Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hey all,

I just wanted to remind everyone that its election day, here in America at least, so please make sure to vote.  It doesn't matter for who or for what, as long as you are voting your conscious and contributing your voice to the political process.  It would be nice to see more trans voices speaking up, so don't forget to speak up.

P.s.  I don't want this to turn into a partisan thing or discussion about politics in general (yes, there is much to complain about), so let's all avoid that.  I just hope many here will speak up today and vote for what they believe in, regardless of what that may be.   Voting is one of the few things we can do to influence our government. Even if the process can be disillusioning and frustrating at times, apathy rarely wins.  So please don't discount the importance of your beliefs and voice.

Anyway, have a great election day everyone!

Well. I went and voted.  This involved standing on line for over twenty minutes, but I done did it and have the "I voted" sticker.  The folk at work are SO political.  None of them had voted yet, so I got to stick it to them.  I think I did convince one to go and vote because of a local ballot initiative.  Despite the line at the poll voter turnout is expected to be light.  That just makes me SICK - all these people complain and whine, then on Election Day they can't be bothered to go vote.

Would this fit better in Aargh?


Erin

Ah, I hadn't realised it was already election day. It doesn't matter to me, since I can't get to my poling place today. I'm not too broken up over it, though. It's not like anyone I would have voted for stands a chance of winning. *sigh*

Still, it makes me a little sad that I can't get there to vote. I'm not sure I've ever missed voting before. :(

Quote from: learningtolive on November 04, 2014, 07:47:49 AM
...P.s.  I don't want this to turn into a partisan thing or discussion about politics in general (yes, there is much to complain about), so let's all avoid that.  I just hope many here will speak up today and vote for what they believe in, regardless of what that may be.   Voting is one of the few things we can do to influence our government. Even if the process can be disillusioning and frustrating at times, apathy rarely wins.  So please don't discount the importance of your beliefs and voice...

Must. Resist. Commenting..!  :-X :police: :laugh:

██████ everything ███ █████ is ██ ████ fine ██████ trust █████ ███████ ███ your █████ ████ government.

;)

I voted this morning.

Why did I vote? I'm an immigrant naturalized American who is transgender, a gun owner, is married, has kids in school, owns a home and pays taxes. Yep, so I voted. lol. But every citizen of voting age should head out and vote. Every one, even if you're a billionaire or you're a homeless person or just a working stiff or a student, whatever your situation in life. A vote is your voice. Don't waste it.

And today being election day is going to be an extremely long and tiring work day for me since I work for the news media and we are doing elections coverage on air and online. Every election night is a fun time... I keep telling myself that...

Aww, Kate. Poor thing. I can't imagine having to cover that mess. It's bad enough I have to see the ads on TV, get rude political phone calls (way to win votes there, geniuses  ::)) and get them in the mail. I'm very glad all that will finally be over after today.

Oh I stopped answering the phone. The mailed ads are kind of funny. I have a friend who is a political consultant and who specializes in attack ads and I get to see some of his ads in various parts of the country. The work he does is amazing... you can't have any sort of personal integrity to do that kind of job because you lie through your teeth. But it is amazing how he can find sound bites to make radio and TV ads out of.

As for me? My job is on the technical side. We control the horizontal, we control the vertical... whatever you do, do not adjust your set!

Actually I'll be sitting behind a computer most of the night, so... you may see me here more often than not. :)

I used to like it when I rode around in vans and sat trucks years ago, not anymore.

Quote from: Pikachu on November 04, 2014, 09:24:50 AM
and get them in the mail

I only got stuff in the mail regarding one local race.  But, that was enough wasted paper to un-green a significant area of forest.  I really didn't want to vote for either but there were no other choices.  Hmmm.  So I voted against the incumbent.

At least after today the election turmoil should be over for a while - except 2016 is coming.  I so do not look forward to two more years of non-stop bean soup...


Erin

I did my civic duty and votered. I still hate that we have to color in the little circles. I like the touch screen ones we used to have better, but they went backwards due to failure to update when they should have and lost votes because of it.


And a certain county commissioner owes me 5 bucks for my vote too, lol. At least I'm going to tell him that when I run into him again.

I just don't like when people equate the right to vote with a requirement to vote. I did my civic duty with an M-16, I choose not to vote for people who I have absolutely no faith in. I do believe that if you don't vote, you shouldn't complain about the results. To that end, I refrain from entering political discussions. I think it is inappropriate to shame non-voters.

Are you voting for a new president? The national situation here is so so bad with the latest cases of political corruption that there's no room for international news.

No, its not a Presidential election.

In Australia we vote on a Saturday...and it's compulsory.  ::)

Don't forget the sausage sandwich also,  (not that I would eat one).

Technically in Australia it is not compulsory to vote. Just to get your name marked off and place your ballot in the ballot box. It was fun to see the amount of blank ballots or plain donkey votes you would see at the end of the night. Turning rubbish bins upside down looking for that last missing ballot someone has thrown away. Not as much

Quote from: immortal gypsy on November 04, 2014, 12:38:21 PM
Don't forget the sausage sandwich also,  (not that I would eat one).

