Blogging Against Disablism Day 2009

Today is Blogging Against Disablism Day 2009. I have committed to write a post about it, but I am still struggling with the topic. Throughout today and the weekend, I plan to check in with thoughts, links, etc.

I'm still working up something new to post, but I have at least come to the realization that I may, in fact, be a person with disabilities. I've been dealing with depression my entire adult life, and I wrote an article on Helium about it. I realize this is supposed to be a day to write something new, but I'm offering this until I manage to do it.

Jeopardy!

Liberal and Proud
by xeces

Thanks to Petulant for the video!

Ani Performs "November 4, 2008"

She played this last night at the concert at the Trustees Theatre. One of a few times that I was just barely holding back tears. It was a terrific show. I just wish it had been promoted better. I hadn't heard about it until a week before, when I saw a Facebook Ad!
The opening act was Toshi Reagon, a fierce singer/songwriter who sang with her guitar only. I had a terrific time, and I was home just after midnight.

Jack on SNL!!!!!

Blog for Choice Day 2009

The topic is: What is your top pro-choice hope for President Obama and/or the new Congress?
And the President just took a terrific first step toward my hope by affirming his commitment to defending Roe v. Wade.
There is more to be done, but if he stands by the statement he made today, we are well on our way. I want the global gag rule gone, a process that seems to have been started. I want a woman in South Dakota to have the same rights and bodily autonomy as a woman in Chicago. And I want both of those women to have the same rights and bodily autonomy as any man.
I hope to return to this post later. This is all I have time for now.

Relevant Trivia

The events of November 14, 1959 inspired what "non-fiction novel"?


Leave your answers in comments. Bonus points if you can tell me why it's relevant (this one is geared more toward Glynn County residents, where relevance is concerned). Google if you must, but where's the fun in that?

Cross posted at Blog Brunswick

Happy Birthday, Tad!

Merry Christmas Tad!

We miss you. All the best to you and Claudine. Be careful on that ice, and try to stay warm!

Robyn: "Dream On"

I really like this video. I like how it messes with perceptions and stereotypes. Just thought I'd share.

Jim Martin for Senate

In case you've been wondering . . .

where the hell I've been for over a month, I've been in rehearsals for this, among other things:

Wednesday Night YouTube

Obama/Biden(?) 08

CNN is reporting that Joe Biden will be announced tomorrow as Barack Obama's running mate. As a former Biden supporter and current Obama supporter, I suppose I'm pleased. It does feel terribly anti-climactic, however. After all this build-up, I was really beginning to hope Obama would pick Clinton. Well, if he was going for experience, Biden's one of the best. That man's been in the senate my entire life. No, really.

Wednesday Night YouTube

All this talk about Tropical Storm Fay got me thinking about another Fay. You know the one. She's referenced in Rocky Horror. The original Scream Queen died in 2004. It's almost too bad there was never a Hurricane Fay screaming through town. I'm fine with a non-event this week, though. Too much to do to be derailed by weather.

Georgians KIA in Iraq Part Eleven: Pvt. Benjamin Freeman

Washington Post obit:

Pvt. Benjamin L. Freeman
Age: 19
Hometown: Valdosta, GA
Date of Death: 10/13/2003
Incident Location: Near Asad, Iraq

Branch of Military: Army
Rank: Pvt.
Unit: K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment
Unit's Base: Fort Carson, Colo.

Three days before he left for Iraq, Pvt. Benjamin L. Freeman was married in Colorado. "He looked forward to being a wonderful husband to his wife, April, and having children of his own," said his mother, Vicki Freeman. Freeman, 19, of Valdosta, Ga., drowned on Oct. 13 in the Euphrates River northwest of Baghdad. He had joined the Army earlier this year and was based at Fort Carson. "He was only 19, but he was no longer just a teenager. He had become a determined young man, clear thinking and motivated," said his uncle, Lee Freeman. "He knew that we all recognized this, and he knew how proud we all were of him." Freeman was an accomplished guitarist who wrote his own music. A recording of one of his songs was played at the funeral.

I realize most would not consider Pvt. Freeman to have been killed in action, but he might very well still be alive if he hadn't been sent to fight an unjustified war. He was inspired to join the military because of the attacks on September 11, but he wasn't sent to bring those responsible to justice. He was sent . . . for what, again? Oil? Family Grudge match? WMDs? Well, the Iraqis have a huge surplus of cash from their oil profits, while we're facing an historically high deficit and spending billions to rebuild their country. There were no WMDs, and I just can't stand that Valdosta lost one of their bright hopes for the future because of the ridiculous excuse for foreign policy practiced by the Bush Administration. The occupation of Iraq must end. We must bring them home.
Related: Inspiration, Part One, Parts Two and Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten