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Friday, October 10, 2008

He’s not one of us

by Lynn D

What does that mean? I wish someone would explain this statement to me in a context I can understand. I hear these words and cringe and my stomach drops, because I hear a message that the subtext is very dangerous and inflammatory. Oh some of you may think you are just being over sensitive, am I?

Does it mean he is not an American? Does it mean he is not a Republican? Does it mean he is not a Christian? Does it mean he is not patriotic? Does it mean he is not a human being? What is the point that is being made with this statement?

I keep running this through my brain and truly the only answer I can come up with is that it is being used to dehumanize someone. He is not one of us.

Then I sit and think am I one of us? What are the rules? Are there different rules for different people? What is it based on? Your gender? Skin color, name, and education? Political leanings, hair color, eye color? Who your parents are? Who your friends are? What are the damn rules?

When I hear people at political rallies yell out terrorist, kill him, treason how am I not to come to the conclusion that there is a fear message being spread and it is dangerous not just to the person who is being dehumanized but also to the rest of us? Who is next? Is it really this easy? Should I be afraid that I may be next or my children or grandchildren? Should I try to be like them and keep silent or spread the message or is this just trying to duck and cover?

Well I have decided I will not keep silent or spread this message because this to me is the very way we end up with people discriminated against and in a worst case scenario people dead.

So I am speaking up! I am an American, I am patriotic, I am a woman, I am an independent voter, I am a grandmother of grandchildren of mixed race, and I am an everyday person who thinks education and health care are important. I am a person who wants a leader who will bring all of the people together not drive a wedge because fear is the only way they know how to govern. We are a nation of people from all nationalities and religions so why are we letting ourselves be defined by these narrow minded questions?

Is it time for all of us to stand up and say this is beneath us and we want better? For me it is, and I am yelling it loudly! I WANT BETTER!!!

I am speaking out and releasing the fear. I will not let it control who or what I am and I will fight to my last breath for my children and their children. You are Americans and you deserve better

246 comments:

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Tina~in_ut said...

lol dianne~ where did zona go?

Just_Lin said...

Tina Congrats! You've still got it. Of course, I am debilitated with this bad arm of mine. :)

Dianne/Denver said...

Tina, I thought you were talking to her. You didn't give her anything to thing for minute about did you?

Dianne/Denver said...

J/L: Good thing you aren't in Idaho with that arm not working---or---hmmm, just thinking----maybe you are used to your arms being restrained (so to speak)

Just_Lin said...

Dianne What did that mean?

Dianne/Denver said...

Now look what happened Tina...I started typing fast and hit the wrong keys.

ZONA: Get your butt on here, please.

Just_Lin said...

Dianne Yes, this would put a crimp in my style. We tend to use everything we've got. LOL

Just_Lin said...

Zona Are you having trouble closing your legs?

Dianne/Denver said...

J/L: Well, one time I saw some furry handcuffs at the store or my house or somewhere...I guess I was just thinking back to my young days....

Dianne/Denver said...

I hope to gosh that ZONA didn't get confused and jump in that dang pool! I at least think there is still water in it..just may be a little chilly when she comes up for air.

Just_Lin said...

Dianne_B&D_in_Denver We were just discussing that we will probably end up breaking all the furniture in the house because of our "antics". LOL

Tina~in_ut said...

Dianne~ are you drinking~

J/L~ i wouldn't worry about that arm.....you wouldn't need it with custard~

Just_Lin said...

Yoo Hoo!!! Tina and Zona! Where for art thou?

Dianne/Denver said...

J/L..maybe video or something to explain...:)

Just_Lin said...

Tina You are right. That's one of his attributes! LOL

Dianne/Denver said...

See...we were all typing at the same time and I was right in there Miss Tina.

J/L: I wish I had all the energy you have for "antics". I think I have been married too long..almost 6 years this time.

Just_Lin said...

Dianne Well, Custard's like a 20 yr old, if you get my drift. Plus, he loves to flirt and tease. Plus we are apart a lot.

Just_Lin said...

Dianne How are you doing anyway? Any idea when you can get off the oxygen? It would be difficult to be too frisky when you can't breathe. I had a little trouble with that in Boise due to the altitude. I'm used to being at sea level.

Tina~in_ut said...

Dianne~ WOW....6 years~ Does he still like you?

Dianne/Denver said...

J/L: Here is a funny little story. My friend and I were at the movie the other day and this very romantic scene with Richard Gere and Diane Lane comes on...my friend leans over to me and she ssys, "what are they doing"? She made me laugh out loud at the wrong time of the movie!

