I won’t be voting that day. Eddie and I chose the absentee route for two reasons:
I believe scientists that the Coronavirus is real and not a hoax perpetrated by the Democratic Party. (I mean, REALLY? A U.S. party is going to get the whole world in on a hoax? To what end?)
Hence, I want to limit potential exposure by not putting myself in close contact with people I don’t know.
I’ve had in-depth conversations with two long-time friends who support you. One was a rational, calm conversation where we agreed more than we disagreed. One was … not like that at all.
Here’s my response to some slogans you and your supporters use.
“Make America Great Again”
I thought America was pretty great pre-2016.
“Keep America Great”
Sorry, but America is not great at the moment. I am NOT better off than I was four years ago. I’m middle class and paying WAY more taxes. The industry in which I work has been negatively affected by your xenophobic policies. And as someone who travels, I can tell you that America is an international embarrassment.
“Life begins at conception”
Fantastic! So that means you’ll protect women endangered by a pregnancy, the children after they are born, old people who might get COVID-19, poor people, immigrants and people on death row. Right? Pro-life means that you support all lives.
“My body, my choice”
This one makes my head explode as it has been co-opted for the anti-mask movement. If you want personal autonomy, great. I’m all for that. But you can’t pick and choose. (See above.)
It should come as no surprise that I will not be voting for you. This is not to say I haven’t voted Republican in the past, and wouldn’t do so again if he/she were the right person.
But you are not the right person.
And the Republican Party is not the Republican Party of old. You know, the one that wanted a smaller government, fiscal responsibility, personal autonomy, etc.
I care about LBGTQIA rights, universal healthcare, eradicating systemic racism, reducing the deficit, upholding personal choice, maintaining separation of church and state — all those things that you are against.
We all knew Zeta was coming. We all knew there would be rain and high winds. We all knew the power would go out (because it goes out here if someone coughs too violently).
As a result, this family has a propane stove, a generator, hurricane lamps and many portable phone charging blocks.
So it was not a surprise to wake up yesterday at 6:13 a.m. with no power.
What was a surprise was that there were no updates from you on your website ALL DAY LONG.
There is no ERT.
I looked at Twitter, expecting to find more information.
Nope.
Your first tweet was at 10:05 a.m. — nearly four hours after 600K+ Georgians lost power.
And this ridiculously late attempt directed people to the outage map that had NO INFORMATION.
Much later, you tweeted this gem:
No shit, Sherlock.
I couldn’t resist replying.
Here’s the thing: I do not doubt your crews in the field and in the office are working very hard to restore power.
But in a crisis, you have to communicate to your stakeholders. This is PR 101. And THIS is why I’m dogging you.
Whoever is handling your Twitter account tweeted only 13 times in the space of 24 hours.
People are freaking out and you traffic in sporadic platitudes?
Come ON!
You can do better. You should do better. Millions of Georgians rely on you.
Next time, I hope your response team includes a dedicated crisis communicator.
Last night’s entertainment for me was getting into it with you over “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” vs. “WAP.”
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Our mutual FB friend A– is a pot stirrer. She loves to post things that get people going. I don’t often take the bait. But I couldn’t pass up the chance with this post.
I’m sure “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” was fine in 1944. And yes, the lyric “What’s in this drink?” is a joke from the time.
However, in the light of modern day, the song seems creepy. (I prefer the Legend/Clarkson reimagining.)
Men have been singing about sex and what they want for ages. Why can’t women?
To me, it’s a strong female song: She knows what she wants and wants to get it. Also — and this is key — it’s consensual sex. No assault/date rape overtones like the other song.
Well.
You would have thought I suggested that I play it on a speaker at Disney World and twerk on Mickey himself. Let me remind you of the exchange:
And R—–, your kids may have “clesn and lure” thoughts, but I guarantee you that they will not always have “clean and pure” ones, if that’s what you are seeking.
As it has been people on the political right who are wound up about stations not playing “Baby … ” and also upset about “WAP,” I’m going to make an assumption of my own:
It’s hard enough for women to make their way in a patriarchal society — and yes, ours is one — without other women trying to take us down too.
Support isn’t like pie: If you give it to me, you don’t have less.
