It's a war on war

Yesterday, for two hours, I stood in the median of an extremely busy intersection during rush hour to protest the war in Iraq.

I was nervous. My knees were shaking.

But my friend Sharon and I were soon joined by about 10-12 others, all well-seasoned in protests. I was the only newbie. The banners/posters were all variations on the theme of ending the war. My friend and I held a long banner reading (if I remember correctly) "We stand in silence for lives lost in violence."

For the most part, people were really supportive. We got lots of good-natured honking, thumbs up, smiles, waves, and a few people shouted positive things. One carload of teenage boys started chanting "BARACK! BARACK! BARACK!" It kinda sounded like they were barking, but whatever.

Yes, there were a few dissenters. They showed their disapproval in the form of thumbs down, shaking heads, scoffs and revving of engines (I assume this meant they thought there was an unlimited amount of oil). One really pathetic creep stuck his head out the window and started screaming really vile racial epithets. I won't repeat them. I told Sharon it was a shame we couldn't cure ignorance.

One guy rolled down his window and yelled "Get a job!" at me. I was tempted to yell back, "I would if the economy weren't so bad!" But instead I saved all my snarky comebacks for Sharon, who laughed appreciatively.

Within five minutes of our arrival, a man in full military uniform drove by. He didn't acknowledge us in any way, positive or negative, but my first reaction was embarrassment. I fervently hoped he didn't think we were judging the actions of soldiers. I put that thought out of my head, though, because I think the best way we can support our soldiers is to bring them home. Or at least make sure they have the proper equipment and gear to survive and a clear objective in order to win a war. I think as it is, all those brave men and women who signed up to serve their country after 9/11 are having their sacrifice taken for granted by the government.

I guess there will be another protest next month, this time on a larger scale in a mall parking lot. A group of veterans against the war are supposed to be there as well. I'll update later with more information.

I had a comment on Facebook from someone who knew me, saying she was surprised to see me, a "mild mannered librarian," at a war protest. I am shy in crowds, and I hate confrontation--especially when it comes to election season and an issue with such polarity. I was nervous as hell, I don't mind telling you. But I'm hoping that gives you confidence to get involved somehow.

YEEEEESSSS!!!!

Dear Every Tourist Who's Come To Town This Summer,
this card is for you.
Love, April

"There's only music now. There's only music now."

Here are a few videos I keep coming back to:

Speaking for myself

I went to an Obama rally today with a couple of friends: Rachel (co-worker) and Sharon (former co-worker). We also found another friend, Ray (former co-worker), there as well.

This election year's rally was different from the 2004 rally I attended at the same place in that this time there were a few picketers with signs about abortion and gay rights. Because surely the issues I care about as a Democrat--health care, the economy, an end to the war, quality education, etc.--are worthless if I also believe a woman should have the final say over her own body and that two adults of the same sex can have a loving and committed relationship together if they so choose.

Politics--it's a hot topic that no one wants to touch. Not that I blame them. I've just edited the above paragraph three times so as not to overly offend anyone. But whatever. It's my blog and I'll outcry if I want to.

There were some great speeches made today. I especially liked one of the district representative's comments about Democrats too long turning the other cheek to Republican lies and that it's time to get angry and stand up to the bullying. I paraphrased, but it was quite moving. I'm tired of getting anti-Obama emails from people who think they're educating me but who in fact are just forwarding another person's propaganda, which always ends up being quotes taken out of context or just flat-out lies anyway. Educate yourselves, people! Don't believe everything sent in an email or what your neighbor says. Go to the source if you can, beginning with local and state representatives. Or visit offical Web sites that are approved by the candidate you're researching, so at least you know if he/she regards the information as truth.

I don't care what you believe in or for whom you want to vote--just don't get involved with the dirtyness of it all. Just know that someone else may have a different opinion, and that's not a reason to attack them.

Remix

Labor Day weekend -- not much to tell.

I spent hours (hours!!) revising my story for the writers group. If they don't like this revision, I give up.

I spent hours (hours!!) figuring out which songs I wanted to change on my Hot -n- Creepy 2.0 mix for my friend Pete and finding the perfect balance of quiet yet not snooze-inducing tracks for TOWR's indexing mix.

I spent hours (hours!!) searching the Internet (mostly Etsy, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Lush, and Sephora) for those perfect Christmas presents for friends and family. I figure if I buy one or two pressies per paycheck, then I won't be stressed when the holiday finally gets here. Some of ya'll (Azucar, RC Cola) are tough to shop for! Some of ya'll (Laura Llew, Kristen), there are waaaay too many goodies I'd love to get you. You'd have the bestest Christmas ever if I won the lottery. Fo sho!

I spent hours (hours!!) watching Season 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. What can I say? It's addicting.

And that's about it. I finally had a weekend where I didn't have plans, didn't have to hang out, and didn't have to spend money. It was rather nice, and I'm already dreading tomorrow because it's deadline day at the newspaper without all the extra regular work hours to complete stories. It's going to be s-t-r-e-s-s-f-u-l. I'd better get to bed early.