TV ads for this shameful bit of legislation presented the proposition as somehow connected to public schools. It gave the impression that teachers were going to have to teach children that gay marriage is OK. Oh yes, and without parental son consent.

In case you were wondering, this is pure bullshit.

Last year, I had to sign a consent form for Little Elvis to sit in a session that taught boys and girls about personal hygiene and sex education. Had I not given my consent, LE wouldn’t have been able to sit in this class.

Despite this ‘law of consent’, using the fear-playbook of the Republican party, proponents of Prop 8 successfully pushed their message down the throats of Californians.

And to what end?

Does anyone’s marriage benefit from this? Are there people so damn homophobic that they think a proposition, even a constitutional amendment is going to make homosexuality, lesbianism, trans-genderism somehow fade from society?

Do these people have brains? The answer is no. They’ve got religion.

As a former member of the religious-right, I understand where they’re coming from. They believe God abhors sinners. They label anyone not ’saved’ or ‘churched’ as damned to hell and need of salvation. OK, that’s widely accepted, even though it’s totally false. It’s why I’m no longer a member of the tribe.

Would you believe that the guy who conducted the ceremony at my daughter’s wedding cornered me at the reception to inquire as to whether I was saved? Is there no limit to where and when proselytizing occurs?

If God is love, how can he/she condone the legal discrimination enforced by Proposition 8? Here’s why it’s immoral.

My best friend is gay. Why should he not be entitled to the legal benefits of spending his life with the person of his choosing? Just because I’m straight I’m afforded these rights.

He isn’t. Should his partner ever be on life support and should my friend ever be faced with the choice of letting his partner die or be kept alive by a respirator, he’s prevented from making this decision because…oh yes….they’re not married.

LEGAL DISCRIMINATION

Why is this not seen as just another way to discriminate against ‘those not like us?” Yeah, that’s real Christ-like behavior.

It sickens me. I have no doubt that my own stance on this won’t win any support from some of my family members whom I know supported Prop 8. But they have to ask themselves, why is it so important to pass this legislation?

• Does it somehow make them feel more holy or closer to God?
• Does if feel good knowing that this ‘law’ is in direct opposition to the principle of acceptance that Jesus taught?

When they are finally honest with themselves, they will know what everyone else knows. It’s a fraud.

When Little Elvis ask me to explain Prop 8 to him, I gave his the sample ballot to read. This insightful 12 year-old finished reading, looked up at me and asked, “Is this legal?”

Prop 8 is legal discrimination. Anyone who supported it rubber-stamps bigotry, segregation, willful exclusion and all other forms of social slavery.

Congratulations, California. The country moved forward last night and you took a step backwards.

© Thanks for subscribing to Random Writings From Bazland!

In the 21 months since he asked me the question,“Dad, Who will you vote for?” he’s been involved in the political season that culminated last night with Barack Obama’s inspirational win.

Justin accompanied me to our local polling location, waited in line with me for about 30 minutes in the early morning chill, and held my sample ballot while he watched me participate in democracy.

While waiting in line, and in typical 12 year-old fashion, he asked, “How many McCain supporters do you think are here?”

I said there was no way to tell; that people don’t look Republican or Democratic.  They’re all citizens interested in casting their vote for the candidate they hope would bring change to America.

Later in the evening he sat beside me watching election returns.  He also sang a short song he’d composed about Barack Obama winning the election.  That told me that 1) he’s been listening to the political conversation and 2) he’s more likely to be politically engaged in the ensuing years.

That makes me happy.

We sat and listened to both John McCain’s concession speech and President-elect Obama’s acceptance.  I continually wiped tears from my cheeks, moved by the tremendous step forward this country had the courage to take yesterday.

He looked at me and said, “I really am witnessing history, aren’t I Dad?”

I hugged him and softly whispered, “Yes, son. You are.”

© Thanks for subscribing to Random Writings From Bazland!

OK, I admit it, I’ve been rabid about the candidacy of Barack Obama.  Not because he’s the Messiah, but because (partly) the alternatives are so incredibly horrible.

Add the endorsement last Sunday of Gen. Colin Powell - a thinking Republican - and that of Michael Smerconish -a conservative Republican radio talk show host- and you can see why I’m bullish on this.

If I were to really lay off all election stuff, I’d not mention the incredibly racist comments of Comedian Rush Limbaugh over the weekend, Rep. Bachman’s (R-Mn) call for McCarthyesque “anti-American” test for all members of congress or how the state of Maine’s US Sentators asked McCain to stop the robocalling in their state.

Having said that, it feels like it’s time to move on to othe topics of interest.  Topics like…oh, let’s see….parenting, dating, kids, simplicity, productivity…you know…all those things I say in the little blurb to the right.

