Breaker, Breaker, What’s your handle?

In April just as I was about to sign the family’s tax returns I received a call about a survey. I played a long and answered all the questions – as I came to realize the caller wanted my opinion on my state’s U.S. Senate seat that will be up soon. Opinion about politics….OF COURSE! As with all surveys at the end they needed some information to make sure that they were getting a random sample like age, married status, household income etc. Then came the question that when posed I wasn’t sure how to answer “Ok, we are almost done, can I ask you for your occupation?” I quickly shot back “My job is my 3 year old son” to the inquirer’s reply “ok we will put homemaker. Thank you for your time, bye, bye.” *click*

Hold on a minute! Do I identify myself as a homemaker? Is that what I am? When did I go from a married woman with a family and a Masters Degree to a homemaker? The label of homemaker is bothersome and is so out of date that I cringe when I see the word and have even crossed it out on my tax returns when my occupation is labeled as such. I would much rather not have an occupation that be given one. No woman or man should be labeled as such, and don’t go giving me the politically correct b.s. about domestic engineer either. It means the same thing, someone just used the Thesaurus to come up with a fancy translation. (and my Masters degree isn’t in engineering)

Individuals that work, man or woman, have a label and occupation. They are doctors, teachers, executive directors, secretaries, truck drivers etc. but what happens on that day that you decide you are going to stay home or, in this economy, get laid off and stay home with your children. All of a sudden you aren’t unemployed (that’s a different category), but rather something else. It’s kind of a gray area since technically you get paid for your occupation. Those who stay at home do not.

Look. I am a mother and I stay at home. So that makes me a SAHM – understandable. But I also am a blogger, which is seems there a lot of SAHM out there that do the same. But is that how I identify myself or occupation? Still the answer is no – I have yet to find someone to fund my blog. I also volunteer for several organizations, one through the community I live in and one through my church. Does that make me an activist? Sure, but still not my label or occupation. It’s called volunteering for a reason.

So where does someone who stays at home voluntarily, without any income stand in the world of labels and niche categories? I have yet to come up with a name or category for people like me, but please, please, please don’t label me a homemaker, domestic goddess (although I will take the goddess part) or anything else that will simplify who I am.

Off the Grid

I am seriously the worst ever! It almost feels like I have been off the grid, but it is more like off the schedule. Nap time used to be blog time, but things have changed around here and I haven't gotten enough blogging in. Just like last summer, I am heading off to a nice warm vacation and will be off the grid most of the summer - unless I can some how figure out how to get broadband wireless connection that won't cost me $400.

But since I will be off the grid, that doesn't mean I will lack opinions. Right now I've got two subjects that are taking up a lot of my thoughts, that for sure I will explore through this medium while on my summer vacation.
1. Patty Blogojavich on "I am a Celebrity....get me out of here"
2. The mom label/category and is SAHM really my only label.

The second topic I have been mulling over since tax day but have yet to conceptualize the argument and the label. Will be working on that post for a bit longer before the "great" reveal!

In the meantime, I am still around, still have opinions and still just dealing. But I will be better!!! maybe I should take a page from a friend's blog and blog every day for a month.

A Cuban Connection?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-sun-cuba-travel-orbitzmay10,0,948920.story

Curious Cuba Confusion

Hi, remember me? Well, my first quarter resolution hasn't been going too well, but I've also had a new kink in my blogging schedule. That would be the non napping Realpolitik toddler. Yes, it's true, my days of quiet nap filled afternoons might be coming to an end very soon but in the mean time onward to the blog of the day.

A few days ago I heard on NPR - about my only source for news anymore. That Raul Castro commented that maybe the Cuban government may have said and done some things in the past that could have hurt Cuban-American relations. I am glad to see the Obama administration take some steps to ease some of the tensions that exist while also relaxing some of the restrictions on Cuban living in the U.S. traveling to Cuba and how much money can be sent to relatives who still live on the island.

My confusion and I guess surprise is Raul's comment. His brother, Fidel, who had been in power for over 5 decades and has only criticized the United States from its policies to its leaders and everything in between. I never thought I might see the day that a Castro, especially while Fidel is still alive, might say that maybe the leadership has been wrong in their actions all these years. I am not sure where this change of heart has come from but I do believe that it is sincere. It might be that everyone has little warm fuzzies for our President Obama - which we saw during the G-20 summit - or maybe it Fidel's ailing years he has seen how both sides have erred in their relations with one another. Whatever the case may be I think how the United States government and the Cuban government proceed may bring some new policies towards Cuba. We may not be ready yet to repeal the embargo until the Castro government, be it Fidel or Raul, are completely gone, but I do think this is a situation has a positive conclusion in I hope the next several years.

