tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85674117816344216812024-03-13T04:25:42.024-07:00Functional Human BeingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-55014966715148452532018-03-21T20:49:00.000-07:002018-03-21T20:49:27.252-07:00Never Again <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/parkland-shooting-survivor-nra-style-ad_us_5aacce18e4b0337adf83f531" target="_blank">"What if our politicians weren't the bitch of the NRA?"</a><br />
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The first time I saw it, I cringed. The 100th time I saw it shared, my heart sank. Just now, I saw a young man post his own March for Our Lives video and copy this phrasing word for word. I cried. <br />
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What if we could express our opinions and advocate for our causes without degrading women?<br />
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See, I'm a bitch. I'm a bitch when I tell a man no. I'm a bitch for being ambitious. I'm a bitch for wanting equal rights. I'm a bitch for standing up for what I believe in. I hear from a lot of other bitches too. Some of these bitches are in elementary and middle school. They get called bitches and worse for standing up for themselves and standing for what they believe in. <br />
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I watched little girls in elementary school, some as young as kindergarten age, walk out of school for gun reform. A few days later, I woke up to breaking news, another school shooting. This time a boy shot his ex girlfriend and another student was wounded in the process. <br />
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I was here for #YesAllWomen. Remember that? That started after a mass shooting in California. "I don’t know why you girls aren't attracted to me, but I will punish you all for it," the shooter said. I've been here to see women leaders in the fight for gun reform face sexist attacks over and over and over again.<br />
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Over and over and over again there has been a commonality among perpetrators of gun violence - toxic masculinity and violence toward women. The Parkland shooter was abusive toward women. <br />
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It's 2018 and some women are choosing to take the word bitch and reclaim it as a term of empowerment. I am one of those women. Some women don't like the word at all. That is our choice as women. <br />
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But still, in 2018, what terms are so often used to insult someone? The worst thing you can call a woman is a woman and the worst thing you can call a man is a woman. I didn't come up with that one; I heard it somewhere. Welcome to the patriarchy. Do I think all men who use words in this way intend to contribute to toxic masculinity and the disempowerment of and violence against women? No, and that's exactly the point. That's the problem. This stuff is so ingrained in our culture it often passes without a second thought. <br />
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When we have young children watching the big kids, it's up to the big kids to set the right example. I don't want young boys learning that using the word bitch in a derogatory way is a cool way to get attention and applause and I don't want young girls learning that it's acceptable. I don't think it belongs in a movement for gun reform sparked by a mass shooting when between 2009 and 2014, women made up <a href="https://everytownresearch.org/reports/guns-and-violence-against-women/" target="_blank">51% </a>of the victims of mass shootings. I don't think it belongs anywhere in our political discourse. I especially don't think that it belongs in our political discourse when women don't have equal representation in Congress nor equal rights under the Constitution. <br />
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I'll be marching this weekend with the same principles I had when I marched in the Women's March in January. I'll be speaking this weekend and doing what I always do, looking out in the crowd for little girls because maybe one of them will say, "hey, I can do that too." I'll keep fighting so that the next generation of women doesn't consider being called a bitch like it's a bad thing normal and acceptable ever again. <br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dg8QgUIKXHw" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-8265344338652760642018-03-01T12:08:00.001-08:002018-03-01T15:05:51.185-08:00SpotlightOh hi. I see young people are being paid attention to once again. You're so proud of us. We're amazing. We're going to save the whole world. There are the all-too-familiar headlines, "Teenager DESTROYS Senator!" Le sigh.<br />
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So, I could write a thing now destroying the governors and senators and the president, and if I did that, it would get a lot more clicks than this post will. See, I've learned what gets your attention. I've learned that if I give you some snappy comebacks and feed your tribal urges, you will pet me and give me treats. But what I want right now is not your attention. It's your action. <br />
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When it comes to wanting young people involved, a lot of adults out there are like a little kid who wants a puppy. The idea of having a puppy is great. But after the initial excitement wears off, someone else ends up doing the real work to take care of it. Then you decide you want a kitten, or a snake, or a goldfish.<br />
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About half of voters ages 18-29 voted in the 2016 election. Around 20% voted in the 2014 midterms. Young people don't need your table scraps. We need seats at the table. <br />
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It doesn't matter how many of us walk out of school in protest or march through the streets if we're not voting. And you know if we're not voting, we're most certainly not volunteering to help register voters and get out the vote in great numbers either. If we're going to change this, we all need to work together to not only motivate and engage people, but to help others through challenges and remove some of the obstacles we face in doing the important things as well. <br />
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I once walked into a local campaign office as someone fully trained and ready to get to work. There were a few people there who knew who I was, who had called me amazing and all the other things. I didn't want to be amazing. I wanted a job. I was basically ignored on that score. Later that same day, I was downtown in another town and I bumped into an organizer who was out doing voter registration. He had no idea who I was, but he was happy to put me to work. So my parents drove me 30 minutes each way on the days I could work, in between school, rehearsals, and everything else, to my campaign office instead of the one 10 minutes from my house.<br />
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I sometimes do talks geared toward young people getting active politically. At one of them that was nonpartisan and was for middle and high school kids, the adults dominated the discussion and wanted to focus on what they felt was preventing them from beating their political opponents.<br />
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I saw a volunteer from an organization doing voter registration at an event. I asked him if he knew we had pre-registration back in NC and that he could ask all the teenagers if they were 16 and pre-register them to vote. He didn't know anything about pre-registration and said he was focusing on the people who could vote in that election. He seemed skeptical that I even knew what I was talking about.<br />
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Yet, nevertheless, she persisted. I've persisted not only because I'm passionate and motivated, but because for every one of these stories, I have another one about people who have really supported me and worked both with and for me. <br />
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You don't have to look on TV or social media to find a young activist or a young person who wants to start getting involved. They are right there in your own community. <br />
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I want to see headlines like "Record Number of Teenagers Pre-register to Vote in North Carolina," (and Florida and all the other states that have pre-registration) and "Voters Ages 18-29 Turn Out in Record Numbers for Midterm Election." I want to see some teenagers destroy some senators. I want to see that for real. <br />
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How can you be that person in your organization or at an event who is a real advocate for young people? How can you make young people welcome and really involved? How can you get involved in work young people are doing? What policies can you support that support young people? What lawmakers and candidates are supporting those policies?<br />
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Young people need you now. They needed you yesterday. They will need you tomorrow.<br />
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It is not our job to fix what you have broken. It's your duty to stand with us and our responsibility to do the work needed to fix it together.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-90983484976184303472017-01-19T15:30:00.000-08:002017-01-19T15:30:40.085-08:00Inaugural Address As we await the inauguration of our 45th President, many feel as though this is the eve of destruction. I hope instead that this is a moment in which we begin to destroy those things within ourselves that led us here. The words legitimacy, normalizing, and resistance have been thrown around a lot lately. We need to think of these words not just as bombs we throw as weapons at targets of our fear, anger, and frustration, but as lenses through which we view ourselves. <br />
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We, as a society, have legitimized apathy and normalized inaction. We have resisted participating in our democracy. We've normalized cynicism. We've legitimized silence. We've normalized making excuses for staying in our comfort zones. We've resisted preparing, empowering, and inspiring our young people to be knowledgeable, active citizens and leaders. We've legitimized making it harder for our citizens to vote. <br />
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We have normalized violence against women. We've legitimized allowing women to be treated as second class citizens. We've resisted granting women equal rights and protections under the Constitution. We might pay lip service to ideas like consent, but when consent is given we normalize shame and when it is withheld we normalize casting a woman and all her worth aside, as if the gift of her heart and soul is not enough unless she is willing to give her body as well. We talk about equality, but resist including women and respecting women if their appearance, backgrounds, identities, disabilities, or individual choices and opinions don't align with our ideas of womanhood. <br />
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We've normalized thinking that just because LGBTQ+ citizens can get married to who we love that further vigilance and action aren't required to protect that right and to ensure we have all the other rights and protections afforded to others. We've legitimized allowing people to say they love or respect LGBTQ+ people but then tell us to sit down and shut up when we express our fears or stand up for our rights. We've resisted making sure the identities of all human beings are not delegitimized by being dismissed as lifestyle choices or something to be ashamed of or cured like a disease. <br />
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White people have legitimized the idea that whether or not black lives really matter is just another matter of opinion. We've normalized the exclusion of black history from all lives. We've legitimized allowing white people to determine which black lives are celebrated and which black lives remain hidden figures. We've resisted entering black spaces and letting the legitimate emotion of black struggles enter our spaces because it makes us uncomfortable. <br />
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We've resisted the moral imperative to ensure all citizens have access to food, clean water, housing, and health care, the most basic human needs. We've normalized inequality in access to quality education and the re-segregation of our schools. We've legitimized judging who is deserving of what so many of us take for granted and have normalized taking for granted what so many do not dare dream of having. We've resisted welcoming refugees and immigrants and ensuring they feel the same sense of security and are part of the same promise we make to children who were born here. We've normalized shirking our duty as one of the great and prosperous nations to protect the planet we all share. <br />
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We've normalized ignorance. We've resisted sharing knowledge and ideas of substance over what just so happens to illicit the most base responses from an audience at large. We've legitimized the making up of facts. We've normalized forming an opinion over a headline instead of evaluating information with critical thought. We've legitimized choosing to be entertained over being informed. <br />
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The time has come to leave the path that led us here and for each of us to quarry, chisel, and lay our stones to pave a new way. We must smooth the road of democracy to make it easier for our neighbors to travel and make sure they have good maps to help guide them. It's easy to call out a president, a senator, an organization, people on the Internet. Let us instead look within ourselves and move out from there to those closest to us, for it is what we accept as normal and legitimate in ourselves and from those we interact with every day that will be reflected as normal and legitimate in a nation built on We the People. <br /><br />
We have a choice as to whether we sit on the eve of destruction or stand in the dawn of awakening. To whom and to what will we transfer our power? To what ideals will we pledge our allegiance and to what ends will we go to uphold and defend
them? We must choose whether we will look outwardly for heroes to save us and villains to blame or inward to transform ourselves into defenders of democracy, allies of the oppressed, vanquishers of inequality, and champions of justice. We choose whether we wish to be antagonists through inaction or protagonists in the great American story. <br />
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"Do not go gently into that good night...rage, rage against the dying of the light." - Dylan Thomas <br /><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9cVJr3eQfXc" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-12328093890966611742016-11-11T09:40:00.000-08:002016-11-11T09:41:29.450-08:00Forward TogetherWhen I was 12 years old, I was scared about some of the things going on in my state. I went to a Moral Monday event. I've been to many others since then. It was there I first met Rev. Dr. William Barber and it was he who first showed me how to fight. <br />
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Yes, this is a sermon and no, I am not religious, but listen to these words. The work we are about to undertake is going to require us to not allow things like our religion, our class, our gender, our political party, or any other label to divide those of us who are serious about the work we are called to undertake. Take some time when you can, listen to these words, and ask yourself where you fit into this message. <br />
