Mr. Wow Blog
Mr. wOw’s Current Events Mash-Up
12:57 pm | February 22, 2012

Author: Mr. Wow | Category: Point of View | Comments: 60

Rick Santorum, Pat Buchanan, Linsanity , Whitney and Chris Christie: our inimitable columnist weighs in

If I were a woman, I’d be scared out of my mind right now. So scared I’d be doing everything in my power to organize, coalesce, fight like hell to prevent Rick Santorum from getting any closer to snatching the Republican candidacy for president from the weak hands of Mitt Romney.

Mr. Santorum is, to put it plainly, a religious maniac, who essentially wants to kill and punish women. He does not believe in a woman’s right to choose, he does not believe women should use contraception, he does not want women to have ultra-sound examinations. (Rick thinks this leads to more abortions, because women — and their husbands — might not want to bring a damaged child into the world.) He’d prefer to see women stay home and tend to their many, many children. He talks a lot about Satan.

Even the staunchest anti-Obama Republican woman should be terrified of Santorum. He is dangerous. What makes him even more dangerous is that he is quite personable-looking. Handsome, even. Youthful and boyish. Why, a guy who looks like that — all sweater-vested and clean-cut — that guy couldn’t be a potential emperor of an American theocracy, ruling a country based on the mythologies of the Bible? In fact, he is perfect for role. “Anatomy is destiny” said Sigmund Freud. Mr. Santorum’s anatomy is deceptively pleasing, his terrible words delivered in soothing, “I’m just being reasonable” tones.

And please don’t say, “He could never win, if he ran against Obama.” Because you know what, so many people — including me! — said, “America will never elect a man of color with the name Barack Obama to the White House.” Well, now Barack Obama is facing a brutal battle to secure his second term as president. Anything can happen. Anything is possible. Don’t be cavalier, don’t relax your guard. Women of America, defend yourselves.

Yeah, Santorum hates the gays too. But you can hide being gay, if it came to that. You can’t hide being a woman. I know this is extreme rhetoric. I intend it to be extreme. I am shouting “Fire” in a room crowded with women. Because there is smoke on the horizon.

***

On to Pat Buchanan, who was recently fired from his role as a commentator on MSNBC’s acclaimed political talk show, “Morning Joe.” I don’t agree with Pat Buchanan. Certainly not on his scary visions about the “browning” of America, or his thoughts on the Jews during World War II, or gays. However, I always found him engaging, intelligent, sometimes even correct on certain policy issues. He made me think, even if I was sure he was incorrect. He generally had a good sense of humor, even when he was being attacked. I looked forward to his opinions on the current political scene. He was a staple on MSNBC for years. In fact, Rachel Maddow owes at least some of her current success to her feisty debates with Pat, back in the day, a few years ago. (Before she got her own show.) Both acquitted themselves admirably, with respect for their differences.

Now, after months on suspension, Pat Buchanan has been kicked to the curb. Why? Because he wrote a book in which he expressed opinions he’s been expressing for years. Specifically — why he thinks it will not be a good thing when whites are no longer the majority race in the U.S. That’s what Pat thinks. It’s what he’s always thought. I’ve heard him speak of it. But suddenly he is ousted from MSNBC, who behave as if he was masquerading as a liberal all this time.

What a crock. I am so tired of people being fired and censured and forced to apologize for everything they say. Especially when what they say has never been any kind of secret. MSNBC is now awash in liberalism. That might be okay, sorta, if all the liberals were smart. But we are forced to watch a loud ignoramus like Ed Shultz, or a creature like Al Sharpton, who is nothing but a race-baiting, rabble rousing fool — Tawana Brawley, Tawana Brawley, Tawana Brawley. No, as a native New Yorker I will never forget what Sharpton did to my city.

Now Pat Buchanan has fled to Fox to air his grievances. Which is too bad, because Fox didn’t much like him prior to his MSNBC firing. He’ll be encouraged to do his worst.

As for MSNBC, I am Pontius Pilate — I’ve washed my hands. I will continue to watch, mostly for Miss Maddow, despite her periodic attacks of the cutes. But there’s nothing to truly engage me — no conflict, no dissenting views, no nothin’.

***

Which leads me, inevitably, to Jeremy Lin. The first time I saw a headline that proclaimed “Linsanity!” I thought — “Oh, god, what has Lindsay done now?”

Soon, I learned it was all about this really cute Asian basketball player. I’m not a basketball fan. I prefer soccer. Still, he’s cute! I was on board. Then came the unfortunate ESPN headline when his team lost — “Chink In the Armor?” The writer apologized. Once, twice, three times — but he’s out of a job. The ESPN anchor who repeated the phrase was suspended for thirty days. His wife is Asian. Those involved say this well-used expression — “chink in the armor” — was not intended as a racial slur. I myself find it hard to believe it was, in this era of instantaneous examination. Idiotic, for sure, but deliberately confrontational and racist? I doubt it.

