Mr. Wow Blog
Obama and Same-Sex Marriage–What Was That He Said?
5:51 pm | May 11, 2012

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

 

Earlier this week, President Obama offered his personal opinion that as far as he—and Michelle and Malia and Sasha were concerned–same sex-marriage was a-okay.  Misty eyes and joyful whooping and hollerin’ emerged from liberals. MSNBC had a collective orgasm. (FOX, naturally, all but put devil horns on the president’s head.)

   Well, there were no misty eyes or joyful whooping and hollerin’ at chez Wow/B.   In fact, there was a lot of eye-rolling and tongue-clucking and “oh, please.”  B. did not offer the big ring.  I did not suggest a June wedding. 

 

Never have I seen such a load of  horseshit as has been spread by Obama and giddy Democratic pundits and editorial writers on this “evolution” about civil rights.  Obama has flip-flopped all over the place about same-sex marriage. “Yes” when he was nobody. “Evolving” when he was leader of the free world.

     As a gay man, I found the lead-in (and follow-up) to this event insulting and unconvincing. 

 

First, Joe Biden goes on “Meet The Press” and offers his personal opinion.  Unlike his boss, he had evolved and was ready to say so.  All hell breaks loose.  Then North Carolina says “absolutely not” to same-sex unions.  More hell bubbles up.  What, what what would Obama do?  Everybody who doesn’t want to control other people’s private lives, said it was time for the president to complete his growth as a human being.

  Everybody who thinks that gay people marrying has something to do with them, waited, smacking their lips.  

 

Finally, on the third day of this “crisis” (wow, where’d all the jobs and economy stuff go?) the president has a cozy chat with ABC correspondent Robin Roberts, and bravely ventures his personal opinion.  He doesn’t say he’ll declare some sort of mandate or demand all states accept his opinion as the law of the land.  He just wanted to get his feelings out there.  Really?  This is a Constitutional issue, Mr. President. The states should have no right to tell me, or you, or Malia and Sasha, what our civil rights are. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again.  In this country a heterosexual Death Row prisoner has the “right” to marry.  I want the same rights as a as cold blooded straight murderer, please.

 

On the fourth day, amidst cheering on one side and brutal condemnation from the other, the White House allows a story to escape.  Joe Biden trotted over to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and formally apologized to the president, for having essentially forced his hand on the matter.  Sooooo…okay.  Obama didn’t really want to favor same-sex marriage right now, looking ahead as he is to a brutal fight to hold onto the presidency.  He didn’t think it would help his chances. 

  The publicized Biden apology sent a message to those who are iffy/negative on the same-sex marriage issue: “I didn’t want to do it.  Maybe I don’t mean it.  Joe is an idiot.”   

 

  That Rachel Maddow, at least, did not pick up on this disappointed me.  Maybe she just didn’t want to pick up on it.  Despite her incessant “cutes” and her increasingly frantic performing, she is an intelligent voice in the shrieking world of MSNBC’s Sharpton, Matthews and Shultz.

 

The cherry on the sundae was digging up Mitt Romney’s almost 50 year-old bullying of a high-school classmate, who eventually came out as gay in later years.  (Romney gave the kid a brutal haircut.)   It’s an awful story, but come on—something from high school?  People who hate gays are cheering the well-timed release of this tale. Finally, they have their narrative for Mitt. He hates gays too.

    The White House wants to cover every base—yes we do…yes, we do but…Romney is a homophobe.  They are gonna strap this haircut guy to the top of Romney’s car with the dog and try to drive to a second term.  Good luck with that. Now, about the jobs?

    I thought Romney’s remarks on this long-ago event were fairly good, considering—he regretted his youthful hi-jinks, didn’t recall that incident, but was sorry nevertheless.  Though I think if I’d forced a haircut on a weeping classmate, I’d remember. Also—where’s all that Mormon peace-and-love-let’s-go-be-missionaries thing?  (Maybe being a filthy rich Mormon does make a difference.) 

