gailwmcdonald

gailwmcdonald https://www.dailykos.com/user/gailwmcdonald/rss/index.xml News Community Action Copyright 2005 - Steal what you want Sun, 26 Jan 2020 23:45:06 +0000 Sun, 26 Jan 2020 23:45:06 +0000 Daily Kos rss@dailykos.com (Daily Kos) Daily Kos rss@dailykos.com (Daily Kos) School Shootings Just Became Very Real! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/4/1260140/-School-Shootings-Just-Became-Very-Real I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason and today confirmed that for me in a big way.  While out to lunch I texted my son and asked what he wanted to eat.  He texted and asked me if I could please pick him up early from school.  I at first told him no but then realized I was very close to the school and agreed to come get him.  We picked him up at 12:45.  At 1:20 my son's phone began to go crazy with calls and texts reporting that there was a shooting at his high school, West Orange High School, in Winter Garden, Florida.  I have NEVER been so happy that I followed my gut and picked up my son. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) SchoolShooting _1260140 Wed, 04 Dec 2013 20:05:04 +0000 A Soldier, My Best Friend, and Chick-Fil-A https://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/8/3/1116373/-A-Soldier-My-Best-Friend-and-Chick-Fil-A I have known my best friend for the past 34 years and even at the age of 10 she knew she was gay.  At that age all you care about is hanging out and having fun.  She was my best friend and it didn't matter if she liked boys or girls to me as long as we had fun together.  I got a lot of crap from other kids for being friends with her but I didn't care-I was a die hard liberal even in middle school!  I remember in high school telling people if they didn't like her then we had no business being friends.  There is no love like a best friends love. Over the years Michelle and I grew up, moved around the country, got married and divorced (me), and had children.  Michelle joined the military.  She found a great partner and they had a baby together.  Michelle has fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.  She does her job just like the rest of us and doesn't ask for thanks or praise for protecting our freedoms.  She is a great friend, daughter, partner, sister, mother and soldier. Follow me over the fold to see how Chick-Fil-A plays into this. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Chick-Fil-A Civil Rights CivilRights Gay Rights GayRights Soldier _1116373 Fri, 03 Aug 2012 15:41:04 +0000 "You Can Bet I'm Not Voting For That Ape In The White House..." https://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/2/17/1065883/--You-Can-Bet-I-m-Not-Voting-For-That-Ape-In-The-White-House For the last few weeks Obama for America volunteers in Virginia have been making "persuasion calls."  That is, we call registered voters and ask if they know who they will be supporting in the 2012 Presidential election?  Most of my fellow volunteers dislike this task because we usually call strong Democrats and past supporters of the president which are easy calls to make.  Persuasion calls are harder because we don't know if they are Democrat, Independent or Republican.  I like them because they are a little more challenging and they have given me an optimistic view for 2012.  Usually responses are in one of three categories: For Obama, Undecided (WTH?), and NOT for Obama.  In over 600 calls I have only had one person say "Newt".  Not one for Romney, Paul, Santorum or even just Republican.  And the NOT for Obama are usually hostile, mean and rude but quick and to the point.  Nothing I can't handle and laugh off.  Hell, if I was Republican I might be too embarrassed to admit I was voting for one of those clowns too.  But last night was almost too much for me... rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) 2012 Barack Obama BarackObama Democrat President Recommended White House WhiteHouse _1065883 Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:52:54 +0000 Not Obama to be Named Next Republican Frontrunner https://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/1/27/1059175/-Not-Obama-to-be-Named-Next-Republican-Frontrunner It has been a long time since I had anything of value to add to this site but I think the following is quite interesting.  I am a die hard liberal who worked on President Obama's campaign in Georgia in 2008.  While our state did not quite go blue my county went 51% for Obama.  Since then I have moved to Virginia and I became involved in the president's re-election campaign last spring.  For the last 9 months we have made volunteer recruitment calls and done a lot of voter registration-nothing too exciting.  But last week we got a new assignment-making persuasion calls.  This is where we randomly call Virginia households and ask if they know who they will be supporting in 2012 and why.  I was a little nervous at first-it is obviously a lot easier to talk to strong democrats and supporters of the president than random households.  But after calling over 100 households personally and 300 as a group, I have a little insight into the GOP. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) 2012 GOP Obama _1059175 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:13:20 +0000 One Year Ago Today I Lost My Job... https://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/1/23/938310/-One-Year-Ago-Today-I-Lost-My-Job I can't believe it has been 365 days since I was laid off from my job of 25 years.  So much has happened in that year.  I boarded the unemployment train, which let me just tell you, is not really a "free ride."  I heard from many friends and family how unemployment was for dead beats and low lifes and that I was now part of Obama's socialist agenda.  I had to go from gas station, to dollar store, to grocery store asking if they were hiring, only to be told no week after week, month after month.  I had to report to my unemployment officer every few weeks.  My favorite part was taking training classes on how to apply and interview for a job.  I have worked since I was 14 years old.  I was not very surprised when I ended up "teaching" most of my other classmates interview skills. A month after I lost my job my husband accepted a job 800 miles away.  We were lucky that he got a great job that allowed him to afford a crappy hotel and still pay our bills on our home in Georgia.  Our house had been on the market for over 18 months with no interest.  Not only is the job market crappy in Georgia but the housing market sucks too. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Georgia Job Unemployed _938310 Sun, 23 Jan 2011 15:07:40 +0000 This Unemployed Mom and her Diabetic Son Say Thank You President Obama! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/10/13/910044/-This-Unemployed-Mom-and-her-Diabetic-Son-Say-Thank-You-President-Obama There are many Democrats out there and they all have their opinions and they have a right to express them.  But I am frustrated daily when I visit Daily Kos and see the constant complaining of "It's not enough" and "We wanted this or that".  Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't recall there ever being a day in the 8 very long years that George Bush was president that he EVER did anything for us.  But in 18 very short months President Obama has accomplished many things we never thought we would see.  No, it's certainly not perfect.  Could he have done more, pushed harder, and been stronger?  Sure.  But with a lot of hard work on our part and determination on his, President Obama has at least 2 and a half years and hopefully 6 and a half years to accomplish so much more.  We need to show patience, understanding and gratitude in the meantime.  Follow me over the fold to see the HUGE difference President Obama has made in my life. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) BarackObama Diabetes Economy HealthCare President Obama Unemployed _910044 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:45:11 +0000 For the first time in 30 years, I won't be bringing home the bacon. https://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/7/12/883670/-For-the-first-time-in-30-years-I-won-t-be-bringing-home-the-bacon Many of you who have read my diaries know I lost my job of 25 years in January.  I was awarded 20 weeks of unemployment.  Well that ran out 2 weeks ago.  For the first time in 30 years, I will not be bringing any money into my household.  When I was 10 I begged my mom to let me sell greeting cards and stationary door to door in our neighborhood.  Always supportive, she let me.  For 3 years I made a few hundred dollars and had a regular clientele who would order Christmas cards from me every fall.  Then when I turned 13 I was old enough to babysit.  As the only teenager in a pretty big neighborhood I owned the market.  Some years I made a few thousand dollars babysitting.  When I turned 15, I begged my mom to take me to get a work permit so I could work with her at our local greeting card store.  The first year, I made a whopping $4,000.  I worked every afternoon after school and most weekends.  The summer I graduated high school I applied at the local bookstore, my idea of a perfect dream job.  Who doesn't want to work surrounded by thousands of great books.  To my great surprise they hired me. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Georgia Unemployed Virginia _883670 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:13:51 +0000 I Lost My Best Friend Today... https://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/5/23/869110/-I-Lost-My-Best-Friend-Today Baloo was a 6 week old chocolate lab puppy my husband bought me after our second miscarriage.  The doctor wasn't sure we would be able to have babies so Baloo was our practice/substitute baby.  He looked just like a baby bear cub.  He was so tiny he fit in one hand and his eyes were these deep pools of brown you could just lose yourself in.  The funny thing is, I am horribly allergic to animals of all kinds.  But in my grief he warmed me up and made me smile when I wasn't sure I knew how.  As he grew he became an outside dog and I am became a proud dog owner.  About a year later we had our first child, Zachary.  Baloo proved he was the protector of our new family pretty quick.  