Still, a job was lost. A job. A paying-bills- job. A supporting- your-family job.

Offended by something? Protest. Get an apology (for all that means to people who are truly bigoted.) But don’t scream for blood and guts and the ruin of a career. It won’t help. Attitudes won’t be changed. “You’ve got to be carefully taught,” as the song from “South Pacific” goes. And hate is carefully taught in every way and every day. Those who are fired hate even more. And if they didn’t hate to begin with, time on the unemployment line is a festering swamp.

***

Whitney Houston’s funeral. Too much. For me. But God bless those who wanted to see her off in fine style. She was a great singer.

However: New Jersey governor Chris Chrstie lowering the state flag for Newark-born Whitney? Really? Let me get this straight. A privileged, enormously talented person who destroyed the last 15 years of her life with drugs receives the honor of a flag at half staff. But law-abiding, non-drug-taking, simple homosexual men and women are not allowed to marry in Chris Christie’s New Jersey.

I live in Hoboken. I knew I’d missed something. The crack pipe. Let me ruin my little talent on drugs. First I’ll get the flag, then I’ll get the vows. Right?

***

And last but not least: in my previous column I mentioned I hadn’t been feeling well — a lingering cold and cough had begun to worry me. I went to my doctor, who ordered some tests. So here are the results: I am in perfect health. I have a slight vitamin D deficiency. Otherwise, all is well. My X-rays revealed nothing unusual happening in my chest. Even my liver and kidneys were perfect — which I found surprising, considering my margarita intake! (Although I have promised myself — and B. — to cut back a bit.)

I was touched, however, by all the concern expressed. I love you guys!

Comments:
  • Andy C

    Amen and amen and amen to all of the above — and we’re so grateful and happy that you’re well and back with us.

    The new term for these presidential choices:  electile dysfunction

    1:37 pm | February 22, 2012
  • Jane H

    Hi Mr. Wow-Thanks for articulating my thoughts for me… I don’t love MSNBC anymore either… And with Whitney I was very sad that she passed. Her voice was gone and her guilt and shame over that were probably a lot to deal with. But what’s the deal calling her the best female voice ever? What about Barbra Streisand? What’s she, chopped liver?

    Glad you’re checkup went well – put any pneumonia worries to rest. Keep writing… I like reading! 🙂

    1:49 pm | February 22, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Jane…

      Yes, when everybody was talking about the purity and power of Whitney’s voice–and there’s no argument on that–I did think, “purity, power–Miss Barbra Streisand, too!”

      And isn’t MSNBC just a mess now?  I’m liberal, and I am embarassed.

      2:24 pm | February 22, 2012
  • Mr. Wow

    Dear Andy…

    You are funny!   “electile dysfunction.” 

    This is why I write.  To get  much more intelligent, amusing feedback!

    And thank you for your good wishes.

    1:49 pm | February 22, 2012
  • calgal

    Thanks, Mr. Wow for yelling FIRE about Santorum. He is crazy scary. Yes, many predicted Obama couldn’t win, yet the reasonable outvoted the bigoted. I’m hoping that’s a sign that the reasonable will outvote the religious fanatics too. And the more fanatical Santorum appears, the more the reasonable will turn out to vote against him. Because people like you are yelling FIRE!

    BTW, what happened to the fear of having a Catholic in the White House? I remember that fuss with Kennedy’s election. Kennedy never sounded as dogmatic as Santorum, yet I hear no one wondering whether the Pope will end up dictating to America through Santorum. They’re all focused on the Mormon threat, which, looking at Romney next to Santorum, isn’t where the danger is.

    2:14 pm | February 22, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Calgal..

      Yes, why doesn’t our  vaunted  “liberal media” ever ask—“Mr. Santorum, if the Pope told you this or that, and the American public said, “I don’t think so,”  to whom would you bow?  The Americans who elected you, or  to the Pope in Rome?”

      2:20 pm | February 22, 2012
  • rick gould

    Good point about New Jersey Gov.’s diverging take on Whitney and gay marriage. Hypocrisy is the hallmark of our political system, so I guess I’m not surprised.

    Great news about your health! You have to have at least one margarita to celebrate the good news ; ) I haven’t had one in years… One or two beers or glasses of white wine does the trick for me.

    Although I may hit the bottle if Lifetime actually goes through with a Lindsay Lohan starred “Liz and Dick” TV flick. Sad, sad, sad to quote Martha in “Virginia Woolf.”