   And as B. pointed out, the bullies never remember. The bullied are marked for life.

 

      Bleh!  I don’t want to vote for Obama. I can’t vote for Romney.  I can’t abstain—then I would have no right to complain.  So I’m gonna hold my nose and vote for O. 

 

However, there was something of a silver lining here. Maybe even more precious than silver.  Now, I have never known what it’s like to be discriminated against because I’m gay. I never had a traumatic “coming out.” My mother’s disapproval was annoying, not heartbreaking. I’ve worked in a business that is gay-friendly. I never had to hide who I am.  I’ve been lucky! Blessed, even.

     With my multiple blessings in mind, I tried to imagine being a gay teen, or even a young person in their twenties. A vulnerable kid who  is afraid, made to feel ashamed, thinks he or she is alone.  To hear, to read, that the president of the United States thinks same-sex marriage is fine, must be a powerful message.  They don’t have to understand the political ins and outs, the wussiness of what Obama really said.  For these young people, it truly is a new world.

 

So, Obama did the half-assed right thing, for the wrong reason, but he did it.  I give him that much credit.  In time, I’ll probably give him more.

 

P.S.  During the course of these recent events I found myself reading Time magazine. (Not the new one, with the nursing child.)   It was a story about John Irving and his latest book, “In One Person.”  The article tells how Irving responded when his beloved son came out to him.  “I love you all the more” Irving said.

 

I was unaccountably moved when I read that. In fact, I began to cry.  That is a real parent and a real human being. There is hope in this old world.  It meant more to me, had more of an effect, than all the self-righteous, self-serving political palaver being dished out. 

 

I wish every shocked, unfeeling, angry parent of a gay child could read that quote from John Irving, and understand—this is how you do it.  It’s about your child, stupid.

 

 

 

Comments:
  • RWE

    Golly. I had such a different reaction to the news that our President had acknowledged that same sex marriage was something he now saw no problem with. I think you totally underestimate the power of that office and what is said from it. There are so many young, frightened gays in this country and around the world for whom this news is validating and important. I am genuinely glad you never experienced prejudice growing up. But many have and still do. Familes are torn apart by this issue. Gay suicide rates are very high. This was an historic and emotionally powerful moment for many as the headlines prove. This is your blog and you can (and should) write what you like, but your dismissive attitude towards this momentous moment was poorly written, snobbish and smacks of curled lip nastiness about a gut wrenching issue for millions. I’m very disappointed since I just found your site and was intrigued. Instead, I’ll stop following you. No need to print this, I’m sure you’ll find many in your world who’ll validate your point of view. I truly wish you a happy life, Mr Wow.

    7:54 pm | May 11, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear RWE…he had no problem with allowing it to be a state issue.  Human rights is not a state issue.  I believe I did say that no matter how he said it , what he meant or what he’ll do, it was a powerful statement for gay youth.  Until they grow up and realize his “personal opinion” means as much as mine.  Nothing. Laws mean something.

      8:01 pm | May 11, 2012
  • Haunted Lady

    Shoot. I was going to ask you about your china pattern.

    I understand your point and agree for the most part. While I have no use for marriage personally, I see no reason not to allow marriage for anyone who feels it’s right for them. And I do wish someone would make it a federal law to let people (gays are people) get married if they want. I’ve never understood why it’s an issue.

    8:47 pm | May 11, 2012
    • Haunted Lady, me either!  For all those folks out there saying that gay marriage is a threat to the institution of marriage, I ask:  how, exactly?  How does anyone’s marriage have anything to do with mine? 

      And for those who say that marriage is between one man and one woman because at its root, it is about children, I ask:  does my decision to remain childless invalidate my marriage?  The Catholic church opposes fertility treatments, so… if a couple is infertile, should they be annulled?  And if a gay couple adopts children, shouldn’t they be married? 

      I know, I know, I just caused someone’s head to explode out there.  But with out-of-wedlock births and divorce rates skyrocketing, it’s not like we straights have done a real bang-up job of defending the institution of marriage.  Why are we so defensive of “someone else” wanting to take up what we are so blithely throwing away?

