When we see the glass half empty we are only seeing that which extolls us to again become full. Nevertheless our at times pitiful yearning to simply just let it go draws us in so deeply that we look at the glass from the underneath side and see only the air rising above the waterline.
The shit some people say reiterates the necessity to become vocal about that which makes my blood boil or in the words of a very dear friend “makes my butt bleed”. I’ve given up the idea that I can begin to fathom why these kids are killing themselves on what seems like a daily basis anymore. You turn on the damn television and all you see are kids who are being told “it gets better” dying seemingly every minute. I wrote one day “this bullying bullshit needs to stop”. It hasn’t. We are surrounded even more by the endless shards of suicide shrapnel while politicians ponder the equality of lives-most of which they will never know. I for one am as patriotic as baseball and apple pie. I love fireworks on the fourth of July and the sounds of the national anthem pouring forth from loud speakers at sporting events. Yet, I am somewhat saddened by what has become a desire by some to squelch the liberties of many. No-I’m not talking only about the equality movement (although we will get to that in a minute) I am also talking about religion, nationality and sadly even gender.
My boyfriend sent an email forward to me today (which was sent to him) that I want you to read. (Copied here). It is the typical conservative mumbo jumbo of saying that all liberals are out for a big orgy while conservatives sit at God’s right hand and laugh and shake their heads just waiting for the liberals to go to hell. I’ve just about given up on the church. Before you find yourself shocked…I’ve not given up on faith, I’ve not given up on God, I’ve not given up on Jesus (I’m a Christian), I’ve not given up on prayer….but-religion and the church …you betcha! When I hear people purport that “ours is a Christian Nation-founded on the Christian principles and founded by men who were Christians", I can’t help but laugh. Ours is a nation founded by people who were seeking freedom from the church-- most of whom were persecuted for their “radical thinking” and belief in the Universalist way of life (it is in the history books). This notion of a “Christian Nation” came from a two-party system which is now non-functioning and out-of-date where the idea of “Christian USA” came from a group of men who used “Christian” as their mantra to gain political clout and position.
The church is broken-completely sold out to the notion of relevance and increasingly out of touch with the idea that being wonderfully created is a term of wholeness. Jesus never once ran from difference---at least not in the Bibles I have read, and I’ve read just about every translation available---and even the Hebrew texts (my religion major in college--strikes again).
Just the other day a good friend of mine invited people to write on his facebook page in support of his cousin who had recently come out of the closet and was in a loving relationship with a wonderful woman. The friend’s cousin who obviously was dealing with the backlash of “Christians” who were now overcome with disgust at this announcement-began chiding her. Most of the comments I read throughout the thread were nothing I hadn’t heard before. It was the comment from the pastor of this woman that said…”once the ground starts shaking under your feet don’t come running to me---I won’t help you” that set my mind to wondering. All I could think to write in my note of encouragement was this---“you are created to love---you have found love---embrace it----and live an incredible life”.
I was molested as a child-by those who now say things to me about how horrible I am because I have nothing to do with my father who told me I was going to hell. It is uncanny how those who claim to be Christians hide behind that mask and spew hurt and hate while they taunt the soul of someone who is unswervingly devoted to making life better for the people whom they are around. The myriad of messages, at times phone calls and emails I receive periodically telling me that I am less and they are more drive me on.
I was bullied as a kid. Not only was I gay. I was fat. Being a gay fat kid in the south---ouch! Nevertheless, the church friends I had who would speak to me on Sunday and would shun me on Monday hurt me for a time but have caused me to grow immeasurably as human being who treats everyone with respect and doesn’t tolerate anyone but embraces everyone.
The issue of conservatism versus liberalism strains my mind. It wasn’t until I reached the point in the email forward where it said; “If a conservative is homosexual, he quietly leads his life. If a liberal is homosexual, he demands legislated respect” –I feel like it should read…If a conservative is homosexual, he should lie. If a liberal is homosexual, he tells people he is. Mind you—this email forward came from a person who is a Christian and has trouble with someone being gay.
Why the hell does it matter? I had a beautiful anniversary with my boyfriend last night. We had great sex and when all was said and done…we prayed before we went to bed. The prayer was that God would protect us and help us grow as a couple. It made sense to me…It showed me that---Yes, I could still be who I was and love the God in whom I believe.
I read this email forward…and I honestly said to myself…If I could give away my GPA to a struggling friend I would. Fact of the matter is you can’t give away your GPA by virtue of the system…but we can spread our resources to help everyone who truly needs the help when it comes to the economy. As I read the pledge of allegiance it said “One Nation, under God” not a Christian nation under God. Oh-and by the way—I’m liberal and I’m not trying to take God out of anything…oh, and one more thing---there are talk show hosts I can’t stand---Anderson Cooper---sure he’s pretty to look at but he can’t interview…and I even switch the channel…oh wait---and he’s gay! Oh—I’m liberal and I just forwarded this too you!! Well to 10,000 of you actually….happy reading (like these dumbasses think I would delete this and miss an opportunity) Oops! (Just read the copied email below….you’ll get it)
---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------Subject: great re-read: A Father and Daughter Discussion A Father and Daughter Discussion A young woman was about to finish her first year of college. Like so many others her age, she considered herself to be a very liberal Democrat, and among other liberal ideals, was very much in favor of higher taxes to support more government programs, in other words, redistribution of wealth. She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch Conservative, a feeling she openly expressed. Based on the lectures that she had participated in, and the occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his. One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the need for more government programs. The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father. He responded by asking how she was doing in school. Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn't even have time for a boyfriend, and didn't really have many college friends, because she spent all her time studying. Her father listened and then asked , 'How is your friend Audrey doing?' She replied, 'Audrey is barely getting by. All she takes are easy classes, she never studies, and she barely has a 2.0 GPA. She Is so popular on campus; college for her is a blast. She's always invited to all the parties and lots of times she doesn't even show up for classes because she's too hung over.' Her wise father asked his daughter, 'Why don't you go to the Dean's Office and ask him to deduct 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. That way you will both have a 3.0 GPA, and certainly that would be a fair and equal distribution of GPA.'The daughter, visibly shocked by her father's suggestion, angrily fired back, 'That's a crazy idea, how would that be fair! I've worked really hard for my grades! I've invested a lot of time, and a lot of hard work! Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree.She played while I worked my tail off!' The father slowly smiled, winked and said gently, 'Welcome to The Conservative Party.'
If anyone has a better explanation of the difference between conservative and liberal I'm all ears. If you ever wondered what side of the fence you sit on, this is a great test!
If a Conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one. If a Liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.
If a Conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat. If a Liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.
If a Conservative is homosexual, he quietly leads his life. If a Liberal is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.
If a Conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation. A Liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.
If a Conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels.
If a Liberal doesn't like a talk show host, he demands that it be shut down.
If a Conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church. If a Liberal is a non-believer, he wants any mention of God and religion silenced (unless it's a foreign religion, of course!).
If a Conservative reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have think about the truth contained in it.
If a Liberal reads it, he will delete it because he's "offended".
Well, I forwarded it to you.