    2:18 pm | February 22, 2012
  • Mr. Wow

    Dear Rick…
    Okay.  I had one margarita.
    Ummmm…two.
    Oh, all right–a very small third!
    As for Miss T and Miss L, break out the tequila honey, it’s happening.  Or as Martha brayed:  “This is not a novel, sir, this really happened.  It happened to me!” 
     
     
     

    2:34 pm | February 22, 2012
  • Jane H

    Mr. Wow, I just have to ask…. do people other than me know who you are? Or are we all in the dark on this? Or am I just terribly naive? (I’m smiling)

    Jane

    2:59 pm | February 22, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Jane…

      I truly doubt you know who I am.  I’m nobody.  My name would mean nothing if I told you.
      You are not naive. You probably think I am someone far smarter, more famous and self-assured.  I guess perhaps because I with such sweeping, annoying  certainty.  (I’m smiling!)
       
      XXXMr.W
       

      3:32 pm | February 22, 2012
      • Mr. Wow

        “…because I write with such sweeping…etc”

        See, I’m just an idiot who writes too fast.   And can’t spell to save my life.

        3:34 pm | February 22, 2012
  • Deirdre Cerasa

    I am 100% with AndyC! I keep thinking that people will see what a dangerous, evil person Santorum is! But he goes up in the polls?? The women I know are signing petitions and talking about him to anyone who will listen. To those who say he will never be elected, never is a very long time and we must keep pushing back against him. I was going to speak of President Kennedy but Calgal covered that (thank you).
    Sad about Whitney Houston, not surprising. Perhaps there needs to be more attention paid to “to whom much is given, much is expected”. Sad and a waste.
    Last and most importantly, I am so very glad you are feeling better and that all the tests prove you robust good health! You make my day, every time you write for us!

    3:24 pm | February 22, 2012
  • Jane H

    Well, whoever you might be,the mystery is quite delicious. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without ‘my gays’. They are outrageous, gossipy, dramatic, over the top, regular guys. One is a retired actor and DJ and Federal Reserve worker and he and his partner host wonderful parties in their home where the group of us (Finger Friends and Fine Foods) eat and drink and dance like fools…. you should SO come and join us!!

    3:53 pm | February 22, 2012
    • Paul Smith

      Had a Republican said gays are outrageous, gossipy, dramatic and over the top, a public firestorm and a loss of career would be in order.  I bet your friends are good dancers too.

      5:11 pm | February 22, 2012
      • Jane H

        Paul… please forgive me if I was offensive. I adore my friends and would never, ever want to insult them. Or you. We just have such great times together-and no one cares how well anyone dances-we just love shakin’ it to Duffy and Robyn and Frank and all kinds of wonderful stuff. I am sorry!

        9:16 am | February 23, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear  Jane…

      Well, okay.  Is this in NYC?  I’ll come but you can’t ask me who I am.  I’ll just have to be that mysterious middle-aged stranger.  Dancing like a fool. 

      6:44 pm | February 22, 2012
      • Jane H

        Oh how I wish it were NYC… but it’s good old Kansas City Missouri… home of barbeque and jazz and fountains and beautiful boulevards… but it ain’t NYC! Mom lived there in the 30’s on Riverside Dr by Grant’s Tomb, the church.

        9:02 am | February 23, 2012
  • Mr. Wow

    Dear Paul…

    I know you were responding to Jane H.  But let me assure you, I don’t believe in firing anybody for their ignorance or bigotry.   Call me a faggot and I’ll call you out, too.  And then we’ll really get into it.

    Sticks and stones.  I interested in my human rights. 

    But…most of my friiends are  good dancers.

    6:33 pm | February 22, 2012
  • Daniel Sugar

    Will you be Oscar-ing this year?

    10:14 pm | February 22, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Dr. Sugar…

      I intend to Oscar, tho I have been  having very severe problems loggiing and stying logged on.  But I will do my best!’

      11:47 pm | February 22, 2012
  • Santorum: No kidding. He is truly frightening. And in the same vein, Mr. Wow, you must have followed the news about the Republican-majority Virginia state legislature, which tried to pass a law which, by the way it was written, would basically require women getting very early-term abortions to first have a “transvaginal ultrasound.” This is where an ultrasound probe is shoved up your hoo-ha and wiggled around for a good 30-45 minutes so that the doctor can then force the woman to view what she intends to abort. Calculated harassment, bullying, and shaming in my book, and many called it “state sanctioned rape.” Now the Governor and the (female!) sponsor of the bill are killing it in its current form, faced as they are with the ridicule and outrage of the entire country. Alas, the bill is still likely to pass and require women to have an normal ultrasound before an abortion. Not much of an improvement, in my estimation.

    While public outrage has not completely derailed the Virginia bill, it did shoot down the worst aspects of it. But the fact that it was ever introduced in its original form? Unforgivable.

