How Glenn Beck and I Are Alike (When I Was 6 Years Old)

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Friday November 09, 2012 · 8:57 AM PST

2012/11/09 · 08:57

Sometimes...I have to remind myself...I'm a lot like Glenn Beck.

At least my 6-year old self was.

I would sometimes CRY to get what I wanted. I would play on peoples emotions. I would eat up the attention of those older than me.

But...MORE IMPORTANTLY...I would say that we had this lil nugget in common...

Conservative radio host Glenn Beck on Wednesday declared that Mitt Romney's loss to President Barack Obama proved that "sometimes God really sucks."

Source: http://news.infoshop.org/...

You see...when I was 6 or 7...I would pray and pray and pray that my favorite football team would win. And when they didn't...I would have that same attitude.

[end sarcastic rant here]

Now...seriously...

THIS is what the man is doing. And I use the term 'man' very loosely. He whines and cries and plays on peoples emotions and puts on a show when he doesn't get his way. We all know that. But what really upsets me is - he - as well as others - always have to bring GOD into it.

And I'm saying this as a Christian, folks. And open-minded respect-other-peoples-religious-choices-too-Christian. I'm the type of person who celebrates religious freedoms in this country. I encourage religious diversity. I think it's a beautiful thing.

But God/gods have NOTHING to do with it, Glenn!

Perhaps I am over analyzing this but your temper tantrum is no different than ME at 6 or 7 years old carrying-on about how God didn't make my Football Team win.

It's time to grow up! I did.

The Problem With 'Liberals'

jennifervents

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Thursday November 08, 2012 · 7:53 AM PST

2012/11/08 · 07:53

"The problem with 'liberals' is they are ALL victims...or HAVE to MAKE everyone a victim."

Someone of 'authority' actually said that to me last week. Not only did they say it to ME...they literally stood in front of me (a female), a gay male, and another woman in her 60s with a disabled husband and spoke to the 3 of us like we were 4 year old's.

This 'person' knows each of us well. This 'person' knows our background and lifestyles. This person KNEW who they were talking to.

'Liberals are always the victim. And if THEY aren't the victim...they make everyone out to be a victim. Or create clusters of victims. Groups of them. "Binders Full Of Them." I'm paraphrasing here...but you get the picture. This person continued to 'open mouth insert foot' and say..."You know...the Women...and the Gays...and the Abused...and those on Food Stamps...and in debt...they're all victims."

This is when each one of our mouths dropped open - as this person - continued on.

The rant continued on with Public Education VS Charter School Options - which is a hot topic presently where I live. Rape and Abuse and making them a 'bigger deal than it needs to be'. Equal Pay for Women. Social Treatment of those with 'non-traditional' lifestyles, choices, ideas, politics, families, education, financial standing, religious points-of-view, and much more.

Again...the more this person spoke...the more the 3 of us just starred at them.

Did we act like mice and back up into a corner? No. Did we lose our cool? No. Did we laugh at them? YES. Outloud. Infront of them. "Why are you laughing at me?" They asked.

Because that's the only response it deserved. I mean, what else COULD we do?

Just when we thought it couldn't get worse...

This person continued on to say "When Romney WINS...you'll see the stock market turn around! IMMEDIATELY! Within MINUTES. You'll see companies start hiring more and more people. Everything will turn around - YOU'LL SEE!"

One of the three of us said..."Oh! Does that mean you'll start hiring?" to which they responded..."well, ah...no, but..."

YEAH. That's what I thought!

So...who's the victim? Who CREATES a victim? The victim themselves?

Does a rape victim asked to be raped? A battered wife asked to be beaten? An employee asked for their insurance to be taken away or their boss to fire them for no-reason? Does a female ask for a lower pay for doing the same or more work that her male co-workers? Does a person ask to be ridiculed or tormented based on their sexual preference, religion, social class, or political party affiliation? I could go on and on.

Who MAKES these victims? After this whole situation - from last week - I think my answer is people who are oblivious and think 'all liberals are victims or make everyone a victim.' THOSE are the people that make them victims. THOSE are people who make 'liberals' LIBERAL.

(At least THIS Liberal).

Well excuse me for speaking my mind. Excuse me for standing up for those who do not have a voice. Excuse me for caring for and about others...and not just myself.

Apparently YOU don't care about anyone BUT yourself (and your pocketbook).

Better yet...NO...don't EXCUSE ME...because there is NO EXCUSE FOR YOU!

