I just saw "Milk" today, and I am blown away. Not just by Sean Penn's performance (omg!), but by how perfectly timed the film's arrival is. I'm not talking about the civil rights struggle that the marriage equality movement is undertaking, and how it is reflected in the film. No, the reflection is the message that is conveyed by Harvey Milk in one word: Hope.
I believe that our nation is undergoing a struggle of epic proportions, not just for certain parts of our society, but for our survival. If we descend into another depression, we will be faced with the same choice that both America and Germany faced in the 1930's - what path do we take toward recovery? When things get bad, when people feel cornered by overwhelming burdens, it's easy for dark influences to take hold. After the last 8 years, we stand on the precipice. There's only one way out - and that's down. But, I believe we get to influence how far we fall, and where we land. As one who believes in the innate goodness of people, and has a rather naive vision of our nation and what we are capable of, I trust that the pain of the landing can be cushioned by that goodness.
Dear Congress: DO SOMETHING!!! http://my.barackobama.com/recoveryvideo
Just because I love it (RIP James Whitmore): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TjyR_3mUsM&feature=related
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Hope for what? Survival? Think about what you're saying, ferret.
Liberal causes generally do not promote hope for the future or survival beyond one's self. I mean, what about promoting homosexuality gives one hope for survival? What about abortion gives one hope for survival? Those ideas are mostly about dead ends and extinction...and it has nothing to do with religion--it's science.
told ya it was a great movie - did it make you cry? I loved it!
suza - my friend was scolding herself for not bringing kleenex - for me! I'm a notorious weeper, but these were happy tears, if that makes sense. The scene of the candlelight march, using archival footage, just reinforced to me the positive ripples that Harvey made...
I have to say, I loved that Art Agnos is shown as the person who gives Harvey the advice that helps him succeed in politics. I lived in SF when Agnos was mayor, and LOVED him! He got a bad rap, and maybe it was deserved (I wasn't all that in to the political machinations of SF at the time), but his response after the '89 quake was awesome!
Gina - I have to ask you, do you think with anything other than your uterus??? I was talking about survival of OUR NATION, survival of the experiment that is our Republic - survival of the dream that was held by our founders, that all are created equal.
Trust me, as long as there are doctors who will implant embryos into the mentally unstable, so that any body with a working womb can pop out 14 kids, you don't have to worry about the extinction of the human race. In case you haven't noticed - which wouldn't surprise me, as your viewpoint is so narrow - the planet is suffering from OVERPOPULATION! Human beings are infesting this planet, and like fleas on a dog, the planet is flicking us off...ebola, sars, bird-frickin'-flu??? Staph infections that are resistant to antibiotics? We are not the end all and be all of existence, just guests at the party...
If it makes you feel any better, go have a baby for me! At 44, I won't be having one of my own, and (your) god forbid, won't be adding to the overcrowding of the planet. (I've long suspected that if you just had more sex, you might not post such crazy-ass shit...)
But what do you expect from a crazy-assed BITCH?
Listen, lady, whatever your true age, I really don't care if you choose to reproduce or not. That's your business. It's your life, and at the end of the day, you're gonna be the one that lives and dies with your choices, not me. Again, think about what you're saying rather than mouthing what you've been taught by the powers that seek to subdue Western Civilization as we know it. There's a reason why the Bible and Christianity have been discredited by popular culture. You wanna become extinct, that's your choice...I've already paid for my insurance, and now I'm free to do what I want.
P.S. 44 is not too late. My sister had her first without any fertility treatment at 46. The kid is a little genius.
And on the subject of equality, where do you get of claiming we are all equal? Right now, child-bearing women have more power than men. Our Bill of Rights said that we had inalienable right to life as intended by our Creator. Alienable means non-transferable. Thanks to the Abortion Mongers, they have transferred that power to women, thus creating inequality between the sexes. Our country is 30 years past the true principles that we were founded upon.
Let me guess...you've never actually read the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, or the Bill Of Rights?
And, that's why the arguments of self-righteous, holier than thou feminists are neither funny or ring true.
Cause their story is a big, fat fucking lie.
gina - in general, I never inquire as to someone's sexuality unless I am sexually interested in them...??? No, but while your sister may have been procreating at 47, I appear to be an early bloomer in the menopause department. Not that it's any of your business, but since you see yourself as the uterus police, I felt I would indulge you.