      9:56 pm | May 11, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Haunted one…we could still use a new set of china!

      11:26 pm | May 11, 2012
  • Mr. Wow,

    I agree with you that Obama did the half-assed right thing for the wrong reasons.  One of my disappointments in him is that he has involved the President’s office in some fairly low-level social stuff, merely because it involved race and was controversial (examples, the Henry Louis Gates case, the Trayvon Martin case).  These things are important, but do not need Presidential involvement or commentary.

    As far as his opinion on gay marriage, I sense that this was a purely political move, cynical and therefore unimpressive.  Those fighting for equality should take what they can get, but it would have been nice for it to be more genuine.

    And that is why you were “unaccountably moved” by the Irving story.  Because it was genuine.

    9:48 pm | May 11, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Lila…you know, I am sure if I was young, whether living openly gay, or miserable in the mid-west, I’d have had a different reaction.  I meant it, what I said above–I’m sure it was  powerful moment for the young.   But I’m not young, so what I saw was political maneuvering and lack of leadership.  I’m glad he said it. History is often made incrementally. I still don’t like what led up to it or (especially) what followed.  Did we need to know Joe Biden apologized?   

      11:24 pm | May 11, 2012
  • Mr. Wow, re: the story of Romney bullying other kids in high school:  you know, I was less than impressed with the attacks on Clinton’s marijuana use in college and I wish that rather than waffling about it, he had said:  “Sure, I smoked some pot, but I was a young stupid kid and that was a long time ago.”  As much as I can’t stand Bush, he had the right answer:  “When I was young and irresponsible, I was young and irresponsible.”

    And now, here we are digging into the candidates’ high school years?  Come on, there’s a reason why juvenile records are handled separately from adult records, and then become sealed.  I’d like to see this principle applied to political candidates too. What’s next – lurid articles about the time someone threw up on his desk at age 10, or wet his pants during the school play at age 6?  And here I thought the “permanent record” was a myth that teachers scared us with, to make us behave.  Give it a rest, press corps!

    10:05 pm | May 11, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Lila…and this is only May.  Think of the horrors to come, from both sides!

      11:27 pm | May 11, 2012
  • Deirdre

    I’m kind of wishy- washy on this one. To be honest, I am happy the President made the statement but wonder what took so long. I don’t want to believe it is just politics but realize it probably (okay definitely) is. Can I still be happy he said it and hope he meant it? I have always believed that people love who they love. Quite simple, doesn’t matter what sex, or color or religion. Just try to be good and kind to each other. If you want children great, if you don’t fine but if you have children, love them and take good care of them. They are a precious gift.Oh, and don’t forget to let us know the china pattern.

    12:11 am | May 12, 2012
    • TheRudeDog

      Deirdre:  I think, by definition, everything a politician says or does is about politics.  It’s a shame politics has to involve politicians.  I’ve also always thought it just wrong that we have to buy used cars from “Used Car Salesmen!”

      Mr. Wow:  This is just me being silly but I bet that, if you and B were to register at an Imaginary Depression Glass Outlet, you’d have a full 10-place setting within the weekend!  Plus, I love the idea that your chosen “pattern” would be Depression Glass  :-).  Hey, it’s starting to snow here in Denver again (yes, it’s May 12th), and I gave up knitting a long time ago.  Pretending what I’d do with your life makes me smile!

      11:01 am | May 12, 2012
      • Deirdre

        Hi Rude! I know you are right. This is the reason my Mom would look at me and with kind of a wry smile say “Pollyanna lives”.  I tend to want to believe what people say, even when I know it’s not true. Big time gullible, not stupid, just gullible. I often hear my inner voice telling me it’s a crock but I just want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Okay, now that we are all covered in syrup and probably puke too; I am not taken advantage of by snake oil salesmen and I haven’t bought out the entire line of Joan Rivers jewelry from QVC or some such. I just prefer to think of people as honest first and liars later. I working on it , really I am. I hope that by the time I’m about 80 I will be as cynical as the next person!  