At a gathering to show off our new baby, my best friend's husband reached over to take a glance only to receive a bite that took a chunk of thigh with it.  Everyone in the room knew no one would harm us as long as Baloo was around. We went on to have 2 more children.  If you wanted to find Baloo you simply had to locate the kids.  If they were riding bikes, he was following.  If they were on the swings, he was sitting at the bottom of the slide.  If they went next door to grandma's house, Baloo was their faithful companion. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Democrat Dog Dogs Grief Pooties Recommended Woozles _869110 Sun, 23 May 2010 14:05:12 +0000 My Husband Left Me A Week Ago Today... https://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/3/6/843672/-My-Husband-Left-Me-A-Week-Ago-Today Last Saturday my husband made the 10 hour trip from Georgia to Virginia to start a new job.  For the last 2 years he has commuted to Atlanta, a four hour daily commute from our house to his job, which really sucked.  But he had a job and it paid pretty well and I had a job and things were good.  But then in November, Borders decided to close 200 stores, including the Waldenbooks I have worked at for the last 25 years.  Yes, you read that correctly, 25 years!  So we were stuck in a small town in Georgia that has lost thousands of jobs over the last 2 years and I was joining the ranks of the unemployed.  We have had our home for sale for almost a year with no luck.  My husband decided to apply for better paying jobs all over the country.  The good news is he interviewed for several great jobs almost immediately.  The bad news is they were all several states away.  Follow me to the other side to find out what happened. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Georgia Unemployed Virginia _843672 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 02:10:26 +0000 I Lost My Job Today after 25 Years! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/11/6/801236/-I-Lost-My-Job-Today-after-25-Years So today we got the news that our store was closing and after 25 years of dedicated service, I will become one of the thousands of unemployed.  You may have read some of my diaries on being a liberal stuck in the conservative, republican south.  But today I am not writing about politics.  Today I am writing to tell you about my journey over the last 25 years and how it ended so suddenly.  I started working at Waldenbooks the summer I graduated high school.  It was part time and great for a college student.  I have always loved to read so what was better than getting paid to sell my favorite books to other people? Flash forward 25 great years and here we are.  So we get a call that some stores are closing and we will know today.  Follow me over the break to see my heart break in a million pieces. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Georgia Personal Recommended Unemployment Waldenbooks _801236 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:10:01 +0000 We need YOUR help down here in Georgia to win a special election! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/10/20/795420/-We-need-YOUR-help-down-here-in-Georgia-to-win-a-special-election Hi, My name is Gail McDonald and I wrote several diaries last year about the trials and tribulations of working on a Democratic presidential campaign in this republican hell we call Georgia.  Through hard work and pure stubbornness, we are s-l-o-w-l-y taking back our state.  And now I find myself in a local election against a good ol' southern boy with lots of money and friends.  And we really need your help. My candidate, Darrell Black is running for House District 141, in a special election.  The seat has been held by a Democrat for at least 34 years, if not longer.  Our guy, Bobby Parham, resigned leaving an open seat.  Our opponent, Rusty Kidd thought he would have the seat to himself and win unopposed.  Boy, was he wrong?  To find out what we are up against and how you can help, follow me over the fold. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) DarrellBlack Democrat Georgia _795420 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:45:10 +0000 Wingnuts visit the bookstore! How can they be this crazy? https://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/8/4/762029/-Wingnuts-visit-the-bookstore-How-can-they-be-this-crazy I work at a bookstore and tonight I had a customer approach the register with several titles and Michelle Malkins new book "Culture of Corruption".  She tells me "We would like to purchase this book separately and pay cash because we don't want our name associated with it."  I was thinking, I totally get that and almost said it but I hesitated considering I live in a small, conservative town in Georgia.  What came out of her mouth next just astounded me and I have worked in retail for 25 years and it takes a LOT to surprise me.  Follow me over the fold for some real wing nuttery! rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Georgia Wing nuts Wingnuts _762029 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:54:30 +0000 I Am Going To The Inauguration!!! (with poll) https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/12/2/668478/-I-Am-Going-To-The-Inauguration-with-poll So after careful consideration and seeking opinions of my fellow Kossacks, I have just booked the last trip available.  