    I have always been registered independent and there were times – far in the past now – that I actually voted for Republican candidates. No more. Never again. Every election cycle, they get more outrageous, more extreme, more overtly theocratic, and – yes! – more stupid and ignorant about the larger issues that really matter in this country and in the world. I totally agree with the Huffington Post article by Miles Mogulescu: Republicans are dangerous to women’s health and safety. I will even go him one better: I think Republicans are dangerous to women’s rights (among many other things).

    11:13 pm | February 22, 2012
    • LandofLove

      It will be interesting to see how some of these issues, such as contraception/abortion/women’s health, evolve as we get closer to the election. I think many people are getting really fed up with the emphasis by the candidates on these topics rather than job creation, the economy, etc. I can see people really coming together in anger over the extreme positions of Mr. Santorum and his ilk. As in the case of the Komen Foundation and Planned Parenthood, public outrage can make a difference.  

      8:06 am | February 23, 2012
  • “A chink in the armor.” Yup, a well-worn phrase that everyone understands, unless of course, it is used in reference to an ethnic Chinese person. And then “chink” becomes “Chink” among those who like to be offended. I have heard the phrase used in sports context and elsewhere; but our brains only get vapor-locked in the gasp-I’m-so-offended mode when it’s used to describe the performance of Mr. Lin. Maybe we should be offended that OTHER people are still thinking “Chink” rather than “chink.” Doesn’t that indicate THEY are the ones going around with slurs in their minds?

    Reminds one of the “putting lipstick on a pig” remark from the last campaign, when people who like to be offended decided, unilaterally and incorrectly, that the remark was somehow insulting Palin. Never mind that McCain, Cheney, John and Elizabeth Edwards, and others have all used the phrase to refer to various issues. But no, THIS time it must refer to something completely different, and we’re offended.

    11:50 pm | February 22, 2012
  • Daniel Sugar

    Susan: Good goin’ stranger!

    12:39 am | February 23, 2012
  • lovesthebeach

    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Please keep your columns going, I do read them every week. And this week, well, ya hit the nail on the head. Quite frankly Rick Santorum scares the ‘bejezuz’ out of me, as he does many of my female friends. His misogynistic attitude is scary in and of itself, but he also has 7 children that he’s indoctrinating, and I’m not discounting his wife. He’s sanctimonious, self-righteous, self satisfied, self involved and he does not speak for me or any of the women I know. I lived in a paternalistic society for over 20 years and know only too well what a dis-service that ‘I KNOW WHAT”S BEST FOR THE LITTLE WOMAN, CAUSE I’M A MAN’ attitude is to women. I remember going to an OB-GYN for birth control pills when I was first married and the doctor told me I had to have a written note from my husband before he could prescribe the ‘pill’. Needless to say, I walked out the door and never went back to him. But the next doctor said the same thing, and I demanded to see a copy of the law that stated I was chattel, and needed permission from a husband for basic medical care. I got my birth control. OK, I’m climbing down off of my soapbox now, well, just one more statement, I do believe in marriage for anyone who cares to embrace that institution, and I don’t care if you’re same sex, or opposite sexes. If you’ve found someone to love, cherish and stand by you, you are one of the lucky ones.
    Climbing down now.

    8:09 am | February 23, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear lovesthe beach…

      Please DON’T climb down.  Women need more women like you. 

      2:14 pm | February 23, 2012
      • lovesthebeach

        OK, I’ll stay up there, even when the sanctimonious rightists are taking potshots. I got real good at ducking when I lived with the paternalists.

        And when we stop judging people by gender, I’ll get down off of my soapbox. I guess I’m slated to stay up here for awhile though.

        7:13 am | February 25, 2012
  • Deirdre Cerasa

    lovesthebeach,
    Please don’t get down! Every woman who believes that she is not chattel needs to read and remember what Santorum and his band of (insert whatever word you like) is trying to do!
    Though not profound, I have been saying for years, that people love who they love. Sounds simple because it is!
    I love Mr. WoW’s columns and look forward to each one.

    9:47 am | February 23, 2012
    • lovesthebeach

      Exactly, people love who they love, period. I guess I’ll stay up here for awhile, at least until _____ people like Santorum and his ilk are vanquished. At the moment the wanna be’s in politics are focusing on non-issues, trying to get our minds off the real issues of the day, the financial and physical well being of this country and the world. And what is even scarier, they’re succeeding.