You see the rights of a zygote as superceding those of an actual, functioning human being. That is your right, I believe differently.
As for your assumptions regarding the founding documents of our nation - as usual, you are wrong!
I was so moved by "Milk" - it spoke to me so amazingly as a film (and usually they are just mindless entertainment, you know?).
I think your comparison to the US now and Germany in the 30's has some validity. Germany was defeated after WWI - I don't think we have been quite there, but it is a precarious time for our civil liberties and our ideas of ourselves as Americans.
I think that as a nation we require a leap of faith. We need to trust that we can succeed and have naysayers like the idiot Rush Limbaugh completely discredited. I mean, what sort of "patriot" wishes for their country or government to fail - no matter the idiology - it's just insane.
Hopefully (there's that word again), we will come through this better on the other side. I know the times that I've been tested and not given up are the times when I feel strongest. I hope our country can heal the last 8 years.
Now, if you will excuse me, Spinal Tap is on. :)
I always defer to women when it comes to abortion.
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But the democratic vision encompasses a few things beyond equal rights for all and a woman's right to choose.
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I went to a kids' sports event this evening. Parents get to talking, killing time. Politics came up. A Jewish guy mentioned that Gray Davis left office with a huge budget surplus in place. We talked through the Arnold hypocrisies. I noted that Jerry Brown, as Governor, built a huge budge surplus. (I remember the republican running against Brown in 78 called it "an OBSCENE surplus.") An African American with dreds reminded us that Clinton left office with a huge budget surplus in place.
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Yeah, those conservative republicans really serve the people. The rich people.
'You see the rights of a zygote as superceding those of an actual, functioning human being.'
I'll be sure to remind my grandchildren of that when it comes time to dealing with useless old people that mean nothing to them but an expenditure of their precious tax-dollars.
And Zoot, true to libby 'man' form, you like having your balls cinched nice and tight by women rather than take responsibility for your actions. Big Surprise.
ggg
So, Zoot, you know about Republican governors, do you?
ggg
And ferret, about the gay thing. You don't have to hide anything. In a roundabout way, I think you might have been trying to tell us that you were. I think it was telling us you saw 'Milk' twice. Don't be too worried, though. I now think Nero LaSalle is gay, too.
ggg
Idiot! I didn't see "Milk" twice. I am not ashamed of my sexuality, and wouldn't lie about it. It seems that maybe you're a little disappointed I'm straight...hmmm?
The title 'Wow-again!' refers to the point that I used the title 'Wow' after I saw Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler" - another phenomenal performance by a male actor this year.
Do you come by your ignorance naturally, or do you have to work at it?
good point xoot. they were just talking on the radio today about the surplus that Bill Clinton left...and yet here we are again.
The best thing that the republicans sell is their idiology - all packaged for the masses with a big shiny bow to let them know that the pretty things they say about the conservative working class and the anti-intellectuals is true and right.
It reminds me, really, of the communist revolution in China in the 70's. I think we've managed to stop ourselves before getting to critical mass on that one, but that's only because people like GWB (Harvard MBA) and his cronies would have had to pay some as well. It's so much easier to step right up to that line and then let the fanatics do the bad stuff.
Gina, you should have asked yourself this question BEFORE you are an entire pan of hash brownies...Got Milk?
YC - LOL!!!
Gina - Overcompensate much? Your locker room talk about your supposed bf is about as transparent as it is when done by teenaged boys. (BTW - I deleted your comment because it was crude, as well as unsigned.)
Today, as everyday, I embrace and celebrate my and our Liberality.
I thought it was funny...if not truthful.
Did it bruise your ego to think you couldn't provide what I prefer?
And, you city girls just don't get it. There's a term we country girls know all about: selective breeding.
ggg
'Today, as everyday, I embrace and celebrate my and our Liberality.'
That typically makes NoSense. Care to elaborate?
ggg
I missed the part about the boyfriend. We broke up. That's probably my problem. I'm wasting all of this good sexuality living at this goddamned monastery.
And you know ferret, maybe you're one of the lucky ones that shut done her shop early...not me and my kind. In our 40's we're peaking.
ggg
f22/1600
gina - even more insight into your character, equating sexuality and commerce. Just because I am no longer 'breeding', doesn't mean I am no longer sexual. Unlike you, I find sex to be plenty pleasurable, even if it's not just for reproduction!
