In 2004, I was invited by a prominent LGBT political organization to perform at the Democratic National Convention, but just days before the event, I was abruptly dis-invited. I believe it was because at that point, the Kerry camp was trying to avoid controversy. It may have been because I said that I thought Theresa Heinz Kerry was hot, which I still believe. Or it may have been because I called John Kerry an Ent – one of those old, slow tree people from Lord of the Rings. Or maybe it was the time that I said that Laura Bush’s oval orifice tasted like Lysol. Of course, in all these instances, I was speculating, and these comments may have been in questionable, or even possibly – in bad taste, especially in the Lysol situation. But who says Lysol has to be a bad flavor? It might be somewhat fresh. It might make you feel like a pine forest – which might make her a better match for John Kerry, with his wooden ways. I don’t know. I guess you can just call me ‘divisive!’
In any case, I was offended by the LGBT group’s decision to disinvite me, and I felt very left out of the festivities, as festive as these political events can be. In truth, they aren’t a lot of fun. Just a lot of ulcers just waiting to happen and then afterward trying to drink away the pain of losing. Still, not being included, for me, was a deep wounding, because I have always taken great pride whenever I was able participate in politics. My parents have never voted, because they have always believed that this was not their country, and I have felt grateful with every vote, every rally, every march, every election – because I know in my heart and soul that this is my country, and with my vote, I have a voice – one that is just as loud and strong as every other voter in this country. As I watched the convention on television, I felt very non-included, and I vowed then never to let anyone or anything make me feel that way again. I decided I would become more involved in politics, and if I am not asked to a party, or dis-invited to a party, I will throw my own party instead. I hope that all of you do the same. No matter what your feelings are, for whatever candidate, make your voice heard. This Presidential election is the most exciting one I have seen in my lifetime. Whether you are for Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton – or even (gasp) John McCain (who I wouldn’t want to vote for because I don’t want to see my tax dollars spent on Viagra) or Mike Huckabee (who I dislike so much I can’t believe it – I would rather go see his band “Capitol Offense” than vote for him – and that is saying a lot!) – whoever you may support, your voice matters. Your vote counts – it’s a big deal. It’s everything. Whatever you do, be sure and vote. I know it’s a simple thing, but lots of people ignore it and think everyone else will do it for them. They can’t – and they shouldn’t. It’s all about you.
Finally, someone besides myself who thinks “It’s all about me”. Thank you! I’ve been trying to tell my partner “it’s all about me” for years. He just laughs, which I don’t find the least bit funny. And your right about Lysol not being such a bad thing. In fact, just today, my dog peed on my bedspread, so I sprayed some Febreeze on it and now it’s lovely. I’m not sure how it would work on Laura Bush’s vagina but it works wonders on dog pee.
You blog a lot. And I like it.
My only concern regarding voting is we use electronic voting machines now, and there is no way to know whether they are being rigged or programmed for certain results. If you google “electronic voting fraud” or things of that nature, lots of videos pop up about concerns raised about this issue. If we have another “close race” again, and the scales tip to republican at the last minute… I’m moving to another country.
I think you’re brilliant by the way and appreciate your truthful outspokeness. You go girl!
Margaret, if you threw a party, I definitely would go.
As a young Vietnamese-American woman with parents who, in subtle ways, discourage me from voicing my political opinions, I am truly inspired by how you express your political views in such an open, heartfelt, and outrageous way.
This is my favorite sentence from the entry: “My parents have never voted, because they have always believed that this was not their country, and I have felt grateful with every vote, every rally, every march, every election – because I know in my heart and soul that this is my country, and with my vote, I have a voice – one that is just as loud and strong as every other voter in this country.”
Well, I just discovered your awesome blog an hour ago, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more!
. . . One more thing, I want to quickly plug my candidate. On Super Tuesday, I proudly voted for Obama — because he knows that this country will be stronger once we all make our voices heard!
i just came across your blog from feministing, and i love it and i love you and i’m not sure if you know or not but one day i was doing some research into old advertisements and i discovered that lysol was once marketed as a DOUCHE!!!! no joke!!!! it made me cringe times a thousand when i found out. did you know this??? you could always just play off your comment saying that you were making a joke about how old fashioned she is…. srsly check it out at the online museum of menstruation and women’s health– http://www.mum.org/Lysol48.htm
gross. just like laura bush.