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I know a lot of people are scared right now. Many are angry. I share those feelings with you. But we can't allow those feelings to overcome us and allow them to paralyze us into inaction. It is inaction that got us here in the first place. We also cannot allow these feelings to influence wrong actions. <br />
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Make no mistake, the fights we may very well be facing soon will not be easy and results will not be quick. But we can make a difference. <br />
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So let me get back to Moral Monday and the Forward Together Movement for a moment. A lot of people might be tempted to see our gatherings as protests, but they are so much more. These are opportunities to organize around issues. Representatives of organizations and people directly impacted by legislation speak to inform. We have teach-ins where people gather in small groups to share ideas on taking action. We meet new people and network with each other. We contact our legislators. We practice peaceful, non-violent, civil disobedience when our legislators, the people who are elected to represent us, refuse to listen to us and communicate with us. We mobilize people to vote. We can follow this model now, nationwide. <br />
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When it comes to my state legislature, Senate, and House of Representatives, I know how to watch them in session and when I can't watch, I know who to follow to get updates on issues. I know how to look up bills and find out who voted how and what districts those people represent. <br />
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I see a lot of people talking about elections in two years or in four years. We have elections next year. What and who is going to be on the ballot in that election in your area? Where is justice going to be on the ballot next November in your area? What is happening in your area to get justice on the ballot? What is happening in your area to allow and encourage as many people as possible to vote for justice on the ballot? <br />
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What we need to do now is organize and take action. We need to focus on issues. We need to hold our lawmakers accountable and tell them what we expect. The time for excuses as to why we can't do this is over. There is a difference between I can't and I don't want to. There is a difference between I don't know how and I'd rather stay in my comfort zone where things are easy. There is a difference between I don't have time and I'd rather spend my time doing something else. <br />
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Instead of arguing with people, gather with those people who share your vision and mobilize. Sharing productive things on social media is great to find more people to gather with you, but also share your feelings and ideas with legislators. Call them. Email them. Show up at their offices. Find organizations that work for social justice and work to help vulnerable populations, join them, and get to work.<br />
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We need to tell our legislators what we expect and give them the opportunity to do right. Even if they have done wrong in the past, we need to allow them the opportunity to hear us and change and do right. When they do wrong, they need to hear from us, every single time. <br />
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When I was 12, I saw my state legislature remove pre-registration for 16 and 17 year olds in a voting reform bill. This was wrong. I spoke out and communicated with legislators. I tried to meet with my Governor. I did not shut up. I kept speaking out. Other people saw me speaking out and decided to speak out too. The issue was brought into Federal Court along with other parts of the voting reform bill. Parts of that bill were struck down by the court and pre-registration was returned. On election day, my state elected a new Governor. That was a three year fight. That was a victory for teenagers who are Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. That was a victory for the state and the country as a whole encouraging more people to participate in democracy. That was a victory for justice. <br />
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When we organize, when we show up, when we have each other's backs, when we keep our eyes on the prize, when we don't get distracted by those who want to work against us, the victories will come. They will not come easy. They will not come fast. They will not come all at once, but they will come. <br />
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We need to be the change we want to see. We need to take the moral high ground when they don't. If we want them to change their behavior, we have to change ours. There will be people from across the political spectrum who will stand up with us. Not all people will join with us in all areas, but we have to go issue by issue, forming coalitions of support and working. Now is not the time to focus on red or blue, liberal or conservative. Now is the time to focus on right and wrong. <br />
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We have to be brave and stand up boldly with the courage of our convictions.We must try to do this in every area of our lives. At work, at school, at home, in our relationships. We must stand for those who are weak. We must stand for those who are persecuted. We must stand for those who are in danger. We do not ask for justice, we demand it. We demand it with our words and with our actions, but most importantly with our actions. <br />
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Who will stand up with me today and lead? I'm not giving up. Forward together, not one step back. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-36754773795671711662016-11-09T11:38:00.000-08:002016-11-09T11:38:24.098-08:00An Open Letter to Donald Trump<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Dear President-Elect Trump, <br />
<br />
I was brought up to respect the office of President of the United States. As a
voting rights activist, I deeply respect and revere the opportunity we have as
Americans, that has come as a result of great service and sacrifice, to
exercise our most sacred civic duty and choose who represents us in government.
I congratulate you on being elected to the highest office in our nation. <br />
<br />
In your election night speech, you said, “For those who have chosen not to
support me in the past, of which there were a few people, I’m reaching out to
you for your guidance and your help so we can unify our great country.” <br />
<br />
I did not support you in this election. Today, I am taking you at your word. <br />
<br />
A transgender teenager I’m connected to on social media committed suicide at 4 AM
Wednesday morning. One of my best friends went to school on Wednesday where
other students were walking up to one of his Muslim classmates saying they hope
he gets deported. I got another message from another friend saying that a boy
grabbed a fellow student’s crotch while other boys laughed and shouted, “Make
America great again.” Many kids and teenagers are very scared right now all
over America, and many of their parents are scared for them. I myself am scared
for my safety and my future. <br />
<br />
While I do respect the office of President of the United States, I do not
respect positions and attitudes that are violent, sexist, racist, bigoted
toward the LGBTQ+ community, or discriminatory based on religion or national
origin. The actions some people have chosen that result from these positions
and attitudes are unacceptable and have no place in a great America. On this, I
hope we can agree. <br />
<br />
I would like to offer you some guidance and help today in unifying our great
country, sir. I would like to invite you to join with me in offering the
leadership our nation needs right now. This starts with denouncing, very
vocally and prominently, the positions and attitudes that threaten the equality,
well-being, security, and lives of our fellow citizens, especially our children
and teenagers. <br />
<br />
I know firsthand that the political world is tough. I know how hard it is to
personally struggle through feelings and attitudes that aren’t in the best
interest of our country or its people. I know that saying what you know will be
attention-getting or well-received by your audience is easy, but digging down after deep reflection
of what’s right is much harder. The past several hours have been incredibly
hard for me. My audience would probably much rather read some very different
words from me right now. But my country needs me now, and sir, it needs you
too. <br />
<br />
I would also like to let you, and anyone reading this, to know that it is in
large part because of Hillary Clinton I am able to look forward today. It is
because of her leadership and what I’ve learned while working on this campaign that
I am able to put my country first today. I hope that, in your desire to unify
our country, you can look past the ways in which you might differ with
Secretary Clinton on policy and look to some of her outstanding examples of
inclusive leadership that have, and continue to, offer hope to millions of us. <br />
<br />
I am not religious, but I believe in forgiveness and redemption. I believe that
people have the ability to change. I believe now that the time for campaigning
is over and the time for governing nears, you can look at some of the rhetoric that
has led to my friends reaching out to me in fear, anger, and despair and reflect
on the kind of leadership these young people need from you right now. Your
silence and failure to act in the face of this turmoil is complicity. <br />
<br />
I promise you this. Moving forward, I will do my best to focus on the words you
use and actions you take from this day forth and not dwell on the words and
actions of the past. I promise to help my President and First Lady in any
efforts to encourage our young people to actively participate in our democracy
in positive ways. I’m sure there will be times when we do not agree on policy,
but it is my hope that we move through the next four years agreeing on what
constitutes common decency and the importance of providing positive leadership
for our young people. I also promise you that I will do my duty as a citizen to
continue to speak up for the young people of this country and fight for their
freedom, equality, and opportunities and I will hold my lawmakers accountable
for their words and actions. In the times my lawmakers fail to step up, I will
stand up. <br />
<br />
The sun has come up in the morning. Whether the view out of our windows is a
shining city on a hill or the burning rubble of destruction is up to both of
us, I think. You reached out for help. I am willing to help. I choose this
thing not because it is easy, but because it is hard. <br />
<br />
Forward Together, <br />
<br />
Madison Kimrey <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-17132366879465818542016-06-16T09:26:00.000-07:002016-06-16T09:26:34.980-07:00Your Apathy Is Killing Us <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yLqwjAc2weKAMjlOeTukgXLDKO-CuMudQwPonrInpX6uI-ec_VBTQZsdJEk78u8mfCddV4KgH9n6e7nZBox9T5hXcOu14cGF77mLdKXNpzH-c48SnnQgQZkelYxKuS2QkxRA8aPjqGPk/s1600/13450235_10154353643962871_6829217902357329833_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yLqwjAc2weKAMjlOeTukgXLDKO-CuMudQwPonrInpX6uI-ec_VBTQZsdJEk78u8mfCddV4KgH9n6e7nZBox9T5hXcOu14cGF77mLdKXNpzH-c48SnnQgQZkelYxKuS2QkxRA8aPjqGPk/s320/13450235_10154353643962871_6829217902357329833_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When you're an activist of any type, you know that those moments when mainstream media covers your issue, whatever it is, you've got a very small window to get the viewers and readers of those stories to turn from passive consumers into action takers. It's very easy to get people to comment on stories. It's a little harder to get people to share information. It's really, really hard to get people to take action and contact a legislator. It should not be this hard. <br />
<br />
When a big story hits, your inbox goes crazy. Mixed in with information about what other people in your networks are doing and people asking you legitimate questions are some of the most vile and disgusting messages. These range from the ridiculous to rape threats and death threats. <br />
<br />
Worse than this are the people who know you and actively try to discourage you. Yesterday, an activist I know got messages that she was going overboard with her gunsense information and call to action posts, in the wake of a great tragedy and on a day when it was especially important to get as much legislative contact from the public at large as possible. <br />
<br />
Worse than this is the silence from people who, when you need them to show up, are nowhere to be found. <br />
<br />
People need us now. They need <i>you</i> now. They need you every day. They need you to show up. <br />
<br />
Young activists are tired of you talking about the future. We are here and now and trying to make a difference right now. Where are you? <br />
<br />
There are those in the LGBTQ+ community who are scared and hurt. Some of these people are out and some are not, but knowing that someone cares about them enough to publicly take action on their behalf to show support could be the ray of sunshine that cuts through the clouds and reminds them that someone cares and helps them go on. Where are you? <br />
<br />
If you are tired of excuses from our legislators as to why they can't do anything, where are you? <br />
<br />
Stop making excuses. Stop being a coward. Inform yourself and take just one moment out of your life to do something. Have somebody's back. Show somebody you have their back. <br />
<br />
Here are the emails, phone numbers, and Twitter handles of every member of Congress:<br />
<a href="https://medium.com/@BraveNewFilms.org/heres-how-to-contact-all-535-members-of-united-states-congress-call-email-tweet-20b8a1c54195#.75u402lr3" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO CONTACT LEGISLATORS <br /><br />This is the easiest thing in the world you can do. <br /><br />This will take less than five minutes. <br /><br />Seriously, all you have to do is call or email or tweet and say "I care about this thing." </a><br />
<br />
What do you care about? What <i>important</i> things do you care about? Show up. <br /><br />Thoughts and prayers are for you. Do something for somebody else. <br />
<br />
Your silence hurts. Your silence kills. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GWbrtXACEfQ" width="420"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-63290542288843300232016-05-24T08:12:00.001-07:002016-05-24T09:09:12.391-07:00Call Me a Bitch <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwFj1wbwtu5SyNzB2cE4VQaJ8-5f85kiGCP3T3NlRqEziZepMeo5WZAMDndcQR00jGwn7F7-nmLcOPywvjn-vz7GjCTWSHHY4qJNIL6-8ExCPiR38N5YK_GecHAbv7NrpoBa37dCbtoZy/s1600/13230225_1037601039640028_8893215252599911590_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwFj1wbwtu5SyNzB2cE4VQaJ8-5f85kiGCP3T3NlRqEziZepMeo5WZAMDndcQR00jGwn7F7-nmLcOPywvjn-vz7GjCTWSHHY4qJNIL6-8ExCPiR38N5YK_GecHAbv7NrpoBa37dCbtoZy/s320/13230225_1037601039640028_8893215252599911590_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This quote is about the situations women face involving inappropriate behavior, such as catcalling, unwanted touching, and other forms of male aggression. <br />
<br />
I posted this quote and received the following comment: <br />
