I was born 58 years and a few hours ago. I am the second daughter of a WWII Navy vet and world class mother. I was raised before the concept of "time outs" when every adult in the neighborhood had free rein to admonish a kid who acted outside the bounds of politeness or good behaviour. I was subjected to bad Toni home perms to my limp straight hair, home-made clothes and bagged lunches for school. My Mom made bread and jelly for sandwiches and we ate dinner as a family 7 days a week. We said Grace before meals, asked to be excused from the table, and thanked both of my parents for the dinner.
I'm a boomer, alas. Not privileged from the start and still not privileged in the modern meaning of the term. I was raised a Catholic but only loved the ritual. I entered the convent at the age of 18 because I was influenced by nuns who believed in social justice. I protested an unjust war in a habit, worked with inner-city kids and then left the convent at the age of 26 because the vow of obedience ranckled my Irish genes.
I've lived through the outrage of segregation, Vietnam and Watergate. The Reagan years were insufferable as was the term of Bush I. I campaigned for Paul Tsongas only to see someone more "charming" win the nomination. I defended Bill Clinton even after I knew he lied because infidelity to one's wife is not the same as infidelity to the Constitution. With you, I am living in the Second Dark Ages where evil is allowed to run rampant.
I'm a relative noobie on DKos -- I came here in 2006 as a blog virgin during the Lamont campaign. For me, political activism was a street affair prior to the invention of the intertoobz. Here, I've found there is the possibilty of both written and social activism. In my two years as a Satanist, I've felt both euphoria and depression coinciding with Democratic promises and capitulation.
Today, on the eve of the ultimate betrayal of the founders of this country -- men and woman, rich and poor -- I just feel like crying rather than celebrating a new year. To watch Senators of my Party make excuses for supporting the cover-up of criminal activity and perpetuation of spying on Americans is more than I can stomach.
On the bright side, my 82 year old Mom just called to sing Happy Birthday. She can't sing worth shit, but it was the most beautiful sound I've heard in a long time.
Blessings to everyone here and innocents throughout the world.
Fondly,
gchaucer2