      7:17 am | February 25, 2012
  • Baby Snooks

    The truly scary thing about Rick Santorum is that he has enough of a base of support that he could probably “force” his being selected as the running mate of whoever wins the nomination. Which most suspect will be Mitt Romney. As the candidate for either president or vice-president the result will be that many Republicans will again vote for the Democrat. Out of fear.  Some wonder if that is by design. I am among those who wonder. I look at Obama. Who seems to be merely another Bush Boy.  Railing forever about the rich. Then proposing lowering the corporate income tax. Few realize this but Romney had it wrong.  Corporations are not people. But many people, all of them extremely wealthy, are corporations. Bottom line is the American people, well, are just stupid. And suckers. They really should have a statue of PT Barnum in front of the Capitol. At this point there’s a sucker born every second in this country.

    Interesting about the ultrasound controversy. The other “Pastor Rick” claims the opposite with regard to the law in Texas. That it will result in fewer abortions. So, well, make up your mind guys. Bottom line of this sudden interest in “freedom of religion” is that everyone screaming that their “freedom” is being threatened believes that “freedom” only applies to Christianity. That should frighten anyone who believes in real “freedom” with regard to what the founding fathers not only stated in the Bill of Rights but later in the Treaty of Tripoli.  But then these same people have a problem with the founding fathers. Particularly Thomas Jefferson. If they could they would remove his name from everything. Along with everyone who approved the Treaty of Tripoli. Most of them founding fathers who had gone on to serve in the US Senate. Which unanimously approved the Treaty of Tripoli.  An act of treason according to some.

    Miss Whitney Houston. You’d think she was Mother Theresa. Enough. And the “home going” which was supposed to be “private” and ended up being “licensed for broadcast” and no doubt will be available on DVD soon.  Horrid. A friend in Los Angeles, unimpressed with all of it, called the funeral “The Dionne Warwick Show.”  She has her own issues. In case people have forgotten. The extended family to be honest appears to have some issues. But having watched how everyone turned on Aretha Franklin for speaking her mind, including saying simply it wasn’t her place to say anything, I will leave it at that.  Whitney Houston was a great talent. Past tense as you point out.  She drowned herself, and her talent, in drugs and alcohol.  And the bad boys. Her second one was Kim Kardashian’s boyfriend. And “co-star” in a little “erotic film.”  I have immense empathy for her. But it does not rise to the level of a nationally broadcast funeral with flags flown at half-staff.  The family is highly offended by the photos of her in the casket. Well, what did they expect? They claimed they wanted a “private” funeral and then announced AP would carry the feed live. So suddenly it wasn’t so “private” and the tabloids dispatched the “hitmen.”  Most of whom just offer a check. The way it works. Something celebrities don’t realize when they claim their privacy is being invaded. Want to be famous? If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. And be wary of doing things you don’t people to know you’re doing. The tabloids are very good at offering a check to the “friends, family, and other assorted strangers” for a photo or a story.  One of whom may have “sold” the little “casket photos.”  And you’d be surprised at how many celebrities, looking for some attention, actually “split the check” with the “friends, family and other assorted strangers” who they get to feed the story to the tabloids. Whcih the tabloids know. And love. If the story comes out a little different than intended, well, it makes it harder to sue for libel. 

    I were the Asian wife of the other commentator who repeated the “Chink in the Armor” lead-in I would have already filed for divorce. After I slammed him upside the head with a cast-iron skillet and threw him and his clothes out in the front yard. Sorry, Hillary, but that’s how you handle a man who is a sleazeball.  Unless you’re a sleazeball as well.   These “terms of endearment” are quite common. At the dinner table so to speak. But they should be left at the dinner table. Should commentators be fired when they don’t leave it at the dinner table? Not only fired but banned from broadcast and then tarred and feathered and run out of town. I’ll forgive ignorance at the dinner table. To a point. But not when it’s broadcast to millions who may not realize the “broadcaster” is a fool.  These days the fools are easy to spot.  Ignorance is always accompanied by arrogance. And Pat Buchanan isn’t the only arrogant commentator. And the “Left” has as many fools as the “Right.”

    One of the comments here referred to “my gays.” Why do we “qualify” everyone in our lives? It’s quite Freudian. My “gay friend.”  My “this” friend. My “that” friend. How nice of us to have so many of “those people” as friends. I just have friends. Without “qualification.” I have no need to feel “superior” to anyone. Or to imply someone is one of “those people.”

    It’s not really not my place to say anything. But, well, Aretha I ain’t.

    11:42 am | February 23, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Aretha..uh, Baby…

      You are assuming this ESPN guy is a racist and a sleazeball?  I don’t.  A careless editor and writer–a fool as you put it–but deliberately racist?  Big step there. 

      I don’t approve of firing people because they are ignorant, or even racist.  I believe in calling people out on their predjudices.  Hold them up to ridicule, make them apologize (tho true racists will just mouth the words)    But you can’t collect every careless statement and put it in the you’ve–lost-your-job basket. 