My children attend Georgia Virtual Academy, a homeschool approved and ran by the state of Georgia.  In September they sent out a invitation for a DC trip during the Inauguration.  I really wanted to do it but didn't want to waste the money if John McCain and Sarah Palin were standing up there.  One thing led to another and I ended up missing the deadline.  Here we are 3 months later with President Elect Barack Obama (don't you just LOVE hearing that?) set to take the stage January 20th.  How sad and depressed was I after election day wishing I had booked that trip.  But I am also resourceful... rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Barack Obama BarackObama Georgia Inauguration _668478 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:06:42 +0000 Should I Take My Son To The Inauguration? https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/12/1/668341/-Should-I-Take-My-Son-To-The-Inauguration I have been given a wonderful opportunity this evening and I am struggling with my decision.  I live in Georgia and I homeschool my 3 children.  In September our virtual school offered a school trip to DC January 19-22.  I was very interested but worried what to do if Obama lost.  I sure as hell had no interest in watching John McCain and Sarah Palin getting sworn in.  So I let the chance pass me by.  Now everyone wants to attend the ceremony of the century.  I emailed the teacher and inquired if she had any cancellations.  And she has ONE room left and it's mine if I want it.  Kossacks-I need your advice. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Barack Obama BarackObama Georgia Inauguration _668341 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 04:37:14 +0000 "Mom, I am going to be part of History." (with poll) https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/4/652582/--Mom-I-am-going-to-be-part-of-History-with-poll I live in a small county two hours from Atlanta.  I am surrounded by christian, republican red necks.  I have been volunteering for the Obama campaign for the last 8 months.  I homeschool my three children (thanks Bush and no child left behind). Today, instead of school we piled into the van and headed to Obama headquarters.  I live in a pretty small town but the parking lot was packed and the office was full.  We had already completed all our phone calls and we were at the end of door to door canvassing.  We grabbed a packet and headed out.  We knocked on 60 doors.  Very few people were home but the ones we talked to had already voted or were on their way.  My daughters enjoyed hopping out every few houses and hanging the door hangers. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Barack Obama BarackObama Campaign Georgia _652582 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:14:13 +0000 I just had a conference call with BARACK OBAMA! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/1/649382/-I-just-had-a-conference-call-with-BARACK-OBAMA Okay, it was me and 20,000 other volunteers but none the less, I was one of them.  While he thanked us for all our hard work and said we were in a better place than we ever imagined WE STILL HAVE WORK TO DO!!!  The next 72 hours are very important.  Now is the time for you to knock on doors, make phone call, talk to voters, take voters to the polls.  If nothing else, go to your nearest polling place and hand out candy and water and encourage people to STFIL.  Be the change you want to see and leave it all on the road.  YES WE CAN! rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Barack Obama BarackObama _649382 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:12:31 +0000 Saxby Chambliss is Toast in Georgia! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/22/639062/-Saxby-Chambliss-is-Toast-in-Georgia If this has been discussed, I apologize.  I live in Georgia and am volunteering for the Obama campaign.  Many of you may be aware how close the Jim Martin and Saxby Chambliss race has become.  I just received an email inviting me to a campaign event Saturday night with Bill Clinton!!!  A reception with pictures requires $1000.  A reception following that only requires $100.  If you can, please donate to Jim Martin.  I think he has a real chance to beat Saxby Chambliss. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Barack Obama BarackObama Georgia Jim Martin JimMartin SaxbyChambliss _639062 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:13:15 +0000 "The Look on my Republican Neighbors Face-Priceless" https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/21/636621/--The-Look-on-my-Republican-Neighbors-Face-Priceless If you have read my diaries before, you know I am a liberal, progressive Democrat trapped in the conservative, christian, republican state of Georgia.  I have been volunteering for Obama for months now giving away bumper stickers, buttons, and yard signs and hosting house parties.  We have huge plans for Election night at my home.  There is only one catch.  I live in a mostly republican neighborhood.  