        3:03 pm | May 12, 2012
  • Mr. Wow

    Dear Deirdre…I’m on kitschy side, when it comes to china.

    And of course you can still be happy he said it, no matter how it happened.   I’ve offered my opinion, not an edict–Mr.Wow commands!  I should wield such power. 

    In time, I might feel better about the whole thing myself.   For now, I’ll have to forge ahead with my  “curled lip of nastiness”–as my brand-new, now-ex reader RWE so colorfully put it.   And I feel bad about that– I chased somebody away in just two days!

    12:55 am | May 12, 2012
  • Scott

    Mr. wOw – Tell it!! Sometimes the truth IS nasty.  I am seething with a slow burning rage that your President is using the stuff of real lives for political gain… and in so doing, subjecting us to the hatred spewed by the right in counterattack. 

    I, too, am glad he said it… but I’m not happy about his reasons.  Crusty though I may be in response… at least history’s going in the right direction. 

    I’m really enjoying working my way through your earlier posts.  Scott.

    5:31 am | May 12, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Scott…thanks.  I hardly think your response is “crusty” compared to my rant.

      If you go really go into the archives you’ll find plenty of silly stuff, too.  Though this might be deemed silly (at least) by those who disagree.  I’ve already had some heated conversations with friends who tell me I am a traitor to the cause.  It was my duty to be very happy about Obama’s  “big reveal.” 

      10:47 am | May 12, 2012
  • Jane2

    Embrace the substance and forget the purity of the action….what Obama said *does* matter in the long run, and it was a political decision to couch it in the terms that both he and Biden did.  If you want to get a glimpse into how the tide really is turning, look at Kathleen Parker’s FB page, and the comments on her question re Obama’s comments.  She’s a conservative columnist, and I was heartened by the thoughtful comments.

    10:33 am | May 12, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Jane…yes, in the long run I suppose it will matter.  So long as Obama manages to win a second term.  I will look for Kathleen Parker’s column.  I did read other, less emotional, viewpoints.  But I was determined to vent. 

      10:39 am | May 12, 2012
  • BabySnooks

    I agree with B about the bullies and the bullied. It really, however, is just a matter of the bullies not really seeing anything wrong with it. Even 50 years later. 

     

    As for Obama, well, walk your talk. Sign the god****ed non-discrimination order. Let’s have something that actually establishes equality under the law.  Marriage equality will not. In states like Texas, gays and lesbians, even married, will still be able to be refused jobs or fired from jobs. What good does marriage do if you are living under a freeway underpass?  Obama. A hypocrite. On all things looking back. I call him Snowbama. Because he has pulled one snow job after another on the people who voted for him. 

    1:09 pm | May 12, 2012
  • BabySnooks

    And the “let the states decide” is the worst of the snow jobs. As long as DOMA is in place, it doesn’t matter what the states decide.  Which brings up the hypocrisy of the Clintons. I suppose the Republicans held a gun to his head when he signed DOMA into law?

    1:12 pm | May 12, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Baby…Well, Biden at least can accurately claim “I said it first” which I suppose he’ll use in  his 2016 campaign.

      5:09 pm | May 12, 2012
  • Charles

    I think you are really smart, Wow. I know where you stand politically and I feel it is brave of you to view the Obama/Biden/Gay Marriage situation in an analytical and intelligently dissenting way. Most people who are political are so fantically attached to their party, agenda, or politician that they refuse to step out of their narrow line of vision and look at the person or situation from various angles.  I’m not saying I agree with everything you say.  I’m not saying I don’t. My thoughts on this is that it is refreshing to see a writer look at a particular political act through a broader spectrum. My only personal opinion is that in the long run President Obama’s statement will help gay equality.  And, as you well know, we’ve come a very long way in the past decades and it’s all been done in baby steps.  Anyway, thanks for a thought provoking column.