Tina~in_ut said...

wait...are we talking about old people sex now? ewwwwwwwww~

Tina~in_ut said...

question: Does the heavy breathing mean something different now that you are older?

Just_Lin said...

Tina I just TOLD YOU! Custard is like a 20 yr old, very frisky, it makes me frisky too.

Dianne/Denver said...

Tina, I think he "sometimes" still likes me. I know it isn't for my cooking and it sure isn't for my "antics"..hmmmm, I will have ro re-think that answer.

J/L: I am doing okay. I haven't been using the oxygen except at bedtime. I am supposed to be on it but it is a pain to carry around. I am feeling okay and getting back into a routine again with my volunteer work and getting out and about. That is good for me or I just end up laying around and that is NOT good for me.

Dianne/Denver said...

Tina, the heavy breathing for us "old folks" is more like gasping for air (in my case anyway).

Just_Lin said...

Dianne I'm glad you're able to be more active now. Does it make it harder for you to live in the mile high city?

Zona said...

DIANNE: He loves you for your cute new 'do'...and because you are you... :)

Dianne/Denver said...

Awww Zona, you are always so sweet.

J/L: I have always lived here so I don't know any different. Maybe I should come to live with you for the winter and see if that sea level makes a difference. It would be a nice change of scenery for me and plus you cook good.

Just_Lin said...

Dianne, Zona is right. You have a great personality and sense of humor. :)

Dianne/Denver said...

Zona, I told you my cute new "do" wasn't so cute about two hours later when I looked in the mirror. I look like a dork or mork or whatever you call it.

Just_Lin said...

Dianne You do live where the air is thinner. You're welcome to come visit (except if Custard is here). :)

Dianne/Denver said...

J/L: Thanks. Now I feel like I am on one of those blind dates that the person wants to know what the other looks like and they are described that they "have a great personality". You know that means not so great....just kidding with you J/L

Just_Lin said...

Dianne You're new do makes you look like Robin Williams?

Dianne/Denver said...

Ummm, J/L, I said I would come for the winter so it will be a little tiny bit longer than just a visit. If Custard shows up..well, what's a old gal like me to do?

Just_Lin said...

Dianne I thought of that as I was typing it! LOL But I meant it sincerely.

whabbear said...

Dianne, Tina, Zona: I don't think you guys are on crack tonight.

I think it's Carol! LOL!

Tina~in_ut said...

Okay Ladies~ (using term loosely) I'm off to bed~ Have I mentioned I can't stand my new shift? Fall asleep at midnight now~ sucks~

sweet dreams~ :)

Just_Lin said...

Bear Maybe that's why she keeps farting! LOL

Dianne/Denver said...

Nano Nano (or however you spell it)..that means yes! At the beauty shop I thought I looked all cute and sassy with my new short hair. I met a friend for dinner and when I went in the bathroom and saw myself again...it didn't look too sassy and I sure can't make it look like ie either. I had asked the hair dresser if she had a hair style book for over 60..she only had one for over 30!

Just_Lin said...

Good night Tina! Hope we see you over the weekend.

Tina~in_ut said...

Bear~ Even tho i didn't know you were there....the "ladies" comment stands~ :D

btw...congrats on the new Mr Whabbear~ I wish I could send my Mr. to live somewhere else~ :D

Dianne/Denver said...

Night Tina. No, I don't think I have heard you mention you didn't like your new shift :)...not much anyway.

Just_Lin said...

Dianne Women of all ages are wearing any kind of style they want. I bet it looks cuter than you think. I have weak hair so usually hairdressers don't put enough product on it and it gets wimpy shortly after I leave the salon. I always go home and spray it more than they did.

Dianne/Denver said...

J/L, I have a really fat round face but I don't think that is going to change so I just wanted a style that was more modern. Evcry time I looked in the mirror I saw my mother. Now, that isn't bad but her last years of life were getting her hair done once a week and wrapping it in toliet paper so I just wanted something different..as she was in her late 70's and I am somewhat younger.

Dianne/Denver said...

Ok J/L, I think I need to head off to bed. I had to get up very early for me today (8AM) now I am getting sleepy. It's been fun talking to you tonight and I'll be packing my many suitcases or maybe just ship my things to your house for my winter stay.

Just_Lin said...

Sweet dreams, Dianne, it was fun. I'm going to be retiring soon, myself. I think this vaccine is making me tired.

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