"<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">But then people get on you for being a bitch and it becomes another problem. Gotta find a middle ground."<br /><br />No. No women don't have to find middle ground when faced with sexism and misogyny. Finding middle ground requires respect. No one who calls me a bitch for standing up for myself is interested in finding middle ground. This comment also implies that when a man calls a woman a female dog, she should internalize that comment and adjust her behavior to his liking. <br /><br />Some men have the audacity, as a result of growing up in a society that endows them with privilege, to believe that they can treat women any way they want without consequence. They believe that degrading women by calling them names or otherwise implying that a woman who commands or demands respect is undesirable is a legitimate way to empower themselves. When women talk about the issues we face, they come in to our spaces to argue against the importance or even the existence of these issues. <br /><br />A friend of mine posted another quote shortly after I posted the one above. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2eLaJDTw_m3hTp2gG6v30xE0H6JGDx4I19UyRuQtL2NZc2Q_SF-zWb2ni4YMV6GTFHoXigZgrDH5BNfvE9g6VGVFH11poP8-3wAKGZRjS49INLbzDOBgBsceveAhx_NduyGX0o_ErIxx/s1600/13124456_1048749851847263_4602090313840740131_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2eLaJDTw_m3hTp2gG6v30xE0H6JGDx4I19UyRuQtL2NZc2Q_SF-zWb2ni4YMV6GTFHoXigZgrDH5BNfvE9g6VGVFH11poP8-3wAKGZRjS49INLbzDOBgBsceveAhx_NduyGX0o_ErIxx/s320/13124456_1048749851847263_4602090313840740131_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">It's not only the culture mired in patriarchy that contributes to the issues women face; it's a culture mired in ignorance. The same person who implied that being called a bitch is somehow a woman's problem later denied the existence of rape culture but doesn't understand the concept of date rape. <br /><br />Anyone who is truly interested in furthering the cause of equality and in empowering men and women will take the responsibility to inform themselves seriously. Anyone who expects me to take them seriously will undertake that responsibility with respect. Otherwise, prepare to meet a bitch who doesn't care what you call her. <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/msCpmvnEcXM" width="420"></iframe></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-80458114600416581962016-05-13T13:20:00.000-07:002016-05-13T13:20:01.287-07:00Bathroom ThingsWhile scrolling through my feed this week, I came across a post saying that talking about the "bathroom things" is not good political strategy in one person's opinion. That talking about it, "helps us lose." <br />
<br />
In the words of Attorney General Loretta Lynch, "This action is about a great deal more than just bathrooms. This is about the dignity and respect we accord our fellow citizens and the laws that we, as a people and a country, have enacted to protect them - indeed, to protect all of us. And it's about the founding ideals that have led this country - haltingly but inexorably - in the direction of fairness, inclusion, and equality for all Americans."<br />
<br />
Republicans are using fear and discrimination to rally support from their base in order to increase their chances of winning in November. They are using the most vulnerable and marginalized among us as their pawns and not caring if they are sacrificed. To them, it's just a game. <br />
<br />
We must ask ourselves, is this what we are? Are we merely opponents playing the same game? Are our actions just moves in an attempt to win a round?<br />
<br />
Real people are hurt by the "bathroom things." They are hurt by the bullying and discrimination that leads to depression and suicide and violence. There are people advocating carrying guns and even using <a href="http://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/davidbadash/north_carolina_school_board_member_calls_pepper_spray_pretty_valuable_tool_against_trans_students" target="_blank">pepper spray</a> against transgender people who enter a bathroom. This is not a game. <br />
<br />
The battles we've fought for civil rights in this country have never been easy. The victories that have led to expanded rights and opportunities for our neighbors have come from those with the courage to take a stand. They've come as a result of bloodshed and imprisonment. They have come at the expense of lost friendships, broken family bonds, and yes, even lost elections. They've not come instantly, but as a result of being patient and persistent. They've come from those who have had the strength to march on, even when what's right is not what's popular. <br />
<br />
Now, our President has shown the courage to talk about the "bathroom things" and stand up for all public school students across the country. In doing this, President Obama has not only shown his willingness to fight against bullying and discrimination, but that he believes in all of us. He believes we will also demonstrate the courage of our convictions and stand up to those who refuse to acknowledge that a trans woman is a woman and a trans man is a man. He believes we will stand up whenever someone starts talking about "boys in the girls' bathroom." President Obama believes that we will march on. <br /><br />Yes, the stakes in this election are high. We must do our part to elect representatives that will continue to protect and expand civil rights. But we must also look forward to the elections of the future. There was a time when people advocated segregated water fountains. Now, saying something like that in public is almost unheard of because enough people, over time, became members of the chorus of voices speaking out against those kinds of discriminatory actions and attitudes. It took time, but we changed the reality millions of Americans have to deal with in their daily lives, and it has been reflected in our politics. <br />
<br />
Regardless of the outcome of this or any election, we will march on. It's not enough to say, "We are not this." We also have to define who we are. <br />
<br />
Yes we can. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jjXyqcx-mYY" width="420"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-51466668768754661482016-04-27T10:03:00.000-07:002016-04-27T10:15:23.715-07:00Go Fish If Hillary Clinton were a man, I don’t think she’d get five percent of the vote. The only thing she’s got going is the woman’s card." - Donald Trump<br />
<br />
Let's play. <br />
<br />
The King: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, "It's not women's liberation. It's women's and men's liberation." <br />
<br />
The Queen: Hillary Clinton, "I have always believed women are not victims; we are agents of change, we are drivers of progress, we are makers of peace- all we need is a fighting chance."<br />
<br />
The Jack: Wendy Davis, "Women all over the country deserve leaders that care, that listen, and that work to protect their interests." <br />
<br />
The Ace: Gloria Steinem, "Any woman who chooses to behave like a full human being should be warned that the armies of the status quo will treat her as something of a dirty joke. That's their natural and first weapon." <br />
<br />
The 2: Cecile Richards, "If [women] aren't at the table, we're on the menu." <br />
<br />
The 3: Madeline Albright, "People everywhere, including the United States, are still prone to accept stereotypes, eager to believe what we want to believe, anxious to believe while others take the lead, seeking to avoid both responsibility and risk." <br />
<br />
The 4: Elizabeth Warren, "Do you have any idea what year it is? Did you fall down, hit your head, and woke up in the 1950's? Or the 1890's? Should we call for a doctor?" <br />
<br />
The 5: Kirsten Gillibrand, "We need more consensus-builders, we need people who will listen more, who are less ego-driven and partisan." <br />
<br />
The 6: Nancy Pelosi, "Women are leaders everywhere you look- from the CEO who runs a Fortune
500 company to the housewife who raises her children and heads her
household. Our country was built by strong women, and we will continue
to break down walls and defy stereotypes."<br />
<br />
The 7: Loretta Lynch, "It's the choices you make and the things you're willing to accept and not accept that define who you are." <br />
<br />
The 8: Claire McCaskill, "It’s important to me to
encourage more women to run for office…But equally important is
encouraging more men to sometimes just shut the hell up. It’s not that
women don’t value your thoughts, it’s just that we don’t value all of
them." <br />
<br />
The 9: Rachel Maddow, "I can't be frustrated with you because you're stupid but I can be mad at you because you're evil." <br />
<br />
Go Fish, Donald. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cMTAUr3Nm6I" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-46023950022761974862016-04-07T09:01:00.001-07:002016-04-07T09:01:39.819-07:00Qualifications Yesterday, <a href="http://functionalhumanbeing.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-body-politic.html" target="_blank">I wrote about</a> the relationship between women advocating for their own pleasure and advocating for their own power. Last month, <a href="http://functionalhumanbeing.blogspot.com/2016/03/mysogyny-isnt-your-color-btw_13.html" target="_blank">I wrote about</a> the underlying sexism directed at women, Hillary supporters in particular, who are active in the political sphere. <br />
<br />
Yesterday, Senator Bernie Sanders laid out reasons he disagreed with Secretary Clinton at a rally in Philadelphia. But that's not all he did. He said <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/275437-sanders-clinton-not-qualified-to-be-president" target="_blank">she is unqualified</a> to be President of the United States. <br />
<br />
This morning, I posted the following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/madison.kimrey.9/posts/1731795390398829?comment_id=1731842533727448&notif_t=feed_comment&notif_id=1460035208600049" target="_blank">Facebook</a>: "Sexism: When a Wellsley and Yale Law graduate who served in the Senate
and as Secretary of State and has both more delegates and more total
votes than a man does is called unqualified."<br />
<br />
My sentiment was posted in solidarity with many other women who support Hillary Clinton and even some women who support Bernie Sanders. The reactions many of us have gotten after expressing ourselves on this matter: "What he said wasn't sexist." <br />
<br />
Let's say I go to a club with one of my girlfriends. We're having a good time when a guy comes up behind us and puts his hands on both of our rear ends. My friend doesn't mind. I turn around and tell the guy off. He says, "She didn't mind, so you shouldn't mind." <br />
<br />
Many would be quick to defend my decision to treat his behavior as sexist because it was overt. But when the sexism is more subtle, it suddenly becomes okay to dismiss a woman expressing that an action or behavior has made her feel disempowered. And when these sentiments are expressed in the political arena, further attempts to disempower a woman by devaluing her feelings are defended as a mere difference of opinion. <br />
<br />
When we tell you how we feel you don't believe us unless you agree with us. <br />
<br />
Now please continue to mansplain to me how rape culture isn't connected to our politics and talk about how unqualified I am to make my own decisions about my own body, attempting to shame me when I don't make decisions you like. <br />
<br />
Also, for those who didn't like my choice of Beyoncé yesterday: <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AWpsOqh8q0M" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-86828672794909403642016-04-06T19:09:00.000-07:002016-04-06T19:09:57.069-07:00The Body Politic <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM24hGsuEBbQGxGmRX0Izw4zxr_LohUJji7EX0A6g7oisnIo3_nVhqLJWQeB63UWDi8riYAmgt2187DUTtj_y4HSN6S_ItY-0X6bhLgkCdE-JAqwnTqvt-_79U3UjplSuYnZm8LCEkEmPA/s1600/fc%252C220x200%252Cwhite.u2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM24hGsuEBbQGxGmRX0Izw4zxr_LohUJji7EX0A6g7oisnIo3_nVhqLJWQeB63UWDi8riYAmgt2187DUTtj_y4HSN6S_ItY-0X6bhLgkCdE-JAqwnTqvt-_79U3UjplSuYnZm8LCEkEmPA/s1600/fc%252C220x200%252Cwhite.u2.jpg" /></a></div>
From <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/period-panties-let-you-bleed-all-over-trump-and-cruzs-faces_us_56f935ede4b014d3fe237b38?utm_hp_ref=feminism" target="_blank">panties</a> that allow you to bleed on the faces of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, to increasing awareness of the <a href="http://fusion.net/story/142965/states-that-tax-tampons-period-tax/" target="_blank">tampon tax</a>, to a <a href="http://www.salon.com/2016/04/01/periods_for_pence_women_flood_indianas_republican_governor_with_calls_about_their_periods_after_he_signs_another_restrictive_anti_abortion_law/" target="_blank">coordinated effort</a> on behalf of women to inform Indiana Governor Mike Pence about what's happening during our menstrual cycles, periods are on-trend for Spring in the political arena. <br />
<br />
Just about every girl in health class or in sex education, even in abstinence only sex ed, learns about menstruation. Do you know what girls <a href="http://fightthenewdrug.org/sex-before-kissing-15-year-old-girls-dealing-with-boys/" target="_blank">aren't learning</a>? They aren't learning that the way to tell if a guy likes you or not isn't whether he still wants to talk to you after you give him a blow job. <br />
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In the absence of any real connection to female empowerment, yet another generation of women is starting to have sexual experiences that are <a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/2016/04/peggy-orenstein-girls-and-sex-adult-women.html" target="_blank">focused</a> solely on men. While we need to continue to take action to improve outcomes for future generations through comprehensive sex education that encourages women to advocate for their own pleasure, we also need to take action to improve outcomes through civics education that encourages women to advocate for their own power. When a girl answers a question about her first sexual experience with, "I think my body looked okay, he seemed to enjoy it," that's not just a reflection of our prudity when it comes to women's bodies. It's a reflection of our politics. <br />
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When women turn down a man's advances because we don't like their actions, we get blamed and told we have a bitchy attitude. When we show up at the Governor's Mansion to demonstrate for our reproductive rights, we're given a plate of <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/she-the-people/wp/2013/08/01/north-carolina-gov-pat-mccrory-gives-protesters-cookies-seriously/" target="_blank">cookies</a> and told, "God bless you." We shouldn't dress too provocatively because if we do we're both "asking for it" and undesirable at the same time. We shouldn't shout when we're giving a stump speech because that makes us unelectable but we shouldn't speak too softly because then we're not powerful enough to lead. When we have the audacity to expect those we choose to be intimate with to be intimate <i>with</i> us, we're dirty whores. When we have the audacity to expect those who are elected to represent us to protect our rights and access to services, we're dirty whores. <br />
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When young women are confused about whether or not to send a picture when a guy asks for it, when they don't enjoy sex at all but feel like "getting sex out of the way quickly" is the only way to get their boyfriends to watch a movie, when they pinkie promise their fathers that they'll remain virgins until marriage instead of deciding for themselves what they want, they relinquish power. When young men turn to pornography for sex education, when they base their identities on what they can take from women, when they label and value women based on what they will or won't do in the bedroom, they learn that objectifying and coercing is the way to attempt to obtain pleasure and power. If more women start to truly respect and value ourselves, we'll expect men to do it too. If more men start to truly value and respect women, they'll expect other men to do it too. This is on the top 10 list of what Conservatives are most afraid of. If the patriarchy breaks down, if rape culture breaks down, and if equality advances, they will be the ones relinquishing their power. <br />