    5:06 pm | May 12, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Charles…thank you.  Although I think my tone is a little too severe to be called “analytical.”  But I just hate jumping on the party bandwagon without question.  Or in this case, without rant.

      I agree that in time the president’s remarks will help.  I just watched a piece on CNN and a young African American couple were interviewed.  The girl said Obama’s remarks “made her think more” about gay marriage. I fellow was less inclined to think about that subject, but said it would not affect his voting for Obama.

      5:35 pm | May 12, 2012
  • maryburdt

    Hi Mr. Wow—I was a little taken back with your commentary about Obama’s coming out in support of gay marriage.  What did he do wrong?  Maybe he was pushed into it my Joe Biden’s Sunday morning revelation but, regardless, it was the right thing to do, and he did it.  None of us really know his motivations or his heart on this matter.  I choose to believe that his motives were honorable and sincere.  Naive, maybe, but happy in thinking so.  Mary

    7:59 pm | May 12, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Mary…I am glad he said it.  I think he was forced into  it, however.  And what good does it do to “allow the states to decide?”   Perhaps this was an an awkward baby step that he will follow up on, if he is re-elected.  If not, well–we wait for 2016 and hope for the best.  And not just on the issue of gay marriage.  I’m worrying over health care and social security and a job.   As much as I’d like to see everyone have the right to marry, this coming election shouldn’t hinge on that. 

      I don’t know his motivations or his heart, and I wouldn’t presume to imagine.  He is, however, a politician.   Best to you, Mary.

      9:37 pm | May 12, 2012
      • maryburdt

        Mr Wow—Ah, yes, he is a politician, but that being said, the issues you have stated; the economy, health care and jobs all need to be addressed.  Gay marriage will be an election issue, but not the first order of business for any president.  I believe Obama will be re-elected and that his second term will be well worthy watching.  The man has character, patience and smarts and deserves a second chance to prove his capability to hold the office of President of the United States.  I don’t think I am wrong to still have faith in his leadership.

        Best to you and B

        10:11 pm | May 12, 2012
  • Mr. Wow

    Dear Mary…despite the chiding, churlish tone of  my post, I certainly hope Obama will be re-elected.  The idea of Mitt Romney–or any Republican as president–is chilling.  But, we have to brace for that possibility.  And for the reality that it’s never quite as bad as we morbidly predict when “the other side” wins.  Well, except when that side gets us into two wars at the same time.

    This recent business of gay marriage irritated me no end–obviously!  It reeked of politics.  That said, I conceded that this had to be a “I’ll always remember where I was when…” moment for many young people–gay and straight. 

    Thank you, and B. thanks you too. 

    10:45 pm | May 12, 2012
  • rick gould

    Hi there–
    I don’t follow politics closely as it just makes me crazy.
    But I just thought it was odd the way Biden/Obama rolled out their endorsement of gay marriage. The way politics is so stilted and scripted, I found it very hard to believe that Biden just happened to speak so off the cuff about the biggest political hot potato, esp. during election time. And then, realizing the position he put Obama in, went over to apologize. But Obama, who’s been pondering about gay marriage for soooo long, says oh, what the heck–it’s time. Am I missing something here? This reads like a bad Afternoon School Special!

    11:09 am | May 13, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Rick…good to hear from you.  Look, I don’t deny the symbolic nature of Obama’s remarks.  Or that it moved many people.  I just saw Andrew Sullivan weeping over it. (Though if you need presidential validation for your life and love at middle-age…you have not accepted yourself, no matter how openly you live.)

      But the president just punted back to leaving it up to the states. He thinks gay people should marry if they want, good luck trying to, because I’m not lifting a finger to really help.  The Biden thing is simply bizarre.  WHY did they allow all of this about the apology to go public?  What did Biden have to apologize for?  Frankly, they both look suspect in any number of ways.     I hope Obama wins re-election.  Maybe he’ll “evolve” more. 

