WHAT was I Thinking?!?!?!?!!!
Friday afternoon I was looking forward to a weekend of “me” time. My daughter had plans to spend a good chunk of time at a friend’s and my sis was taking painting classes that would keep her gone all day Saturday and Sunday. Yay! I could get lots of ‘stuff’ done.
Then the phone rings and it’s Daddy on the line wanting to go to a Home Show on Saturday. OK. That’s a couple hours at worst – I’ll go. The phone rang again and it’s my friend, “Mercedes”.
“I’ve just come from Republican Headquarters and gotten tickets to go to the Bush Rally on Saturday. The PRESIDENT is going to be there – wanna come?”
My response was powered by autopilot- an unqualified “NO”.
“But we get to see the current President of the US – isn’t that cool?”
“It would be, if I actually respected the man.”
So Mercedes went off in search of another companion – one who, presumably, would be closer to her political ideals. I heaved a sigh of relief and went on with my day.
Silly me – how COULD I think that would be the end of it? The phone rang again, and there was Mercedes on the line – BEGGING me to go with her. She won’t go to this sort of thing by herself and she couldn’t find ANYONE to go with her. (She even accosted a couple of neighbors that she doesn’t actually know!) “PLEASE” she begged. “Please, please, please!”
I am such a softie (not to mention most likely at least partially deranged) and this really meant a lot to her. Dubya is a true hero in her eyes (How can an otherwise intelligent woman have such a warped view??). So… I caved and agreed to go. HOWEVER, I did NOT agree to applaud, show appreciation for the man, or even to keep my sarcastic comments to myself. If she wanted a companion, she would have to deal with the companion “as is”.
Why was Dubya here? Brother dearest (Jeb) is up for re-election as our wondrous Governor. Dubya was here to support his bro! Isn’t that wonderful? Familial love and all that…
Outside the rally venue were a group of protestors. I made a bee-line for the protestors. Mercedes was horrified. Hey – I’ve never been this close to bona-fide presidential protestors and I want to see THEM. So Mercedes paled a bit and her hands started to shake as I dragged her along to see what the fussing was all about. Haitians protesting sending back the latest boat-load of would-be immigrants. What? No peace-niks? I was sorely disappointed.
After being searched twice, we finally got into the auditorium. Not without me asking searcher #2 to please make SURE he let me know if he found any ‘good’ stuff while rooting around in my purse…cause I really haven’t cleaned it out in a while.
Mercedes started on a rant about how stupid teachers in this state are. She gave many reasons – but the truth is that the teacher’s union has come out in favor of Jeb’s opponent. Stupid, stupid teachers! Rantrantrant. I smiled and reminded her that I am the daughter of 2 retired Florida teachers.
We found a seat – as FAR away from the stage as I could possible maneuver. If anybody was gonna take pot-shots at Dubya or Jeb, I was NOT going to be in the line of fire. A girl can’t be too careful about these things.
Along come a Jeb supporter with a sign. “FLORIDA TEACHERS GIVE JEB AN A+”. I poked Mercedes and pointed out the sign to her. Then I looked at her with a very serious face and said “You’re right – teachers here can be pretty stupid”.
As she good naturedly laughed (what else could she do? hehe) the lights went low and the crowd broke out into cheers…..as a man came out and placed the presidential seal on the podium. I rolled my eyes in exasperation. Doesn’t take much to stir these folks up, does it?
Out pops Norman Schwarzkopff. I have a lot of respect for him, so I perked up a bit. Next comes George P. Bush to introduce his Dad, Jeb, & his uncle, Dubya. Mercedes leaned over and whispered “Is that Jeb’s son? I didn’t know he had a son.” As gently as I could, most likely with all the finesse of a wrecking ball, I offered up my opinion that she didn’t know about him because he is neither a crack-head like Jeb’s daughter nor a would-be smuggler like Jeb’s wife. ‘Nuff said.
Then…..out came Dubya and Jeb. The crowd went nuts. Insane. Jumping up and down and screaming. Passing out in the aisles I think. Beatles fans weren’t this crazy when the “Fab Four” first invaded America.
Jeb got to speak for about 30 seconds before the BIG man stepped up to the microphone. By this time I was beginning to break out in hives from all the Republican hormones and phermones that were being released into the air. Apparently I’m allergic – who’d a thunk it?
Dubya gave the obligatory “make sure you vote” message. Then he ‘suggested’ that (as long as you’re voting anyway) Jeb would be a good choice. Then……he was off and running on his own agenda.
He proclaimed that peace is NOT an American-given right – it is a GOD-given right. Everyone in the WORLD has a RIGHT to peace. So far, so good. I can go with that. But then the roof fell in on me. “You see”, Dubya explained, “It’s up to us to hunt down and kill all those bad people who are making sure there is not peace in the world.” (OK – that’s not a DIRECT quote, but it IS the gist of what he said). I looked around the room – people were going beserk cheering him! Didn’t anyone hear what he said? He said we’re going to have peace by killing people. Am I the ONLY one in this room who thinks this line of reasoning is a little contradictory?