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I'm thrilled period politics are on-trend for Spring. Those of us women who get it need to continue to demonstrate that we're not ashamed to not only talk about our bodies but are also not afraid to demand our legislators listen to us talk about it. Talking about periods, something young women regularly experience, are informed about, and therefore can relate to, and directly relating this with the laws that are designed to regulate our bodies and the lawmakers who attempt to enact them is a powerful demonstration that young women won't get in their Civics 101 textbooks. And maybe, just maybe, if we can continue to demonstrate to young women that we're capable of demanding that our lawmakers respect us through deeds not words, it can help them to be more confident in demanding respect through deeds in their personal relationships too. <br />
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Our society should not be working based on a system of coercion, control, and relinquished power, but more like this: <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p1JPKLa-Ofc" width="560"></iframe>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-70902596107570645602016-03-25T07:30:00.000-07:002016-03-25T12:08:10.020-07:00DestinationsIt feels only right to start this post here on my little blog. This started because of <a href="http://functionalhumanbeing.blogspot.com/2013/07/what-i-did-on-my-summer-vacation.html" target="_blank">an attack on the LGBTQ+ community</a> that forced me to not only pay attention to what was going on around me, but to find my place in the issues and decide how I, at barely twelve years old, fit into those issues and could take action. Almost three years later, my journey has taken me places I never could have imagined back then. My destination point today is <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2016/03/24/3763023/north-carolina-anti-lgbt/" target="_blank">my state</a> passing one of the worst pieces of <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2016/03/23/3762662/north-carolina-special-session-preemption/" target="_blank">discrimination legislation</a>. <br />
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This is not a total shock to me. I knew <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2016/02/nc-republican-governor-declares-war-on-lgbtq-community/" target="_blank">a month ago</a> we were in danger. Let me explain why I, as a straight cisgender woman, am using the term "we" here. I listened as much as I could to the proceedings on <a href="http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2015E2/Bills/House/PDF/H2v1.pdf" target="_blank">HB2</a>. While listening to the public testimony before the judiciary committee, a girl my age said<a href="http://www.indyweek.com/news/archives/2016/03/23/discrimination-on-parade-liveblogging-the-ncga-special-session" target="_blank"> this</a><a href="http://www.indyweek.com/news/archives/2016/03/23/discrimination-on-parade-liveblogging-the-ncga-special-session" target="_blank"> as transcribed by Indy Week</a>: <br />
<br />
<i>"'Changing in front of my girl peers is already stressful enough due to
societal standards from Hollywood etc. Now the possibility of males
changing alongside of me makes me even more self conscious.' Girls
should never be forced to undress in front of boys. She says being a
teenage girl is as confusing as being confused about your gender
orientation, and that she has rights not be forced to change next to
boys. 'You shouldn't change laws to punish and single out most of us.'
This is a threat to her safety. Knowing a man could easily walk into a
bathroom is completely frightening. There is no stopping what people may
do. Charlotte is the first city and if lawmakers don't fix this more
would follow. I am not the only girl who is scared, we deserve
protection."</i><br />
<br />
Over the last three years, my journey has involved many destinations. After starting to get involved standing up against LGBTQ+ discrimination, some of the first issues I found my place in were a woman's right to a <a href="http://functionalhumanbeing.blogspot.com/2013/07/not-for-sale.html" target="_blank">safe abortion</a> and <a href="http://functionalhumanbeing.blogspot.com/2013/10/welcome-to-rape-culture-population-you.html" target="_blank">rape culture</a>. I've written a little on the inherent sexism often involved in the <a href="http://functionalhumanbeing.blogspot.com/2014/06/digestion-problems.html" target="_blank">stereotyping</a> of teen dating and how it negatively impacts both<a href="http://functionalhumanbeing.blogspot.com/2014/06/dysfunctional-human-beings.html" target="_blank"> men</a> and women. I've written a lot about <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2014/05/high-school-photoshopped-girls-yearbook-pictures-name-modesty/" target="_blank">slut shaming</a> and the ridiculous <a href="http://www.theeverlastinggopstoppers.com/2014/05/madison-kimrey-fingertip-rule/" target="_blank">dress codes</a> that treat female bodies as impediments to the education of boys. I've written about equal pay, undergarments, and <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2016/03/open-letter-phyllis-schlafly-14-year-old-madison-kimrey/" target="_blank">Conservative women</a> trying to <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2016/03/beyond-fighting-gender-roles-modern-feminism-choice/" target="_blank">impose their life choices</a> on other women and about the <a href="http://functionalhumanbeing.blogspot.com/2014/06/decisions-decisions.html" target="_blank">Equal Rights Amendment</a>. I've written about the <a href="http://functionalhumanbeing.blogspot.com/2014/05/songs-of-revolution.html" target="_blank">adult war</a> on teen sexuality and how <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2014/05/student-madison-kimrey-teaches-us-sex-education-controlling-conversation-guest-post/" target="_blank">we are being failed</a> by not being provided with adequate, comprehensive sex education. Of course, I've written a lot about <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2015/06/hillary-clinton-champions-young-voters/" target="_blank">voting rights</a>, the <a href="http://functionalhumanbeing.blogspot.com/2013/07/im-confused.html" target="_blank">regressive actions</a> of the North Carolina state legislature, and the <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2015/08/you-called-me-liberal-pro-lets-review-your-failure-to-lead/" target="_blank">failure of Pat McCrory</a> to exemplify the qualities of leadership our young people deserve after he called me a prop at the age of 12. I've also written a lot about the importance of young people <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2014/08/5-ways-make-difference/" target="_blank">getting involved</a> in creating the future in which we will lead by getting involved in the political process. <br />
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The public testimony made by that teenage girl in support of the bullying and discrimination of the LGBTQ+ community brought home why it's so important to continue to speak out on all of these issues. Her testimony highlights why the work feminists do is important not only to continue to expand rights and opportunities for women, but to expand rights and opportunities for all. <br />
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The reason that girl is so stressed out over the "societal standards" she perceives as coming from Hollywood that she feels uncomfortable changing in front of her peers is because she has been taught to judge her body against others based on what men are supposedly supposed to want and has been given no alternative. Yeah honey, that's not just Hollywood, that's patriarchy, and it is ingrained in many elements of society, not just the entertainment industry. It's also why she can't see gender in any other way than through the most simplistic definitions of girls and boys. She can't understand that a trans woman is not a man and is just as much a woman as she is because she's been taught gender is based on genitalia. She doesn't understand how she is contributing to rape culture by disempowering not only women with her assertion the mere act of being a teenage girl is confusing just because she's confused, but she's also disempowering men by her assertion that everyone in possession of a penis is a threat and we should all fear all penises. She also doesn't understand that when a transgender woman enters a woman's bathroom or locker room, it's not because she is confused about her gender orientation. It's because that woman has determined her gender identity and feels safer and more comfortable peeing and changing around others who share her gender identity. <br />
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I'm not ashamed of my body. I'm not uncomfortable changing in front of anyone. I'm not uncomfortable in a bathroom stall when others are in the bathroom. I'm not threatened as a teenage girl by the idea of sharing a bathroom or changing in front of someone who might or might not have different body parts than I do. I'm threatened by my lawmakers. <br />
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I understand that the answer to combating rape culture is not fear culture. There is nothing legislating bigotry will do to prevent sex offenders from sex offending. When a woman, or a man, is sexually assaulted or raped, the person is responsible is the assailant or rapist. Sexual assault and rape occurs in every setting imaginable. There are laws against sexual assault and rape, whether it occurs in a bathroom, changing room, school, church, home, wherever. I know we will never prevent all rapes or assaults, but the way to prevent more of them is to strengthen these laws and to make sure that victims have equal standing in court, regardless of gender. We should be investing in<a href="http://legacy.wcnc.com/story/news/crime/2015/07/16/testthekits-thousands-of-rape-kits-go-untested/30208887/" target="_blank"> testing rape kits</a> instead of in special legislative sessions for the sole purpose of passing discrimination laws that only contribute to making it more dangerous for the LGBTQ+ community, who is at <a href="http://www.ovc.gov/pubs/forge/sexual_numbers.html" target="_blank">increased risk</a> for sexual assault, especially in light of the fact passing non-discrimination ordinances that guarantee access to bathrooms <a href="http://mediamatters.org/research/2014/03/20/15-experts-debunk-right-wing-transgender-bathro/198533" target="_blank">have not resulted</a> in increased cases in sexual assault. I'm aware that a lack of sex education, and the fact that even when sex education is offered it is often <a href="http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/03/20/opinion/sunday/when-did-porn-become-sex-ed.html?referer&_r=0" target="_blank">extremely lacking</a> and reflects inequality in terms of what young men and young women are
respectively taught, contributes to negative outcomes. <br />
<br />
It took around 12 hours yesterday to move HB2 from committee, through the House and Senate, and to be signed by Governor Pat McCrory. The fight ahead of us, not just in terms of having this law overturned by the courts, but also in fighting against the attitudes and ignorance that creates unacceptable outcomes for not just the LGBTQ+ community, but for all of us. <br />
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It was discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community that started me on my journey, and the latest actions of NC Republicans have awoken many citizens not just around the state but around the nation who, some for the very first time, are asking what they can do to stop the assault on our rights. My hope is that many of these people will start journeys of their own. I hope that as they realize how long the path is, they do not get so wary they permanently drop by the wayside. That's what the legislators who continue to attack our rights are counting on. <br />
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It's not good enough to express your outrage today and quit. Constant vigilance and regular action is required. Even if you're not eligible to vote, you can volunteer. You can contact lawmakers. You can inform your friends, family, and neighbors and hold them accountable. You can donate. I've been doing all of these things since the age of 12 and I have continued to do them along with school, a continuous string of theatre productions and other extracurricular activities, a public speaking schedule, my writing, and a social life. You have zero excuses. <br />
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We can't get so wrapped up in what we're fighting against and who we're fighting against that we lose sight of what we're fighting for. The things I and other feminists fight for are things that can help generations to come grow up in a more equal and inclusive society. Young people like the one who, through her public testimony, demonstrate that bigoted attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community are intertwined with attitudes shaped by policies that are anti-equality not just towards the LGBTQ+ community but towards all men and women, deserve better. They deserve better education, stronger laws and the equality under the law necessary to fight discrimination, the right to decide what to do with their own bodies, and a culture that empowers them. <br />
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Start today. Start a journey. Find yourself in an issue. Don't quit. Stay woke. <br />
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I end a lot of these posts with music videos. As I thought about my own journey leading up to today, I pulled up a Spotify playlist I made back in my early days as a writer. Since this is a marathon, not a sprint: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/12133684190/playlist/5oi1msG5acEG2f3YKWhbkb" target="_blank">here you go</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-53410492703774838152016-03-19T09:28:00.000-07:002016-03-19T09:28:23.717-07:00Multiple Choice It's a lazy Saturday morning, cold outside, raining, and I happened to click on a friend's link to a site <a href="http://en.heroquizz.com/" target="_blank"></a>full of online quizzes. We've all taken them. Sometimes it's fun to share them with our friends. Seeing some of the ones that were created on this site though and knowing that many of them were created by young people made me weep a little for humanity. So, I've decided to provide some answers on the topics, no multiple choice needed. <br /><br />How much sleep do you need? Infinite amounts I will never obtain. <br /><br />What kind of woman are you? One who doesn't need a quiz to figure this out. <br /><br />How big is your banana? Cannot even. <br /><br />What reactions should your profile pic trigger? Currently: votes. <br /><br />How far would you go for love? The refrigerator is about 15 feet away. <br /><br />Are you easy? Easy to piss off with this misogynistic bullshit, yes. <br /><br />Of 229 people, how many are willing to go out with you? 538 and the answer is no. <br /><br />What Barack Obama thinks about you? He seemed to like me okay. <br /><br />What's the best part about kissing you? I kiss like I organize. <br /><br />Who dreams of being spanked by you? I like to think I haunt the nightmares of at least one elected official. <br /><br />What is your warning message to others? If more people don't stand up for comprehensive sex education, the number of these ridiculous quiz topics is going to continue to grow. <br /><br />What is your market value according to the opposite sex? Currently about 79 cents for each dollar a man earns and as much as 2 million dollars less over the course of my career. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-25914109469433986732016-03-13T16:42:00.002-07:002016-03-13T16:54:37.174-07:00Mysogyny Isn't Your Color BTWI wear black a lot. I like red lipstick. I don't answer texts and messages right away always. And I support Hillary Clinton for President. <br />