There has been much talk of buying fireworks in bulk and setting them off WHENEVER they announce Obama as president.  My husband has assured me will be visited by the police and receive a fine as we are sure our neighbors will call and complain.  I have set aside some money and was assuring someone that American Express was invented for this purpose.  My 11 year old then created our newest commercial-follow me, won't you? rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Barack Obama BarackObama Democrat Georgia Republican _636621 Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:06:57 +0000 Thanks For Helping My Son! (You Still Can, too) https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/19/636018/-Thanks-For-Helping-My-Son-You-Still-Can-too This is the best freaking community ever.  Two days ago I posted a diary asking for donations for my 11 year old son.  He was walking in his first Juvenile diabetes marathon.  As we sent out emails to family and friends, he had the great idea for me to write a diary.  He knows I write here pretty often and he loves reading all the comments I get.  So he thought we should try to post and ask for support.  The first diary I posted early Friday afternoon and it was gone within an hour or two but we did get a few donations.  He  kept making me check every few minutes.  Our goal was to raise $500.00.  When he went to bed we were at $400 and he was pretty bummed.  Since you can only post one diary per day, he went to bed pretty sad and disappointed that we would be walking the next morning without meeting our goal.  However, being the dedicated, smart mom I am I stayed up late and wrote a second diary and submitted it at 12:05 a.m. begging Kos readers to help my son wake up to a surprise.  Follow me after the break to see how great you guys are. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Atlanta Diabetes Obama _636018 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:43:30 +0000 Fellow Kossacks, Please Help My Son. With Poll. https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/17/634179/-Fellow-Kossacks-Please-Help-My-Son-With-Poll In 8 short hours my 11 year old son, my husband, our two daughters and myself will be walking 3 miles to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes in Atlanta, Georgia.  My son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 2 years ago.  He takes 4 to 5 shots every day and will continue to do so until there is a cure.  All his doctors believe a cure will be found in the next 20 years BUT it relies heavily on stem cell research.  Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe in and support stem cell research.  John McCain waffles and Sarah Palin does not support stem cell research.  That is one of the MANY reasons I volunteer for the Obama campaign and why I voted for Obama today. (Awesome, by the way!!!)  Please follow me after the break to see what I am doing to help Obama and what you can do to help me. This is my 2nd post about this.  The other got pushed off the board pretty quick.   rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Barack Obama BarackObama Diabetes Joe Biden JoeBiden John McCain JohnMcCain Sarah Palin SarahPalin _634179 Sat, 18 Oct 2008 04:05:30 +0000 Please Help My Son! (In Case McCain is Elected). https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/17/633621/-Please-Help-My-Son-In-Case-McCain-is-Elected If you have read my diaries before, you know I live in conservative, republican Georgia and I volunteer for the Obama campaign.  What you do not know about me is that my 11 year old son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 2 years ago.  He takes insulin shots 4 to 5 times a day and will continue to do so until there is a cure.  All his doctors believe a cure will be discovered in the next 10-20 years BUT it relies heavily on stem cell research.  As you know, Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe in and support stem cell research.  John McCain waffles on this issue and Sarah Palin is opposed to stem cell research.  This Saturday my entire family will be walking in the Juvenile Diabetes Walk for a Cure marathon in Atlanta Georgia.  We ask family and friends to make donations in support of my son.  Follow me after the break to see what I am doing to help Obama and what you can do to help me! rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Barack Obama BarackObama Diabetes Joe Biden JoeBiden John McCain JohnMcCain Sarah Palin SarahPalin _633621 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:45:37 +0000 "Holy Sh*t! There's white people wearing Obama shirts... https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/11/627441/--Holy-Sh-t-There-s-white-people-wearing-Obama-shirts For those unfamiliar with me, I live in conservative, christian Georgia.  I volunteer for the Obama campaign.  Last Sunday a fellow volunteer and I got our canvass list and went knocking on doors of "sporadic democrat voters".  We went to several houses and registered one or two people.  We stopped by one house where a BBQ was taking place and we were invited to a kids party later in the day at "The Manor".  We then went to a low rent apartment complex.  