This blog is called “Less Than Ladylike” for two reasons. One, this quote from Nora Ephron, bless her heart. Two, because both my grandmothers cautioned me more times than I could count against acting less than ladylike. Sorry, Grandma Grace and Grandma Sallie Willie. Got to follow my heart. I promise I will not follow it into coarseness, even though I occasionally drop the F-bomb for effect, but will follow it into loud, raucous debate whenever and wherever it is necessary.
I think all people, no matter their gender, deserve equal rights and respect. I believe that all people, no matter their color or sexual orientation, deserve equal rights and respect.
I believe that all children, no matter their family’s socioeconomic strata, deserve education, health care, and a safe place to sleep.
I think it is patriotic to take care of all military personnel before, during, and most importantly, after their service.
I believe that every citizen’s vote is equal and that free flowing money only corrupts the elective process. Supreme Court, what the hell were you thinking with that Citizen’s United crap?
I respect that everyone has the right to worship as they see fit. I will defend your right to worship a gum ball machine if that makes you a better person, and I expect the same in return.
I believe I will have to act, talk, and write less than ladylike for a long, long time to come. I am at peace with that.
What I can’t believe is that I still have to protest all these things in 2014, a full forty years after I started questioning how this country — rich and powerful as it is — works. If I weren’t so mad, I’d be sorely disappointed.