As Apple Fucking Pie

I've been thinking lately about my panic last month--you know, the one where I felt that there would soon be no place left for me in this country and that I'd have to move to Canada, especially if Obama lost the election. I no longer feel this way; in fact, even if McCain/Palin win this election (and, oh, how it pains me to even type that), I am going NOWHERE. Because you know what? THIS IS MY COUNTRY.

When I read about Sarah Palin telling folks in North Carolina that only they are "pro-American" or when I watch the truly horrifying clip of Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachman on Hardball calling for the investigation of the "anti-American" members of congress (meaning, of course, the Democrats) including OBAMA, I realized something.

These are the more blatant examples of the shit we liberals have been fed for years--since McCarthy, really. This idea that we liberals are somehow not patriotic, not right, not really part of this nation is a Cold War leftover, a fabrication. Before McCarthy, no one who dissented was called "Un-American." Before McCarthy, being a Socialist--hell, being a Communist--was considered a perfectly acceptable point of view. Not now. Now, I'm called un-American simply because I think I should retain control of my own body.

I've internalized this message to some extent--this war on dissent--and it manifested in my "threat" to move to Canada. But you know what? Moving to Canada would please those like Michelle Bachman no end--get rid of us annoying liberals! Export us! Send us to other nations like the way we send our trash to China!

I AM NOT GOING ANYWHERE.

I live in Philadelphia, an East Coast city with a metro area population exceeding five million--hardly small town America--and I am a true American.

I read the New York Times. I read Newsweek. I watch Katie Couric. Hell, I even listen to National Public Radio. Sometimes I even read press from overseas.

I believe firmly that gays should get married, or have civil unions (if they prefer), and have exactly the same rights that I do as a heterosexual. In fact, I think if you live in California, you should vote NO on Prop 8.

I think we should have socialized medicine--and I'd happily pay more taxes to get it.

I believe the Patriot Act is anything BUT patriotic, and feel strongly that the government has no right whatsoever to listen to my phone calls--or yours.

I believe abortion should remain safe, legal, and rare. I believe birth control should be distributed everywhere, to anyone who wants it. I believe children and teenagers should be educated about how their bodies work and how they can prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancies.

I believe our President should be smart, well-educated, a thinker, someone who might be called ELITE. Because I believe firmly that only the best and brightest of us should be sitting in the White House. Not someone I want as a friend, or a drinking buddy, or a person I can imagine fishing with.

Sure, sometimes I get dismayed and depressed about where I see our country going. But it's MY country too, and there is nothing fucking wrong with me or how I think or what I believe and I AM SICK AND TIRED OF BEING TOLD THAT THERE IS.

I am the daughter of a hippy feminist that taught me how to march in the streets, and I am the daughter of a Vietnam war veteran. I am the wife of an atheist, but I go to church regularly. I curse on my blog like a motherfucking sailor, but I am raising my daughter with kindness and dignity. I am an alcoholic that doesn't drink anymore, I am fat, I am a woman that had to terminate a pregnancy, I didn't quite manage to finish college, I am a mother, I am a wife, I AM AN AMERICAN.

Do you hear me? I am a pro-choice East Coast liberal elitist and I am PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN. Stop saying I'm not.

Comments

[Moira]

1.

WooHoo!!

Just because I don't support this horrible war, doesn't mean I am un-American!
This is my home, and I may not agree with what happens here, but I am sure as fuck allowed to say so!

Another East Coast liberal elitist who is damn proud to be an American.

[Sarah]

2.

FUCK YES.

Thank you.

And brace yourself for the coming onslaught. ;-)

xo

[Yatima]

3.

WORD.

[DrJ]

4.

The phrase unAmerican is an idiotic one to start with (as is unAustralian, which is what I get ocasionally). Is the "unsavoury" activity being done by an American citizen? Then it is by definition an American one. Clearly.

Stupid bloody catchphrases used by the media to hype people up against others...grumble,grumble....

[cyndy]

5.

Amen.

[Julie]

6.

WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

[magpie]

7.

You go, girl!

Or actually, you stay, right here with me.

[KelliAmanda]

8.

Bravo, Cecily. You are spot-on.

[Susie]

9.