Time Consumption

So I totally missed my blog-aversary which is horrible. It came and went without even me noticing. So happy anniversary to me. This actually comes to the point of this post. A while ago I talked about allocating my time and how easy it was as long as I had a schedule for my child.
Well, let me tell you that has all be thrown out the window!!!!

Facebook has become my downfall in life. If you remember I wasn't sure how I felt about it when I first signed up, but now it has become my main communication with some people but still fulfills my curiosity of the "where are they now". Maybe a little too much. I have found myself on facebook almost a little too much and not getting half the stuff done that I need to get accomplished. It's funny, I finally feel like I've got some normalcy in my life and can actually do other things like the gym, volunteer, etc, but for some reason that little blue symbol with the white "F" keeps sucking me back into the abyss of nothingness.

So this is my new plan. A first quarter resolution - kind of like a New Year's resolution. Less Facebook and more blogging, reading, going to the gym, etc. I think I can do it. the last 2 I have become better at since the beginning of the year. With so much that has gone on in my state and I actually have an opinion about most of these things, I should stop seeing who has commented on my status, what new pictures I or my husband have been tagged in and get cracking. Otherwise my brain will not turn into mommy mush, but rather Facebook mush - and we don't want that.

State of the State

The plight of my state has been all over the news the past several weeks. Yesterday's denial of appointed Senator Burris to be seated in the U.S. Senate was a big deal. While the only "technical" reason why he cannot be seated is that Secretary of State Jessie White did not certify our embattled governor's appointment of Burris, there isn't much else that is keeping Burris out of the Senate seat. What makes me sad, is that it didn't matter who our Governor appointed, any candidate would be going through this same issues. Our governor definitely outsmarted everyone by making the move to appoint Roland Burris, but how can the same state that was the home of our next President also be the same state that is embattled and is the laughing stock of the country. *sigh*

To take it up a level. Let's talk about the Senate Democrats for a bleeping moment. What happened?!? All of a sudden they are infighting and just plain old disorganized. I think it all began after the election on what to do with Liebermann, now it's about seating Burris. Harry Ried is loosing a lot of credibility with me. I understand that Sen. Durbin is behind the Burris blocking, but quite honestly this isn't doing anything for our nation or for that matter the party. While the Democrats were all sitting back watching the Republican party implode with their choice of Palin and loosing many seats in the Congress, I can see Dick Chaney and the others in the party just sitting back and watching all of what is going on with a particular sneer.

I am hoping that come January 20th, change will still come to America.

Ring in the Hope

First off, I am giving myself a slap on the wrist for taking so long to blog. No excuses, but December kind of blew past me without much thought about what was going on in local, national or international news. I've thought about a few things, but haven't been "connected" to the news in 3 weeks. I think I might have just needed a bit of a news cycle break.

With a little less than 12 hours before we ring in 2009, I just wanted to wish the three of you (and you know who you are) a very wonderful new year. Looking back, we've all gone through some rough patches with family,relationships, health, professional ambitions, and of course the economy slowing everything else down. While it wasn't all a downer, hopefully there are many things in 08 that you will have happy memories about; new homes, new babies, new jobs, new organs and best of all a new President. I hope that all around 2009 brings us more opportunities and less struggles in all aspects of our lives.

So right now, I am raising a mug of coffee, but later tonite a glass of some sort of alcoholic beverage to all of you and wishing you a hopeful, healthy, and Obama New Year!

Let's Talk

Dear fellow holiday card senders

We need to talk. Some of you may know of my "holiday card" book. It's the book I keep that has everyone's name and addresses along with if I have sent you a card and if I have received a card from you. I enjoy holiday cards I receive but lately I have become very disappointed in what I have found in my mailbox. These are the labeled cards.

Labeled cards, where you label the recipient's name, your address is labeled and then the card is pre-printed with your holiday message inside. I understand that it is the thought that counts, but really is there any thought process to these cards, other than to wonder if you should sent a card to your perspective recipient. I don't ask for much, but how about a little hand written "Happy Holidays" + your signatures. At least I know then that you genuinely care or took the time to think about about me or my family during the holiday season.