      If I was a public person, not anonymous, and somebody called me a dirty queer or faggot or whatever, I’d sure make hay out of it.  I’d sure let everybody know that my attacker is–in my opinion–ignorant and dangerous.  I would not demand his job, just because I have been “insulted.”   Get over being insulted and work for change.  That doesn’t mean firing every asshole in the world.  Because, you know what–that’s easy now.

      2:27 pm | February 23, 2012
      • Mr. Wow

        P.S. Baby…

        I also hate the phrase, “my gays.”

        LOATHE Kathy Griffin’s use of that phrase.  I’m not her gay and never will be. 

        2:37 pm | February 23, 2012
        • Baby Snooks

          It’s not the “Chink in the Armor” in itself but the context in which it was used which left no doubt as to the “intent” of the “context.” The intent goes beyond being careless. And I really have no patience for it. We need to return to some “civility” in our public discourse. Period. And I must add that while I am libertine at the dinner table, some things, as my grandmother put it once to me when I said something I shouldn’t have, will get you carried out by the maid along with the rest of the trash.  People have been “calling out” Pat Buchanan and others for years. It doesn’t work. So “cut them out” and leave them to the “dinner tables” and most likely the maids who will carry them out along with the rest of the trash. 

          I’m glad someone agrees with me about “my _______ friend.” You definitely would be someone I would introduce simply as my friend.

          3:10 pm | February 23, 2012
          • Baby Snooks

            I must add that people who fall into the trap of “my _ friend” often do so believing it helps the “_______” become more accepted. I had a friend who constantly referred to a mutual friend as her “black friend” until one day they encountered someone who responded to the mutual friend as “oh, you’re her black friend.”  And she realized that sometimes it just further defines someone as being “apart from” instead of defining them as being “a part of.”  I let it go in most cases. But there was the comment here and I decided not to let it go. But I didn’t address it to condemn it. Merely to point out that it isn’t really something that makes someone “feel accepted” for themselves.

            3:45 pm | February 23, 2012
          • Mr. Wow

            Dear Baby..

            And I am afraid younger gays have fallen into the trap of accepting the phrase, and also accepting the grisly stereotypes foisted upon them by the Logo Channel.  Along with Oprah’s OWN Network, Logo is a wasteland of mis-used potential.

            7:23 am | February 24, 2012
          • Baby Snooks

            I prefer my gays older and wiser and more mature. Like fine wine. Sorry, couldn’t resist. Interesting comment you made about gays can always hide being gay. Some can’t. They’re the ones who get bullied even as adults. And usually are the “bright lights” that light up the world. And they were the ones who fought back along with the “drag queens” at Stonewall. While the “ones who can hide it” hid behind the bar and in the bathroom!

            7:48 am | February 24, 2012
          • Mr. Wow

            Dear Baby…

            Well, of course, some can’t.  Most can.  But a woman is a woman is a woman.  Women have no place to hide when the Santorums of the world want to punish them for…being women with a free will.

            As for The Stonewall.  Not many drag-queens that night.  But a lot of very young men, who were just fed up.  Also a few butch lesbians.  (They gave the cops the hardest time, before the real riot began.)
             
             

            2:28 pm | February 24, 2012
  • camb 94

    So glad to hear that you are healthy. Your posts are my reason for checking this site and I really miss you when you are gone — even though I rarely post myself. Usually everyone else has interesting enough comments without me adding my two cents. But I thought you should know that you have many more fans (I assume) than are visible to you.

    As for the birth control issue, I am stunned that more women aren’t raising more noise, maybe they are in shock? Or maybe they will vote at the polls. What hasn’t been brought much, but I think might be relevant, is that before the pill was invented, there also wasn’t DNA testing. I would think that more men should be concerned about this as well. Not only could less access to birth control increase the numbers of births, but I assume that there will be many more court ordered paternity tests and child support payments. Maybe the men (especially those who are speaking the loudest) haven’t figured that out yet.

    2:22 pm | February 23, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Camb 94…

      Thanks for your good wishes!

      And as for women.  Yes, right now I think they are in shock.  Even Republican women. 

      Romney made a fairly good showing last night.  Although I would still prefer the flawed Mr. Obama, I don’t think Mitt is anywhere near as downright crazy as either Santorum or Newt.   I’ll vote for O and hope for the best, but if Mitt R. becomes president, I don’t think I’ll shudder every day, as I would with the other two. 

      Politicians.  Not a good bunch no matter how you slice and dice ’em.

      2:35 pm | February 23, 2012
      • Baby Snooks

        Politicians.  Not a good bunch no matter how you slice and dice ‘em.

