Have you ever gone on vacation and relaxed so much that your brain disavows any responsibility for anything more complex than deciding on the best spot to curl up with a good book? I spent the last couple of weeks chilling first in Maine, then in New Hampshire.
View from the cabin overlooking the bay in Maine.
The view when you walk down the path from the bluff to the shore.
The porch swing at the B&B in New Hampshire.
So, I'm not great at coming up with titles most times. And you can see how it's easy to be distracted in such idyllic environments. When I hit publish for my last blog post, I saw that I hadn't been as clear as I would have liked to, The title especially added nothing to the piece. When I got back, I changed the title so my meaning would be evident. Just in case there's still a question, let me be perfectly clear.
I am pro-choice. The decision to overturn Roe v Wade has me gravely concerned. A friend of mine is already suffering. Even though they are not seeking an abortion, they are being denied medicine they need for their well-being (they suffer from rheumatoid arthritis) on the off-chance they might be pregnant at some point. Clarence Thomas has indicated this won't stop at Roe. The right to marriage, hell the right to privacy for my Darling Youngest, who fits several letters under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, is at risk.
I presume Justice Thomas might leave interracial marriage intact, since that would affect him. But just because my straight passing marriage to my white husband is safe (I am a bisexual woman), and my 50 year old womb seems to be permanently retired from the business of baby making, that doesn't mean I will keep silent on this. I am disgusted by the continued machinations of the right wing in the US. It loves to brag how it embraces freedom and small government, even while its members cynically do everything they can to dig its tentacles deeper into people's lives.
I am extremely embarrassed that my writing was not up to the task of expressing how I truly felt (that'll teach me to double-check things, even on vacation). So I'm sorry, dear Groovers, and will try to do better next time.
Song Choice: You Don't Own Me covered by SayGrace featuring G-Eazy
No wonder you are disturbed by this. It is indeed very disturbing, even to witness it from over here in a different country. And your friend's article shocked me! How very afraid the medical people must be, to be forced to go along with such appalling and ridiculous rules. And how terrifying for the women affected. A reminder that patriarchy is still alive and fairly well, and women still have much to fight against – and for.
ReplyDeleteI was beyond disgusted that my friend could not get the medicine they relied on to manage their chronic illness, just because someone decided they were still "viably fertile". There are so many ripples that are coming out of this decision, and its just horrific. Many of my LGBTQ+ friends are also mobilizing since Justice Thomas placed a target on their backs' too.
DeleteI share your frustration. And, like you, I would be very upset if people didn't know exactly where I stand when it comes to this terrible issue. The overturning of Roe v. Wade opens very scary doors. I can't understand how people don't see this, or why they don't care. I feel for those directly affected--women, health care professionals. I hope this doesn't affect LGBTQ+, but I'm very nervous about the disturbing possibilities.
ReplyDeleteI know I'm lucky in a lot of ways. Even if, gods forbid, something awful happened to my Darling Youngest, my nieces, or niblings, funds could be rounded up and trips to New Jersey (if PA's elections go bad in November) or even Canada (if the midterms as a whole go bad) could be managed. But this will really hurt a lot of marginalized folks. I'd rather use my privilege to make it clear where I stand and speak out, rather than pretend it's not happening. And yes, I don't like how Justice Thomas phrased his views in the ruling. LGBTQ+ rights are not safe.
DeleteWatching from a distance, this is all beyond belief. Yes, there are horrible atrocities being actively perpetrated on women by patriarchal societies everywhere, but to watch this unfold in the US is disturbing. It is like the fight for equality has to start at the bottom all over again.. for everyone. Hugs and strength all around.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rajani. There's definitely an "it's back to square one" feeling at some of the gatherings I've been to, especially among the older folks who have been fighting since the 60's and 70's. It's somewhat surreal to see my children, nieces, and niblings fighting the same battles.
DeleteTo me your voice is as open, strong and as clear as ever, dear Rommy - keep doing what you do... Regards as ever Scott
ReplyDeleteThank you for your supportive words, Scott.