EXACTLY. And thank you.

[CTG]

10.

America was built on dissent from the mainstream.

McCarthyism and it's remaining bits and pieces can suck it.

The more you speak your mind the more American and patriotic you are. And thankfully for us YOU do it really well and logically and eloquently.

I've really just started to get over worrying if I offend someone on my blog. If I lose readers. What if someone doesn't want to talk to me? (left over self esteem issues, why yes) Well fuck it, I'm tired of operating to please other people. I am standing up for the America I believe in, which is the one where I'm free. And believe me, as the child and grandchild of Marines, I fully appreciate that the military is important in maintaining that freedom. I just don't think this war is about that.

Now if you will excuse me I will go walk to the grocery store and recycle my cans. Or wait, is it unamerican to recycle? Damn it, I just can't keep it straight. :D

In the words of Tim Gunn...Carry On, Make it Work.

[Dara]

11.

We're staying here with you! Bleeding Heart Liberals (my father's term for me) UNITE!

[Toni]

12.

And I respect your right to those opinions, as I was raised to believe that free speech is distinctly American. It's a shame some in this country forgot about that after 9/11.

[DLM]

13.

Amen sister. Well put.

[shiny]

14.

Well put. The words being used in this era are very Orwellian in nature: We're engaging in something called the "War on Terror" (which comes two decades after a "War on Drugs.") If you're against any facet of how the war is being waged, it becomes very easy to label you as "pro-terrorism" because, in simplistic terms, you're against something we're warring against. It's the same mentality which, as you stated, fueled the Red Scare a half century ago.

I'm glad that you're not fleeing your own country. If people had done so after the 2004 election, there would be less of a chance for someone like Obama to prevail in the 2008 election.

[Lisa {milkshake}]

15.

Hell yes!

[Lala]

16.

NICE!

[Erin]

17.

Sing it, Sister!

[Pamala]

18.

AMEN! It's becoming a bit to weird here in the US but I still couldn't think of leaving. I think the only thing that would force us out would be if we couldn't get Kaylee the health care she needs. Other than that, we're staying put.

On a side note, your RSS feed isn't working anymore. Is anyone else having this problem?

[Laura]

19.

Whooo Hoooo Cecily!!! Nicely done!!!

[bobbi]

20.

YES YES YES!!!

[Natalee]

21.

It's BECAUSE I love my country, that I care about who is running it, what laws are being made to govern it, and why I am a voice of liberal dissent. I care about my fellow citizens, and don't want our soldiers put in harms way when it's not necessary.

If I didn't love my country, I wouldn't care so much, and it pisses me off when people try and tell me otherwise.

22.

GAWD, I can't understand all this anti-American stuff (again, I'm a Canadian living in Alaska) and why anyone or how anyone would have the balls to call someone else anti-American! I love this post...we may not agree on all our political stuff (not that it matters since I can't vote here) but I say RIGHT ON! Great post Cecily.

K.

[kate]

23.

When did not believing what others think you should make one not American. I agree with you a 100% I am just as American as the next person even if I don't believe what they believe. Hello that is what America is about the freedom to believe what you want or atleast that was the original idea.

Well said.

[Amelia Sprout]

24.

I'm ashamed to come from the same state as that woman. She does not make us look good at all.

I'm proud to be in a country that includes people like you. I'm proud to be an American because I can question my government.

[Jo-Ann]

25.

Cec your posts are hitting the proverbial ball out of the park lately! I am getting my flag out to wave as I read it again.

[Nikki]

26.

Damn Straight!

A Oklahoma Elitist Liberal

[violet]

27.

I consider myself to be an American yes... But I do not, in any way, shape or form, consider myself the least bit patriotic. I'm certainly not "pro-american". So really, I have no problem with people calling me "un-american". In fact, I kind of take it as a compliment.

Indeed, I take no shame in calling myself an elitist bitch. It's what I am, so if the right-wing fundamentalists want to call me that, let 'em. They seem to think it's an insult. I take it as the highest form of flattery.

[Peach]

28.

So during the debate last week, I pulled out a book I have that contains the key documents of our nation - the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, famous inaugural speeches, and several Supreme Court decisions.