<br />
Those things I listed there are just a few of the things men have recently taken it upon themselves to mansplain what they feel is wrong with me. Most people would agree that a man trying to dictate how a woman behaves or what she does with or how she displays her own body is sexism. Many men are quick to jump on the bros when this overt sexism occurs. But when men attempt to belittle the political opinions of women and badger their way into our spaces and conversations, many of you guys are not so quick to holler at your boys. And you are especially slow on the trigger to holler at your boys when they come at us girls who support Hillary. <br />
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Let me break this down for you unwoke males out there. Not sexist = "I prefer my candidate's position over your candidate's position for reasons." Sexist = "I can't believe you support your candidate." Not sexist = "Did you see this good thing my candidate said about a position I know you support?" Sexist = "I'm posting/tweeting the latest meme/article/video that slams your candidate directly to you." <br />
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The reason the sexist things are sexist is because they imply that we, as women, are not capable of considering information for ourselves and making an informed choice. They imply that we don't interact with a wide variety of information. The men who engage in these actions are implying that they know better than we do and if they just question, mansplain, or yell at us enough we'll <strike>obey</strike> change our minds. <br />
<br />
And it gets worse. Take a moment to ask a Hillary supporting woman in your life who is active online to tell you about the names she's been called, disgusting things she's seen, and even threats she's gotten. And it's going to get even worse if Hillary gets the nomination as we move into the general election. <br />
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Women don't need you to speak up because we're weak and can't speak up for ourselves. We need you to do it because if the guys engaging in these behaviors cared about women's voices, they wouldn't be engaging in them in the first place. I really don't think it's too much to ask of those of you who have benefited from the male privilege bestowed upon you by a patriarchal culture to when you see something, say something. Also don't make the mistake of ignoring that some of the behavior directed towards male Hillary supporters is a result of the fact they are betraying the patriarchy by supporting a woman. Feminism is for the benefit of both men and women. <br />
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You don't have to support Hillary Clinton to call yourself a feminist. But if you don't support women who support Hillary Clinton and call yourself a feminist, you're a hypocrite. <br /><br />I am perfectly capable of making my own informed choices, and I look fabulous in black. <br />
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Holler at your boys.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eR7-AUmiNcA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-81644337120220150072016-02-08T18:55:00.000-08:002016-02-09T05:40:51.889-08:00A Note to the Undecided Even though I'm too young to vote, I feel it's part of my civic responsibility to use my voice to help build the kind of future I want, not just for myself, but for my country. Maybe you are undecided about who you'll vote for in your upcoming primary. Maybe you're not just thinking about yourself, but about the young people in our country and what we want. I can't speak for all young people, but I can tell you a little about the things that are important to me in this important election. <br />
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I'm going to be going to college after three more years. That's exciting. It's also scary. College admissions are very competitive. I have to work hard in my classes so I can have a chance at even being considered by some of the schools I'd like to attend. I also have to work hard so that I can pay for my education. I overheard my parents talking the other day. They were proud of me because I got straight A's. They were talking about how maybe some of these dream schools I have on my list might not be just a dream for me. They know that the students applying to these schools often have a lot of advantages. My parents were talking about what they could afford to do to help me and talking about how they wished they could afford to do more. I'm lucky that I have parents who are willing and able to help me achieve my goals. Many kids don't have that.<br />
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I only have three years before I start college and I can't afford to wait for $70 billion per year promises to give "free" tuition to kids from families who can already afford expensive summer programs, tutoring for the SAT, and can contribute to college tuition. Many of the schools I want to get into will offer me aid based on my
need and I can get merit aid and scholarships if I work hard. I want to
build on what we already have that works and make it better and stronger
so that it works for even more students at even more schools. I need a President who will fight to get results, who will celebrate each incremental result beside me, then get up the next day and fight for more. Hillary Clinton will be that President and has a college plan that is strong, sensible, and will help more students not only get an affordable education, but a quality education. <br />
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I know Hillary Clinton will fight for me and get results because she's been doing that even before I was born. When I was little, I had health insurance because of the CHIP program Hillary fought for. That's why when I hear my grandparents talking about paying for their medicine under their Medicare plans, I trust that Hillary Clinton is the person that can help lower those drug costs. In her speech to the UN conference in Beijing that's included in a book of important speeches in American history I got when I was a little girl, Hillary Clinton declared that "women's rights are human rights," and I trust her to take on the attacks that threaten to limit my access to things like equal pay and healthcare and work to protect my rights and expand my opportunities. <br />
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I want America's young people to have the kind of leadership that inspires us and values us. A lot of candidates and representatives say they care about us and want our involvement, but often they mean they just want us to help<i> them</i>. Hillary Clinton has been consistent in making it clear that she values the involvement of young people in any way. Even if they are not fighting for her, she is going to fight for them. I and other young people I talk to who have been honored to meet and speak with her agree that when she answers our questions, she gives us honest answers instead of just telling us what we want to hear to get our support. She not only focuses on the big issues that affect young people, but on the small details. She knows, for example, that my state of North Carolina eliminated a voter pre-registration program for 16 and 17 year olds and voter education programs in our high schools. She took the time to find out about it, look at the motives behind it, speak out for the young people in my state, and advocate a plan for automatic voter registration. It means a lot to me that Hillary Clinton shows through both words and deeds that she values the involvement of all our nation's young people and is showing us that even if we don't agree, all of our voices have value in our democracy. There is no candidate who better exemplifies the kind of leadership our young people deserve. <br />
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It's because of Hillary Clinton paving the way that I can, it is because of her example that I am, and it's because of the policies she's advocating that I will. I'm asking you today for your vote for Hillary Clinton, but know that no matter how you vote, I appreciate you using your voice in the way you feel will best help me and other young people of our country. I might be too young to vote right now, but I promise that if you stand with me today and help elect Hillary Clinton to the office of President of the United States, I will join you at the ballot in 2020 to reelect her to her second term. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-78867092266692717712016-02-03T18:10:00.000-08:002016-02-03T19:22:53.415-08:00On Props and Press Hits There are some days when a young progressive moderate literally can not even, and this is one of those days. <br />
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When I was twelve years old, I stood up for voting rights in my home state of North Carolina. I became <a href="http://www.msnbc.com/disrupt/disrupter-the-week" target="_blank">MoveOn's youngest leader</a> when I started a petition to meet with my Governor, Pat McCrory, to discuss the removal of my state's pre-registration program for 16 and 17 year olds. The day before I was to deliver my petition, Governor McCrory, the occupant of the highest office in my state, went on a radio show where he <a href="http://www.msnbc.com/disrupt/disrupter-the-week" target="_blank">called me a prop</a> for liberal groups. <br />
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Today, the campaign of someone who wants to be the occupant of the highest office in our nation, someone who not only proclaims he wants to engage young people but has made it a focal point in his campaign and promotes his immense support among young voters, re-tweeted a message that echoes the same sentiment as Governor Pat McCrory. <br />
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This is how the Bernie Sanders campaign chose to respond to to 27 year old DREAMer Astrid Silva's <a href="http://www.univision.com/noticias/opinion/astrid-silva-i-stand-with-hillary-because-she-stands-with-immigrant-families" target="_blank">endorsement of Hillary Clinton.</a> I am going to give Senator Sanders the benefit of the doubt and assume that he, himself, did not re-tweet this. I hope my assumption is correct. <br />
<br />
Astrid Silva is an inspiration and a role model. Through her activism, she continues to strive to improve the lives of children and families and is a champion for undocumented youth. <br />
<br />
As<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CRSK0HItoI" target="_blank"> I said</a> when my Governor chose to belittle me and dismiss my voice: This is not leadership. <br />
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Also today, the Bernie Sanders campaign made this tweet. <br />
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This does not represent Democratic Party values and it does not exemplify the leadership the young people of this nation deserve. It is pandering to the lowest common denominator of political extremist. This nation is made up of a diverse array of voices that together make a stronger America. The Democratic Party welcomes a diverse array of viewpoints to join together in achieving the goals we believe will make America even stronger. The President of the United States is required to serve WE the people, not only the people who pass his or her ideological purity test. <br />
<br />
As someone who has thousands upon thousands of young people following him, attending his rallies, and taking part in his campaign, it is my hope that Bernie Sanders will consider the impact his words and his deeds have on our youth. I hope he will consider the kind of example he wants to set for our young people in political discourse. I hope he will engage in some serious reflection on his feelings regarding youth engagement and involvement, what his principles are in this regard, and then communicate those principles to his campaign staff. I hope he will put principles into practice that welcome all young people not only to participate in the Democratic Party, but to participate in <i>any way</i> in our democracy, no matter what platform they identify with or what side of an issue they take. <br />
<br />
Over the past several days, I have also seen a few of my fellow Hillary Clinton supporters on Twitter making belittling and dismissive statements about young people who support Bernie Sanders. When you do this, you are echoing the sentiments of NC Senator Bob Rucho who was at the forefront of the attack that removed the opportunity that allowed over 160,000 sixteen and seventeen year olds to pre-register to vote by <a href="http://functionalhumanbeing.blogspot.com/2013/07/im-confused.html" target="_blank">portraying us as "confused."</a> These statements against young people do not represent our candidate, Secretary Clinton, who, when asked about young people supporting Senator Sanders said, <b>"I'm totally happy to see young people involved in any way. That's what we want."</b> If you are tempted to make disparaging statements about young people, go immediately to Representative John Lewis' timeline and read it, the whole thing, then reflect upon what kind of statements you want to make about youth involvement. <br />
<br />
I am a young moderate progressive. I will not be wished out of existence. I will not be shamed into silence. I will not be treated as if I am not a valuable member of the Democratic Party. I will not stand for my fellow young people to be treated as not valuable to our nation nor will I tolerate their voices being dismissed and belittled, regardless of the political affiliation of those being dismissed or doing the dismissing. I will never give up fighting for policies that encourage our youth's engagement and involvement, including the young people who disagree with me on the issues. I expect the people who desire to be elected to represent me to uphold standards of leadership that inspire and encourage the youth of my country to work in any way to create a bright future for us all. <br />
<br />
The real revolution involves building an America that is more inclusive and diverse and some of the most important battles in that revolution are the ones we fight within ourselves, not just on some days, but every day, in order to be the change we want to see. <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jYa1eI1hpDE" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-65322677349513775672016-01-31T07:29:00.001-08:002016-01-31T07:29:53.155-08:00On PointAnywhere and everywhere on social media, people are seeing calls for a "political revolution." Needless to say, I believe encouraging engagement is some of the most important work we can do. That's why I do it. I believe it's the civic responsibility of young people to be informed, get engaged, and build the future in which we will lead. I know that if young people fail to engage, we are giving up a tremendous amount of power that could help create the changes and enhancements that will benefit us in our daily lives right now and lay a foundation of expanded and protected rights and prosperity for the generations to come after us.<br />
<br />
Because increased engagement is something I care deeply about, I know a little bit about what it takes to actually achieve it. Calling for it is not enough. Giving speech after speech about it is not enough. Writing piece after piece about it is not enough. These are all things I do. These are the things people see, but equally important in the work to increase engagement are the things people don't see. It involves having conversations with individuals, being there for them when their engagement results in negative attacks from others, and most importantly, it involves placing increasing engagement above your personal opinions and aspirations.<br />
<br />
