Holy Buck, Fatman!

…But Fear itself?

Perhaps.

I was watching “Charlie Wilson’s War” the other night with Mister Fatman. The story of the covert war against the Soviets in Afghanistan always struck me as interesting. What did strike me as weird was the fear we had of communism. Fear of an economic system? the mid boggles, but that is another discussion for another day.

I remember in the 80’s the paraliyzing fear I had of Nuclear war. Prenitz forget me not (yeah.,.Raygun) kept the constant fear of the red phone, red button and ICBM clearly ingrained in my 10 year old mind. I was terrified of Nuclear War and would even have nightmares about it. When Red Dawn came out, I vowed to fight back, too. (Wolverines!)

As I got older, I started to have a strong desire to visit Russia. I wanted to see if there was a kid on the other side who was just as afraid of us as I was of them. When the Berlin wall fell I remember saying, “Well, I guess Russia isn’t far behind” and sure enough, it wasn’t. After it became “Russia” and not the USSR, I specifically asked my US studies teacher “Who are we going to be afraid of now?”

Well, the 90’s had no clear boogie man. Unless, of course, you count the Cleanis. I mean…Republicans were terrified of the cleanis! After that whole debacle, we still had  no clear boogie man.

Until, of course, 9/11.

The fear of Mooslims has really gotten out of hand. I know now that the desire to destroy them stems from a complete misinterpretation and misrepresentation by those who are invested heavily in your healthy fear of brown people who aren’t *GASP* Christians! They play off this fear and appeal to the deepest racism that lives in even those who claim that they are NOT RACISTS!!! (I mean, they have a black friend and an asian friend, Right?)

This fear has started to manifest itself even more frequently. The “Obama is a mooslim because his middle name is Hussein” being the craziest. The irrational fear of someone other than a rich white man being in charge of this country has taken hold those who swear it’s not because he’s *GASP* a black man, it’s because his Dad was a Mooslim. These are the same people who state that his Christian pastor was uncool, but yet…he’s a mooslim and will kill babies, dammit. Because, you know, Mooslims eat babies for breakfast.

That, of course, is the most extreme example of wingnut fear. Lesser examples aren’t out of their own fear, but the desire to perpetuate the fear of the Brown man so they can continue to wage war against them and profit from it. Questioning Obama’s patriotism and commitment  to war, for example.

There are far too many examples out there to back track on chronicalling it. I’ve decided, however, to start highlighting this and making people aware that their fear has consumed them. Most of them are hopeless cases, though.

I support my friends in the GLBT comunity this past Sat for our church by marching in the Baltimore Pride Parade. (yes, The Holy Fatman actually attends a church—that supports INCLUSION OF EVERYONE!!!)

Photos were taken by the my very talented friend WM.

Reader SoSnarky pointed me to a rather interesting article written by NYT columist Emily Gould in which she shares an anecdote about blogging. The post in question described someone that she had known and loved dearly who asked her to take down a post that he felt painted him in a negative light. She didn’t feel that way and stood her ground to keep the post, going as far to hand him an ultimatum. In her opinion, the posts were a part of her world and an important part of her life. In his opinion, she was seeking online gratification by sharing her view of someone else negatively, as if her story was meant to bait trolls in some way. He wanted it gone. She, in the name of Art and creativity decided that it was staying. Does the internet take away our sense of privacy these days? Do bloggers find art in the every day banter that goes on in their lives or have we taken it too far and lost our sense of filtering and common decency?

I find Emily’s description of Henry’s “Online Presense” is the same as my own. If I were to tell any of you readers who KNOW my real name to google it and see what they bring up, they’ll get a competitve runner in Tenneesee and a Neurosurgeon. (i’ll take credit for the Neurosurgeon…tee hee!) Nothing about Mrs. Fatman in Baltimore City. Nope. Nothing. Nada. Google–I BEAT you. HA!