I wish so much that once per session, the Declaration of Indiependence and the Consitution were read, verbatim, in Washington. That the roots of the country were re-read in their original, not as the media, the lobbyists, and the spin doctors try to "convince" us they read. Where we can really understand what the country was founded on instead of manipulating it year after year until John McCain thinks that Federalism means that the states get to decide everything. And that "unalienable rights" mean only the rights that the ones in power want to preserve.

After re-reading these documents (and an interesting Supreme Court decision on allowing birth control that also reads as a support of gay marriage) I feel even MORE American - that the dissenters are the ones who are un-American. The ones who want to silence my voice, impose their religion on me, those people are un-American.

I feel ike changing that stupid-ass bumper sticker that read "Love It or Leave It" to "America - Learn It or Leave It."

[Kellie]

29.

I live in Minnesota and Michelle Bachman scares the ever loving hell out of me. She is a freakazoid!

I so completely agree with you Cecily!

[Danielle]

30.

Hell fucking yeah!

[christina in mo]

31.

Your a what????

oh geeze.. I thought I was reading a blog by Mrs. Cleaver. I think I'll leave now.

JUST KIDDING!!

You Cecily, you should really speak your mind on these issues. The way you keep things bottled up is just not healthy. Open up.. express yourself!!
okay.. I'm teasing you.

Well said dear one. Well said.

[Sara]

32.

Right on.

I am the child of two flaming liberals, the grandchild of a couple more.

My grandmother would have agreed with just about everything you say.

And every year she hosted the DAR luncheon for new citizens. And every year she marched or rode a float in the Fourth of July Parade. She got all her children flags that had been flown over the Capitol (you can still order those from your senator, by the way).

I think liberals should firmly reclaim the word Patriotism from the right wingers. Because if we don't, they'll manage to finally redefine it so completely that theirs is the only definition left.

[Cristina]

33.

Perfect. Our view are very VERY similar. Although I never marched in protest as a child, only as an adult. Oh, and this California is damn well saying no to Prop 8 and 4!!!!!!

[Jen]

34.

As for the elistist comments that people love to throw around, I agree with Jon Stewart on this one.

"Doesn't elite mean good? Is that not something we're looking for in a president anymore?...The job you're applying for, if you get it, and it goes well, they might carve your head into a mountain. If you don't actually think you are better than us, then what the fuck are you doing?...Not only do I want an elite president, I want someone who is embarassingly superior to me"

[Ally]

35.

Hell yeah. I'll never let them get rid of me.

[Aurelia]

36.

I'm very glad you are happy and so proud to be American! You sound so energized here.

(But there is a teensy bit of me that is disappointed because I wanted you to live closer to me in Canada, ok? ;)

[Angela]

37.

A-to-the-motherfucking-men!

I'm so glad I found you :)

38.

You rock Cecily! Do we agree on everything, hell no...but we do agree on many things.

I too was raised by a hippie (wanna be in my case) feminist who marched in the civil rights marches and a Vietnam vet dad. My ideals cross the spectrum of both political parties. I am liberal on certain ideas (my body, my choice) and very conservative on others. I really am sick and damned tired of having to pick the lesser of two evils in elections and wish we had multiple political parties (more like the Europeans have). Most of all, I am an intelligent, thinking person and am fucking sick and tired of either political party telling me what I should believe.

[Kristin]

39.

You rock Cecily! Do we agree on everything, hell no...but we do agree on many things.

I too was raised by a hippie (wanna be in my case) feminist who marched in the civil rights marches and a Vietnam vet dad. My ideals cross the spectrum of both political parties. I am liberal on certain ideas (my body, my choice) and very conservative on others. I really am sick and damned tired of having to pick the lesser of two evils in elections and wish we had multiple political parties (more like the Europeans have). Most of all, I am an intelligent, thinking person and am fucking sick and tired of either political party telling me what I should believe.

[Lisa]

40.

Hell Yeah!! Virtual fist bump from another bleeding heart liberal (this time from MI)!

Not only do I want my President to be elite, I want that person to be the smartest person in the whole effin' country! I have no idea if that guy is Obama or not, but he appears to be the smartest, and most level-headed, choice we have right now.

