Women's Studies

I am nearing the end of my classes, next Spring is the finish line...  As I am finishing a few generals to get them out of the way I saw a Women's Studies class that sounded pretty interesting.  I must say that I am a tad disappointed.  I feel like it was a history class and not really pushing me to learn about laws and policies in place today for people like me.  Instead we discuss a lot of what happened and because of that we (women) have a stronger voice today.

I guess I might have enjoyed this class a little more face to face instead of online because I found that my views on certain topics are a pretty different from other women in the class.  Also, there are no men in this class - not surprising - but I would like to see what there perspective is on a couple of these topics. 

This week I brought up the subject of the Hobby Lobby ruling and found a lot of the class (we have about 35 women) didn't even know what I was talking about.  That was a little frustrating as you want to talk about current issues but no one is informed.  And if they just read a paragraph here or there they feel they are experts and go all raging feminist on you for simply asking questions or disagreeing with their arguments.

I did share the experience I had when job searching after moving to a new city and had an extremely uncomfortable interview.  It was me and the President of the company, he asked the usually interview questions and we chatted about how both of us had been to Australia.  He then proceeded to ask me my religion (red flag #1), if I was married or seriously dating anyone (red flag #2), if I got married was I planning on having children and leaving work (fireworks, all color flags raised, looking for an exit door).  I was completely shocked, I don't really remember how I answered but remember I said that my social life wouldn't interfere with my work.  I went back to the temp agency that I worked with and explained what happened, but it had already done it's damage. 

I obviously didn't get that job (THANK HEAVENS!!!).  But I won't ever forget how shocked I was to be asked something that had absolutely no bearing on my work performance at all and just because I was young and a woman.  So, I went and read about what is an appropriate way to handle situations like that and felt prepared if ever faced with those questions again. 

I believe everyone in some way has felt discriminated against or looked over because of gender, race, disability, etc. While we still have a long way to go, I can tell that the changes over the years are significant and if we keep teaching love and acceptance it will spread.  I don't think we will ever achieve world peace, but I believe that we are people that can start making the changes so it will benefit future generations. 

 

Become Informed...

Very rarely, will I share my feelings on politics in an open place with people that a) aren't family, b) aren't family and c) aren't family. 

But I couldn't keep my blog silent tonight.  The past few days, although it seems like years, I have been seeing post after post about the government and Obamacare wrecking our innocent lives.  I have seen posts on Facebook from friends that are saying how scared they are because of all these changes to insurance and increases in their taxes and also how secret government people are going to come to your house and do "home inspections" and etc., etc., blah, blah, blah....  The list goes on and on and on....

For example, I saw a friend post this article and state that she is nauseous over it.  I, of course, thought that in all of my reading and following different things happening here in D.C. I never heard this come up in any discussion on Obamacare and that definitely caused me to really question if that was true.  So, I did research.  Quick little search on Google pulled up an immediate response on Snopes that said the article was false.  And honestly, do you really think that something like random home health visits to people just because they smoke or are young parents would slip by unnoticed and not one person in the entire nation would pick up on that or say anything?  No...  If you said yes - shame on you! 
Just because we vote to place representatives in both State and Federal positions - doesn't mean we just cross our fingers and hope they do what they say they are going to do when we cast our vote.  AFTER the elections, it is as much our job to follow, educate ourselves and understand what is happening on both the state and federal level each day, as it is the representatives job to make sure that the needs of their state are being addressed.  

People hear the word "government" and think of it as a body of one.  Not as it actually is - hundreds of people...  People are the mouthpiece for their city, county, state, nation.  We mainly hear about the corrupt politicians on the news and I know they are there, but there are also good ones that are behind the scenes doing everything they can to make a difference.  I truly believe that every vote counts and if a person doesn't vote because they don't think their vote will matter - they have no right to complain if they don't like the way things are being handled.

I am tired of people just seeing something posted on Facebook or a website that isn't credible and believe it as truth.  We have the right to question, do research, write letters, create petitions, email, and/or call our representatives!  So, go and get informed!  Don't just sit back and see how it the new tax laws or health insurance premiums are going to affect you and your family!  Figure it out the old fashioned way with a pen, paper and calculator!  Stop being sheep and start asking questions, do the research and then if you want go ahead and state your opinions.  Because then and only then - will I tolerate your ramblings and opinions. 

To My Cousin, Cody

With Memorial Day on Monday and working with retired military officers, I am reminded of so many things that I sometimes take for granted.

I have a home, car, job, freedom, religion and life.

My cousin is leaving for another tour of duty in the Middle East this summer and he has constantly been on my mind. So, I am dedicating this post to him.

Cody and I are close in age which meant that we would play Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or soldiers together. Great childhood memories! Now we are both grown and living life in completely different areas. And although we no longer play soldiers, Cody has turned the game into his life.

He has been to the Middle East understanding and willingly laying his life on the line for me, my family, my friends and my country. And he will again.


To Cody - Thank You! Thank you for fighting in a war that I am not physically fighting in. Know that you will have my support 100% in everything you do. You are constantly in my prayers and thoughts. I love you! :)

To those that have fought before - may you rest in peace. I hope as you look down on America you will see many grateful Americans that will always remember what your ultimate sacrifice was for.