getting this far. But did we think that it would? Did we think that protesting would stop him from achieving his agenda? The Wisconsin assembly passed the bill this morning.
Too bad. But do I feel bad?
As much as I supported the protesters in standing up for their rights, because I think society as a whole, we are complacent and lazy, the people of Wisconsin made their decision when the voters voted in a conservative Republican Governor Walker to win, in this past election. Whatever their reason was.
So in answer to my question: Yes and no. I feel bad for those that got their butts to the polls last November, and voted Democrat, and lost. But only a little. And I’ll explain why later. But to those who were lazy and stayed home…to those that didn’t exercise their rights, and even those who did but decided to vote Republican (Why – when you knew this was their agenda!)…No, I don’t feel bad for you.
Why would you vote for someone knowing their agenda…knowing that this was his plan?
You will now have to lie in the bed you made. Unfortunately those who voted Democratic will have no choice but to lie in it also. It’s not fair but that is how it works.
We are all responsible for the ways things turn out even if we voted for what we wanted and didn’t get what we wanted. We can’t just go to the poll, vote, and call it a day anymore. When our livelihood is on the line and we know a certain party is fighting to take away our rights, casting your vote at the polls is the last thing one does. The first thing one does is to go out for weeks and months prior, informing and inspiring, and partaking in ways that encourages others to cast their vote with you…to do the right thing for all.
Like Robert, when it comes to racism:
It is not the ones that propose that sick s**t. It is the atmosphere that allows them to feel that there will be no repercussion form the rest of the white race for doing so.
So I say, and I will borrow Robert’s words: It isn’t enough to say, “I’m not a racist” white boy. And then look the other way when his fellow bigot buddy is ranting and spewing racial hatreds.
And it is not enough to just go to the polls and vote Democrat, knowing that some of your neighbors and friends are voting Republican. One must stop standing on the sidelines, and partake in life…get involved. Fight for what you want – don’t just check-mark a box and go on with your day.
And now with Obama as our president one has to get involved even more so because we’re dealing with “racism”. The Republicans want to make sure that Obama not only doesn’t succeed, but looks bad all along the way, so that they can attain their main goal, which is to take over the White House and ensure they have long flowing Republican coattails. And let me remind you, at whatever expense of the American people. Racism is strong.
And in my opinion there is some racism added into the mix when it comes to Wisconsin. Did some of the Republican voters vote in a conservative Republican because they wanted to see Obama and his administration fail, and for their party to be charge? Walker became the first Republican governor in Wisconsin since Scott McCallum in 2002. So there was a Democratic Governor all throughout the Bush years, and now when a Black man is our president, the voters vote Republican. Hmm…
Another thing to ponder: Do you think that whites would be protesting so much if this bill was only affecting OTWs? Somehow I think not.
Harry made the comment in reference to Cox, but I think it pertains to here as well:
This is what OTWs complain about that we whites don’t do that when the negative attack is made upon them. Here we did it because [sic]I’m afraid) it involved stuff that could hurt white people as well as OTWs.
As Harry pointed out, whites responded this way because hey, guess what? This change is going to affect white people too. Would we ever for a moment think that white people would be protesting over union rights, if the rights were only going to affect OTWs? We all know the answer is “no”.
But my question is: Knowing Walker is a Republican, and knowing his agenda, people of Wisconsin: Why did you vote for him?
Whether the people of Wisconsin were just lazy and didn’t show up at the polls, or stupid because they were aware of Walker’s agenda and voted him in anyway to support the Republican party, or they are racists, who would to do anything to ensure that Obama failed, I’m sorry to say, they’re getting what they deserve. Or maybe I should say what they voted for. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way.
And it will not be the last time we see the Republicans trying to carry out their agenda. But hey, you guys (Republicans) voted them in and we (Democrats) didn’t do enough to stop them, so we all get to experience the results.
People need to not only be responsible for their decisions whatever they are, but in my opinion, we need to start caring about each other, support each other, and most importantly dump this racist BS. We are all Americans.
But yes, a few bad eggs can ruin everything for everybody.
……….
Readers: I am feeling a tad frustrated. It is getting late and I have been having a helluva time trying to articulate what is on my mind and to do it responsibly so that my words are chosen correctly to convey exactly what I am trying to say. I am done editing. So I HOPE that I have made some sense.