Keep rockin' the political posts, girl. I'm loving them, and dissent is the very definition of American!

[Elizabeth]

41.

Woo hoo! And me too.

I loved what Colin Powell said this weekend - Obama is not a muslim, but so what if he is? You can be Muslim and an American and even President! I can't believe how many people seem to not believe that in this country today.

[poodlesue]

42.

Michelle Bachman did the Republicans no favors on her Larry King Live commentary Friday night either. She seemed to have even less information than Sarah Palin.

Re: garbage - the Candians send their garbage to Michigan. Its like a virus - where do the Chinese send theirs?

[Kira]

43.

When you posted that other entry about moving to Canada, I left a rude and uncalled for comment. I was mad. Sorry.
I realized a few days later that what really got my goat was the threat to leave. I may disagree with you on some political issues, but I absolutely believe that the hope of America lies in people like you. Passionate, caring, engaged citizens are more important than any politician has ever been. It makes me insane when people who really care about our country - our CITIZENS - say that they want to take their input elsewhere.
I'm so glad you're not going anywhere. It may sound trite, but I really love this country, and I believe we deserve people like you.
Potty mouth.

[Chickenpig]

44.

You GO! Rock on with your bad American self :)

My family tree has on it a person who has fought in every war the United States has waged up until the war in Iraq (that includes the French-Indian war which was fought before we were the United States). And who counts herself in a looong line of college educated women, including my great grand aunt who got her Phd in chemistry from Columbia. I have ancestors who came here on the Mayflower, and just about every boat that came after, as well as a couple who were here before anyone came over at all. I am proud to be an American...very, very proud. But DAMNIT when ppl start talking "anti-American" this and "anti-American" that it makes me want to find a chunk of land somewhere and send all the God damned bigots, racists, environment killing, creation believing, trying-to-control-other-ppl's-bodies, anti college education, pro war ASSHOLES there and call it good. This is MY country, to have and to hold, Palin, maybe YOU should take your Anti-American ass out of here!

[Leta]

45.

Funny story about this...

I live in the U.P. of Michigan. 300,000 people in an area the size of MA,RI,CT & VT. The Federal gov't classifies our entire peninsula as rural.

I live in the most densely populated area here. Four towns (Ishpeming, Harvey, Negaunee, and Marquette) all within 30 minutes of each other, have a total population of about 35,000 people.

The Obama signs outnumber the McC signs by ten to one. Seriously. And the U.P. is supposed to be a Republican stronghold, somehow.

"Oh, well, that's because Marquette is a college town!" I can here the sneering.

Here's where it gets funny. Last week, we had occaision to drive out to Republic. Well outside the Ish-Quette Corridor.
A few hundred people live there. The mine closed 40 years ago, and now there's not even a grocery store. If a truck doesn't have pieces of a deer blind in it, it has a gun rack or a snowmobile trailer. There are many people who live subsistance lifestyles- who hunt moose, deer, or bear because that's virtually all the meat they'll eat all year.

We had never been out there, so we drove around, through downtown, checked out the river, found the school.

We saw 32 Obama signs. (We counted.) Not a single McC sign.

Now, we are talking about an area that is OVERWHELMINGLY rural, remote, and white.

This is exactly the sort of "small town America" that the GOP seems to think they own.

The name of the town is REPUBLIC, for God's sake!

So my question is, who are we trying to kid?

Conservatives are the true elitists- the ones with so much money that "spreading the wealth" sounds BAD to them.

Then there are the folks who use religion as an excuse for being so far behind the civil rights curve, whose religious proclivities are so cruelly exploited by Republicans in an attempt to get them to vote against their own economic interests.

If, as Todd Palin said, the core values of America are hunting and fishing, explain to me why his wife and her boss are going nowhere in Republic, Michigan.

We are all Americans. I for, one, am tired of the divisivness. But I'd really like to know what the fuck the Republicans think they are talking about, when reality seems to undermine everything they are supposed to be about.

Then again, reality has a well known liberal bias.

[Eva]

46.

Ditto. This is all very stressful. I love this country--or at least the original point of this country, that we would be free and equal.