        Every once inawhile there is someone who feels “called” to public service. It’s been awhile since we’ve seen someone was “called.” Most look upon “public service” as merely a very lucrative career choice.  Easiest way to become a millionaire in this country is to become a politician. As for why millionaires want to become politicians, well, they want to become billionaires. Although occasionallly they just want to feed their ego.  And having your name in the history books is much better for the ego than having your name on the wall of a building somewhere.  As you know, I am not optimistic about our future. But sooner or later we are going to see an “American Spring.”  And it will not be pretty. 

        3:25 pm | February 23, 2012
  • Mr. Wow

    Dear Baby…

    you are correct.  There are a few good ones.  But why so few?

    7:35 pm | February 23, 2012
    • Baby Snooks

      Most people at this point really don’t have much respect for politicians. And so most people have too much self-respect to become one.  What it really comes down to. 

      9:29 pm | February 23, 2012
    • Zip It

      First time commenter but longtime follower.

      I think our perception of politicians is formed by those who are in the spotlight. Those who are elected to, or running for, state and national office. A campaign at that level takes so much money that just to be in the running the politician has already been bought. Once elected she/he belongs to someone other than the electorate. We are absolutely correct to worry about who they really advocate for.

      Do away with all private and corporate campaign financing or limit the total allowable campaign expenditure to level the playing field and we might start to see more politicians we respect.

      10:52 am | February 25, 2012
  • Reggie

    Lohan is probably quite ticked, perhaps sipping a Ciroc and musing a lawsuit, that her P.R. people didn’t think of and copyright “Linsanity”.  But the most inspired thing about today’s post was….Pontius Pilate!!  Holy crackers, I haven’t heard a reference to that guy since eighth grade at St. Francis.  I’m going to start saying that out loud and very soon my 5yr old nephew will be mimicking me — “I made like Pontius Pilate and washed my hands, Aunt Reg”.  Sweet!

    8:18 pm | February 23, 2012
  • mary burdt

    Hi Mr. Wow, I am so glad to read here that you are feeling much better. What a relief for all of us on this site. If it weren’t for your posting, I probably wouldn’t tune in.

    As far as MSNBC is concerned, I really have to disagree. In spite of myself, I just love Chris Matthews. He so enjoys politics, and it shows. He and Buchanan were great together on a very regular basis. I didn’t know Pat had been fired. As you, I barely ever agreed with him politically but I liked him just the same. Love Rachel Maddow and watch her show every chance I get. As for Ed and the Reverend, ugh. Tune into to Matthew’s Hardball once in a while. He will be interesting during this election cycle. Matthews won me over even after he bashed Hillary almost on a nightly basis in 08. Hillary was my choice and I would get so angry at him for falling all over Obama like he was perfect. Perfect. he ain’t, but he has my vote, for sure.
    Best, Mary

    9:28 pm | February 23, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Mary…

      Chris needs to slow it up a bit, and allow his guests to respond.  His enthusiasm can be engaging.  But it can also drive me bananas. 

      7:16 am | February 24, 2012
  • Daniel Sugar

    MARYLAND JOINS THE CLUB
    State Senate Approves Gay Marriage, Governor Expected To Sign Into Law

    10:52 pm | February 23, 2012
  • Mr. Wow

    FROM MR. Wow—

    Message to all.  I am supposed to do my usual live blog on Oscar night.  I have recently been having a hell of a time staying logged on here for more than  a minute.  I can get here, but responding is a challenge as I am timed off within two minutes.  B. changed by browser to no avail.  Anybody  had any similar issues?  Any suggestions?

    I’m stumped!

    Mr. W.

    7:13 am | February 24, 2012
    • Baby Snooks

      Every time they “improve” wowOwow most of us long for the original “unimproved” wowOwow and my “problem” with the “improvement” is that ever since they started “improving” it the edit function doesn’t always work. I go back, edit, and hit submit. And the “unedited” comment appears. Could be my old computer. Could be the settings the “improver” set when they “improved” the last time.  Sounds like it is the latter since I’m not the only one who has problems. I probably won’t watch the Oscars. Not interested in Oprah. And am really rather irritated over Doris Day being snubbed again. And George Clooney will probably win. And I don’t really like George Clooney. I wouldn’t throw him out of bed. But I would throw him out the door before breakfast.

      8:00 am | February 24, 2012
  • Mr. Wow

    Friends–

    Cross your fingers.  For the first time in nearly a month I’ve been able to respond to three of you in  a row this a.m. without being logged off.   My troubles may be over.  I still wonder if I could write more slowly, think about a response?   Three minutes was my limit for a while.  (Well, you guys know my many typos, I try to look before  I press submit.  Often not even that works.  My brain doesn’t react till I see the typo  posted.)

