My Thoughts on Politics as a Mother
Here is an excerpt from my latest book review, available at Surrender, Dorothy: Reviews.
Nobody is stopping us from changing the world. It's a different worldthan our mothers inhabited, that's for sure. We have more power andless. The power we do have, as women, as mothers, can only be found inorganization, and in unification. Yet we fight each other, we drawlines in the sand, we deem our choices the best, the only. The onlyway we can make this world better, easier, for us and for our children,is by dropping the pretenses and helping each other. And by not beingafraid to speak out, even if it garners us criticism from our men orour peers.
It's late, and there are so many things going through my head as the thunder booms and my in-laws are in danger of being flooded out in Iowa by the latest of a series of Biblical storms. I'm thinking of politics, as I'm sure our politics, and the politics of our leaders, are affecting the weather as surely as God is. I don't believe God reigns down terror, rather He lets us sleep in the bed we made.
The woman who might have been president has stepped aside, and though I'd have liked to see her take the highest office in the land, I am confident Obama will fight the good fight. I'm confident another woman will take office in the next 12 years. I'm confident that we as a country are beginning to change, in many ways.
I recently took a poll that asked me if I thought our world would be better, worse or the same in the next five years. I hoped against hope and said I thought it would be better. Not because I necessarily believe in politicians, not even those I like, but because I believe in us. I believe in the bloggers, the writers, the thinkers, the artists, the soccer moms, the single women, and yes, the men. I believe we've had enough of big money and corporate control. I believe we've had enough Animal Farm to last us a lifetime.
The book was great. But what was better was the fire in my belly I once again felt upon putting it down. You have keyboards. Will you use them for good or for evil?
Write what you believe.