When I see calls for a "political revolution," it doesn't generate any enthusiasm from this young person. Those of us who are working to increase participation know that there is no pronouncement or policy that's going to be <i>the thing</i> that provides the solution to increasing voter turnout and citizen engagement. What we're fighting for is a few percentage points. The pre-registration programs for teenagers, like the one that was removed here in North Carolina, increase youth voter turnout by about 13%. Keep in mind also that pre-registrations here in North Carolina were pretty evenly split between the two major parties, with most teens choosing to pre-register as Independents. So even among that 13% increase, we're talking about a varied range of opinions and support for a wide range of platforms.<br />
<br />
Those who worked long before I was born to increase civic participation and voter turnout and those who continue to work today are people who care deeply about Americans, all Americans, having a voice. We know that the few percentage points generated by each policy we may be advocating for add up, but most importantly that each and every fraction of each individual percentage point represents a voice. We place value in those voices, not to achieve the goals of our particular personal preference of political platform, but because we understand that all of our voices combined help to achieve the greater goal of a more perfect Union. We know that each percentage point represents real people, some of whom will join in and work to boost engagement and create more percentage points in the future. <br />
<br />
Speaking of advancing our particular personal preference of political platform, many of the issues I work to advance relate to women's rights. Only 14% of women who took part in a <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/national/feminism-project/poll/">recent national survey</a> say they have phoned, emailed, or written to a public official to express their views on women's rights. Again, all the people I know who are working to put out calls to action to get people to contact their representatives surrounding women's issues are working hard to get just a few more people to make contact. We're working for just a few percentage points. We know that each and every email and each and every phone call matters. <br />
<br />
When you care about the percentage points, a meeting with a few citizens at a coffee shop is just as important as speaking at a rally in front of thousands of people. When you care about the percentage points, your message is centered around the actions you can take every day to improve people's lives just a little bit and then getting up the next day and working to improve them just a little more. When you care about the percentage points, a "revolution" is not about leading your followers in directing their pitchforks and torches at the next "establishment" target, but about having the vision and experience to lead a country in which issues are complex, people don't always agree, but progress has been made over the course of our history by building on the work of those who came before us. <br />
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Hillary Clinton cares about the percentage points. She cares about the percentage points lost through <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2015/06/hillary-clinton-champions-young-voters/" target="_blank">attacks on our voting rights</a>. She cares about the percentage points middle class families pay in taxes and making sure the 1% pay their fair share. She cares about the percent of increase in distance that women must travel to seek healthcare when local clinics are forced to close. She cares about the percentage my college tuition, not the quality of my education, would decrease with a college plan that helps students from working class families while those from wealthy families pay their fair share.<br />
<br />
Most importantly, Hillary cares about every fraction of every percentage point that represents an individual voice. In response to a young voter asking about young people being involved with her opponent's campaign, she said: <br />
<br />
"I'm totally happy to see young people involved in any way. That's what we want."<br /><br />
That's what I want. Massive amounts of attention come and go, but if you can gain just a few percentage points, those gains stick. They make a difference in the present and lay a foundation to build on in the future. As I fight to get more people engaged and involved, not just in one election or to support my own platform, but all the time and even if they disagree with me, Hillary is fighting with me. That's why I'm so enthusiastic about Hillary Clinton. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-2314777243259497202016-01-22T17:33:00.001-08:002016-01-22T18:15:55.992-08:00Establishing Roots Late Tuesday night, I was checking out the news on Twitter and saw the comments made by Senator Bernie Sanders regarding Planned Parenthood and the Human Rights Campaign. In case you missed what he said, <a href="http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/bernie-sanders-takes-risky-shot-the-establishment" target="_blank">here is what he said</a>: <i><br />"What we are doing in this campaign, it just blows my mind
every day because I see it clearly, we’re taking on not only Wall Street
and economic establishment, we’re taking on the political
establishment.</i><i> </i><i>So, I have friends and supporters in the Human Rights Fund
and Planned Parenthood. But, you know what? Hillary Clinton has been
around there for a very, very long time. Some of these groups are, in
fact, part of the establishment."</i><br />
<br />
Let me first say that I respect Senator Sanders. I am honored to have met Senator Sanders. I am thankful for Senator Sanders' support for issues I care about, such as automatic voter registration and ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Should Senator Sanders win the Democratic Party's nomination, I will work to help elect Senator Sanders as President of the United States. <br />
<br />
<b>Because #ImSoEstablishment</b><br />
<br />
I placed that hashtag on the end of some Tweets I made in response to Senator Sanders' comments late Tuesday night. And yes, <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2015/05/hillary-clintons-advice-to-young-activist-volunteer/" target="_blank">I support Hillary Clinton</a>. Actually, that's an understatement. I am totally a Hillary fangirl. I own that to the point I described myself as such in an <a href="http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/article43477416.html" target="_blank">interview</a> I gave while waiting in line to attend the Democratic Forum at Winthrop University. I'm such a fangirl that I was the first person in line to get into said forum. <br />
<br />
The hashtag took on a life of its own, as hashtags do, which is great because it opened up discussion on lots of issues from many different perspectives. Even though I don't agree with all of those perspectives, including some from people who support my candidate, discussion that is reasonable and focused on the issues is what makes our country stronger and moves us forward. <br />
<br />
Now let's look at the <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2016/01/sanders-establishment/" target="_blank">clarification that was made</a> by Senator Sanders about his original statement:<br />
<i>“That’s not what I meant. The question was the endorsement. I am a very
very strong supporter of Planned Parenthood. I think they are doing a
fantastic job under very difficult circumstances. Very strong supporter
of NARAL. Strong supporter of the Human Rights Fund and I think I have a
hundred percent voting record for all these organizations. What I said
in response to a question about endorsement – what I meant to say anyhow
– is that sometimes the grassroots are asking ‘how does it happen if
somebody has 100 percent voting record in support of your issue
and doesn’t get endorsed?’ And that sometimes the leadership of an
organization may look at the world a little differently than the grass
roots.” </i>Senator Sanders went on to give a very emphatic <b><i>"no"</i></b> to the question of whether or not he views groups like Planned Parenthood as part of the establishment. He also said that a week out from the election, <i>"the Clinton people will try to spin these things."</i><br />
<br />
I'm glad Senator Sanders clarified that he does not think groups like Planned Parenthood are part of what he's fighting against, but his comments, including his most recent ones, don't reflect the way I look at the world. <br />
<br />
I want girls and young women to see accomplished leaders like Cecile Richards and Hillary Clinton and say, "I can be that too." I don't want young people to associate the word "leadership" with people who dwell in a separate world from us, don't understand our struggles, and are not listening to us and fighting both for and alongside us. <br />
<br />
Secretary Clinton is running for the office of President of the United States at a time when there are huge issues to address in terms of both domestic and foreign policy. Back last June, she gave a speech on voting rights where<a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2015/06/hillary-clinton-champions-young-voters/" target="_blank"> she said</a>:<i>"</i><i>Now what possible reason could there be to end
pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and eliminate voter outreach
in high schools? We should be doing everything we can to get our young
people more engaged in democracy, not less."</i><br>She was talking about <i>my</i> state, North Carolina, and she was talking about <i>my</i> issue, the actions taken by my state legislature and governor that removed a program that registered over 150,000 teenagers in its short existence and gave them the tools they needed to be prepared to vote. Let me tell you, it's extremely rare to hear any leader, even at the state level, talk about this, much less one of the most accomplished women in the world who is running for our nation's highest office. <br />
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<br />
So here I am, as grassroots as one can be as a 14 year old high school student, doing what I can in order to expand opportunities that encourage young people to help build our future as a nation, to become the new "establishment" and honor the work of those who came before us to achieve progress not by tearing it down, but by making it stronger. <br />
<br />
And there is Hillary, fighting for me and fighting along with me as both a grassroots activist who understands the big issues and the smaller issues that contribute to and are systematic of them, and as an established leader with the experience necessary to identify, work toward, and accomplish real solutions.<br />
<br />
We cannot afford to allow those who have established themselves as opponents to equality, prosperity, security, and even science to continue to push regressive policies through our states and in our federal government. It's going to take more than a voting record to stop ALEC and the Koch Brothers from continuing to establish their agenda that hurts women, minorities, young people, and the poor and middle class. It's going to take establishing the leadership in our state and local governments and in Congress that's going to work with whoever wins the nomination to get things done. Hillary Clinton has raised over $18 million so far to help the Democratic Party work to establish the kind of leadership across the country that won't constantly interrupt one of the most astute advocates and leaders for women's health during a five hour hearing over a work of fiction designed to attack our access to healthcare, birth control, education programs, and safe, legal abortion. <br />
<br />
As a young woman, I live in a world where less than 20% of
Congress is represented by people of my gender, I could be paid less
than a man even if I attain the highest level of education, and my
rights, the expansion of my rights, and my access to healthcare and
comprehensive sex education are under constant attack. My female body is treated as an impediment to the education of boys. As a young person
who cares about my country, I live in a world where less than
one-quarter of my fellow young people turn out to vote. <br />
<br />
If you want to say that because I'm a proud Democrat and #ImWithHer it means #ImSoEstablishment, I will take that label and wear it with pride. This Clinton person is happy to <strike>express my views</strike> spin things in support of the people and organizations without whom my grassroots efforts wouldn't accomplish very much.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xo1VInw-SKc" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-10034959545699023372015-06-01T10:43:00.000-07:002015-06-01T10:43:01.516-07:00Young VolcanoesIt's no secret that Republicans in the NC legislature and Governor Pat McCrory have not made NC public schools a priority. Teachers and students all over the state are feeling the results of the lack of needed funds and the cuts to education while corporations and the wealthiest citizens are given priority by some lawmakers.<br />
<br />
Check out this video from TWC's Capital Tonight, where you can watch Senator Josh Stein prove once again he is a champion for NC's young people in a discussion with Senator Bob Rucho. The discussion starts about 9 minutes into the video.<br />
<a href="http://www.twcnews.com/nc/triangle-sandhills/capital-tonight-show/2015/05/28/capital-tonight-may-28--sens--rucho-and-stein-on-budget.html">http://www.twcnews.com/nc/triangle-sandhills/capital-tonight-show/2015/05/28/capital-tonight-may-28--sens--rucho-and-stein-on-budget.html</a><br />
<br />
You might remember that Senator Rucho was the one who said voter pre-registration was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w-yCkXXy8A" target="_blank">too confusing</a> for NC's teenagers when he led the effort to eliminate that opportunity and the education programs in NC schools that went along with it. In his appearance on Capital Tonight, Senator Rucho mentions putting money back into the classroom but spends a good part of the interview defending cuts to education. Senator Rucho is himself confused, it seems.<br />
<br />
People all over the state have been contacting their lawmakers and showing up at Moral Mondays and other events throughout the state to show their support for public education.<br />
<br />
Something else we can do to support education is show support for the students who are not sitting by silently but instead using their voices to fight for better policies and taking an active role in trying to influence the policies that directly affect them.<br />
<br />
I'd like to invite everyone to sign and share the following petition, created by a 13 year old NC student. When our young people use their voices in an effort to help create a better future for our state, we should support them and it is the duty and obligation of our elected representatives to listen and respond.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.change.org/p/general-assembly-give-funds-back-to-public-schools-to-give-kids-a-better-education">https://www.change.org/p/general-assembly-give-funds-back-to-public-schools-to-give-kids-a-better-education</a><br />
<br />
Certain representatives in the NC legislature aren't supporting NC students with their deeds, but each of us has the opportunity now to to show them, and especially one NC student trying to make a difference, that the citizens support our students by taking one simple action.<br />
<br />
Jacob of Raleigh, this one's for you. Forward together.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B-XUjmkrSe8" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-45781450283091388792015-05-28T11:25:00.000-07:002015-05-28T11:38:09.415-07:00I'm With Hillary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’ve been excited for Hillary Clinton’s campaign for the
office of President of the United States since the early days of Ready for
Hillary. I’ve been a fan of Hillary Clinton since 2008, when I was 7 years old.