    7:28 am | February 24, 2012
  • HauntedLady

    Another one here glad for your improved health. I check this site every now and then to see what you’ve posted as I always enjoy reading your viewpoint on things. I like Liz, too, but that’s about it.

    Santorum scares the bejeebus out of me and I’m hoping he overplays his hand and fades into an also-ran like Palin. I live in Michigan so I’m watching things here fairly closely. I don’t register with either party as I prefer to remain independent. It pains me to see someone like him being considered a viable candidate for national office, and I’m livid about the Virginia law. I long for the days of Shulamith Firestone and Gloria Steinem and the whole lot of strong, forceful, intelligent women who fought the injustices imposed on us. Today, I don’t know. There’s no fire in the belly any more.

    And I agree wholeheartedly that one doesn’t designate one’s friends as gay or black or Jewish or whatever. A friend is a friend.

    8:05 pm | February 24, 2012
  • JCF4612

    Rick Santorum truly is a piece of work. It’s a sad commentary on America (certainly on the GOP) that he’s considered a frontrunner toward becoming the Republican nominee for the highest office in the land. Lawdy, Ms. Clawdy, get the girls together and start mobilizing against this neanderthal.  

    9:52 pm | February 24, 2012
    • JCF4612

      Oh, and Mr. Wow, so glad to know your liver, etc. are in prime condition. They’ll need strength to get through the November election.

      10:02 pm | February 24, 2012
      • Mr. Wow

        Dear JCF…

        Part of me wants to experience every terrible moment of the coming campaign.  The other part wants to go into a coma until it is all over. 

        7:05 pm | February 25, 2012
  • Pdr de

    Excellent article, Mr. Wow! I moved from Wisconsin to escape the long, difficult winters, but mostly to escape Gov. Walker, to Virginia, where as Lila said and this is a direct quote from her letter “the Republican-majority Virginia state legislature, which tried to pass a law which, by the way it was written, would basically require women getting very early-term abortions to first have a “transvaginal ultrasound.” This is where an ultrasound probe is shoved up your hoo-ha and wiggled around for a good 30-45 minutes so that the doctor can then force the woman to view what she intends to abort. Calculated harassment, bullying, and shaming in my book, and many called it “state sanctioned rape.” Now the Governor and the (female!) sponsor of the bill are killing it in its current form, faced as they are with the ridicule and outrage of the entire country.” No matter where I go I seem to be surrounded by what I refer to as “Rabid” Republicans (Tea Party sounds much to weak to describe the extremes to which these people go)!

    If they have their way, we will be taking HUGE steps back in this country, perhaps even to the time when women couldn’t vote. Santorum is a scary, scary man! There’s so much dishonesty going on in our government. The electoral vote system should have been flushed down the toilet decades ago. We don’t elect presidents – there’s the popular vote and the electoral vote – that’s why only millionaires can afford to run for president. They have to pay off so many people in order to get elected. I hate what’s going on.

    Your writing is succinct and very expressive – I love it when you reach the perking point and let it all hang out. I’m sick of politicians, dishonesty, wheeling and dealing, prejudice against people of color and homosexuals and women. Santorum as president? God help us!

    I’m so glad you’re healthier than you thought you were. Hope you feel all well soon!

    9:03 am | February 26, 2012
  • ann penn

    Thank you Mr. Wow for pointing out just how serious the threat to a woman’s control over her basic self – body, mind and spirit – has become. I am one who has been fighting this battle since before Roe v. Wade. I have seen women go to the back alley, be refused the right to abort a rape pregnancy until she paid a psych dr. to lie for her (about being suicidal). Personally, I have had a life threatening (though planned, wanted) pregnancy that could not be treated until my health had reached the dire level, because I had to be dying (or close to it).

    Interesting that Mrs. Santorum lived with an abortionist Dr. before linking up with Mr. S. And that Mr. S. was pro-choice before he decided to go into politics.

    This whole “freedom of religion” flap over birth control has, IMO, reversed the positions of those who should have the “freedom”. Let the Bishops of Rome preach whatever, and then let the people decide. Do NOT take away choices that have serious life and health consequences because YOU disprove of something YOU will never need – especially from those whose religion differs from yours!

    Off the soapbox now… but my dander has been up for quite a while.

    9:34 am | February 26, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Ann…

      Please keep your dander up!  We need dander this year.

      8:20 am | February 28, 2012
  • Tee Zee

    I toast to your continued good health with my bloody mary! Hope you get your login issue resolved in time!

    6:00 pm | February 26, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Tee Zee..

      Thanks.  The login issue continues off and on.  Frustrating!

      8:18 am | February 28, 2012
  • Mr. Wow

    Tonight’s the night.  We’ll see if Satan rules and Santorum can win Michigan. 

    10:35 am | February 28, 2012
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