My mind shut down in self defense. I couldn’t take any more. I quit listening. Besides that – there was a Secret Service guy DIRECTLY behind me…so I really had to keep my mouth shut. ARGH!
I shook all the way home in the car. Mercedes asked me if I was cold. Not cold – just chilled – to the bone. When I got in the house I grabbed the bowl of leftover Halloween candy and set in on a little sugar therapy. Brought me right around. heh.
You know…there are limits to what one should put oneself through in the name of friendship.
true friendship, i think it’s nice you went with her, even though you don’t like the candidate 🙂 i’ve been so sick the past few days that at this point in time i don’t give diddlysquat about who’s running for what and i’ll be lucky if i drag myself to the polls to vote. anyways, if ever i think there’s gonna be a bag/purse check i try to clean it out at home so i don’t look like such a slob~lol
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Sounds like this would have been a good time to catch up on some astral travel. *Rolls eyes* I too am saddened that there were no peace protestors there…huh.*Grins…oh wait, YOU were there emanating peace from every pore of your being!* (Come on, let’s go down to the beach and jam…us percussionists have to stick together….DAR,heh!)I don’t get why people can’t see what we do.Xray vision?
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Interestingly, I saw a newsclip of Gdub, endorsing his brother. *ughh* Oh how I hope that Jebbaby loses, and in a BIG WAY. BTW… your act of friendship goes above and beyond the call of duty. You’re a good friend, SW! 🙂
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I read through this entire entry with such an increasing sense of horror that I was hyperventilating by the end of it! Thanks to you, I will probably have nightmares tonight. LMAO! OMG, Woman, how did you survive that terrifying experience? If it had been me, I’m not sure I’d have been able to prevent myself from rushing the stage and trying to strangle BOTH of ’em! (c)
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You showed remarkable restraint in your ability to refrain from frothing at the mouth. I can’t even say the word “Republican” without a little spitting noise! And if you ask me, Mercedes owes you. BIG time!!!!!!!!
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Hmm I’m thinking I hope things change by the time Iget out there! LOL RYN: Oh and thanks for the sympathy! Hugz Harley (nsi of course)
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Oh my goodness, I would have never made it. Anything to do with politics and I want to go throw up! Yes, I’ll be voting on tuesday, but that’s all I can tollerate! And then you had to go to the Home Show too? I feel a major migraine coming on! LOL 🙂
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OMG you are the bestest friend ever!!! I would have bowed out for sure!! But you did get to see the “current President”. I remember my mother dragging me down the street cause the Queen was passing by in a parade just up the road!! I think your adventure beats mine!! Teeeheee! ~hugs~
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~:D ArtImp, nsi
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Well, I didn’t vote for Dubya. Most folks around my area did, though.
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Wow… you’re an awesome friend to do that. And yes, I hate how dubya wants to go to war at the drop of a hat. He declared war on terrorism, and then on Iraq… just so he could look heroic. grr… but ya gotta be careful what you say online…
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We come in peace: shoot to kill. I’m so glad I’m not American, but y’all are a little too close for comfort some days. Well, not YOU, most cherished, but you know what I mean. Why does this report of what he said not surprise me in the least? And it’s only fair he be there to help his bro get elected. Turnabout’s fair play and all that. With a wry look…
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You deserve a medal my dear, for two reasons; you went above & beyond the call of duty for a friend; & you didn’t get yourself arrested for verbally, or physically abusing Dubya. Way to Go!!!!…I totally agree with you about the man though. Scarey! *with a warm hug*
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Politics and religion are beliefs. The following is from a Google Advanced Search at: http://www.google.com/search?as_q=&num=10&hl=en&ie= In the Qur’an, Allah commands Muslims, “Take not the Jews and Christians as friends….Slay the idolaters non-Muslims wherever ye find them…. Fight against such…as believe not in Allah…” (Surah 5:51; 9:5,29,41, etc..).
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Oh great, blinded and I already read this entry. Okay, got my shades on now…if I sit in front of your diary long enough do ya think I should put on sunscreen?*ROFL* The anti Prez was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa today and I swear I could feel the vibes all the way over here(an hour away,kinda felt like being seasick)Gotta go get some zzz’s so I can vote early tomorrow morning!