Here’s how I get into trouble: I assume good intentions. That may not seem like a bad thing, but considering that I have been burned by a surprising number of you over the past few years, I actually do think it’s bad for me.
To gain or maintain power, you don’t need to step on other people. Here’s Taylor again:
Being a good colleague and a good supervisor can be done. You can support other women.
One of the best supervisors I ever had was a strong, smart, supportive woman. She was adept at identifying people’s strengths, getting them into positions that matched those strengths so that they could thrive, giving oodles of positive feedback, gently providing constructive criticism when necessary, and offering opportunities for professional development and advancement.
And, by the way, she was at the top of the leadership ladder. She never kicked anyone down to lift up herself.
All my close female friends are dynamic, funny badasses who also have my back.
I wish I could say the same about all the women with whom I come in contact.
I hate to criticize you in the middle of a pandemic. I know you are doing the best you can. So let me just provide some well-meaning advice based on what I experienced leading up to and during Curriculum Night.
Send a schedule and teacher links more than just a few moments before the event begins. You could have saved so much parent worry. It also might have boosted attendance. I managed to attend six sessions (out of 10 that I tried). The most present in any session? Five, including the teacher and me. In one session, it was just Dominic’s Geometry teacher and me. She is a lovely woman.
Make sure the links work.
This is what happened when I followed the provided link. There was no meeting code.
Either extend the time per class or just have the teachers record overview videos. Seven minutes is not enough time (not even for that childhood game š).
Strongly suggest that teachers use the same platform. Zoom worked fine. Google classroom was hit and miss. Microsoft Teams didn’t work (no audio).
I’m not trying to be a jerk to you in these difficult times. But I do want to be an active parent. Please make it easier for us. I don’t think these are unreasonable, outlandish suggestions.
God love you. I can’t even imagine how difficult your life is right now. Thank you so much for all that you do for woefully low pay.
This post is addressed specifically to my sons’ teachers.
I do not envy you.
I appreciate you.
I know you are doing the best job you can.
That said, I don’t think I will be attending Curriculum Night tonight because it is just too confusing for me.
And this is what worries me.
I have a number of college degrees.
I am technologically adept.
I teach online and have created online courses.
Yet I CANNOT FIGURE OUT how and when to log in tonight. Each of my children has seven teachers plus homeroom. They are at the same school. I’ve received SO MANY emails.
Interestingly enough, only half of the teachers have sent the emails. I haven’t heard anything from the other half. Ninth-grade teachers are much more communicative (five of eight) than 10th grade (two of eight).
Here’s the biggest problem: Most emails don’t include times. I filled out the form. This teacher did not send the link. Also, she sent that email at 10 p.m. the night before, giving parents just over 24 hours to respond.
Another teacher wants us to join during the day. DURING THE DAY! You know, when most people are working their full-time jobs.
There are only two of you who have provided an easy guide like this:
But guess what: Those two? Scheduled at the SAME TIME. Of course. You know how I know? I had to do this old school:
Nothing written means I got nothing from the teacher.
Then later — at 4 p.m. today — I got a text from the principal with this schedule:
The principal sent this ONE HOUR before the event is supposed to begin. You’ll note that the times don’t line up with what the teachers sent. And how am I supposed to attend two sessions (because I have two kids) at the same time in the space of fewer than seven minutes?
If it is this confusing for me — an educated technophile who works in education — I cannot imagine how difficult it is for parents who aren’t. Or parents who speak English as a second language. Or parents who do not have access to technology.
And you know it is difficult for the students to keep up with all this.
I can see why some students are already completely checked out (e.g., Dominic).
All I’m asking for is some consistency, at the VERY least.
Maybe I’ll see one of you tonight. We’ll see.
Thanks again in general for all that you do. These are weird, challenging times.
Thanks for directing “The Social Dilemma” for Netflix. A number of friends told me to watch, so I did.
It’s a fascinating and thought-provoking look at how tech companies manipulate people for profit. Also, we are conditioned by society (i.e., watching others) to want to be part of these platforms (hey, Social Learning Theory!).
DUH.
We live in a capitalist society. We are all potential consumers. Social media algorithms are no different (to me) than companies choosing which radio, television and newspaper ads to place based on user data gleaned from Nielsen/Arbitron ratings and subscriber information.