Perhaps my reasoning for this is I grew up around the birth of the ‘net and spent a VAST majority of my life on it. Back in the day, No one used their real names, meeting people from the internet was STRICTLY reserved for urber nerds and serious perverts. Gamers who played MUD’s, Hackers and computer enthusitsts spent time exchanging chats through Internet Relay Chats. If you wanted to exchange personal information and expand your relationship with someone, you did it via e mail. Real names just weren’t used. I decided, partially because of this indoctrination and partially because of my exoperience with Domestic Violence, that I would never attach my real name to anything on the internet.

Because of this personal decision, I can write about nearly anything I wanted and keep the players of my world completely anonymous. For all anyone knows, my world could be entirely made up. Those who know me personally know that my personal anecdotes, when I write about them are entirely true. However–real names aren’t ever used.

Emily’s decision to bear all for the internet is hers and hers alone. Her generation is the first generation to really grow up with the ‘net and bearing all for everyone to see has become common place. This has become so common that we have blurred art and privacy, trading one for the other. Her disregard for Henry’s desire for privacy was a lesson she obviously, at the end of her post, learned later on. To quote:

After a standoff, he conceded that I should be allowed to put the post back up. As he sulked in the other room, I retyped what I’d written, feeling vindicated but slightly queasy for reasons I didn’t quite understand yet.

For reasons she didn’t quite understand yet. Perhaps those reasons are potential employers goggling you, the rise of misinformation in the media, the use of blogs as “news” rather than what they really are: a collection of a bunch of different EDITORIAL OPINIONS. There are many reasons for the desire to not be portrayed as a doofus, homophobe, racist because ONE (and all it takes is ONE) reader “just had to be there” to really get the anecdote.

We have lost a sense of own privacy these days. for some people, ANYTHING is blog fodder and ANYTHING can be exploited. Yes, Legions of Mommy Bloggers, I’m Talk to your stupid asses. You are perpetuating this loss of personal filters. I have written about my own child on here and afterwards, I was asked by a close friend if that was the right thing to do. While I didn’t go into great detail about her situation, It was enough. The fact that she is older and can read this blog herself has driven me to think about what I am going to say before I write it. If I do decide to write about it, she may be cited as a small example, but nothing in great detail. If I have something to say about motherhood and child rearing, perhaps I can get the point across without exploiting my child’s actions. Many see the mommyblogging thing as a great feat in feminism. I disagree. I think we need to have a sense of privacy in a world that anything goes and we need to pass this on to our children so they, too can use the internet responsibly and not get caught up in the selfishness of exploitation of others and themselves for personal gratification. After all, Emily does say at the end, “For reasons she hardly understood.” Perhaps she understands them now.

Shit, It’s been a real sucktastic day.

It seems the Fatman Family can’t catch a break.

*sigh*

Over at Shakesville, Zuzu had ran with Paul Krugman’s very awesome question and posted it to the shakers. what happened after that is, well, interesting to say the least. What I have posted below is my series of posts on the actual question asked and I came up with two words to start the answer:

Net Neutrality

I did a comparison at the beginning of the Primary season between all three front runners on both sides and found that Obama was the ONLY candidate to specifically mention net Neutrality when discussing technology issues surrounding it. HRC mentions developing broadband in rural areas, but nothing about protecting the openness of the internet. HRC and Obama are pretty much in line with their tech policies. Obama is heavy on investing in computer technology while HRC is heavy in investing in R & D, engineering and health care. Both policies compliment each other—but we NEED Net Neutrality, big time.

This is a HUGE issue for me as the internet has changed my life in so many ways. It has changed politics, it has given the little person a voice and it’s changing the way the MSM does their jobs as well. (albeit, slowwwwwlllyy) I can’t sit around and watch the entire ‘net be controlled y a few huge telecoms hell bent on recovering their profits lost from the severe decline in land line use by splitting the ‘net into what essentially boils down to those who have the $$$ to play and those who don’t. Not only that, I do not want a corporation telling me what is acceptable content and forcing me to pay for my freedom. This is our last bastion of unbridled freedom of speech. It needs to bepreserved so future generations can build upon it and create new and exciting uses for it.