I find it continually amazing how some people can keep their noses in other people's business while having their heads up their own asses!
I said I was sorry...what more do you want?
Ya,ferret, old girl,maybe virtual husbands do it for you...I gotta have flesh and blood.
ggg
Ah, the smell of the wool!
Chick fight!!!
-"Watching" (but not in any weird, lesbian way, trust.)
You should smell it when it's wet, TS.
Hope you get it before Mother Superior censors me...
ggg
I would never take a sheep dry.
That's good. Cause I'd never take a good Scotch dry, either.
ggg
TS - that's because you're a true gentleman...
And you, a lady most ferret.
Uh-huh. Sure she is. And under that sweet and high-minded demeanor she'd whack the head off your kid whether you liked it or not. And you, being the perfect well-bred, enlightened and overly-educated egg headed gentleman wouldn't mind a bit. Like I said--what a pair of lovelies...your father would be so proud of you...but then that's what's probably motivated you all along, isn't it?
ggg
I'm so glad life has seen fit not to let certain members of the animal race reproduce. God always gets the last laugh, doesn't he?
GGG
A B.S. from an off the map college makes me 'overeducated'? This is, America, isn't it.
Yes, only the select few get to reproduce. Gina, your womb is as exalted as the egg sac of the Madagascar spitting cock roach. Since you mention the big greek more than twice for every mention of your child, I would say you fall into the 'breeder' category rather than the 'parent' category. Any mindless being has the ability to procreate...yippy for you!
I guess I should be thankful that you spew your vomitous bile here rather than inflict it upon your spawn.
This thread started with a post about MILK. I moved to SF in 1979 just in time for the White Night riots. Does the movie deal with that event? I'll have to see.
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I think then I was disdainfully, machismo-ically homophobic. Over time, I met gay and lesbian neighbors, or co-workers, or friends of friends. My bigotry dissolved. A political movement moved me.
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Of course, as small as my macho mind was then, it still was open to learning. I recommend that approach.
This thread was about survival and hope and the silly notions of a preachy, self-righteous liberal...who thinks she's a real lady.
ggg
gina - survival of the nation, and hope that it can return to it's greater promise. As always, you swooped in and hi-jacked the thread with your over-active ova. You have your own blog, instead of photos, why don't you devote it to your baby obsession?
You are on thin ice here, gina. I wanted to be inclusive, but you are adding nothing constructive to the discussion here at brushfires. If the sum total of your contribution is that we should all pro-create, you have accomplished that goal. Please let me know if that is the entirety of your message, and I will be happy to relieve you of the necessity of checking in here at brushfires to read the responses to your posts - there won't be any, as you will no longer be welcome here. It's that simple...
xoot - you are not alone in your change. when Mr. Suza first moved here he was a little - er - wary of many of the men in our neighborhood (and building). And while many continue to be unfailingly nice to him (while completely ignoring me), he's come to see that it's a compliment and not an insult to his manhood.
of course, after I lived here a while I was disappointed that so many of the gay men I met were misogynistic or racist, but I think that is changing is as well with the new generation. There still may be very sexist men (after all, we accept sexism far easier than racism - cf Hillary's run for prez), but I see far less racism. It's a good thing. :)
Hypocrites can never stand to be exposed, it's your blog...do as you please. It's getting close to moving on time, anyway.
It's kinda funny, though, how when I express my sexuality, I'm crude and get censored, when a gay man does it, he's hailed as being 'liberated' and put on a pedestal as some model of righteousness.
Oh, I long for the pre-code days.
When have I been hypocritical? Just because you don't agree with my stand on abortion doesn't make me a hypocrite. You have had ample opportunity to express your sexuality here, even to the point of abuse.
A word of advice - my guess is that the horn you are constantly blowing has more than one note...you might try playing it, you'd be less of a bore.
That's funny, I was just thinking that you were tone deaf.
Did you ever consider things from my perspective? That here is a group of people roughly the same age, and I 'm the only one with children? When I look into the faces of my children, I see hope and survival. When I look around me on this blog, I see dead people. Has it ever occurred to you that that is heartbreaking?