Apparently You Can Get Fired For...

jennifervents

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Wednesday March 14, 2012 · 6:21 AM PDT

2012/03/14 · 06:21

Source of My Rage? This Article.

A friend of mine mentioned to me while typing this - that it's already been brought up here - I missed that, sorry!

I had to read this article at least 3 times because I couldn't believe that I was, indeed, reading it!

Not only is this WRONG on so many levels but it's a damned if you do damned if you don't type situation!

I remember other women telling me that in the past they were passed-up for jobs because they were of child-bearing age! Then...the powers-that-be in those companies wanted long term workers...not workers who would come and go when they have a child.

Thank goodness we aren't in the same boat TODAY. Or ARE we? I feel lately we are taking a GIANT leap backwards! And why? Solely because politicians are bickering back and forth and want to control us again!

First, Kansas brings us a bill that gives immunity to doctors who lie to couples about the results of their prenatal tests in order to prevent them from getting an abortion. Now, Arizona has proposed a bill that would give your boss the green light to fire you for using birth control.

Doctors who LIE? To their patients? And it's ok? Why? Because a certain party or organization or bill says it's ok? How is that NOT a law suit? And speaking of law suits - aren't these the same people who think there are too many medical law suits and that insurance and prices are going UP because of these lawsuits? Here's a thought...DON'T LIE TO YOUR PATIENTS!!!

Fire you for using birth control? First of all...how would your employer know? Patient Confidentiality?

Going back to my comment above from years of worrying if you will still have a job if you get pregnant - now they want to take your job away for preventing pregnancy? God forbid - if you want to be a woman who focuses on her career! Damned if you do - damned if you don't!

The bill they are pushing would not only allow employers to take the insurance coverage away, but it would also make it easier for an employer to fire an employee who has obtained birth control from another source.

Insurance issues aside...

It would MAKE IT EASIER for an employer to FIRE an employee who gets their birth control from another source? With their own money? Not involving insurance AT ALL? Am I reading this right? OMG! Again...I go back to the question...HOW would the boss know? He/She should NEVER be privy to that information!

Many states just got to the point where it was illegal to be fired for an illness! Is that in jeopardy again, too?

Seriously...what the hell is going on around here? I feel like I am in the Twilight Zone!

Another Way To Keep Consumers Uneducated and Silenced

jennifervents

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Tuesday March 13, 2012 · 4:46 PM PDT

2012/03/13 · 16:46

I was reading THIS ARTICLE and was freaked out, upset, and mad on so many levels.

I don't really have time to go on a rant here, but, I do want to bring up the last paragraph of the article specifically.

The irony is that while legislatures protect factory farms, they've shown far less interest in protecting defenseless animals: No federal regulations protect farm animals from cruelty, and while state regulations exist, factory farms are rarely investigated and laws are seldom enforced. That’s why forward-thinking organizations like the Humane Society of the U.S., Mercy for Animals, and Compassion Over Killing have taken it upon themselves—often at great risk to those involved—to expose the food safety and animal cruelty issues rampant at factory farms throughout the nation. Undercover farming investigations make our food system better—not just for animals, but for consumers too. These agricultural advocates should be given megaphones, not gags.

I don't really have anything specific to say about this or anything to add. But I do want to bring up the fact that if you abuse a dog - you get jail time - these organizations can go and investigate those claims to figure out whether or not a person does indeed abuse a pet. But now, in cases like this, BILLS are making it a crime to speak up for these animals, to bring them justice. Is it because it's a business? It is because it's more socially acceptable? Is it because it's what most Americans eat?

Again, I could rant on so many issues, here, but I won't...but it IS all food for thought, I suppose.

Karma's NOT a B&%$# - She's Freakin' Mother Teresa!

jennifervents

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Tuesday March 13, 2012 · 8:05 AM PDT

2012/03/13 · 08:05

I realize I have to start posting more positive stuff here and not complain all the time...because that just contributes to my anger.

I thought THIS was a feel-good story for ya!

This lady is a SAINT! I know lots of people who would have passed on by...NOT ME...I wouldn't have been able to sleep at night if I had not helped! But still...people need to start treating each other better!

In the days since Dominy rescued the woman and her child, she's not heard a thing from them or their family. She knows they were treated and then released from the hospital after about a day, but nothing else. One would hope that the woman is a bit embarrassed at her behavior and not just ungrateful for Dominy's help. Either way, the moral is pretty obvious: Be careful who you flick off; you might need them to save your life, and they might not be as nice as Dominy.