Rush Limbaugh is a big fat idiot.

OK, sorry.  That was absolutely last election-related, Tourette-like outburst.  Promise.

© Thanks for subscribing to Random Writings From Bazland!

Tuesday - More sniffling and medicine head due to not getting to the pharmacy in time to buy the real Sudafed.  Instead, had to settle for the OTC-non-methamphetamine-precursor; the kind you can buy without showing your ID to the pharmacist.  It doesn’t work.  Finally got some real stuff and felt loads better.

Wednesday / Thursday - Not much different.  I picked up my new glasses - a slight change in prescription and major change in frames.  I haven’t got a picture made in these new frames yet, but think ‘Kieth Olberman.’  Justin, my 12-year-old-liberal-in-training, keeps calling me Kieth. :)  Began getting ready to attend a birthday BBQ for my son-in-law at his parent’s home in San Leandro in the East Bay (think south of Oakland) by phoning Bethany for gift ideas.  She gave me some good suggestions, but in the end, I went with my gut on this one - a book I saw at Borders in the Capitola Mall - ‘1001 Ways To Be Romantic!‘  Hey, I may not know a whole lot about successful marriages, but I do know how important romance can be in a new relationship (any stage of a relationship, actually).  I inscribed the following inside:

“David -

A little bit of romance makes up for a whole lot of dirty dishes.

Barry”

Friday - Made travel arrangements for my month end week in Salt Lake City (SLC).  Got a couple of non-stops to and from SLC so I can avoid the roller-coaster approach into Reno/Tahoe.  When I fly Southwest Airlines I’m usually routed SLC to Reno/Tahoe to San Jose.  I’ve never had any turbulence flying into San Jose.  I lose my nearly lose my lunch flying into Reno.  So this time I got lucky. Justin spent the night with his mom and I drove around deciding whether or not to see Oliver Stone’s new film, W.  Opted not to, mainly because a little voice inside told me to go home.  I’ve learned over the years to listen to this little alter-ego and I went home.   I went to bed at 9 -aided by a Trazedone - a script my family physician gave me to take when I haven’t slept well the week before- and slept pretty well. A bit of a hangover the following morning from the Trazedone, but it was Saturday and some strong Italian Roast took care of it.

Saturday - Picked up Justin and we drove to San Leandro for David’s BBQ.  In the past (for at least 15 years), whenever I’ve gathered at a ‘family’ function where my ex-wife and her side of the family have hosted the event, I’ve always felt out of place.  Kind of like a Liberal Democrat at a fundraiser for Conservative Republicans. There are reasons for this that extend outside (and may not have anything to do with) politics. Personal issues on both sides are at the core most likely, but I’ve tried over the years to just be myself and let the chips fall where they may.  I have to say that Bethany and David’s wedding was not only a turning point in my own life, but perhaps it has something to do with the increased ease that all demonstrate when I’m in the crowd. Or it could be that I’m way too obsessed with how other perceive me. You think?

Whatever…all I know is that it was good to see my daughter and new son-in-law, Ben, Crystal and Justin loves seeing them at any time.  Wanda and Joel -David’s parents- were terrific hosts and went to a lot of trouble the day a happy one for David.  I enjoyed being in their home.

Forecast for this this week…Ok, let me look into my crystal ball….channeling Carnac….ok, it’s clear now…just what I thought…..can’t see a thing.

© Thanks for subscribing to Random Writings From Bazland!

“Can we now admit the obvious? Sarah Palin is utterly unqualified to be vice president. She is a feisty, charismatic politician who has done some good things in Alaska. But she has never spent a day thinking about any important national or international issue, and this is a hell of a time to start.”

Click here to read the entire column in Newsweek.

© Thanks for subscribing to Random Writings From Bazland!

“As a single parent, you’re really ‘on-24-7,’ aren’t you?  It must take its toll on you.”

The tears that blurred my vision were immediate. She may have thought they were due to the sharp, pointy scalars she was employing to remove some subgingival calculi, but I knew where they originated. They came from the deepest center of my being - the one that’s securely guarded by layers of emotional Kevlar.

In the five years since I became a single-parent with full custody of my now 12-year old son, the number of people who really get what it means to be in this position have been few. I think it was the sudden recognition of this spot-on understanding that allowed me to let down my guard and simply feel that it’s OK to acknowledge that it’s a tough journey.

Part of this journey is balancing the demands of my job with the responsibilities at home. It’s a common issue faced by all single parents who must work to support their children and still be an effective parent.

In my job, I travel about two to three times per month for a couple of days at a time. Limited travel can work in my situation, but anything more that a three times a month is a hardship for both me and him.