I understand that people are busy and also understand that there might not be a lot of time to actually send out cards. I just hope that holiday card sharing hasn't become something of a necessity but rather something you want to do to share a your hope for a safe and peaceful holiday season with those you care about.

Blue State

This morning I as well as other Illinois residents woke up to the news that our governor was taken into custody by FBI agents on charges of corruption. Information and rumors of what was going on in the Governor's office have been brewing for the past several years. Listening to U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald this morning I was shocked and baffled by the extent of what was happening and exactly who, what, where, when and why.Since the news broke, I have listened to talk radio and NPR to hear more about the charges as well as what will happen next.

I am not sure where to start in this blog, so I guess I'll just tell you my feelings on the whole thing. This was said this morning by someone else, I can't tell if Governor Blago is arrogant or ignorant. For a man who has been under investigation and was named several times during the Tony Rezko trial he should have known his head was on the chopping block. To listen to the press conference today with Patrick Fitzgerald I am shocked by the arrogance of a man who thought that he could sell the President elect Obama's senate seat to the highest bidder and then also try get himself AND his wife a better higher paying job either with the Obama administration or with a union. It's the audacity of this man that has me baffled. Not only was this man screwing with the senate seat he was also screwing with the well being of the United States!

Additionally, the allegations of trying to get Chicago Tribune editors fired over bad press that he was receiving in exchange for help selling the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field is mind blowing. Who thinks they have that much power?! Usually a way to get bad press to go away is to not do things like hmmm let's say sell US Senate seats!

I am glad that the federal government stepped in when they did rather than wait until the spring to bring charges against the governor. Unfortunately other than having his name plastered all over world as being charged in corruption that is all that will happen. He goes back to being Governor of Illinois until the Illinois Legislature takes measures to impeach him. I just hope that the State of Illinois can get it together before January 20th and find ourselves a good hard working Senator that will not have this looming over their head and won't be tainted by all that has happened.

Oh yeah, one last thing. Former Illinois Governor George Ryan is in prison, found guilty of corruption and sentenced to I think y7 1/2 ears in prison. Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of back and forth regarding asking President Bush to pardon or at least commute Govern Ryan's sentence due to his age (72) and the health of his ailing wife. Many politicians in Illinois have weighed in on the opinion of commuting Governor Ryan's sentence; asked a few weeks ago Governor Blagojavich stated that Governor Ryan should not have his sentence commuted and if he was convicted of the crime, he should do the time. Karma?

Update: I just finished reading the 76 page complaint against Governor Blagojavich and Chief of Staff, John Harris, it's official. Governor Blagojavich is delusional and definitely has a very big opinion of himself and the power/influence he may wield.

Obamapalooza

I should have been more on top of this, but I just now got around to finding my camera and the attachment for the computer to upload pictures from the Obama Rally on Election night. If you blow these pictures up and squint you MAY see Obama speaking.

This is when they announced that Obama was the projected winner,

The City of Chicago glowing

Do you see him?!?!?!?!

Strategy

I've been thinking about the President-elect- Obama's thoughts on placing Senator Hillary Clinton in his cabinet. It's not that I don't think it is a good idea; having the Senator as part of the cabinet and especially as Secretary of State is a very good choice. But for once I am thinking strategy for Senator Clinton.

If just IF Obama is a 2 term president (I know I am getting ahead of myself), I don't see Senator Biden running for president in 8 years, he will be 74 years old. Which leads to another election where there won't be an incumbent from either party. If Senator Clinton's "dream" is to be the President of the United States someday, taking a job in Obama's cabinet probably won't get her a step closer to being president, but rather father away. Yes, she still will be in the public eye and if selected as Secretary of State will continue to strengthen her foreign policy experience, but history is not on her side. The last Secretary of State to become president was Martin Van Buren in 1837. 1837! That was a long, long, long time ago when cabinet positions, and the office of the Vice President and President basically rotated around the good old boys of New York, Massachusetts and Virgina.

While there is news whirling around that there might be some issues if she does become Secretary of State; but I think what might be best for her and her ambition to become President of the United States . If she just stays in the Senate until her term is up, and then runs for her Senate seat again in 2012. She will be in a prime spot to have more foreign and domestic policy experience under her belt which would put her in a prime slot to win the Democratic nomination and go on to be President. Realistically, this seems like a much better plan of attack. Doesn't that seem like a better idea? Strategy, it's all strategy.