"Hypocrites can never stand to be exposed"
On the contrary, hypocrites love to expose themselves. Like Gina (or Sarah Palin) they just repeat the same lies and illogical arguments over and over. They think superficial consistency resembles integrity. There's no give and take, no growth, no improvement. Just the same old annoying dentist's drill whining away. Turn it off, Gina. We've seen all you have to offer.
I can't pretend to be interested in talking about children... that would be hypocritical of me. Have you tried 'The Poop' on the Gate? It might be less heartbreaking over there. Just a suggestion. You obviously dig nature, from your photos-- that's something you have in common with xoot, among others. If you're into music, I know everyone else here is, too. Some foodies here... what about this wonderful life (not the after-one... plenty of time for that later) turns you on, gina? Is there no common ground we can walk for a while?
gina - you obviously don't read what others post. Michael has a beautiful daughter, xootie talks about his kids all the time... A person is capable of making ripples that affect people they might never even meet. You can impact the world without having children. There are other legacies to leave... I neither request nor require your pity.
Sorry, pets don't count. Nobody is pitying you...I never pity the ignorant fools who refuse to see the truth because pride and arrogance stands in their way. And,just what effect do you think you'll have on my children that I haven't already countered by the way I've raised them? If anything, they'll pick up where I left off...and because you have nothing but a tentative grasp on the future, they'll expose your way of thinking for what it really was--a false god--and take steps to ensure that it doesn't happen to infect the thinking of their children. There's some truth to the saying that if you live by the sword, you die by it.
Judging by the photographs she has posted on her website, I'd say that either Gina didn't take them or she doesn't have children. They are well composed and colorful but there aren't any people. Why aren't there pictures of her children?
The best lesson I ever recieved about photography, and art in general, was from my father. He was a Mad Man marketing guru who was evaluating which of two nearly indentical photographs to use in an advertisement. Both were aerial shots of an East Coast beach at sunrise taken seconds apart. The one my father used had a happy accident in it. A jogger, barely visible, was entering into it.
gina - what sword would that be? Love and tolerance are 'plowshares', whereas your hatred and judgement are swords...trust me, I don't need to influence your children. They will learn well enough how not to conduct themselves by your example.
You claim to be a Christian, but Jesus was about love not hate...why do so many who claim to be Christians have their theology rooted in the Old Testament???
I think you can make a difference in people's lives and in the world without having children (although children are still on my horizon). Did Mother Theresa have children? Can anyone (other than Christopher Hitchens) argue that Mother Teresa didn't do a buttload of good for thousands of people?
One of my favorite aphorisms is attributed to Mother Teresa, but then you know, lots of stuff is attributed to people like MT and the Dahli Lama.
Man is unreasonable, illogical, egocentric.
It doesn't matter - love him.
If you do good, you'll be accused of egotistic meanings.
It doesn't matter - do good.
If you realize your dreams, you'll find false friends and real enemies.
It doesn't matter - realize them.
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow.
It doesn't matter - do good.
Honesty and sincerity will make you vulnerable.
It doesn't matter - be honest and sincere.
All that you constructed in years could be destroyed in one second.
It doesn't matter - construct.
If you help people, they will resent it.
It doesn't matter - help them.
Give the world the best of you and the world will kick you.
It doesn't matter - give the best of you.
~Mother Teresa
I especially like the honest and sincere thing. :)
And Mr. Zoot. If we can't agree on the most basic, fundamental principle that life is sacred and should be treated with respect, why would I care to discuss insignificant pleasantries like gardening or cooking? I'm not here to make 'friends'. I prefer my friends to have high moral standards. Nazi's are not my friends. My cause is just and my children are not objects to be used to promote my philosophy.
Suza, I wish you only the best and hope that you do have a child in your future...you can't possibly imagine they joy that they bring you.
yc, go check out jan 28. Is that human enough for you?
suza - that was beautiful. Weepy wimp that I am, the honest & sincere one caused me to tear up...(if I'd know that the 'change' was going to make me such a wuss, I would have invested in Kleenex!)
oh FH, I'm totally hormonal today too! I was trying to tell Mr. S the words to Adele's "Daydreamer" and how it reminds me of him and how it would be a great song to dance to for our wedding and I can't even get through the lyrics without tearing up!