I have minimal local support.  I’m a good 40 miles from my nearest adult child and all three of them are busy leading their own lives. I’ve made few friends in the past five years, most of which is a function of my self-preservation modus operandi I fall into.

I’ve been burned too many times in relationships and, as a result, allow only a few into the inner sanctum of my life.  Protecting my son is paramount; and it often regulates my own social interactions. Add to that my introverted nature and I can very easily become insulated and hermit-like.

But a hermit, I don’t want to be.  It’s not healthy for me or for him. And so I’m getting comfortable with the idea of venturing out of my comfort-zone and into the unknown.

Anyone have a map?

© Thanks for subscribing to Random Writings From Bazland!

A new post category that will, as the name so obviously describes, recap my week.

Weekly Recap

The work-week began as most do, bustling each morning to get Justin off to school on on campus as close and I can to 8a. He can’t be on campus before 8 and I have to be in my office by 8 - some twelve miles south on Highway 1.  It’s been a challenge to accomplish both, but one my boss is understanding about thus far. 

Tuesday I sat in the dental hygienist’s chair for a lovely periodontal procedure. Good thing I’m on a diet. ;-)  Kat, the hygienist, did a great job and my gums feel great and my smile is better than it was.  Lots of coffee stains are gone. YAY!

Wednesday I flew to Salt Lake City to kickoff a new proposal. Delta non-stops are good, the Southwest flights returning home are less so.  Turbulence was in abundance as was the supply of cranky passengers -one of which I’ll describe briefly.

Mr. Moron

On the return flight (SLC to Reno/Tahoe to San Jose), I sat on the emergency exit row next to the window. There is a ton of leg room on this row and as long as you are able and willing to help in the advent of an emergency exit, it’s open seating.

There was a man sitting in the aisle seat.  He’d placed his black, nylon backpack on the middle seat thereby inaudibly proclaiming his disdain for anyone who chose that particular seat.  I chose the window seat next to the vacant middle (backpack) seat. After nearly everyone had boarded, another man walked down the aisle and chose the middle seat.

“What? You want to sit here?” asked the man owner of the backpack?

“Yes, I do,” said the man and he proceeded to sit in the middle seat just in time for aisle man to remove his backpack.

“Everything on this side of the arm rest is my space,” aisle man said rather loudly.

“Um, OK,” responded middle man.

Long story short, I enjoyed a good conversation with middle man (the owner of two vacuum cleaner and air purifier stores - one in Salt Lake City and the other in Carson City) who was on his way home.

Middle man deplaned at Reno.

Aisle man looked over at me and said, “What a moron…his legs weren’t even that long.”

I didn’t say anything but felt rather sorry for this obese, vodka-cranberry swilling man on the aisle who fervently disliked everyone around him.  Referring to the man who simply wanted a comfortable seat with extra leg room for the short 1:20 plane ride, this spoke volumes to me about his general attitude toward life.

How unhappy to you have to be in order to label others who aren’t doing anything but what you are already doing?

I guess I should have defended middle man, but I chose instead to ignore the reeking distillery and watch a movie on my iPod.

Friday saw the beginnings of a cold (no doubt from the recycled air in the jetliner). It’s been nearly a year since I’ve had a cold. It should be short lived. This morning I awoke at 7:30 -later than my usual 5a biorhythm induced alarm goes off-  and felt like the cold had indeed arrived at Gate 1.

One other thing. I’ve lost 4 pounds after having been ‘really good’ with eating on the road. Yay me! I’m following a modified Atkins Diet approach: lots of protein, carbs limited to green, leafy salads and the like.  After beginning HCTZ for high-blood pressure a couple of weeks ago,one of my goals is to lose about 20 pounds.

So far, so good.  But man, do I miss Rocky Road!

© Thanks for subscribing to Random Writings From Bazland!

Every resume sample I critiqued proudly boasted the applicant’s ability to multitask - to efficiently work toward completing multiple tasks at once.

It sounds great -but unfortunately- it’s a myth and neuroscience researchers at MIT back up this claim with hard data.

Research shows that instead of concentrating on multiple tasks, the ‘executive system’ of the brain allow us to switch between tasks in rapid succession thereby giving us the impression of multitasking.

If you’ve got about 8 minutes to listen, I recommend the following audio from National Public Radio. (The link takes you to NPR’s article and audio link the same page.)

What about you? Have you always considered yourself a multitasker? Does this seemingly contradict your ideas about your abilities? Please share your reactions to this article below.

© Thanks for subscribing to Random Writings From Bazland!

© Thanks for subscribing to Random Writings From Bazland!

Source: The Economist

© Thanks for subscribing to Random Writings From Bazland!