Regardless if the woman was embarrassed - she should swallow her pride - contact her hero - apologize - and thank her for saving her AND HER CHILD'S LIFE.

Being Labeled

jennifervents

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Monday March 12, 2012 · 9:50 AM PDT

2012/03/12 · 09:50

Being Labeled As a…WOMAN…

This is a rant I have posted in my head and in and on other venues over and over again many times throughout my life.

Being labeled as a WOMAN – from one side or the other or a group of people or even fellow females! It seems I am damned if I do – damned if I don’t…and guess what…I WON’T!

First…let me start off by saying…I am a very complex person! I have my own, STRONG personal opinions but don’t force them on others – I am a case by case basis type of person! Let me give you some short examples so I can get to the rest of my rant…

I’m a Christian but I do not support the Christian Coalition…it drives me rather crazy! I know Christianity is NOT the only religion, nor do I think it’s the superior religion. It’s the religion I have chosen. But I am also the type of person who appreciates and celebrates other peoples and their religion and my opinion that I feel strongest about it the FREEDOM of Religion – when it does come to that choice.

I’m a Vegetarian but I do NOT support PETA as an organization. PETA does have some great info out there but I do not want them speaking for me on most issues. I don’t like their advertising tactics either. I don’t tell people what to eat because I don’t want them to tell me what to eat and I am not a militant vegetarian, I am a peaceful one.

Speaking for me and me alone…I would never get an abortion but it’s not up to me to tell others if they should or shouldn’t pursue one. My big-beef when it comes to the abortion issue is that it’s this HUGE governmental topic when it shouldn’t be. I don’t think the government should have any say in it! It’s the person or couples decision to make…NOT mine…and certainly NOT the governments! So if political parties want to call be Pro-Choice – I will let them!

But you know what…perhaps I am Pro-Choice on everything, now that I think about it. I have an issue with groups of people telling me what I can and cannot do – what I should and should NOT do especially because of who I am, how I am, what I am, what I think, how I feel, or where I am from, or what I do! Some people call that “having a problem with authority”. I just say it’s “thinking for myself”.

Those are just a few short examples of what I mean by “complex”, I suppose, but here is the real reason for this post…

I’m sick and tired of people telling me how women should be and what they should do!

I went to college – some don’t like that I try to educate myself. TOUGH..
I have had the same job for well over 10 years – almost 15 – some don’t like that I work. DEAL WITH IT.
I think too much, too often, and for MYSELF. As many of us know LOTS of people are afraid of that! TOO BAD!

Getting a little more personal, here…

I have been married for 10 years. I don’t have children. I don’t want children. Do I like kids? – SURE – but I don’t think Motherhood is for me. I DO stand up for the right of children! I like being around them but I don’t think just because I am a woman that I SHOULD have kids. I don’t think enough people think about this! I think most women think that’s automatically the next step in their lives and because society tells us it is – we must follow suit! Or some women don’t think about the road ahead at all! There are SEVERAL reasons as to why I don’t want to have my own children and I don’t want to get into that now.

Most people think because I don’t have children of my own I either hate kids or I can’t “have kids” because of a medical condition, for example. NEITHER ARE THE CASE.

This is my choice.

If by some strange occurrence I end up pregnant – YES – I would have the child.

What really FRIES MY ASS is when people come up to me and say “You’ll understand when you have a family of your own!”

EXCUSE ME! Stop right there!

I have had a family of my own for 10 years now! Families come in ALL shapes and sizes! Just because I don’t have human children running around doesn’t mean I don’t have a family of my own! The size of my family currently stands at 7 and we’ve been mourning the loss of a family member for going on 3 years now.

And just because I don’t have human children doesn’t make me any less of a woman! Nor does it mean that it is my DUTY AS A WOMAN to HAVE children!

I won’t tell other woman how to be mothers – it’s not my place – nor do I think I have it in me to BE a mother to begin with. GOOD FOR YOU THAT YOU CAN, tho, more power to you!

But don’t throw that phrase around “You’ll understand when you have a family of your own!” – either! What I do UNDERSTAND is that THAT is a narrow-minded way of thinking. It’s demeaning! Those who throw that phrase around are stereotyping just as much as the “next guy” who is trying to make choices FOR US…telling US we have to be a certain way or specifically DO something next in life just because that is the way it should be! Jeez!

YES! I get fired about it!

Recently I lost one of my best friends – to what I feel – had something to do with this line of thought.