      If the president’s “support” helped gay kids–and I can’t imagine it didn’t–then the machinations that led up to it are well worth it.   But I can’t ignore the hypocrisy.  Then again, this is politics.  What else is new?

       

      11:31 am | May 13, 2012
      • rick gould

        Mr. W-Even as a young child, I saw right thru politicians…they reminded me of bad soap actors!And FYI, I did comment on your last post, but it kinda got buried in the avalanche of responses!I keep tabs on you ; )And I am glad you are writing about what’s on your mind!Rick

        1:42 am | May 14, 2012
  • Daniel Sugar

    Both parties continue to use private issues to distract voters from what politicians are really hired to deal with: public issues. (Magicians do it too – it’s called misdirection.)

    12:38 pm | May 13, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear Dr. Sugar…I suppose in this case it was Joe Biden who provided the magic–“watch me pull a wabitt out of my hat.”  Ta-da!  The President, fully evolved.

      5:15 pm | May 13, 2012
  • DanS

    This forced admission from the president was one of the grandest empty gestures that I’ve ever seen; fancy, hollow words, couched by a back-pedal nod to “states’ rights” while North Carolina was poised to stomp upon the dignity and basic humanity of those gay folk that President Obama felt some ethereal sympathy for. 

    In all fairness, it’s vastly superior to anything that his competition has to say: They would prefer to reference their holy books in deciding how to deal with homosexuality. They’re quite literally arguing about whether Leviticus is actually a part of the Bible or not in their discussions about homosexuality. This is not a reasonable position in any argument, especially when the outcome could result in people being stoned to death. 

    I did quite like back when the president said his views on homosexuality were “evolving”. It seemed like an implicit acknowledgement of The Theory of Evolution. It was a nice juxtaposition to that 2008 Republican debate where a startling number of the would-be candidates raised their hands to acknowledge a belief in creationism. I’ve never had a problem with President Obama’s views. My problem has been with his half-assed execution. I laugh when I hear someone call him “The Great Compromiser”: Whoever coined that title doesn’t know what “compromise” means. It means that both sides of a disagreement offer concessions to come to a conclusion that is mutually beneficial. All I’ve ever seen our president do is cave in time and time again to people who hold extreme positions and refuse to cede of inch of ground. How much of that has been pragmatic, rational, or necessary? I can’t say. But I shudder when I think what the other guys would do if unchecked.

    I suppose what President Obama has done here will make a nice line in some history books someday. Maybe in retrospect, it will be seen as some sort of critical turning point, one that history will romanticize – something history is good at. But you can’t operate by how you want history to view things in retrospect. All the president has done here is spoken some words that are good to hear. But they can’t really count until we’ve reached a time where basic rights can’t be voted away by a majority.

    2:33 pm | May 13, 2012
    • maryburdt

      Dan—Your last sentence says it all.  Wonderfully put.  When the majority can dictate, by their vote, what others basic rights should be, we are in trouble.  I respect President Obama greatly but, in my opinion, his biggest mistake was ever trying to negotiate with the Republicans.  From the get-go, they fought his every effort to compromise with them.  Lesson learned, I hope.  A second term is deserved.

      6:48 pm | May 13, 2012
      • Mr. Wow

        Dear Mary…well, a second term is certainly hoped for.  But you know, Obama doesn’t get a lot of help, if fact he often gets trouble from those who insist they are his greatest supporters.   Newsweek has Obama on the cover with a rainbow-colored halo over his head and this under this picture: “Our First Gay President.”  (another Andrew Sullivan contribution.)     Inflammatory in every way.  He’s not an angel and he’s not gay.   Who thinks  this is a good idea?   Well, Newsweek is essentially a pamphlet now, so they’ve got  nothing to lose.   