I had a dream last night that I messed up my voting and didn't get to vote for Obama. And that he lost. I CRIED and CRIED. I have to step up my volunteering for Obama I guess!

[Gayle]

47.

Awesome! Another great post!! Keep them coming girlfriend!

[wealhtheow]

48.

Once again you are spot-on. Thanks for making me feel less alone in this country.

[anita]

49.

Word!

[Jennifer]

50.

Amen. And how funny, I just posted my own "I believe" declaration today. I decided to reclaim the phrase Hockey Mom. Because THIS hockey mom voted for Obama.

[lisa]

51.

YES. You are an Awesome-American.

[KellyArnold]

52.

I've been lurking for a while, but wanted to say thank you. Those could be my words you wrote today.

I've always said that it is not only your right, but your responsibility to question your government as an American.

-A Massachusetts, bleeding heart, elitist, liberal patriot.

[Ali]

53.

Well, for the first time I am not supporting a democrat. And I could write about equally horrifying things the Dems and the Obama campaign have done/ have been doing. Things that make me feel that this is not America.

But I am not going to do that. My gut tells me that Obama will win. And even if I find him entirely unqualified, to accept it. And just hope that he will be as wonderful as everyone seems to think he will be. I really hope so. Hope? I will try. Change? I hope in a better direction, not worse. Otherwise I am going to be a major pain in the ass;)

[capperoo]

54.

Yes! You rock - completely right on. I was thinking today about adding some American flags to my Obama sign in my front yard to remind my conservative neighbors the same thing. I see it on the many McCain signs in my town, so I thought it would be cool too.
Thank you for yet another perfect post.

[C]

55.

Thank you Cecily.

As Ben Franklin said "Those who would give up liberty for a little bit of temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." It's shocking that those who gleefully gave away their liberties after 9/11 are calling ME UnAmerican, when Ben Franklin would call THEM that.

[Julia]

56.

Well said!

[Journeywoman]

57.

You sing it!

I don't know what I will do if that horrible thing comes to pass.

[Kermit]

58.

Smoochies!

As to who's winning in November, Powell endorsing Obama this weekend is a big deal. We moderates love Colin Powell. Many other Republicans also love Colin Powell. I still wish Colin Powell would run for President.

Thank you for not leaving America.

[Tricia]

59.

And I'm going to take my AMERICAN East Coast but SMALL TOWN - Liberal self to the polls and vote for Obama. I get to exercise my right as an American too.

[Laura]

60.

you said."I believe abortion should remain safe, legal, and rare"

I have a question... what does rare mean?

I worked at PPH for a while so I am not wholly against abortion however when it is used as birth control (and it is by many women) then I take issue with it, in a big way.

anyway I just am curious to know what you mean by that word. thanks
Laura

[sheila]

61.

Yes, people who call people like you and I UN-patriotic, should look up the frickin definition of patriot and nationalist. Dumbasses.

BTW, did you see the big story today about the black McCains? It's a whole line of african-americans named McCain who were originally owned by john McCains line. He refuses to acknowledge it, but his brother goes to the reunions each years. Quite interesting

[Crystal D]

62.

Me too sister!!!

[Lawmommy]

63.

Rock on, Cecily. And "AMEN" and "DITTO" and all that.

I could not have said it better myself.

[Michelle]

64.

I enjoyed reading this but I'm not quite in the place yet to want to stay, even if Obama (who I am excited to vote for) is president. I really wonder how much he can fix, how he can help bring Americans together.
I truly feel like I don't belong here. I just cried this morning after feeling once again like I am an unwanted outsider in my own country. I've shed more tears than I want to remember over these feelings. I want to teach my children that when something isn't right, to change it - but what if I can't, what if we can't - do I leave to show the point of standing up for what's right or do I stay and try to fight the fight that is being a liberal hippie who is looking for freedom, dignity and respect for all. I am so torn and sad with the situations in this country.

[Charles Thomas]

65.

You. RAWK!

[Sarah]

66.

Amen!
I've been getting increasing pissed off about not being a real american because of my 'lifestyle'--one that includes thoughtful consideration of the whys and whats of how America uses her considerable influence around the world. Just because I have a couple of degrees and don't want to bomb everyone into submission, doesn't mean I'm not a 'good' American.