Role Models

I began this post several weeks before the election but didn't know how to address the issue of role models for girls when it comes to public service, but now I think I have my answer. I could go back into history and name off many women, but I'll keep it to those women who have been in the headlines over the past couple of years.


Governor Sarah Palin: Not a role model for young girls looking to get into public service. A pretty face and coming off folksy can only get you so far after that, you've got to know your stuff. Being prepared and knowing the issues are key to being in the pubic spotlight, which will then bring confidence to those who are your followers and soon to be supporters. "You bettcha" isn't good English either.


Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: Role Model. Here is a woman that young women can look up to. She is highly educated, knows her stuff and is just a well rounded individual. Hey, if you are going to be a Republican, this is the female Republican to look up to.


Senator Hillary Clinton: Not a Role / Role Model This is the woman where you want to pick and choose her characteristics that you want your young daughter to emulate. A very smart woman who definitely knows her stuff, but sometimes steps over the line. Senator Clinton while as a professional woman has been very successful, it's the power hungry-ness and sense of entitlement that bothers me.


Michelle Obama: Role Model There is still a lot to see of what Michelle Obama makes of her First Lady status. But as a working successful woman and mother there isn't much about Michelle Obama not to like. She is highly educated, is very well spoken, knows what she is talking about and an all around strong woman.


Christine Todd Whitman: Role Model Ok, I dig this woman. I've blogged about her before as a potential VP candidate for McCain -he obviously doesn't read my blog. Governor Whitman isn't shy about giving her point of view and as we all know got her fired from the Bush II Administration cabinet. As the other women above, she is strong willed and educated and definitely someone who (if I ever have a daughter) I would use as a role model for young women seeking to go into public service.

I could go on and on and on, and I know I've missed many other women that you might find worthy of Role Model status. Please, let me know who you would add and we will continue this discussion.

He is OUT!

Dear Mr. Lieberman:

It's official, our relationship is now over. At first I thought you were just being an independent and trying to work both sides of the aisle to make our country a better place. As a democrat, I saw your switch to an independent as a good and strategic move; but lately I have been thinking that maybe your motives were personal. Were you feeling slighted by the party that had you as their nominee for Vice President 4 years ago?

Now Mr. Lieberman, we are taking it personally. As an independent you are able to support whomever you would like during the campaign and you did. You stayed out of the public eye for most of the campaign until the very end when you were seen standing behind Senator McCain at many of his campaign rallies while also taking part and hanging out with the Democratic Caucus.

You can't have it both ways and I along with Senator Reid are slighted by your actions.

Maybe Senator McCain should have listened to his gut and picked you rather than Caribou Barbie, but I think again you would be in the same situation are you now. Please Mr. Lieberman, you've been given your hat, be gracious and respectful to others that you've let down.

Sincerely,

Realpolitik Mama

UPDATE: The Democrats voted. Senator Lieberman is still in. Read this letter to Senator Lieberman

Obamacoma

Yesterday was historic in many ways and thanks to a very good friend I was able to be a part of the celebration by attending the rally at Grant Park or Obamapalooza. What a night! While I stood in Grant Park with over 70,000 of my bestest friends (and Oprah) I got to experience an election party for the 44th President of the United States. photos to be posted soon

Initially, I didn't know how I would react either good or bad, but when CNN announced Senator Obama as the projected winner, when everyone just let out a big cheer, I was astounded, excited and just happy it was all over. My thoughts first went to the daunting challenge ahead for him and the country as we begin to rebuild as well as heal the very distinct division in this country over ideology. There are so many things that need to be "fixed" right now that while I have some uneasiness, but things are bound to get better. This was before Obama actual speech. After Senator Obama came out and spoke to us and the world, my uneasiness faded. It is still there a bit, but my hope for a brighter future on both national and foreign policy issues is stronger than ever.

Now the work begins. In my eyes the right candidate won and will lead us all in the right direction, but I don't wear rose colored glasses. The 4 years and 76 days until the next inauguration day will be a tough and I hope that the issues raised in the campaigns will continue to be scrutinized to keep us challenged and on the path for a better tomorrow.

Let the Voting Begin!

After 2 years and hours and hours of news coverage, today is the day! I'll keep it short, since I am on the way to the polls myself and then between playdates and ironing a pile of clothes will be glued to the TV. Please exercise your right as a U.S. citizen and go vote! Tomorrow is a new day and maybe even a play by play of the Obama rally in Grant park.