She is a stay-at-home-mom. DON’T get me wrong! If you want to be a stay-at-home-mom – feel free! It’s your choice!!!! She has two small kids. I have a 40+ hour a week job, serve on multiple boards and committees, work crazy hours, as does my husband, have extended family I spend time with, and have several interests I pursue.

I could go on and on about my past relationship with this friend but I don’t feel like this is the right place to do that – but – one of the main reasons I am even bringing this up is because I seriously think she had a problem with me and my schedule and my choice and that I don’t have kids and don’t plan on having kids!

Tell me…WHY IS IT SO DAMNED IMPORTANT TO OTHER PEOPLE THAT I HAVE KIDS?

What will this prove? Will it make YOU feel better? What’s the point? Do you say and do the stuff you do to me to make me WANT children? Why? AND…do you honestly think that I am going to change my mind JUST BECAUSE someone else “said so” or expects it?

Here’s a novel idea…YOU make YOUR Choices and I WILL MAKE MINE.

Women PhDs, Virginity Tests, Activists, Game Change, Women Finances, WOMEN - VOTE!

jennifervents

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Sunday March 11, 2012 · 8:15 PM PDT

2012/03/11 · 20:15

I have an App on my iPhone called Zite. Not sure if anyone else here has it or not but I do like the app overall...it lets you pick which news topics are of interest to you and they will show you the last top stories or it will give you TOP STORIES overall which is what I am looking at right now.

Here are the topics I see in the TOP STORY Section:

Should Women Get PHd's in International Relations?

Egyptian Army Doctor Cleared Over 'Virginity Tests' on Women Activists

Obama Plans Big Effort To Build Support Among Women

Close Read: "Game Change": All The Republican Ladies

Escaping The Gender Trap

In Liberia, Reporting On Genital Mutilation Draw Threats

Texas Women's Clinic Retreat as Finances Are Cut

There were a few other Top Stories including The Prison House of Labor, MINA Breaking News, Iraq's Killings Strike Fear in Gay and Emo Youths, and Civilian Shooting in Afghanistan. But for the most part the TOP STORIES had to do with women!

I didn't read each article from start to finish but I have a good idea what each one is about.

Perhaps I'm just snarky over The War On Women in general these days but it fries me the way the first article on my list is even worded. As a past journalism student I do realize that the writer's job is to draw people in but it bothers me that some people actually question the fact or that it's even an issue at all. After thumbing thru the article is does bring a good point up - that being the under-representation of women in foreign policy positions. It goes on to say that the writer of the article thinks women would benefit more from a PhD in this field than men would because it's a male dominated filed to begin with. It doesn't bring up other issues, too, but I'll move on...

2nd Article...Virginity Tests on Women Activists...I don't even want to know how MEN come up with these things...seriously, do they sit around a table and come up with ways to invade us more and more by the minute and why is it that women never turn the tables around on them and suggest like-craziness!? Ridiculous!

THEN...Obama's plans to build support among women? Well...YEAH...who wouldn't want him to? It's prime time - while the topic's hot! Show us what you got! (or what you continue to have as I think he's gotten a good deal of support from many of us already and I think that number will continue to grow if he continues to show!

GAME CHANGE...I will not watch, I don't care to talk about but still it's a woman in politics (even tho every move she tends to make are those to please the good ole boys club) END VENT - on to the next...

Escaping The Gender Gap/Trap - could possible speak for itself.

We've been hearing for years about genital mutilation - now we can add Liberia to the list. Horrific!

AND...more finances are cut for women's programs, clinics, outlets, education, etc.

So...yeah...LADIES...WE are in the news! WOMEN all over the world are in the news! WE need to do something about it! I'm tired of seeing and hearing the grey old men deciding things for us and setting us back years and years. If the Rush's of the world don't think we should be educated it just wants me to educate myself more! If they want me to shut up it just makes me scream louder! If they want to treat us like test subjects it makes me want to turn the tables on them! See how they like it! Oh wait! That's right...they will never know because they don't have to deal with stuff like that!

I guess my point being...if Women are in the TOP STORY Section this much it means that we ARE in the limelight - we are making a noise - we ARE TRYING to be seen and heard - but this is a good starting point. This means we have to continue on - be stronger - VOTE!!! If we don't vote - we won't win!

Opium Brides

jennifervents

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Sunday March 11, 2012 · 5:41 PM PDT

2012/03/11 · 17:41

Article: The Truth About Opium Brides

Need another reason to fight the War On Drugs on a personal level? How about SAYING NO to Drugs will help with the War on Women, too!