        7:01 pm | May 13, 2012
        • maryburdt

          Very funny, Mr. Wow, ( Newsweek is now a pamphlet), and so is Time magazine, in case you hadn’t noticed.  The cover of Time this week shows a mother nursing her three year old.  My grandson was visiting, he is six, and said. “that picture is gross.”  Then it was on the TV news and he says, it must be O.K. to do that if it’s on TV.  I set him straight—not everything you see on TV is true nor appropriate.  Of course, the mother breastfeeding her three year old is not doing anything wrong, just “gross.”

          7:48 pm | May 13, 2012
        • BabySnooks

          I suspect Andrew Sullivan, and Newsweek, didn’t exactly do any favors for Obama with the “Our First Gay President.” I also suspect it was deliberate. I think they call it pouring gasoline on a raging fire to get it raging a little more. 

           

          And Dan, our Consitution supposedly protected us from “majority aka mob rule.” It hasn’t worked too well so far. 

          2:54 pm | May 14, 2012
          • Mr. Wow

            Dear Baby…well, when Obama loses, I hope Mr. Sullivan understands his part in that, unless he is still too busy blubbering because the president said it was okay for him to be gay and married. 

            5:08 pm | May 15, 2012
  • Mr. Wow

    Dear DanS…excellently expressed.  And so much  less emotional than Mr.Wow. Honest, I rarely say “horseshit.”  I just don’t know what came over me. 

    5:19 pm | May 13, 2012
    • DanS

      It is my curse to use 10 words when five would suffice. There is a reason that you are a writer by trade and I’m a mere IT professional: My cold, matter-of-fact expression would probably be fine for writing text books, but quality writing requires emotion in order to evoke emotion. I can usually convey my thoughts is a reasonably clear manner, but you can actually touch people. That is an enviable quality.

      9:25 pm | May 13, 2012
      • Mr. Wow

        Dear DanS…you underestimate yourself (remember, it is I, Mr. Low Self-Esteem saying this!)   My curse is that I use 120 words where five would suffice!

        And I have many other flaws as a “writer”–I always need to carefully review what I’ve written.  Often I don’t and I am embarrassed by  my errors. Sometimes it works on the emotional level.  Sometimes it’s just bad.  But I’m smart enough to know good, clear, concise writing when I see it.  I always see it here, from my readers.  I’m so proud to have such intelligent people reading me.

        Speaking of great writing, over the weekend I read “Unholy Night” which is Seth Grahame-Smith’s  fictional take on the birth of Jesus.  It is one of the most brilliantly written, powerful and all-around exciting, entertaining books I’ve ever read.  You don’t have to be a believer to get into it. I’m not. And is my wont, I found myself choking back tears at several points. 

        7:17 am | May 14, 2012
  • MzJane

    Hi Mr. Wow… I’m JaneH from the old site… I offended one of your bloggers (at least one) by referring to ‘my gays’. But you know my heart was in the right place. One friend’s reaction to Obama was ‘now he won’t get elected’. I agree it was a bass-ackwards way for him to announce support, but he’s said it now and can’t take it back. And thanks to Joe Biden for not staying on point with what’s ok to say or not. Not related, but kinda related, is Sen Lugar’s letter lambasting Congress for its lack of cooperative spirit.
    Hang in there. (And I have a set of Wedgewood Potpourri wedding china I don’t use… ???)

    4:26 pm | May 14, 2012
    • Mr. Wow

      Dear JaneH (from the other site)  Glad you are here.  The only one who annoys me with “my gays” is Kathy Griffin.  She hasn’t been funny for years and no matter how often she courts “the gays” it ain’t gonna work for this gay.


      Obama said what he said, and it is what it is now.  I thought he was charming on “The View” despite–all the women of “The View.”

      I love Wedgewood.  
      2:36 pm | May 15, 2012
  • Rho

    Mr. Wow — I have been following this blog.  I agree with you 100%, on most everything you say.  Good for you and Mr. B.

     

    3:34 pm | May 16, 2012
  • Mr. Wow

    Dear Rho…thanks!  I know I was harsh–and I even lost a new reader–but, this is only my opinion.  I never expect people to agree.  Of course it’s nice if they do, but I am always open to seeing some other side.  I certainly want to give people a forum to express themselves and have a conversation. 