Blog me your thoughts.
Fran: Thanks for your sweet card. It was such a pleasure to meet and work with such a cool woman. And I am so delighted that you like my blog. I HOPE you’ll continue reading.
Janet: Yeah, so make sure it is not in your toothpaste either.
Emily: Thank you :) I really enjoy all of my readers, but yes, when some readers chime in all of the time, and build a presence here, I get hooked on them, and I start to miss them when they’re not around. Liked the Dress-up?
Speaking of regulars that haven’t chimed in…Helena? Mike? It’s been awhile. Are you still out there reading? Miss seeing your comments here. Even Peter - where’ve you been? – wha’ats up?
Anonymous #12 2/24: Thanks for posting the info about wi-fi. I rarely take my computer out of my house – I prefer to blog in bed. I am not one of those who could study at the beach when I was younger, nor can I blog at Starbucks or any other place. I love my quiet warm sanctuary at home. And forget banking on-line – no way. Never do it where ever I am, and never will. I’m a tactile girl – love the power of the hand. I pay for things the old fashioned way: one check at a time.
Al: Hi. Rachel is my fave too. Is it okay to call her by her first name? I mean, I had a dream about her the other night – we were in love and planning on getting married. Funny huh? On another note, I too am so sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. I’m sure you’re giving your sis lots of love and support. I wish her well.
Doug: What a sweet reminder. :)
Zen Lill: Yes, sorry we didn’t connect. I had to shop some stores in SF and decided to do that yesterday. Today I am busy, but let’s try again. If I find that recipe (I thought I had it, but it was a different one) I’ll either post it here or e-mail it to you.
Anna of Guam: That is the question…”When will I come to Guam?” Answer: “I really don’t know but I do know I would love to visit.” Hafa Adai.
Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)
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February 25th, 2011 at 11:35 am
As I commented yesterday, that the signs are all there for people to see, they simply must open their eyes. Gov. Walker, in his campaign for Gov., stated that he would try to break the unions. The people heard it right from his mouth. I don’t see the basis for surprise and being appalled by the behavior to this whole charade in Wisconsin. The people were warned, as Michelle has pointed out.
I did a voice over project recently and there was a line in the script that said, “…You can’t prepare for an emergency AFTER it happens…” These people were warned. They needed to protest against his campaign, at that moment, during his campaign to show the sheople of the land what an ass this guy really is…
Most people do not think through thoughts and arguments. Most people do not step aside, to get out of their own way, to allow them to see points from all angles of an argument prior to making points or decisions. Most people follow through in most of their lives through emotion, or ego. The biggest obstacle we have in our own lives is ourselves. When one learns to “get out of one’s own way” will be the day one begins to see things in a much more enlightened or educated fashion. One that allows one to make clear and purposeful decisions for themselves and the world as a whole. To better the people as a whole and not as the one.
When we as a human specie, running off of ego, are in reaction to something, most people react without thinking. What ends up being shown through this ego centered action is that the actual reaction is the truth that we are failing to look at. What these people in Wisconsin are reacting to is their own failed decisions of either voting this ass into office to do exactly what he said he was going to do, or failing to act in the moment to enlighten the sheople at the time during the campaign and protest then that these ideas were bad for business and not good for the overall society.
What we have seen is the people of Wisconsin try to prepare for the emergency AFTER it has happened. Yet, they are blaming the Gov.
Don’t get me wrong, I was and am against the idea of breaking the unions. However, it was a little too late.
February 25th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Hi Mischa,
Elke will live another day without the recipe : ) but let’s chat early next week then, if you’re avilable?
Ah Boggzy, now I remember why I dig you so much, #13 comments discussed in person would be even better but you two live too far away, I say – blow off that town and move south, wouldja?! I’ll redo my giant garage and make you a super apartment down there, all self contained, and total access to any other part of the house – anytime, please…? Talk to the BABE and get back to me : ) You conceptualized my kitchen and every time I look at that high ceiling and walk anywhere in there I want to without banging my tall forehead into cabinets, I thank the universe for sending you down with that idea : ) and I know you two moving is just wishful thinking, I can dream can’t I?