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ryn: ::stifles a grin::: amusing as this entry was, im speechless. sugar therapy does wonders i hear…hehe i can just imagine it..you walk in your house wide eyed and with the blankest expression on your face..you sit down..grab the nearest bowl of candy and dive in. hasnt even hit you yet the extent of what you witnessed. talk about a 3rd dimension.. =O glad u like my diary tho…=)
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A little wry smile tickled the corners of my mouth at his peace statement. Are you SURE we don’t have the same friend?!? I am amazed you went but to say you went and yes he truly is as dumb as the media make out is a pretty good claim to fame. I mean, how do we know that his words aren’t twisted by clever editing? Now you have seen him in the flesh you KNOW he really is stupid!!
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Strolling loose, as I do. I didn’t catch up with people after last night’s entry in OD, so here I am. With a smile…
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you should have questioned him about that! stand up, make your voice be heard.
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After comparing, my weekend however boring it was, seems to have been much better that yours. Sorry you didn’t get any time for yourself. Now I remember why I don’t have friends(lol). RYN: Sky is looking forward to having another visitor soon. I was very proud of her and the way she interacted. Have A Great Day..Take Care
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Wow. A chance to see the current, non-elected pResident. How did you contain yourself??You’ve heard the joke: what do you call a line of blondes standing next to each other? (a wind tunnel) Must have been canyon-like where you were. Gah. At the very least, thanks for reminding me to go out and vote today. (Kidlet and I were just talking the other day … Jeb … who names their kid Jeb??) 🙂
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It’s about 8:20 pm CST. I’m listening to election results. I don’t like what I’m hearing about the FL gubernatorial election . . . The addict’s dad may continue on in his position. Tell me it’s all a bad dream……..
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You know that even hit our news here in New Zealand..and we saw the big D on telly saying all that…but we also saw Clinton there backing the opponant…love that man…Clinton…such a huge presence…felt it is New Zealand when he came and i was nowhere near him…did you know he has the highest IQ of all the American presidents…and guess who had the two losest….yep right father & son
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RYN: LOL I have seen those shops too, there’s one here!!! All sorts of paraphanailia with signs claiming they are not for drug use… yeah right!
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Ooooh girlie…you deserve a huge prize for going when you didn’t want to. I don’t think I could be as nice as all that…I don’t care who I was going with. Mr. Prez isn’t on my list of “favorites” either……and I don’t think I could stomach listening to him talk for more than a mere second. You did you good deed for a lifetime!! ~Hugs and Loves~
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Well, it is friendship (or are we “soft potatoes”) LOL going to your friends “things” without supporting them…I would have done same 🙂 Love and happy relaxed week, hope!
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I’m with you Sunshine. His only agenda is to hype the propaganda so he gets the popularity figures to get in for another term. People should have more sence but he’s playing on people emotions – pushing them higher to get what he wants. It is scarey and its scarey from an outsiders point of view (outside of USA) to see it all happen. Smile for me (DrmDrgn)
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I thank ya a lot! 🙂 Oh, when is ur day (b day) or when was it? Nice Scorpie friend – love
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AW, then a really good belated happy birth * day, Sunshine of cusps 🙂 * Lots of hugs and care
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beatls fans have more sense. 🙂 I can’t believe you have to have that whole family as your governing bodies. Ew. ew, ew, i would not want them looking at my body. NOT that 100 guys didn’t see me during the DnC and uterus removal project that has left me infected ONCE again. i think i’m allergic to the stitches she used at the cervix. ain’t that great. LOVE the coloring book! 🙂 YAY
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i shouold go read my notes, did you get your birthday card? AND who told you anyway you could change your birthday from november to october. *ducks* sigh. i think anasthesia screwed up my brain.
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Your friend is blessed. If she doesn’t know it already, you might remind her. 🙂 I think all of us would do well to have you for a friend. Take care of you. 🙂 BTW, what did you decide to wear for Halloween?
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You know you haven’t read for a week!!! huggles you warmly my lovely wolfie
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And there went your weekend! Rats!
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Shocked,rattled and rolled I was to know that George had a brother..another Bush! Jeb next in White House?? Noooooo!!!!!! Puhleese. Dija miss me? I feel like I ave been missing for days. Muriel is locked in the wine cellar and although the door has been open several times she will not come out. Luv Alex
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I yam true blue happy that the FOD lot did not erase me. Perhaps thats a job for Arnie! IU am happy you are happy that ole Mack ..er alex is back in town. Now much closer to the big smoke in fact Sydney is almost ringed with the smoke from more bush fires. So indeed it is big smoke. But I have lost my mojo which in my case is ability to write…too much confusion. Con Fusion..he is the Greek guy
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guy who lives next door. Has taken a fancy to Muriel sice he found her passion for retsina but she will not emerge from the cellar. Quite a worry. What shall I do? And the wine is going fast…Luv Alexps ..who is happy to be bak
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Going to that rally to see the idiot who is running this country is a sign of a true friend. You are a brave person. I don’t think I could have done it. I refuse to own a TV and whenever I hear W on the radio, I put on a CD. That man makes me sick. Enough said…
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