Our first two addresses would only talk to us through the door but they said they were registered.  We had two more names for this address and we were debating if it was worth our time.  We went to the next building and as we exited the car we heard through a window-"Holy Shit, there's white people wearing Obama shirts heading this way!"  When we got to the door several African American men had stepped out onto the porch and we began a great political discussion.  People were coming over to see what the excitement was.  We registered several people and remained there talking for almost an hour. We exchanged emails and other information and they even gave us $5 for gas. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) 2008 Barack Obama BarackObama Democrats Georgia President Recommended Republicans _627441 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:17:53 +0000 What's Black, White and Blue All Over? Georgia!!!   https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/5/621087/-What-s-Black-White-and-Blue-All-Over-Georgia-160 I had the BEST DAY today.  I live in a small, conservative, christian, republican town in Georgia and today I went canvassing to get those last few unregistered voters.  The Obama campaign had given us our names and addresses and we were off.  It started off slow with people not being home or people already registered.  We then went to the next house on our list where we found several people grilling in the front yard.  They were excited to see us and invited us to attend a kids birthday party later in the day.  What happened next put the biggest smile on my face.  We went to a subsidized apartment complex.  The first two doors we knocked on we only received shouts through the door.  We explained we were from the Obama campaign and they yelled back they were already registered.  I was beginning to think this would be a waste of time.  As we exited the car at the next building we heard through an open window "Holy crap-there's white people wearing Obama shirts coming this way." rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Barack Obama BarackObama Georgia Joe Biden JoeBiden _621087 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:29:32 +0000 Peggy Noonan Backtracking https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/3/585515/-Peggy-Noonan-Backtracking I looked and did not see this posted yet.  In her post for Thursday, Ms. Noonan prefaces her post with a detailed description of how "someone misquoted and misunderstood what she said"  She did not, in fact, say it was over.  She was talking about something else entirely.  She thinks Sarah Palin is a wonderful choice.  She is really sorry if people thought that was what she said but the audio is incorrect.  Can someone please explain why these stupid right wind nutjobs continue to deny things when it is "on the internets?" rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) 2008 elections 2008elections ChuckTodd MikeMurphy MSNBC PeggyNoonan Pundits Republicans Sarah Palin SarahPalin Vice President VicePresident _585515 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:31:34 +0000 I Predict She Will Gone By Monday!(with poll) https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/30/580738/-I-Predict-She-Will-Gone-By-Monday-with-poll I have been saying this all day.  I think after 4 days of unrelenting, obsessive attention to EVERY detail, Sarah Palin will take her name off the ticket.  It seems obvious to everyone, including and especially to the republicans, that John McCain has made a colossal mistake.  The press will go to the very ends of Alaska to follow every lead and they will find out the truth about Troopergate, about Trig, about Ted Stevens, etc.  As we have all read on this site, this is not going as planned.  Women are flocking to Barack Obama because of this obvious pander to pick up Hilary Clinton voters. Mitt Romney and  Tim Pawlenty are pissed.  Only the radical, batshit crazy, rightwing nutbags like Rush Limbaugh think this is a good pick.  And the fact that she will remove her name is not the worst thing to happen... rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Barack Obama BarackObama John Mc Cain JohnMcCain Republican Sarah Palin SarahPalin TedStevens _580738 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:13:08 +0000 Is God a Democrat? (with poll) https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/29/578371/-Is-God-a-Democrat-with-poll A few weeks ago Focus on the Family had the audacity to ask their members to pray for rain of mass proportions at Invesco Field.  Putting aside the obvious issues of morality and stupidity, who does this kind of thing?  Don't we have bigger problems that require our prayer?  Maybe pray to bring our troops home safely?  Or healthcare for the 50 million uninsured?  A better economy?  A smarter president?  I could go on but I won't.  Those of you who watched the final day of the convention know we had beautiful weather all day yesterday.  In fact, I don't think it could have been much better if it were ordained by God himself.  