Take a look at the article above. I read it this morning and have been thinking about it most of today. It's sad. Yet another story of how women are being used and abused and trafficked and even killed...and all because of Opium and other drug related production and trade.

Foreign Affairs - Thinking of My College Days - Tell Me Is There A World Out There!

jennifervents

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Sunday March 11, 2012 · 6:30 AM PDT

2012/03/11 · 06:30

I have been thinking a lot about my college days lately. You will see me mention this in several of my posts here. One of the many things I have been thinking about - specifically - is Foreign Affairs - and how the average American usually has no idea that other things are happening around the world.

Because I was a Journalism student - this is one thing that intrigued me...ABOVE THE FOLD. Many of us know THAT is the "stuff" the people know about. What I noticed was that many stories regarding other counties were small and inconveniently placed on the last page at the bottom or within random advertisements. I made a goal of mine to bring more attention to these stories. I would purposely bring them into my classes and start discussing them.

This was smack dab in the middle of the Clinton Scandal. And quite frankly - I was sick of hearing about it and wanted to hear about something else.

I remember REALLY having to dig for WORLD NEWS and FOREIGN AFFAIRS. As if the death of thousands from an earthquake or massive kidnappings was nothing to be concerned about, ya know? The more I thought about it - the more upset I got. Was it that many Americans didn't care about things happening outside of their country? NOT THIS GIRL!

Fast Forward 15 years...

Oh No! I feel out of touch and it's happening again! I've gotten so caught up in the banter between political parties that I must DIG for news stories! I must once again promise myself to pay more attention to what's happening globally and give more time and attention to the stories that get buried!

But WAIT...it's not 100% our faults! We only read what the media wants us to read, right? We hear what we hear because they push those issues to the front. We read what we read because it's purposely placed there to sell papers.

Regardless...I won't give in...I promise to dig deeper and at least try my best to educate myself and others!

20K Abducted Women/Children Rescued in 2011

jennifervents

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Saturday March 10, 2012 · 8:45 PM PST

2012/03/10 · 20:45

Good News - Bad News...

It's always good news to hear that 20,000 women and children were rescued.

Bad News being that 20K Women and Children needed to be rescued to begin with! AND...this is JUST in China.

CHINA: More than 20K Abducted Women/Children Rescued in 2011

Most of us on this site know about human trafficking but the problem continues to grow and grow by the day! Because these are horrific statistics proves not enough is being done about it.

This ONE article is focusing on numbers in China - alone. But Human Trafficking happens in EVERY country.

It's always great to hear of those who have been rescued but so many more will never be saved. The either live the rest of their lives being abused, are killed, or kill themselves.

Yet another treatment of women and children I will never understand how we could let this happen to our fellow human beings!

Dare I ask - how much more screwed up can our world get? Scratch that...I don't think I want to know the answer.

Hundreds of Elephants Killed

jennifervents

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Saturday March 10, 2012 · 3:52 PM PST

2012/03/10 · 15:52

I was reading this article and it tears my heart!

Hundred of Elephants Killed in Cameroon National Park.

I know I am new to posting diaries here but I have many subjects that I need to get out. I have been bottling my feelings up for too long. Treatment of animals is one of many things that keep me awake at night.

Americans don't often think about poachers but we should. We should educate ourselves where the things we buy come from and I don't just mean which country or which ingredients in our our food, for example. In this case it's Ivory...tusks. THIS is why these animals died...for poachers to make a profit. If more people educated themselves before their purchase they may think twice before spending the money.

I know there is no easy solution but this is just something I wanted other to be aware of...something I wanted to highlight and feature. If one person reads the article I linked to above and learns something they didn't know before or thinks twice before making a specific purchase I will feel like I did a little something to help.

Shocked & Amazed

jennifervents

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Saturday March 10, 2012 · 3:18 PM PST

2012/03/10 · 15:18

I'm shocked and amazed!!!! In a good way!

I want to thank everyone for their wonderful support! I just started writing my thoughts down, here, because many people around me IRL didn't seem to care enough to listen. It's refreshing to be among people who share like-thoughts and feelings or at the very least those who care enough to read/listen to what others have to say.

I was completely shocked that my last post was reposted in at least 3 groups! Thanks so much! Means a lot!

I'm still learning the ropes around here. We all hear the negatives and rarely hear the positives so I just wanted to drop a note and say...THANK YOU!

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