Not to mention that persevering Net Neutrality can lead to technology innovation in many sectors(health care, updating government, reaching out to the OPEN SOURCE COMMUNITY) which will increasingly lead to investment in American knowledge and thus…lead to job creation. Not Bubble creation—JOB creation. right now, the next WH winner will be handed a HUGE shit sandwich when it comes to the current state of the economy. We’re seeing a major paradigm shift with respect to high oil prices and what this will mean to new technologies. The next Candidate will have to carefully look at what caused the current state of our economy and what we can do to minimize impact on businesses and the working person. The effects of this will hurt and the shift won’t be pretty. We need a leader who can do the following:

1. Understand that bipartisanship can be useful when it comes to certain situations. Economic polices are one of them.
2. Understand that while we can’t be a socialist form of government and we can’t be a total free market form of government, we can meet in the middle, creating safety nets and positively driven social programs that are free of too much red tape and easy for people to utilize as a vehicle for assistance to get back on their feet, help them get education and assist in opening a business.
3. Understand that while our economic system needs corporations, they also need to be checked and rechecked with smart regulation that will allow growth, but keep greed at bay.
4. Encourage investment back in American manufacturing without devaluing the dollar to make it attractive to foreign investors. (read: innovation in newer technologies instead of it just being “cheap” to make stuff here)

I can’t agree with HRC’s stance on the current problems with subprime lending, usury and bankruptcy laws haven’t been fully addressed. I do know that HRC is not WJC, but WJC did repeal the Glass Stiegal act which was the biggest roadblock to banks being able to have investment houses. many of the Financial messes banks currently have that is impeding liquidity/lending. is because his was repealed. Dumbass! The Clinton’s have a love affair with Alan Greenspan. That is also something I cannot stand behind.

Do I believe Sen Clinton was subjected to huge amounts of sexism from the MSM and the Obama camp (both supporters & staffers) YOU BETCHA. As a Woman (surprise, folks) who works in DC, this place is a BOYS TOWN and Girls are still subjected to misogynistic comments, glass ceilings, and ass slaps (in both the literal and metaphorical way). HRC and her counterparts, (Mikulski, Pelosi to name a few) have really made me want to continue through the muck and slime I deal with on a regular basis and try and bring about positive change. If they can do it, well–I can too.

I’m still patted on my head by my coworkers when I spout my Economic beliefs and told to go back and do my admin job like a nice little lady (in so many words). I’m currently looking for a new position because this isn’t going to change and I will not be taken seriously. So, yes, HRC has really broken a barrier here and I have a lot of admiration for her. Do I want to work hard to change this veil of Patriarchy? YOU BETCHA. Why? Because I am a Feminist.

I simply have decided that OHB has spoken to a few issues I hold dearly and because of that, I have decided to support him.

Anyhow, I have been VERY reluctant to join the HRC v OHB debate on Shakesville because I really didn’t know how I would frame my support given the massive amounts of sexism that has been thrown at Sen Clinton. Suddenly, this question was asked by Zuzu and it all came out flowing naturally. OHB is NOT perfect, I accept that. I believe most of HRC’s supporters believe the same thing about her as well. If an issue she addresses speaks to you in a way that no other canidate has, then tell a level headed supporter of Sen Obama what it is and how change on this issue can be accomplished. The ‘net allows us to take these discussions to the campaign directly. If enough people start to talk about an issue that hasn’t been actively discussed by the Obama campaign, I’m certain we can all persuade Sen. Obama to start talking about it. Trolling, yelling and ad homiem (sp) attacks on supporters isn’t going to work. Sensible debate and and understanding from both sides that both candidates have their flaws will start to fuel change.

I strongly believe in the power of the net.(and I have several examples, too!) “Change” and “Hope” comes from us, not a book, . We have the tools, lets use them wisely and lets make sure these tools aren’t modified.

Gas prices are out of control,  So it really isn’t a suprise to see stories like this.