But have you heard the other news? rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Atheism Barack Obama BarackObama Democrat FocusontheFamily Republican Snark _578371 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:01:55 +0000 Taking the High Road to Hell! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/9/565396/-Taking-the-High-Road-to-Hell Why do Democrats insist on consistently, year after year, taking the high road when it only leads us to four more years of hell?  Yes, we can be the bigger person and not go negative.  Yes, we can stay clean and pretty and not wallow in the mud with the republicans.  Yes, we can be the moral leader in politics.  But does it really help us if taking the high road leads us to four more years of the highest deficit, four more years of 50 million people without insurance, four more years of mortgage, bank, and credit crisis, four more years of our children, brothers and sisters getting killed in needless wars, four more years of...you get the picture. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Barack Obama BarackObama Democrat mcCain Republican _565396 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 18:17:18 +0000 "I Hope He Gets Killed in the First 24 Hours" https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/24/556471/--I-Hope-He-Gets-Killed-in-the-First-24-Hours I am so mad right now I don't know what to do.  For those unfamiliar with me, I live in a small, conservative, republican town in Georgia.  I just had a HUGE argument with my next door neighbor.  After seeing my new shiny Obama sticker on my van, she launched into an attack on me that was unprovoked and very unsettling.  She asked me why he couldn't say the pledge of allegiance to which I replied, that is not true.  I then explained the details of various lies and smears.  She continued to bring up every smear out there from the pledge to the swearing in on the Koran.  I told her she needed to check her facts as these had all been disproved.  She then asked, "So if he is a Muslim, and did swear on a Koran, then would you still support him?"  I explained that I would support him because a person's religion is not an important factor to me.  Which is when she said, "I hope if he gets elected, that he is shot and killed within 24 hours!" rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) 2008 elections 2008elections Barack Obama BarackObama Conservatives Democrats George W. Bush GeorgeWBush Hate Personal President Racism Recommended Republicans _556471 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:55:00 +0000 Help! I Am (Almost) At A Loss For Words. https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/7/547787/-Help-I-Am-Almost-At-A-Loss-For-Words First off, those who know me realize this is total crap.  I am NEVER at a loss for words.  But seriously, I don't know how to reply to my friends when they question my choice of Barack Obama.  How do I answer when they say, "Hilary had so much more experience".  What I want to say is, "really, 16 years as first wife.  Should Laura Bush run in 2012?"  But I don't.  And when a faithful Democrat who practically bankrolled my 2004 grass roots organization says Obama is a Muslim, and starts spouting Fox news bullet points, I become utterly speechless.  And when my best friend for 25 years who has been to Iraq once and is going to Afghanistan in January says she can't support him because he doesn't salute the flag, what the HELL should I do? rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) 2008 Barack Obama BarackObama Democrat Liberal Republican _547787 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:18:00 +0000 I'm Taking My Toys and Going Home! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/6/547259/-I-m-Taking-My-Toys-and-Going-Home Have you ever been in the middle of a game with someone who was losing?  They don't like the way things look so they throw the Monopoly board across the room.  Or see two small kids playing and one of them takes his trucks to the other side of the room so the other kid can't play with it.  We generally dislike this bratty behavior in ourselves and our children.  So I have to say, a lot of Democrats have been acting like two year olds lately.  "Barack Obama didn't do something I wanted him to so I want all my donations back and I am going to withdraw my support and sit in the corner and pout!"  Seriously?  If you were my child you would be sitting in a time-out thinking about your actions and how it relates to everyone else in the room.  And for some of you, that time out would last for a real, long time! rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) 2008 Barack Obama BarackObama Democrat George W. Bush GeorgeWBush JohnKerry _547259 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:06:49 +0000 The Apocalypse 2008 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/5/547106/-The-Apocalypse-2008 I am convinced we don't have to worry about the election in November because signs of the apocalypse are everywhere.  I work in a bookstore in a small, conservative, christian, southern town.  In the last few weeks I have had my share of surprises, and in my town, that is saying something.  Just last week I had a older, white woman in her sixties purchase Barack Obama's The Audacity of Hope.  