     

    B. sends love to all.

    3:46 pm | May 16, 2012
  • Rho

    Dear Mr. Wow — send love back to Mr. B — you know we all love you.

     

    5:10 pm | May 16, 2012
  • NicetyGridlock

    The reader you lost was clearly one who was not open to seeing an opinion that did not agree with her own.  I am sure you have many readers (like myself) who don’t reply but are very interested in your posts and all the comments.

    7:36 pm | May 16, 2012
  • Rho

    Mr. Wow — yesterday my council woman married her long time partner.  It looks like it was a wonderful day here in NY.  Will you and Mr. B get married too?  I think you should.

     

    2:14 pm | May 20, 2012
  • Rho

    Are you okay Mr. Wow?  Haven’t heard from you, hope all is well.

    10:49 am | May 23, 2012
  • Susan

    Same here Rho…..hope Mr Wow is ok.

    11:23 am | May 23, 2012
    • maryburdt

      Rho and Susan,  I was wondering the same thing.  I hope Mr Wow and B are O.K.  We all are missing you, Mr. Wow.

      3:37 pm | May 23, 2012
      • Rho

        Susan and Mary, I miss him and getting worried.

        4:24 pm | May 23, 2012
        • maryburdt

          I hope Mr. Wow leaves a comment on this site for us to let us know what is going on.  Please Mr. Wow.

          7:21 pm | May 23, 2012
  • Mr. Wow

    Dear ALL…I am working my way through a new batch of anti-depressants.  Maybe they are working.  I am drinking less.  I’m not feeling so dark all the time.  Have I made an major alterations?  Ehhhhh…let’s see how these pills work.  Nothing happens without a will to make it happen.  A pill is just a pill.

    Only I can prevent forest fires.

     

    LOVE, Mr. W

    But I remain alert,  I mean–Cory Booker?   I wouldn’t want to be him if Obama is  re-elected.

    8:17 pm | May 23, 2012
    • maryburdt

      Dear Mr. Wow.  I hope the new anti depressants do their job for you.  I am just thrilled you wrote back to us who have been very concerned for your well-being.  Wishing you Godspeed.  Depression is a b—-.  Some days good, others, well just say they suck.  You are in my prayers always.  Mary

      8:36 pm | May 23, 2012
      • LandofLove

        Yes, dealing with depression and medications means taking things one step/day at a time. Mr. wOw, it sounds like the situation is improving, which is wonderful–even if it’s happening slowly.

        7:40 am | May 24, 2012
  • Susan

    So good to hear from you. Take care and know you have many people thinking of you.  
    You’re the best!

    8:53 am | May 24, 2012
  • Rho

    Hang in there Mr. Wow,  glad you responded.  Take good care of yourself.

    9:50 am | May 24, 2012
    • Lauriate Roly.

      Loyal, Friendly, Honest, Faithful and Helpful Rho. Always ready to help those she befriends. Mr. WOW must be very happy to get your messages of encouragement Rho. In his present melancholy mood, the words of his last message are reminiscent of the lovely lyrics from a very famous song.

      Rho, I’m sure you know the song:  let’s you and I sing the lyrics he seems to be paraphrasing – (You go ahead, I’ll accompany you on the piano):

      SING –

      You must remember this
      A pill is just a pill, a sigh is just a sigh
      The fundamental things apply
      As time goes by.

      I’m sure this will cheer him up. Maybe his loving friend B will join in and sing along with us. He’ll get over his sad feelings and be back, bright as ever in a short time. He has a load of admiring and faithful fans wishing the best for him. It will just take a little time.
      With good friends like you, he’s bound to come around soon.
      Kindest regards Rho.
      LR

      9:19 pm | May 24, 2012
      • Rho

        Okay, I’m singing with you.

        9:51 am | May 25, 2012
  • Daniel Sugar

    Only you can prevent Forest Whitaker.

    8:24 pm | May 25, 2012
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