One of the underpinning theories for my journalism and mass communications dissertation was Herman and Chomsky’s Propaganda Model (1988). Media manipulation is a peaceful way for those in power to maintain the status quo.
Their recommendation for scooting out from under control? Get your information from many sources.
DUH. AGAIN.
It’s personal responsibility. Critical thinking.
You don’t want to be addicted or manipulated? Then employ your critical-thinking skills. Put your phone away one in a while. And beware the filter bubble.
Maybe I’m just super cynical. Critical. Suspicious. Typical Gen X.
I’m also someone who has been trained to look at all sides of an issue, thanks to my reporter background.
In the documentary, Sandy Parakilas, senior product marketing manager at (formerly with Uber and Facebook), said:
“(There are) biases toward false information … the truth is boring.ā
One more time: DUH.
In news, we have a phrase for that: “If it bleeds, it leads.”
That’s because — by its very nature — news is an anomaly. You don’t cover the planes that land.
And the more unbelievable, horrible and salacious something is, the more interesting it is. It’s human nature to swivel your head when you pass a car crash.
So, to me, there’s nothing new here.
Plus, your documentary is as manipulative as the social media it criticizes.
The irony is not lost on me that it was created for a streaming service that tracks user engagement and supplies content based on history.
The doom-and-gloom soundtrack helps instill that sense of dread.
And I love how the tech folks interviewed have all made their money and now suddenly have developed a conscience.
How did you live through the learning-to-drive phase?
Dominic now has his learner’s permit.
This was not an easy process, but I bet it pales in comparison to actually teaching him to drive.
He was supposed to go get his learner’s permit weeks ago. We made an appointment. He filled out the application. We got the appropriate letter from his school. I sent him the link to the manual and the sample tests.
We got in the car to go to the DMV.
Him (looking at his phone): What is this sign? (Shows me the following image on his phone)
Me: It’s a warning sign. Why? Him (still looking at his phone): The line down the middle of the road is black, red, yellow or white? Me: Look, you have to answer these questions yourself. First, I’m driving right now. Second, you should have studied the manual! Him: Where did you say that manual was? Me (head exploding): You are kidding, right? Him: I didn’t think it would be hard. Me: It’s going to be hard if you didn’t look at the manual. Him: I think we are going to have to cancel the appointment. Me (steam escaping my ears): Yeah, I guess so.
So we made a new appointment. He promised to study the manual this time.
On the way to the new appointment, we had the following conversation.
Him: I’ve been doing well on the practice tests. This guy said he failed the test 17 times. He finally passed after taking the test three times in one day. His advice is to read the manual. Me: Well, duh. Him: (Silence) Me: You did read the manual, right? Him: I’m reading it now. Me: (Nearly crashes the car from shock and blind rage)
Y’all, I’ll be honest: I did not have high hopes for a successful outcome.
We got there, showed proof that he filled out the application and got our temperatures taken.
After loads of paperwork, he was off to take the test.
While I was waiting, I realized my license expires at the end of this year. So I renewed it while I was there. Bonus!
As I was doing that, Dominic ambled over.
Him: I passed! Me: Really?! That’s GREAT! Him: It was really easy. In fact, some of the stuff I studied in the car was on the test. Me (rolling my eyes): You got so lucky.
On the way home, he called his father to tell him the news. No answer. He called his brother.
Him: I passed Gideon: You passed? Him: I passed my learner’s permit test. Gideon: Oh. Nice.
They hang up.
Me: He was so … what’s the word I’m looking for? Him: Unenthusiastic. Me: Yes.
We had a good laugh.
I pulled over when I was nearly home and let him drive the rest of the way. He did a good job. He even praised me for my patience (!).
Today, we had to pick up his yearbook from the high school. I let him drive. On Peachtree. Anyone who knows Atlanta knows that’s like letting him drive on a NASCAR track. (Not as bad as I-285, but bad.)
I’ll be drinking loads tonight. And I’ll be thankful to be alive.
I swear he took a turn on two wheels.
He didn’t change lanes quickly and drove in the middle of the road for a bit.
He couldn’t figure out how to work the turn signal. (I mean, he’s not alone. Veteran drivers can’t seem to figure that one out.)