Tanner, I thought it was Mao that said that ‘…opiate of the masses…’ quote, I’m just a stickler for detes so I’ll look it up now, and you are correct, in fact though, the real quote is soooo much more, click to read if you like – http://atheism.about.com/od/weeklyquotes/a/marx01.htm
…and while all the chaos in this world is going on, I was busy contemplating the word and concept of ‘democracy’ bc you hear Westerners who think they’re enlightened (and they might be, who knows) that the Middle East (ME) concept of democracy would be ‘waaaay different’ than US democracy (as if we’ve got it going on here, wanna puff your chest out a little more there about America, buddy? : ) anyway, I found this and I thought – my my that dang Socrates, I could just picture him hanging out in a toga, sitting on some steps somewhere thats a ‘ruin’ today, spouting his truisms to the early Greeks, an admirer tipping his cup of Starbucks latte into his mouth so he doesn’t get parched, ah yes….here’s the paragraph…
It was Socrates who came up with the idea of Democracy. ‘…Personally I am sure that democracy is not the best option for a society. It has always showed to fail, as it requires political involvement from the public, who is supposed to be the real power. Groups of people have shown to be easily manipulated and controlled throughout history and made to believe they live in a democracy when in fact the real power has covertly changed to the favor of the politicians (or rather those who pull the strings on the politicians). The true definition of democracy is when politicians are elected and employed by the people to achieve the needs and goals of common man. The true meaning of democracy seems to have been buried and forgotten in the modern society. That’s what manipulation is all about. A better political system would probably be Meritocracy, which supports each person’s personal abilities and strengthens them so each of us have a very fair chance to become what we want with help from the collective society.’
Wow, that Sow-crates dude sure had his shit together : ) Doug MD, you could have a following like that, if Eckhard Tolle can do it, so can you.
I was told yesterday that I should be on Hell’s Kitchen (apprantely people whip up good stuff with whatevers in the fridge on that show, never saw it) and also I could give that ‘supernanny’ a run for the money, oh yeah…I took a hell on wheels 7 yr old this past week through my lovin’ Lilli boot camp, her mother is stunned, she asked me if I tazed her! hahaha…
women of MM blog, and the new ‘Bellas’ (losing 20 starting this week) – my Bella called me veryyyy upset, she’d gone out to dinner and ordered all the wrong stuff. Ok, well…me: next meal make better choices. her: you’re not mad or going to tell me what I should’ve done? me: uh, no, or do you want me to? her: kinda me: hmm, ok, next time you go out to eat, don’t open the menu, just tell the waiter you would like, and make it good, maybe a caeser salad with chicken or salmon, or order just the salmon with veggies or get the freakin potato but don’t overload it with shit, just add some butter and eat it happily. This isn’t about deprivation, it’s about getting fit while unloading a few unwanted lbs. No need to torture yourself.
So, my point is (and you can apply this to many things including eating/exercising, losing weight) be as kind to yourself as you would be to another who is struggling with weight loss (or any other issue really) bc if you don’t love you, who will? If you aren’t kind to you, who else will be? If you don’t treat yourself with respect, well…you get my drift.
Misch, I am signed up for everything via e-mail and I know others here are also but I want to share this excerpt:
Dear Reader,
The stakes have never been higher. The opportunities have never been greater.
This is Dick Morris urging you to help us battle to limit the power of Wisconsin public employee labor unions.
Governor Scott Walker’s fight is our fight. If he prevails, the reforms he proposes will spread to all the states in the country. New Jersey, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Idaho are already pushing similar legislation.
But if we lose in Wisconsin, the public unions will have their way all over the nation and we will never get reform. When Walker says he wants to limit collective bargaining to wages and benefits, what he is really saying is that he needs to be free to roll back teacher tenure, reward good teachers with merit pay, give parents choice about where to send their children, and assure that — even if there are layoffs — that they are based on merit not seniority. The union contracts all over America block these key changes. But we have to put our children first and improve the quality of our schools.
We need to back up Governor Walker and assure that he prevails.
The League of American Voters is raising funds for advertising and phone calls in Wisconsin to support Walker’s program.
Please don’t sit this one out. We need your help. Please Go Here Now or read the League’s urgent letter below.
This is a heaven sent chance to take back our country from the control of the public employees labor unions, which form the backbone of the Democratic Party.
Please donate today! Go Here Now
Dick Morris
….and that’s how the repugs got to em’ bc they made it ‘about your childrens education…’ see how slick they are about using emotional heart string tugs, bc what parent doesn’t want better education for their kids? meritocarcy over tenure, yes! and on and on…the whole edu system can use a revamping here in the US but this is not the way to do it, this approach to the issue is as silly as putting a bandaid on a sliced carotid artery.