In other words, many suburban drivers are resigned to forking over a C-note a week for gas. Aside from getting a hybrid, they say there’s little else they can do.

“I have three little kids and I drive all the time - to the doctor’s, to the grocery store, to school,” said Anna Pelletier, 36, of Pottstown. “If you live in the suburbs, you don’t have many options.”

Part of the reason we decided to live in an urban area is because you could walk to places instead of having to drive. While Mass transit in our beautiful city isn’t quite as developed as NYC, Phila or DC, it does work if you know how to use it. People who bought into the myth that some how, the suburbs were a “better choice” are now feeling the pain of their choice. What was the lure of the Suburbs? When I lived in the ‘burbs, no one talked to anyone, everyone was forced to drive everywhere and there wasn’t a cohesive community. The schools were overcrowded and staffed with under qualified teachers who weren’t given the best tools to teach with, so it certainly couldn’t have been the “Better schools” excuse. Perhaps, in the 80’s, things in the ‘burbs were better. Now, we’re seeing a shift. Two major forces are now closing in on that suburban dream: Foreclosures and high gas prices. Areas hardest hit by the housing bust are experiencing vacant homes sitting on the market for months on end. Some are boarded up, some have extensive mold growth, some have been looted. Others have squatters and now drug dealers.

I’m glad I made my choice to live within an urban area. Perhaps because of these factors, we will see demand for urban housing go up while more retailers will abandon plans to build in the ‘burbs and bring much needed retail into our city.

I’ve never written about this here. Perhaps I didn’t want to jinx anything. Maybe I thought it wasn’t my story to tell, I realized something, though. There is a part of this story that is mine to tell.

When I’m trying to ignore just about everything that I have to do at work, (well, not really–I’m just really bored) I am usually found lurking at this corner of the ‘net. A few months previous, I read a story written by a guest contributor detailing her fight with PTSD after returning from Iraq. While fighting debilitating panic attacks, insomnia and other ailments she also had to fight another fight against the Veteran’s Administration. As I read her story, I sat there, thinking, “Why should this happen? I thought that the VA was established to help Vets who were in need!” It’s true, the VA was established for that very reason. It’s just that they had been failing so many soldiers returning from Iraq. It wasn’t fair.

I few months previous, she wrote another update and by that time, I had gotten to know a Marine vet from Vietnam who held a position at the VA that could help her out. He cared passionately for all who served and would do anything to help the troops who needed it. After reading her update regarding yet another defeat from the VA, I decided that some thing had to give. Someone else needed to look at her Case. Someone who knew. Someone who actually gave a shit. So I did what I thought was right. I put her in contact with my friend from the VA.

I heard that evening that they had spoken and he had put her in contact with several people. Over time, I would receive updates from both ends. She said it was more hope then she had in a year. My VA friend said that he was doing all he could to help. Soon, someone from her congressional district was in touch. and Finally–yesterday, there was this.

The weekend before I had a conversation with another vet to whom I relayed the story to. What he told me after I told him what I had done was simply astonishing. He said, “Anyone can slap a magnetic ribbon on their car and say they support the troops. What you did is a true act of patriotism because you helped someone who needed it. Chances are she knows other troops and will tell them and the word will spread. Suddenly, before you know it, things will start to change because others will start to help.”

I replied, “I just put someone in touch with someone else.” Still kind of stunned by his statement.

“It’s a start. It’s more than most.”

It is a start. A small one, but a start nonetheless. Through the internet, I connected one person with someone who could help her out. The tubes, once again, a catalyst.

A little note: My Friend at the VA just recently launched a call center to help with the volume of calls that the VA has been dealing with. While this is also another small start, he believes that it will help those who feel like they aren’t getting enough help. Another friend is assisting on the launch of a program designed to help returning troops transition from their combat tours to life back with their families and jobs. They are extremely optimistic about these programs and I hear about them every day. I know they’re working hard to make sure that all our Vets get the treatment they need.

Have a great Memorial day weekend, folks.