So how did you do it?
Any tricks or tips you want to share?
I’m all ears. (And white knuckles.)
Thanks,
Beth
*Thanks, John, Paul, George and Ringo. This tune is now stuck in my head.
Welcome to the club! It’s a good way to make some money, and the Airbnb platform usually makes life easy. Sometimes the guests don’t, though.
I advise you to set clear house rules. Here are mine:
Even then, I’ve had people leave:
Frat-party levels of empties.
Multiple bags of trash even though the chute is right outside the door.
A weave.
Dirty underpants.
A burn mark on the bathroom mirror.
The balcony door open with A/C, fans and lights on.
Bleach stains on the towels.
A pile of wet towels in the bedroom closet.
Balcony furniture in the bedroom.
Something orange and sticky on every surface.
Cigarette stench that required days of airing out and a trip to CVS for three styles of air freshener.
Someone also left an unopened package of bacon, which did not upset me at all.
One thing I didn’t realize when I first became a host is that guests can be dumb. Really dumb. Like how-can-they-live-their-lives dumb.
Take, for example, the woman who is in our place now. She called me at 10 last night because she couldn’t figure out how to turn on the light in the bedroom.
I had no idea of the rarity of an overhead fan with a remote control that features a lightbulb icon.
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But there is a different woman who has the honor of being the dumbest person so far.
Here is the full exchange (I didn’t leave anything out, except part of the map I sent):
And it was then, 30 minutes in, that someone finally explained why religious folks would support Trump:
It’s not about four more years. It’s about 37 more years. It’s about two more Supreme Court justices who are pro-life, pro-Israel, freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
Without that, according to him, “We won’t have the freedoms we grew up with.”
“What freedoms are those?” I was wondering when the dude brought out his saxophone.
I’m not kidding.
Jentezen Franklin plays āAmerica the Beautiful.ā He didnāt follow with āBaker Street,ā sadly.
I guess he didn’t want Cain to upstage him.
This was getting a talent show kind of vibe, so I was excited to see what Bishop Harry Jackson would do.
But he just promoted his new book and explained racism to a room of mostly white people. Y’all were polite, but unenthusiastic.
Bishop Harry Jackson didnāt show off his musical talents.
Interestingly, he was the first person to mention the president by name: 45 minutes into the event.
Pro-life: Just unborn babies, apparently
Pro-marriage: Only between a man and a woman
Pro-freedom: Religious freedom to discriminate
Pro-constitution: A Tea Party battle cry regarding the expansion of the federal government (maybe)
She talked about squash plants and chipmunks. I was a little confused. But then she said:
Some things never change. Some things do change. There was a change of the guard in 2016.
And then she said something about Planned Parenthood “ripping little babies up.”
I see. Abortion. That’s the main driver.
OK, then. Let me say this about that:
No one is hyped to get an abortion. It’s a last resort. Also, no one is “pro abortion.” So let’s agree on one thing: The goal is to reduce abortions. How do we do that?
As we’ve seen with prohibition and the “war on drugs,” making them illegal won’t work. People will find a way, but it makes it very dangerous for women. So to me, the solution is to put more money into sex education, healthcare and contraception.
If you are pro-life (and really, aren’t we all?) then you should be supporting organizations like Planned Parenthood that actively help women with the above needs.
Alright.
Moving on to the next speaker, Richard Lee, who is as orange as the evening’s celebrant: the Cheeto in Chief.
He didn’t address abortion like everyone else. His main beef seemed to be with what is being taught in school: “garbage.”
Oh, and the Antichrist in the form of Democrats.
The Democratic Party has been taken over by the Antichrist. It’s an evil party.
I thank God that he sent Donald J. Trump to us. He is a gift to the church of Jesus Christ.
As much as you seemed to like this statement, I could tell you were restless. He willfully went over his allotted time and joked about it.
You were ready for the final act: Pastor Paula White. I found out later she is married to Jonathan Cain. Ah. He’s her third husband. With overlaps in relationships. So she’s truly taking those commandments seriously.
This is the article that examines presidential laziness.
I filled out the form. This teacher did not send the link. Also, she sent that email at 10 p.m. the night before, giving parents just over 24 hours to respond.
Observe and report 