Ok, now I’m going, I’ve flapped my lips enough : ) have a groovin’ weekend, Luv, Zen Lill
February 26th, 2011 at 8:11 am
Hmmmm, I see it’s a little quiet here : ) just you and I main dude, though I’m sure there’s frustrated MM peeps everywhere getting the old ‘you’ve said that already’ instead of posting. Before I head out for the weekend, just wanted to say a few (when don’t I?)…
Did anyone notice that in my feminism definition it said that either gender can be a feminist?
Yes, so that bunch includes Doug MD, Al(a’mode), Howie, and a few others here, it includes some movers/shakers like Ben Affleck and Matt Damon amongst other mostly younger males (no wonder woman are being called cougars for liking this bunch, most of them have their respect for women down, I imagine some came form single parent households and saw firsthand what a woman can do. they don’t have old man ideas about how a woman Should act or be. I know a few older males that are like this also so I’m not knocking the over 40′s, not at all. Often, the the under 40-ers have nicer bodies but some olders have kept their bodies in fine shape, but that’s all just icing on the cake ; ) and both of those Hollywood men are on the clean water, better living conditions for people, see what happens when a few common boys hit the big time?
the other thing I forgot to mention was that I was secretly pleased that Bella called with her ‘I ate all the wrong things’ bit, it told me she’s very clear on what is good food and what is bad food, so just for the hell of it I’ll say it here, anything on a menu that’s deep fried or more covertly worded ‘crispy’ make sure you know, probably pretty ugly oil they’re using back there. If I want crispy, I’ll make it at home, thank you very much, most restaurants don’t dump or even filter that stuff nearly as often as they should, ick…
Ok, I am outta here…Luv, Zen Lill
February 26th, 2011 at 9:26 am
Michelle:
Thanks for your condolences. ZL was right, if she did not ask, I would not have mentioned it here. He was very good to her. I am giving her all the support I can while at the same time trying to balance giving her space.
That was a funny dream and I think you two would look good together. Why don’t I have dreams like that? You have Doug, what more could you ask for.
Zen Lill:
I did read your definition about feminism, and consider myself to be Pro-Feminist all the way. Thanks for including me in your short list of men who you know to support equal rights for women. So I guess you could call me a feminist.
Al
February 26th, 2011 at 9:40 am
Michelle, you were so right on with your comments today. I can see why there was little response.
What’s to argue with those were the facts. We whites have to start thinking of things other than ourselves and race.
Clift
February 26th, 2011 at 9:45 am
Walker was elected because he was a white man’s man. It was the undercurrent theme throughout the campaign.
We all knew it. Now we have our white man and he had destroyed my union’s ability to bargain.
As you said Doug, it is much more difficult undoing an emergency. Now we have a very up hill batter.
John
February 26th, 2011 at 9:53 am
Michelle:
Yes, I’m still out here. I don’t miss your column. It’s just as you stated. I get tired of warning the masses. As long as my race controls what happens at the polls, it will be a long wait for common sense to take effect.
The rule of the day is race. That is a card we play so well that it has become our mantra. The white man’s most fervent desire is to put a white man back in the White House.
Nothing else matters! The nation and its people be damned. A white man must sit as the head of this nation.
I like to think it would be the best person. It is so frustrating. I sometimes lose hope.
Mike
February 26th, 2011 at 9:57 am
Infrared Light Shrinks Hemorrhoids
Benjamin Krevsky, MD, MPH
Temple University Hospital
If standard treatments — warm baths, stool softeners, increased fiber intake and over-the-counter or prescription hemorrhoid creams and suppositories — do not work, an infrared coagulator can shrink hemorrhoids.
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Personal interviewed Benjamin Krevsky, MD, MPH, director of gastrointestinal endoscopy, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia.
February 27th, 2011 at 10:04 am
[...] Mike: I get frustrated too. And I sometimes think I lose HOPE, but it isn’t lost…it never is. Somewhere in the depths of chaos and questioning, HOPE is still there for me….and I know it is there for you too. HOPE can be found anywhere. Find it where you least expect it and continue doing what you do. I look forward to your posts. This one’s for you: [...]