Although, now that I think about it, are you referring to "the Change" change or "the Obama" change? Either one is good enough for me, actually so you don't have to answer. One of the things I admire about you, FH, is your sincerity. And your control of your temper. I strive for that, but I don't always make it. :)
Mindful Life,
Just be sure not to play PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON at your wedding
:)
TedSpe - that one would make me cry too! And God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood and The Shot Heard Round the World from Schoolhouse Rock (yeah, I don't know why either, but it does).
Of course, you don't know my fam...I'm sure there will be many magic dragons puffed at my wedding...
We were thinking of getting a cuban cigar roller to hand roll cigars for guest momentos. does that sound silly or kinda cool?
Both - which makes the best momentos! Are these nuptials upcoming?
Personally, I always liked "Colour My World" by Chicago for a first dance...but that's my wedding. Whatever song speaks to you and Mr. suza is the one you should use. (That said, I will give you money to skip Lee Greenwood...)
don't worry - no Lee Greenwood.
Wedding day is in October - the best month in SF, don't you think? We're doing mostly swing and big band music for the first part of the reception. The second part is going to be free-style.
Personally, I'm hoping to hear "gold digger" by Kanye West because I think it's a hilarious song to play at a wedding.
So, for "our song" Mr. S wants "Love is the Tender Trap" by Frank Sinatra and I want "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel (but it's really really long). Or this new one by Adele. Funny how we both want the song to be from our perspective.
We also had to sign a thing at the church saying that we understand that catholic marriage is for the purpose of pro-creation. (eye roll) I already questioned the priest about how the pope can say that women in Africa and India shouldn't be using birth control - how do you reconcile that with being a thoughtful person who understands that the planet is already overpopulated and that many of these children (and their mothers) will die from lack of resources? He gave me a roundabout answer that I wasn't entirely satisfied with, but leaves enough open to interpretation that I can live with it (and try to work to change it - although as a woman in the Catholic Church I've already got some handicaps).
But I didn't mean to start that conversation again. Sorry. I'm procrastinating. :)
suza - I think a lot of folks struggle to recocile their spiritual and secular lives. I'm of the thought that questioning your religion can strengthen your faith.
And, you're right - October is the most beautiful month in SF. (I always thought the last two weeks of Sept & the first two weeks of Oct...)
FH - you should do a post about favorite songs and why. I love songs with good lyrics because I'm totally into lyrics and poetry. That's why I like some of Kanye's songs even though I think he's a punk-ass and says stupid shit to reporters.
Lots of writers are weird or have crazy beliefs, but you can't ignore the fact that they are gifted.
Those aren't redwoods in the 2/4 photo. What gives, Gina?
Congrats to you and Mr. suza, suza!
Being of a certain age, I've always thought it would be great to have the bride and groom approach the dance floor, all eyes upon them as they meet, Herbie Hancock's 'Rock It' cued up and ready to go. ;)
I like to think that we are all stewards of society's children and weaker members, and so we do our best to help them in their struggles. The YMCA has a very good program going on right now intended to promote the idea of adults providing the children they interact with "assets" to help them in their development. Whether or not you have children, we all have a duty, I believe, to look out for them. The Y's program, called "Developmental Assets," and based on studies done by the Search Institute in Minnesota, provides useful tools to enhance the lives of the kids we interact with. So just because some of us may not have children does not mean we are promoting the death of human beings, we just have different means of promoting humanity.
hmmm...I'm sort of liking the Rock It as a "first dance" idea...ok, taking requests...
:)
suza - maybe you could get the Snorkel Dorks to play at your wedding?
Suza, I'd offer our services, but we're not much of a dance band.
You might also consider Inagaddadavida, baby.
hmmmm, Zoot? What redwoods? When you start answering my questions, I'll answer yours.
Suza, you little fraud.I have a hard time believing any Catholic Church would marry a couple that has been co-habitating for as long as you claim. Is your SUZAMAN of the faith?
Monty Python was wrong. Under certain circumstances, *everyone* can expect the Spanish Inquisition
DSG - the stewards thing...well said.
and thanks for the musical thought! I understand it wouldn't be practical, but I understand that Gold Digger or Rock It (which is TOTALLY on the song list now) may not be quite your gig.
:)
Now I've gone and hi-jacked the thread. My apologies.
TedSpe - You win 'Comment of the Day"!!! (Perhaps 'win' isn't the write word. It's kind of it's own award...not a prize so much as an observation...forget I said anything)
Thanks, J.M. I know what you meant. More like joke of the day
:)
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