I have a book that contains speeches by historic Americans that I’ve had since
I was a little girl and still use as inspiration when I write my own speeches.
In that book is Hillary Clinton’s <a href="http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/hillaryclintonbeijingspeech.htm">speech</a>
to the United Nations at the 4<sup>th</sup> World Conference on Women back in
1995, where she said, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
need to understand there is no one formula for how women should lead our lives.
That is why we must respect the choices that each woman makes for herself and
her family.” You may notice that when I write and speak about feminism and
about the issues that affect women in America today, this sentiment is
reflected in my own attitudes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Secretary
Clinton’s leadership and inspiration has played, and continues to play, a large
part in why I’m active in trying to shape a bright future for my country and
why I feel empowered to do so. She is a role model for me, both politically and
personally. <br />
<br />
Hillary’s experience as a lawyer, campaign worker, committee and board member,
First Lady both to a state Governor and a President, Senator, and Secretary of
State, is exactly the kind of varied experience I consider valuable in a future
President. I have confidence that she has the diplomacy skills, the broad
spectrum of knowledge, and the track record necessary to continue to move
America in a positive direction despite the many obstacles we will continue to
face. <br />
<br />
The majority of this country, despite what you might think if you engage in
political discourse on the Internet, is not far left or far right. The majority
of Americans, like myself, are more centrist in their positions. Hillary
Clinton will represent my Progressive values with common sense in a manner that
will appeal to voters and advocate policies to strengthen the middle class that can make it though Congress and onto her desk to sign. She’ll be able to compromise in order to get things done
and she’ll be able to weather the storms and keep pushing for what’s right and
beneficial to mainstream America despite having to make decisions that will not
always be popular. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
won’t be able to vote in the primaries or in the 2016 Presidential election,
but I am proud to give my endorsement to the candidate who has given so much to
me over the years and who is the candidate I feel will give the most to all
Americans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my sincere hope that I
get to cast my vote for Hillary Clinton’s re-election to the office of
President of the United States in 2020. <br />
<br />
Yesterday, with the greatest of thanks to my friend Susan Smith, President of the South
Carolina Democratic Women’s Council, I had the opportunity to hear Hillary
Clinton speak at the SCDW’s Day in Blue event and to meet and speak briefly
with Secretary Clinton. <br />
<br />
I asked her if she was elected, or even if she wasn’t, if she would support the
ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. She told me she thought it was a
long road of action, but she would definitely support it. This answer showed me
she is familiar with the issue and understands the challenges we will have to
meet to get the ERA ratified. She also talked in the speech she gave about
issues impacting women’s equality like equal pay, pay transparency, and the
fact many of the jobs that don’t pay a living wage are held by women. These are
all issues that while we continue to fight for the big picture, full
Constitutional equality, we have a chance to solve through legislation. <br />
<br />
I also asked her what advice she would give to young people who want to get
involved in politics. Her answer: Volunteer. She told me about how she got
started was volunteering for campaigns and that seeking out internships would
be a good idea for me in the future. I’ll also add here that all policy and
pomp and circumstance aside, she is incredibly cool and we could totally hang
at Chipotle and maybe go for a Starbucks after. Anything you hear about her
having trouble connecting with average middle class voters or young voters is ridiculousness. <br />
<br />
In her speech, Secretary Clinton talked about the 2008 primary and the way in
which discourse can sometimes not reflect the best examples of citizenship
during campaign season. She <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2015/05/hillary-clinton-south-carolina-return-campaign-visit-118333.html#ixzz3bSEuewJS">said</a>,
</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">“We should show more respect
toward each other, and we should remember why we’re doing this; because we love
our country and we want it to be the country of hope and potential for our
children and grandchildren.”<br />
<br />
I hope that no matter which candidate you support for the office of President
of the United States, you feel as passionate about your candidate as I do mine.
No matter which candidate wins this primary season, we must, as Progressives,
come together and help elect that candidate in order to preserve the progress
we’ve made and protect our country against the policies and attitudes that will
drive us backwards. <br />
<br />
No matter which candidate you support, I hope you will both recognize and let
your actions reflect the fact Hillary Clinton has dedicated her life to public
service, has helped move our country forward throughout her career, and has
inspired and empowered young women to walk the long road of action. <br />
<br />
Volunteer. It’s an easy word to say, but can sometimes be hard for people to
do, especially when they don’t see others like themselves getting involved. I’m
thankful that Secretary Clinton has served as my role model over the course of my
lifetime. Both her public remarks and personal remarks to me embody the values
I want to see reflected in the highest office of our government. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">If you would like
to join me in volunteering to help elect Hillary Clinton to the office of
President of the United States, you can sign up here:<br />
</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.hillaryclinton.com/volunteer/">https://www.hillaryclinton.com/volunteer/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Someone recently shared a song with me, and I would like to dedicate this song to Hillary. It’s because of her paving the way that I can, because of her example that I am, and because of her leadership and the policies she’s fighting for that I will. </span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xo1VInw-SKc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xo1VInw-SKc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-71683739713847562212015-05-22T23:47:00.000-07:002015-05-23T08:53:35.604-07:00Too Many Rape Apologists and Counting<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Internet today is overflowing with the message "boys will be boys." I'm speaking, of course, about reactions to the <a href="http://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/bombshell-duggar-police-report-jim-bob-duggar-didn-t-report-son-josh-s-alleged-sex-offenses-for-more-than-a-year-58906" target="_blank">recent news</a> that Josh Duggar inappropriately fondled the breasts and genitalia of girls, at least one of whom was asleep, twelve years ago.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Some people, it seems, feel this poster boy for Conservative "family values" should be absolved of responsibility and excused for his actions because he was only 14 and had teenage boy hormones. In other words, this sexual assault wasn't "<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/07/17/3461252/todd-akins-pathetic-attempt-to-defend-legitimate-rape-goes-down-in-flames/" target="_blank">legitimate</a>" enough for them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Well, excuse me, but what the hell has to happen in order for a sexual assault to be legitimate enough for these people? If I was attacked in a dark alley between the church and the gun show by a black, gay, atheist Democrat who works at an abortion clinic, would that be legitimate enough for people not to defend my rapist? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Let me point out here that although we don't know a lot about the victims, as well we shouldn't to protect their privacy, it's likely that these girls were doing everything right according to the most patriarchal standards of society. They probably didn't dress provocatively like, you know, showing their shoulders, backs, stomachs, or other sex organs. There probably weren't any traces of <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/compost/wp/2014/01/23/mike-huckabee-and-womens-uncontrolled-libido-or-uncle-sugar/" target="_blank">uncle sugar</a> in their systems. (Oh and speaking of uncle sugar, Presidential candidate <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/22/politics/josh-duggar-molestation-2016-conservatives/" target="_blank">Mike Huckabee</a> came out in support of Josh Duggar getting off scott free, because nothing says leader of the free world like aligning your positions with a sex offender.) Still, despite the fact they most likely did everything they were told as not to appear to be asking for it, these girls were sexually assaulted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Since Josh Duggar got a "stern talking to" from a friend of daddy Jim Bob who just happened to be a law enforcement officer and has apologized for his habitually assaulting the young girls, everybody needs to just suck it up now. I mean, how much more sincere can you get than this part of what Josh Duggar said in his issued statement published on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/duggarfamilyofficial/posts/653931128073873" target="_blank">Facebook</a>: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19px;">I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life." Whew! I'm so glad that he took the time to think about himself and his life because that is absolutely what someone who seeks to gratify their sexual urges at the expense of a sleeping girl needs to do more of. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2015/05/22/-happens--duggars-reality-show-now/27773707/" target="_blank">TLC</a>, the network that airs the Duggar's reality show, pulled upcoming episodes off the air. They are still trying to decide what their long term plans for the show are. That has to be a really tough decision, trying to figure out if you care enough to stop producing a show that features a sex offender and the people who conveniently arranged things so he wouldn't face any real consequences. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 19px;">The reactions to this incident reflect the fact that a large part of American culture is infected with </span><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">misogyny. We have a sex education problem. We have a problem with abuses of power and lack of justice. But perhaps the most significant problem we have is people ultimately failing as functional human beings and resorting to a mentality that Steve Marmel so eloquently summed up on Twitter: </span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/Marmel/status/601768440525787136" target="_blank">"He hates who I hate so I don't care what he does."</a></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-19849876895778584642015-05-13T10:04:00.000-07:002015-05-13T10:04:22.609-07:00Take Action to Help Give America's Youth a Voice<a href="http://www.presidentialyouthcouncil.org/" target="_blank">The Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council </a>needs your help. <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-joint-resolution/47/text" target="_blank">House Joint Resolution 47</a> is currently in committee, which would establish a Presidential Youth Council to advise Congress and the President on matters and policies important to the youth of our nation and to its future. <div>
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In order to move this bill to the floor and encourage our Representatives to pass it, as many people as possible need to contact their Representatives and voice their support for this bi-partisan, youth-led council made up of young people ages 16-24. Next week, starting on Monday, May 18th, the organization is hosting a national outreach initiative. You can join in this event by visiting the following link:</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1630084143873775/">https://www.facebook.com/events/1630084143873775/</a></div>
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You can follow this link to take just a moment of your time to send an email to your Representative:</div>
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<a href="http://www.presidentialyouthcouncil.org/tell_congress">http://www.presidentialyouthcouncil.org/tell_congress</a></div>
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You can easily find your Representative in the House to follow up your email with a phone call by following this link:</div>
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<a href="http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/">http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/</a></div>
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Let me tell you why this initiative is important to me. </div>
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The current state of partisan bickering in the political realm often steamrolls over our young people and makes increasing numbers of them less likely to get involved or even vote. When the future leaders of this country are not participating, or when they try to participate are treated as props or propaganda to fuel the divisiveness that impedes a political process that's beneficial to our country as a whole, this puts the foundation of this nation on shaky ground. </div>
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It's important that our young people know our leaders value their research, input, and contributions. Our current leaders should be modeling and encouraging our future leaders to work across party lines to meet the challenges we face. It's imperative that our young people have the opportunity to see others like themselves engaged and working across party lines to build the future in which we will lead. </div>
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Those of us who are too young to vote or hold office deserve representation in the political process to ensure that the blessings of liberty are secured for ourselves and our posterity. We deserve to have our concerns, our hopes, and our dreams for this nation recognized as pertinent and valuable. </div>