I haven’t written a thing in about a week. I have some kind of weird writers block. There are millions of things to bitch about, but so many have beat me to it.

I think I will actually take some time to really write something decent instead of banging out some stream of consciousness crap about how I hate this or this person said that.

No, I’m not bored of blogging. I believe I need to think about posts more throughly and stop trying to ninja a post while the office overlords look over my shoulder at every little thing I do.

So, I promise. I swear—My two fans won’t be disappointed.

Ah! Tagged back. This is interesting as I have just recieved an E mail with “four things” from another friend. So, to satisfy both, I’ll answer here.

What were you doing five years ago?

On May 14, 2005, My husband and I closed on our first condo together.

What are five things on your to-do list for today (not in any particular order):

Work shit (too boring to type here)

Send out my resume

Call to renew a perscription for Short Round

Try not to be snarky to unsolicted calls for business (FAIL)

Listen to old episodes of “This American Life”

What are five snacks you enjoy?

Ice cream

Cheese fries

Flourless chocolate Cloud Cake

Carnitas Nachos

Fried Chicken/Chicken Wings

What five things would you do if you were a billionaire?

Lobby Congress for universal healthcare

Lobby to reverse every single policy put in place by the Bush Administration

Set up a foundation to further Stem Cell research for Blood Born Cancers (screw fed funding, I’d fund it)

Go on long trips taking photos and making Art

Own a comic book shop and sneer at people who buy stuff I don’t like.

What are five of your bad habits?

Procrastination. On just about everything.

Nagging my husband for stupid shit

not putting my stuff away

telling stories over and over again

being depressing at stupid, inopportune moments

What are five places where you have lived?

Redbank, NJ

Miami, Fla

Chelmsford, MA

Greensboro, NC

Baltimore, MD

*in that order

What are five jobs you have had?

Bartender

Check out girl

Bagel shop cream cheese maker

waitress

accountant

Now I’m not going to tag anyone, cuz…well…I already tagged people with the book thing. You wanna do it? Do it.

Did I ever mention that I heart Radiohead sooooo much that I even went as far to tattoo their logo on my back?

Well, I do. When they play a live show, it’ freaking  amazing, I try never to miss it. Except when acts of God seem to figure in. For any Radiohead fan in the DC metro area, Bull Run comes to mind. We all know this sad sad sad story.

When they announced their DC area show was going to be at the Nissan Pavillion in Bristow VA, Both Mister Fatman and I (who Met HERE, BTW) decided, Fuuuck No. We weren’t going to drive to NoVA, no matter HOW much we love Radiohead. Screw that.

The venue is not very close to DC. In fact, it’s about an hour away, in the middle of a few civil war battle fields and some Exurb neighborhoods.  There is only one road that leads to it–simply a wonder in high volume civil engineering. It’s no wonder that a freakish monsoon like rainstorm came barreling in and pretty much fucked every single fan coming to see the show.

The band hasn’t had very much luck with the DC area. Each time hey play here, for some reason, an act of god occurs just fucking shit up.  The band has even acknowledged this.  I did have friends attending the show as well. They never made it.

What is probably the most infuriating part about the situation is the band’s pledge to make their shows more “green”. They announced before this tour had started they intended on playing venues that were accessible by mass transit.

So, after hearing this—WTF?!?!?!!?!? If Radiohead has made quite a name for themselves by producing and distributing their own album, why can’t they make better decisions on the venues they’re playing at? Do they NOT make the final decisions on the tour stops? if Thom boasted about this decision, why didn’t they play IN DC PROPER where the mass transit is more then adequate to handle thousands of people for an event. if they like the outdoor venues, then SHIIIIT—play Pier Six Concert Pavilion in FUCKING BALTIMORE. Same size—in a metro area, accessible by mass transit.

I love the band. I do–but this, playing in this SHIT venue in the middle of the exurbs of DC is a  major faux pas given the decision to “be more green”. I think the band needs to say something about this, especially if enough people actually start squawking about it. People paid to see them—and they never made it because of the location of the venue.

Only accessible by vehicle.