DeleteOne should be able to chill on a holiday. Hope you gave that lovely porch swing a chance. Even in the most restful of places world troubles follow and it's not always easy to shake them off.
ReplyDeleteAll of the readers in our group brought plenty of comfort reading because we agreed heavy stuff was a little much right now. I spent plenty of time on that swing reading a cozy murder mystery about a crime solving baker. The young ones also shared the romantic comedy comics they got with me.
DeleteLooks like a wonderful vacation spot! Rereading the comments on your last post, it doesn't seem like anyone was confused about what you were writing about. I know I wasn't!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it, Debra! LOL, I do get spacey when a vacation is extra relaxing so I wanted to be sure. Besides the stunning view, there was a lot of fun fluff to read, and decadent treats to be had.
DeleteI too am shaken to the core and having Handmaid Tales nightmares at this outrageous regression and all the dominos falling. I use Facebook to share the implications. On another note, when on vacation, it all comes down to what restaurant to eat at for me.
ReplyDeleteLOL, I'm not exactly quiet about it on Facebook either. The thing with the Handmaid's Tale is that Margaret Atwood has said she made sure to use examples of things that have already happened in the past to control people's bodily autonomy, so it was never so much dystopian future as much as reframed history.
DeleteThe cabin had a full kitchen, and everyone took turns cooking and cleaning - including the kids!
Thank you for saying aloud what many people only mutter under their breaths, Rommy.
ReplyDeleteLOL, I'm not known for my shy and retiring nature.
DeleteBless you, "Rommy", I enjoyed reading your write so very much. I also enjoy figuring a title almost as much as finding or making an illustration. Of course the biggie is in the writing and having it read by others. Some, friends others relatives, and other silent pick-me-up. Even children read; my today's write may have seemed pretty risque to some
ReplyDeleteBack to title, a fallback that I use some is the first few words if on theme.
Mrs. Jim and I, we will have been married 50 years come February. We've both enjoyed being retired 23 and 21 years respectively. Mrs. Jim says we are joined at the hip. Although a bit older, I am the healthier one but my life for a while has been thanks to God's modern medicine gift.
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Jim,
jimmiehov6.blogspot.com
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p.s. My other current blog has the same URL without the 6". It has slowed down but now I'm with a small group going through the alphabet. Both we started in 2005-6.
Thanks for the prompt and hosting. Thanks to for checking on mine and pulling for our wedded union.
DeleteJim
Google doesn't like the word "too". Sorry
DeleteI am so glad you are enjoying each other's company in retirement! And yes, what a blessing modern medicine is in preserving life.
DeleteI think the whole Roe vs Wade affair is a great frustration for most people, especially marginalized people. If US (a superpower) can screw up this badly, what hope is there for the rest of the world! And YES, we cannot keep silent. Because we do not choose who we are, we do not choose who we love... I could go on but I'll stop. Keep writing, Rommy!
ReplyDeleteYep, the ones who will suffer worse are the marginalized folks. I was enraged on my friend's behalf that this ruling affects their ability to get medicine for a condition that has 0 to do with their reproductive system. I hope that this country can correct course, starting with the midterm elections in November.
DeleteYes, watching from another country so far away, I am appalled and confused at the same time. Is this the America I know? I am afraid her greatest days are over...:(
ReplyDeleteYou and me both. I hold out hope for some sort of course correction, but a lot will depend on the results of November's election.
Delete"Groover" I am absolutely honored with the title! Nothing you could share would ever anger me, feel anything less than admiration for you.
ReplyDeleteAw! Thank you so much for your kind words.
DeleteI'm starting to feel like I live in another country, a dictatorship.
ReplyDeleteAnd Clarence Thomas?? People easily forget the scandal with him and Anita Hill. She never got justice.
Oh I have not forgotten. And yeah, I have big feelings about that.
DeleteThe holiday looks lovely! I can't talk about the other thing, I get too upset
ReplyDeleteIt was a very calming and lovely time. I'm so glad that I had the chance to take a vacation.
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