Opposing Views

Several of my mom friends have mentioned that they need to start learning more about what the "other side" thinks about the issues, rather than continuing to read and listen to those who we agree with; some have chosen the Fox News Channel route while others haven't come up with a better alternative. I think I may have found that alternative and am sharing it with you.

Opposingviews.com is a debate site where experts go head-to-head on a variety of topics. With Election Day approaching, some of you might want to learn more about what the other side thinks and it may strengthen your own views on a particular topic, be it the war in Iraq, a national heath care system, reproductive rights, etc. or you may change your mind - who knows.
But I believe it is my duty to help you, my reader(s), to learn more about issues that you are interested or passionate about and hopefully strengthen your beliefs and ideals.

Yeah, I've got a question.

Realpolitik Mama had a few hours to herself yesterday morning. Not enough to finish all of my coffee or the Sunday paper but enough time to get through some of the paper as well as watch a few minutes of my favorite Sunday morning talk show. Now we've been listening to a lot or rhetoric from the McCain camp about shutting down the pork barrel spending that happens in the Congress and how dare Senator Obama look out for his own constituents and approve a bill that allowed the Adler Planetarium to purchase a new projector. Which by the way was incorrect, read the real story here.

Earmarks or pork barrel projects are where lawmakers insert money for special projects into congressional appropriations bills. These special projects are for the most part designed to happen and benefit the congressional district or state that said representative is from. I remember when I was in college there was a big to do over several federally funded projects that Loyola University of Chicago received because of former Congressman and Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Dan Rostenkowski's influence.

Now before I pose my question, don't get me wrong I am not saying that earmarks are a good thing. There are plenty of special projects out there that are unnecessary and probably shouldn't be funded and there is a way to weed those out.

So my question. Are we supposed to believe that John McCain has NEVER voted for a bill or asked to push an appropriations bill through to help his great state of Arizona? In his 24 + years as a Senator his has done NOTHING to help bring jobs and money to his constituents and his state?

I think I found my answer or answers.

Bitter State?

The political talk circuit has been a buzz with Former Secretary of State/Joint Chiefs of Staff General Colin Powell's endorsement of Senator Obama. When I first heard about the announcement I don't think I was as surprised as many others are about the endorsement. What else would a man who was thrown under the bus by the Bush Administration and then hung out to dry do?!

Ok, so he isn't making it personal and I am glad that General Powell kept to the issues. I am happy he raised the same concern as many of us have about the Sarah Palin; she isn't ready or qualified to be Vice President or for that matter President. For a man who has been so well respected in the Republican Party to come out and say what he says is huge, don't get me wrong, and I am glad that someone from "the other side" has come out and said it.

The pundits are right, this is a big nail in the coffin for the McCain campaign. A well respected conservative veteran, and former Secretary of State comes out and endorses the guy that people criticize for not having any foreign policy experience and crazy ideas on diplomacy. The General got it right. Very right.

Oh yeah, one more thing. The McCain camp's reaction? Well, that is great but we are still endorsed by over 300 retired generals and admirals + many other former Secretary of States. Alexander Haig is on that list! A man who didn't know the order of secession when President Regan was shot!

Vote Early

and here in Chicago, they say "Vote Often". While I don't condone voting often, for those who have to go to work early or leave work late, always seem to forget about election day, or just want to beat the rush. GO VOTE. Many states are offering early voting, please find out if your state and county offer these options.

Realpolitik Toddler will be wearing this shirt for the next 21 days to do his civic duty to get everyone else out to vote. I call it TGOTV - Toddler Get Out The Vote! For your own shirt go to www.babypolitico.com

When the going gets tough, the tough get U.G.L.Y.

I am a little confused. As a friend of mine said a while ago, I thought this election was going to be different and we are going to stick to the issues without getting personal. But yet again, it's gotten U.G.L.Y. Between the McCain - Palin campaign's desperate smears against Barack Obama, to the Elizabeth Hasselback taking up the McCain cause and pushing Obama's "radical connections"on of all places The View. This election has gotten U.G.L.Y. Ugly I say.

To me a lot of what is out there right now is reminiscent of what the Clinton campaign pulled in the spring when they were grasping for anything to bring down the Obama campaign. We know how that worked. These personal attacks and not sticking to the issues of this campaign, especially when we are in the BIGGEST economic crisis of our time, only shows the lack of substance the McCain campaign has on the issues. While it is easy to go the route of the McCain campaign and smear the opponents, I am happy to see the tie in with the Keating Five with current events rather than just naming names that are associated with a candidate.