[Cetta]

67.

Amen, sister. Afuckingmen.

[Nancy]

68.

fuck yeah!

[Bridget]

69.

AMAZING post! Thank you for taking the time to express these feelings! I've been grappling with the "what would I do if Obama doesn't win" question too and Canada was looking increasingly appealing. In one swoop you have motivated and inspired. DAMN RIGHT this is our country. And I believe one day soon, I'll be prouder than ever to be a citizen here. Go Obama!

[Peter]

70.

Another "Have to move to Canada" cliche. I'm glad you took the time to distance yourself from the Alec Baldwin crowd.

Liberal/Conservative - the list of folks who have claimed they would move to Canada if something didn't go their way is staggering.

Please, in the future just move North to freeze your ass off in silence.

Those of us who would be left behind would at least have to suffer less bitching.

[Val]

71.

I just hope that Obana wins. Because, I won't go to Canada, but I may still wish I had. I live in WI so that trip really isn't to far! Ha Ha!

In the past, I would never call myself liberal, but I am. I admit it. I'm conversative in finances, but in freedom and rights - no way. Why CAN'T people just let other people make up their own minds about their freedom and lives???

[Hilary]

72.

Thanks for posting this! It was great to meet you (though brief) at BlogHer the other day- I am sorry we weren't able to chat longer. Go Obama!

[Megan]

73.

you go girl!!!

[trishka]

74.

brava, grrlfriend! i couldn't agree more. i get so tired of hearing that because i'm a left coast pacifist yoga-practicing atheist feminist i'm somehow not one of those real americans you hear so much about. i'm as real as the next person. and i have the tax returns to prove it!

[Photographer Lori]

75.

Happy to hear it! I will be voting NO ON PROP 8. Wish you lived here so you could do the same! :)

[suzanne]

76.

hell to the yeah :)

besides, whenever i see those crazy batshit right-wingers on their BS moral crusades, i remember that i *can't* leave! eminem put it best: "god sent me to piss the world off".

and if i don't stay and do it, who will?!

[Leann]

77.

Ok, so now I'm un-American too? In the 2000 election we Democrats were anti-Christian. Wow, we Dems are so evil. LOL

Saw a bumper sticker the other day. It read, "Annoy a Republican. Go to church and be tolerant."

[katie]

78.

i am thankful you are an american.

[New Kid on the Hallway]

79.

Hooray, hooray, hooray! This Massachusetts girl salutes you. (Not that I live there any more, sigh.)

[Lila]

80.

Thank God, for many decades the word "undeutsch" (un-German) habs been out of use. Un-American is really an absurd word. Absurd like calling short haired women "no real women". I really don't understand the mindset that uses such concepts.

I'm glad you found your way out of the alienation that must have been painful. Obviously, a democracy thrives on the plurality of opinions. Otherwise you can go to live in a dictatorship.

[BlueMoonBean]

81.

I think I love you. Thank you.

[Jen]

82.

AMEN!

We are an amazing country, which is why it has been so painful to see what has been done to our constitution, our people, and our international standing over the past 8 years. If I didn't love my country, I wouldn't care, nor work to try to change it.

[Mommyaulait]

83.

I agree! I will not sit down. I will not shut up. I am what these soldiers are dieing for. My right to speak. My right to scream and shout and throw seven kinds of fits. I do this for me and I do this for my kids. I will be heard and if you even try to shut me up ten more voice will be heard in my place. I AM AMERICA!

I am so glad to have found your blog. Can't wait to see read more.

[bh]

84.

You Go Girl!!!!!

[Stephanie]

85.

I did NOT realize you live in Philadelphia!!
For some reason I've always thought that you lived in CA, like in San Diego or something!! LOL!!!!

[KirstenB]

86.

Well said!

Nobody has the right to make you feel as though you don't belong in your OWN DAMN COUNTRY. It'll be a better place with people such as yourself in it.

The only regret I have is that you will now not be emigrating to Australia (not that you were going to :)) and thus I can't meet you in person!

That was an inspiring post, as was the one before it. I think you should send both of them into papers; surely one or more would be printed? Your voice should be heard.
All the best,
Kirsten

[Lauren]

87.

