a country that seems to believe that being poor and sick is a moral failing and unworthy of care, concern, or compassion.
Well, that's what Jesus taught us about the poor and sick, right?
Oh, wait...
Saffron: But we've been wed. Aren't we to become one flesh? Mal: Well, no, uh... We're still two fleshes here, and I think that your flesh ought to sleep somewhere else.
'Our Mrs. Reynolds'
Spike's Bitches 47: Someone Dangerous Could Get In
[NAFDA] Spike-centric discussion. Lusty, lewd (only occasionally crude), risqué (and frisqué), bawdy (Oh, lawdy!), flirty ('cuz we're purty), raunchy talk inside. Caveat lector.
Anne W. - Jul 04, 2012 7:29:22 am PDT #16336 of 30001
The lost sheep grow teeth, forsake their lambs, and lie with the lions.
sj - Jul 04, 2012 7:54:49 am PDT #16337 of 30001
"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."
I am currently spending my last day at the beach assembling 80 baby shower favors for my cousin's shower. While cutting 240 lengths of ribbon the exact same size I remember that the reason I used to find this fun was because I used to get paid to do this.
I haven't had a good night's sleep in a week so can't assemble my complicated views on patriotism.
Stephanie - Jul 04, 2012 8:08:24 am PDT #16338 of 30001
Trust my rage
I struggle with the whole "proud to be an AmerIcan". Most of my clients chose to be here. It's the best place they've found to raise their kids and work and that's huge. But this country also discriminates against them in so many ways. Not just because they are immigrant - undocumented or otherwise- but because of skin color, religion, poverty, and lack of education. That said, I will share one story:
A Kenyan client came here to seek asylum for herself and her children. She told me that her son used to shake and cry when he heard a siren because in Kenya, sirens meant police coming to hurt you. She said that after two years here, she knew she and her family were safe because her son now knew that in the US, if you called, the sirens meant the police were coming to help you.
Zenkitty - Jul 04, 2012 8:12:53 am PDT #16339 of 30001
Every now and then, I think I might actually be a little odd.
Squee! And so begins home ownership!
Squee! Isn't it great? I'm about to go paint my bathroom a difficult shade of green, AIFG!
Do people define AIFG as "and it feels good" or "and it's fucking great"? I use the latter definition, myself.
There are a lot of things about America that disappoint and anger me (things already noted by others), but I actually do love my country, so I guess that makes me a patriot.
DavidS - Jul 04, 2012 8:15:08 am PDT #16340 of 30001
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."
I guess I should note that I don't feel anti-American either. I certainly recognize that things are often worse in other countries and there are still many freedoms and possibilities here.
But my heart doesn't swell with pride when I see the flag, you know? I'm just too conscious of how that kind of patriotism, that sense of nationalism is a way to cover over deeper issues and manipulate people.
Zenkitty - Jul 04, 2012 8:15:39 am PDT #16341 of 30001
Every now and then, I think I might actually be a little odd.
Stephanie, that story made me tear up a little. I'm so glad she and her family feel safe now.
meara - Jul 04, 2012 8:17:20 am PDT #16342 of 30001
Aww, Stephanie, that's awesome!
I am perfectly okay with myself and others having a nuanced view of America. Best country? Eh, maybe. Mine? Yes.
That said, I am ouchy today because I ran in the "firecracker 5k" last night. Ow. But new personal record, 38:10!
beekaytee - Jul 04, 2012 8:28:26 am PDT #16343 of 30001
Compassionately intolerant
The height of my patriotism extended to being a marshal at the neighborhood parade. I ended up working so much that I did not have a chance to walk with the group I levered into line up yesterday.
I did, however, create a hat that was Ascot inspired.
It was hot, hot, hot but a lot of fun. I love how homey and Go Team Capitol Hill it is.
We even had a group of Greyhounds parade.
The final group was a fan favorite...Princesses! Loads of neighborhood toddlers in sparkly dresses.
They FAR outshone the Miss USA contingent.
beekaytee - Jul 04, 2012 8:37:03 am PDT #16344 of 30001
Compassionately intolerant
I should say that I'm not in the 'these colors don't run' school of patriotism.
I'm a fan of considered appreciation and rational criticism. Paraphrasing Jackson Browne says it for me.
I am a patriot and I love my country. I love my country...it's all I know. But what I see with my eyes, is not what I feel in my heart, and I cannot turn my back this time.
smonster - Jul 04, 2012 8:38:55 am PDT #16345 of 30001
We won’t stop until everyone is gay.
I'm proud to be smonster's friend.
DAWWWWWW OMG THE FEELS. Love you, hon. You and Tom are so fabulous and make my life so much better in so many ways.
And I know what you mean. I vacillate between "AMERICA! FUCK YOU" and "AMERICA! FUCK YOU this is my goddamn country too and I'm not going to let a bunch of xenophobic mouth breathers define what it means to be American."
I have nothing planned for today. I have a lot of cleaning and stuff I need to do, but I want to just fuck off and go see Magic Mike or something. We'll see. I might have an OKC date tonight. I slept for thirteen hours and I feel kind of stoned, so I guess I needed it. Still bummed about missing that party, sounds like it was lots of fun. Dancing on tables and the whole thing.