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I urge you to support this measure to create a Presidential Youth Council in order to help move this country forward. </div>
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If you don't know what to say when you call or email, you can keep it simple and just say that you support <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-joint-resolution/47/text" target="_blank">House Joint Resolution 47</a> to create a Presidential Youth Council. The important thing is that you take just a moment of your time to help support America's youth and show us by <i><b>your</b></i> example that individual engagement is important to a government of, by, and for the people. </div>
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Be sure to share information on The Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council and follow the campaign on both <a href="https://www.facebook.com/presidentialyouthcouncil" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/gov4youth" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-19102029554402255072015-01-31T12:32:00.000-08:002015-02-01T08:40:36.798-08:00Unsocial Media<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Family Research Council President Tony Perkins and some of his followers think that when gay people share photos on Facebook, it is <a href="http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=20339&MediaType=1&Category=26" target="_blank">persecuting their religion</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe they don't understand that on Facebook, you choose the people you are friends with and the pages you follow. If Tony Perkins is seeing photos of gay people on his Facebook feed, he must be friends with them or following their pages. His recommended reaction to seeing photos of gay people on Facebook is to say, <i>"</i><span style="line-height: 26.399999618530273px;"><i style="color: #444444;">I don't want this on my Facebook page, I don't want this, I don't want to see this, look, do whatever you want to do but don't involve me in that," </i>and of course pray for whoever posted the photo because he considers them his "enemies." </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 26.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 26.399999618530273px;">I'm an atheist, in case anyone forgot or didn't know. I just took a quick scroll down my Facebook feed and counted nine posts from Christians posting about Christian things. Sometimes, when I see Christian things, I scroll by them. Sometimes, I click on them to get a better idea of the perspectives of people who are not like me. I don't report them to Facebook or ask them to stop posting Christian things because by doing so they are, "involving me in that." Unless they are demanding that atheists should be burned at the stake or something, they have not made themselves my enemies simply by posting about their own beliefs any more than people who post pictures of hot dogs are my enemies because I don't like to eat hot dogs. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 26.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 26.399999618530273px;">I also have friends on Facebook of various races and genders. They post pictures of themselves all the time and despite my seeing many of these pictures, I'm still a white female. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 26.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 26.399999618530273px;">Every now and then, I do come across a post on Facebook that's </span><span style="line-height: 26.399999618530273px;">persecutory in nature. If someone, for example, is making posts that encourage denying equal rights to other human beings simply because of their gender identity or sexual orientation, I'd most likely choose to no longer be friends with or follow that person on social media. I may even choose to say something, but by doing that, I am making the conscious choice to involve myself. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 26.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 26.399999618530273px;">It's time for Tony Perkins to learn how to play well with others. If his religion demands he not look at pictures of gay people, he shouldn't be looking at pictures of gay people instead of demanding that the entire Internet be run on his own personal terms of service. Maybe he could set up his own parental controls since he's </span><span style="line-height: 26.399999618530273px;">evidently not grown-up enough to keep his online behaviors in accordance with the teachings of whatever religion he has chosen to practice. </span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aVsLMxam21I" width="420"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-45910932958894980332014-10-23T10:39:00.000-07:002014-10-23T12:31:54.545-07:00#ThisIsWhatAFeministLooksLike It should not be surprising to anyone why more young women are not taking an interest in or becoming active in feminism. I've noticed an increasing and disturbing trend in which young women are placed in either/or, do or die situations, made to feel as if they have no place in the political conversation. A Fox News personality recently expressed her <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2014/10/fox-says-young-women-stupid-vote-serve-juries/" target="_blank">opinion</a> that young women shouldn't vote because they are, "healthy and hot and running around without a care in the world," and that they should stick to Tinder and Match.com instead. Because we all know that young women can't be politically active and active on Tinder at the same time.<br />
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Even little girls are not safe from the assault on their choices. A mom recently got a <a href="http://bc.ctvnews.ca/value-village-yanks-sexualized-kids-costumes-after-mother-s-complaint-1.2064460" target="_blank">store</a> to pull girly police and firefighter costumes from the shelves saying they were "sexualized." Instead of appealing to the store to provide more choices for girls, she instead chose to limit the choices of others. In the process she taught her own kids that the way to react to clothing we personally find is not in our taste is to slut shame. Is it any wonder why a little girl would grow up wondering if a sexual assault was her fault because her skirt was too short? </div>
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Every time I post a picture or a video making a political statement, random people of the interwebs comment about my makeup or my fashion choices. I'm lucky in that I figured out early on that my self-defined femininity and feminism wasn't an either/or choice. But many young women haven't figured this out yet and while they want things like equal pay and access to healthcare, they don't see their place in participating in achieving these things.<br />
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When young women aren't able to find their place in the conversation, it keeps even more young women out of the conversation. Celebrities like Beyonce and Emma Watson have done a great deal in getting more young women to investigate feminism but the average girl can't talk to Beyonce. It's like arriving at a party where you don't know anyone. If you feel like you don't belong, you're going to leave.<br />
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This is why it's important that as feminists, we uphold the idea that all women have the equal opportunity to make choices and should be seeking to expand those choices, not limit them based on our own ideas of femininity or on our own personal lifestyles and preferences. Our collective power is increased by using the power we have as individuals to reach out to others like us, but we diminish that power when we exclude those who aren't instead of helping them find their place.<br />
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I'm not going to play the role of Phyllis Schlafly and fight against others who are trying to expand choices for my fellow women. I'm not going to play the role of a Fox News commentator and discourage ANY woman from voting, no matter how she plans on voting, because I know how hard women fought for that right.<br />
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I'm not going to play queen of the world as a young, white, cisgender, middle class girl and dictate the needs and preferences of other women. I'm going to shut up and listen and support the policies that help my fellow human beings. I'm going to be there for those girls who enjoy reading fashion magazines, listening to pop music, and dating when they start to investigate feminism and help them understand that feminism is about them and every woman having the opportunity to be the women they want to be and not be treated unequally based on their gender.<br />
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I'm going to be a big sister to kids like these <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2014/10/potty-mouthed-princesses-drops-f-bomb/">http://samuel-warde.com/2014/10/potty-mouthed-princesses-drops-f-bomb/</a> who at their ages know exactly what it is they are saying and are part of the new generation of suffragists. I want these kids fighting beside me for equality, not against me when the message they get is that they aren't welcome in the conversation because some people don't like princess costumes or a word they used or think they are incapable of intelligent thought and understanding complex ideas.<br />
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Some feminists wear conservative clothing and don't use salty language. Some feminists wear short skirts and might say "shit" if they drop something. Some feminists dress up as princesses and drop F bombs.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8567411781634421681.post-30279754640439128292014-09-25T10:15:00.001-07:002014-09-25T10:15:43.436-07:00Call of DutyYoung people, WAKE UP!<br />
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Hopefully, you are paying attention to <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2014/09/colorado-students-protest-history-curriculum/" target="_blank">what's going on right now in Colorado</a>. What you might not know is that <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/09/24/1332006/-Colorado-Students-Continue-to-Give-Koch-Toadies-The-Finger-Over-Curriculum-Tampering" target="_blank">the efforts to control curriculum in Colorado are backed by Americans For Prosperity, a Conservative think-tank that is funded by the Koch Brothers. </a><br />
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Our <a href="http://samuel-warde.com/2014/05/student-madison-kimrey-teaches-us-sex-education-controlling-conversation-guest-post/" target="_blank">access to comprehensive sex-education</a> is under attack. Here in my state of North Carolina, the Conservative-controlled legislature has <a href="http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2013/08/28/truly-amazing-law-allowing-16-and-17-year-olds-to-pre-register-to-vote-ends-friday/" target="_blank">taken away the opportunity</a> for 16 and 17 year olds to pre-register to vote, <a href="http://www.news-record.com/news/local_news/article_fd1f5833-2da9-560c-804c-908401463541.html" target="_blank">ended the tax deduction</a> for 529 College Savings Plans, and <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/09/20/4165342/lets-show-real-respect-for-teachers.html?sp=/99/108/374/" target="_blank">made cuts to public education</a> affecting both teachers and students. <br />
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Our environment is in dire need of protection and our President just <a href="http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/218644-obama-climate-change-will-define-contours-of-this-century" target="_blank">addressed the United Nations</a> saying, “We cannot condemn our children and their children to a future that is beyond their capacity to repair." <br />
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The Koch Brothers and their friends, through organizations like Americans for Prosperity and <a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/161973/alec-exposed-koch-connection#" target="_blank">ALEC</a>,
come up with policies and model legislation and then these policies go
on tour. This means that what you've seen happening in Colorado and with
<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2014/09/texas-textbooks-criticism-110809.html" target="_blank">curriculum materials in Texas</a> could soon be coming to a school near you. It means voting rights and opportunities in your state could be coming under attack if they are not already. It means that you could have a better chance of seeing fracking in your state than policies to protect your environment. <br />
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The Koch Brothers and their friends are counting on your continued complacency. They are counting on you being too absorbed in your new iPhone or the latest video game to bother to register a single voter. They are counting on you not talking to others about the issues and the candidates you support. They are counting on you to think calling out the absurd and crazy ideas some of their candidates support is "negativity" and they are counting on you to feel powerless, helpless, and hopeless in the face of our challenges. <br />
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The future of our nation is counting on you to stand up, speak up, and take action. Your fellow citizens are counting on you to fulfill the promise of the leaders who came before us. We are part of the vision they had for our country and we have the responsibility to honor their legacy. <br /><br />From now through the upcoming midterms and beyond, we must be engaged. Our challenges will not be met in one election cycle. We must remain vigilant and active to send a clear message to the Koch Brothers and their friends that the future of the United States can not be bought and that young people will not be discouraged by their messages that disparage and attempt to dissuade us. <br />
<br />There is no challenge we face that we cannot overcome through the power of the people at the polls. It has always been the young people of this country who have helped move us forward. If we stop, progress stops. This is our choice. This is our charge. This is the real call of duty. <br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12886931744579130983noreply@blogger.com3