Amen, sister! You have an amazing ability to articulate what so many of us are thinking.

[Ninotchka]

88.

"I curse on my blog like a motherfucking sailor, but I am raising my daughter with kindness and dignity. "

Can I adopt this as my personal motto? This is GREATNESS. I love you, Cec. Always. You make me care [more] and you make me think [more], man. That's golden!

[Gwen]

89.

Both sides have these fringe elements that say the most idiotic things. Unfortunately, in our era of hyperbole, it's these idiotic things that get all the press. So we begin to think that everyone on the other "side" believes what the fringe nutjobs do. It's just not true. And I think we would do ourselves a favor if we consumed all of our media more carefully, with an awareness of how hysterical and out of the bounds of reality it truly is.

[Linda]

90.

I have tears in my eyes after reading your post! THANK YOU for expressing how I feel. We are Americans have the right and dare I say, the responsibility to speak up when we see something wrong! We have the right and responsibility to vote for whomever WE see fit! It is NOT unamerican to disagree! This country was created by those who believed that we have the RIGHT to do so!

[Teenuh]

91.

Amen Cecily. And as a California resident, I can guarantee two votes from my house are against Proposition 8. Everyone should be able to marry the person they love. Who are we to say they can't?

[Ronda]

92.

I'm a liberal elitist trapped in a red state. I won't back down and I won't be quiet. I want my country back. I'm against torture. I believe in the right to habeas corpus. I believe our standing in the world is important. I believe the Bush doctrine of preemptive attack endangers our nation and our future. I believe I should have the right to make decisions about my body. I believe stable loving relationships between people are much less a threat to marriage than shotgun teen weddings. I believe standing up for what I believe is my patriotic duty. In other words, I'm with you Cecily.

Ronda

[Tine]

93.

(*standing ovation*)

I think I love you, Cecily!

Thank you for saying that. At last, someone has put into (quite eloquent) words how I feel. This is something I can share with my conservative family and friends, with some hope of them actually paying attention.

I love this country so much that I spent four years of college studying it (American Studies major here), not to mention most of my subsequent career as a writer/editor/researcher. And just because I'm a liberal, somehow I'm anti-American? Um, no. Thank you (again) for reminding me of that.

Smooches to you from a Minnesotan who did NOT vote for Michelle Bachman, poisonous viper that she is.

[Elena]

94.

I guess I don't understand why any liberal would feel that way when the print media, television and entertainment is primarily liberal and the congress is a Democratic majority.

I also don't get why liberals say they would move to Canada. If it were me, I'd go south! But then I'm not much of a winter person.

[sizzle]

95.

Even though I could move to Canada, I won't because, same as you, this is my country too. Regardless of the turn out of the election, I'm here to stay and here to be heard.

P.S. Yes We Can!

[Kathleen]

96.

This is so beautiful - I've got goose bumps.

You ROCK. Your post reminds me that I am an American - and I better be proud about that. We need more Americans like you who speak up. Your last paragraph stunningly addresses the complexity of being human and a citizen. You own your identity (which is one of the reasons I like your blog so much) and in that paragraph you make it clear that to be American (among other things - like mother, human, etc) is to be many things.

[Ann]

97.

Amazing. I completely agree.

In other sad/depressing/scary news I didn't know if you had seen this article yet http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/10/poor_cub Makes me worry about Obama, especailly with all the negative energy Palin has been stirring up

[mary]

98.

work work work it out!!!!!!!!
...thanks so much for calling attention to the fact that speaking your OWN mind and having an opinion and the freedom to voice that opinion is what being American is all about...
I applaud you...and your right to voice such a wonderful sentiment :)

[Bremily]

99.

Damn! I wish I had written that! This anti-American shit doesn't make a lick of sense to me either. Striving for progress does not mean you hate what you are! I know I am so incredibly lucky to have been born in this country and I don't take it for granted. I feel it is our duty as Americans to call for what we believe will improve our country. No matter what your opinions-- to me, standing up for them is the most important way to show your American-ness (oh yes, I made that word up!). People that don't vote and don't care, I think you can call them whatever you want!

[courtney]

100.

thanks again for a great post!