When I told her it was a great read, she replied "I thought I should read it so I can decide who to vote for."  Bear in mind in 2004, while attending a local homeschool group meeting, when the subject of politics came up, one lady said she couldn't remember who she voted for, it was whoever her husband TOLD her to vote for!  More signs after the break... rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) 2008 Barack Obama BarackObama Conservative Democrat Georgia HomeSchool Republican _547106 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:04:21 +0000 I Am So Proud Of My Mom https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/3/546042/-I-Am-So-Proud-Of-My-Mom In all memories of the last 40 years of my life I can never remember arguing politics with my mother.  I guess that is why I grew up to be such a liberal Democrat.  However, this year changed everything.  From the beginning of 2007 we were divided-her for Hilary Clinton and I for Barack Obama.  It seemed every day we argued one point or another.  My children would proudly announce every time Obama won another primary and ask her if she was sure she wanted to back Hilary.  But she maintained her support for Clinton no matter how bad things looked.  I was scared she might be one of those who refused to back him once every one else knew what we knew-Barack Obama would be the nominee.  But then she really surprised me... rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) Barack Obama BarackObama Conservative Democrat Georgia SmearEmail _546042 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:30:53 +0000 A Priest, A Vietnam Veteran and A 10 Year Old Boy Walk Into... https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/29/543670/-A-Priest-A-Vietnam-Veteran-and-A-10-Year-Old-Boy-Walk-Into No, not a bar.  They all walked into my Barack Obama United for Change party.  For those who have not read my previous diaries, I live in a very small, conservative, right wing, Christian town in Georgia.  In one of my last diaries I was fighting the bad guys and correcting their smear emails and standing up for the good guys.  I received over 300 comments urging me to keep up the good work and try to find others like me.  So I volunteered at Obama's site and when the chance came to throw a party with 4,000 other people in this great country, I stepped up and decided to host a house party.  I put my invitation on the Obama site and sent invitations to a few like minded friends and waited to see what happened. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) 2008 Barack Obama BarackObama Conservative Democrat Gail W. McDonald GailWMcDonald Recommended _543670 Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:01:33 +0000 Support Gay Rights and Heinz and piss off the American Family Association at the same time! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/24/541362/-Support-Gay-Rights-and-Heinz-and-piss-off-the-American-Family-Association-at-the-same-time I was just at Andrew Sullivan's site and he has a little blurb about a great new Heinz ad the American Family Association doesn't want you to see.  After surfing the various venues, the word "pressure" takes you to the AFA site where you can email Heinz a nasty complaint.  However, I changed my complaint to a letter of support.  I told them I will be purchasing their product and telling everyone I know to do the same.  I have a challenge to all fellow Kossacks after the break. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) AFA AndrewSullivan Heinz _541362 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:30:44 +0000 When Your Hut is Burning Attend Vacation Bible School? https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/8/532541/-When-Your-Hut-is-Burning-Attend-Vacation-Bible-School For those of you who read my post Saturday concerning my confrontation with the right wing, I wanted to let you know what has happened thus far.  First, I want to thank everyone who commented.  I was really blown away by your enthusiasm and words of encouragement.  This was my first diary and I was extremely excited to receive over 300 comments. (My husband has been blogging for almost 2 years and never received anywhere near that many comments.) But now to discuss the good stuff. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) GailWMcDonald Home School HomeSchool Obama _532541 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:53:43 +0000 Today I Stood Up to the Right Wing and it Felt Good! https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/7/531826/-Today-I-Stood-Up-to-the-Right-Wing-and-it-Felt-Good Today I stood up to the right wing in my town and it felt so good! Living in a small, republican, conservative town in Georgia, I am surrounded by people I disagree with.  I home school my children to provide them with the best education but most in my town home school for religious reasons and to keep their children away from people they consider beneath them. rss@dailykos.com (gailwmcdonald) 2008 Barack Obama BarackObama Elections Home School HomeSchool President Recommended _531826 Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:00:44 +0000