Technically in Australia it is not compulsory to vote. Just to get your name marked off and place your ballot in the ballot box. It was fun to see the amount of blank ballots or plain donkey votes you would see at the end of the night. Turning rubbish bins upside down looking for that last missing ballot someone has thrown away. Not as much

Seems like its screwy and could get some really bad politicians elected when people vote when they really don't want to.

Quote from: immortal gypsy on November 04, 2014, 12:38:21 PM
Don't forget the sausage sandwich also,  (not that I would eat one).

Technically in Australia it is not compulsory to vote. Just to get your name marked off and place your ballot in the ballot box. It was fun to see the amount of blank ballots or plain donkey votes you would see at the end of the night. Turning rubbish bins upside down looking for that last missing ballot someone has thrown away. Not as much

Does the TOS allow that?

My intention isn't too shame non voters rather than encouraging everyone top speak their mind at the polls.  It's not a requirement to vote and that's why I think laws forcing people to vote are unfair.  But i don't understand why encouraging participation or trying to have an influence,  even if a small one, needs to be seen negatively.   You have the right to feel how you want and have every right to state your political views even if you don't vote. I respect your choice even if I personally disagree.

As for trusting the government,  no one said anything about that.  Fir example, I'm not crazy about the 2 main candidates for governor in my state and will vote 3rd party.  Just saying it's important to say how you feel or else you may not be heard as much as you wish. And sadly some politicians often only hear your votes and those who donate the most.  Voting is important in my view, but it doesn't mean that or system doesn't have severe problems or that there are other ways for people to voice their views.  Again, this wasn't intended for a political debate rather than encourage civic participation.  This is the first main election since I turned 18 that I haven't volunteered or worked in someway.  I guess I the campaigner in me is bursting out today, lol

Take care everyone and have a good day either way.

Well, I appreciate the reminder, sweetie. I think it was thoughtful of you. :)

Quote from: learningtolive on November 04, 2014, 12:53:22 PM
My intention isn't too shame non voters rather than encouraging everyone top speak their mind at the polls.  It's not a requirement to vote and that's why I think laws forcing people to vote are unfair.  But i don't understand why encouraging participation or trying to have an influence,  even if a small one, needs to be seen negatively.   You have the right to feel how you want and have every right to state your political views even if you don't vote. I respect your choice even if I personally disagree.

As for trusting the government,  no one said anything about that.  Fir example, I'm not crazy about the 2 main candidates for governor in my state and will vote 3rd party.  Just saying it's important to say how you feel or else you may not be heard as much as you wish. And sadly some politicians often only hear your votes and those who donate the most.  Voting is important in my view, but it doesn't mean that or system doesn't have severe problems or that there are other ways for people to voice their views.  Again, this wasn't intended for a political debate rather than encourage civic participation.  This is the first main election since I turned 18 that I haven't volunteered or worked in someway.  I guess I the campaigner in me is bursting out today, lol

Take care everyone and have a good day either way.

I wasn't suggesting you were shaming, I was just pointing out that there's plenty of it out there.

Quote from: Ms Grace on November 04, 2014, 12:11:48 PM
In Australia we vote on a Saturday...and it's compulsory.  ::)

so, what happens if you don't

Quote from: stephaniec on November 04, 2014, 01:07:55 PM
so, what happens if you don't

I think they get fed to the crocs or something.

At least this time I can do it in person because my legal name matches my appearance.  One of the first things I made sure to do after the name change was to get my voter info updated.

Quote from: Jill F on November 04, 2014, 01:18:13 PM

Quote from: stephaniec on November 04, 2014, 01:07:55 PM
so, what happens if you don't

I think they get fed to the crocs or something.

Yes...

Quote from: ErinWDK on November 04, 2014, 08:03:30 AM
That just makes me SICK - all these people complain and whine, then on Election Day they can't be bothered to go vote.

Hi Erin,

I'm not so sure it's entirely the fault of these people.  There's a concerted effort to convince everyone that politics doesn't matter and their vote won't make a difference in their life.   It's not an accident that these politicians at the trough want to make the system look as ridiculous as possible.   The big money, doesn't want the disenfranchise to vote and change the system they love.   By convincing people to be apathetic, they give more power to the few who regularly vote, and support their agenda.

My two cents,  sorry if it sounded a bit like a rant.
Paige :)

Sadly, there is more than a little truth to this.  I have a close friend who will NOT vote.  Nothing I say has any effect.

The real word for this is SAD.


Erin

I stopped voting in 08 and I am glad that I did. I see no point in voting for a bunch of liars. I refuse to participate in the circus that is our political system. It's all smoke and mirrors since all of them are bought off anyway. The agenda that they want just keeps rolling on and it doesn't matter who you vote for. If voting were compulsory, I would write in 'Portia Porcupine' and leave it at that. It wouldn't be anymore of a joke than what the system is and has been for a long time. They all talk a big game on the campaign trail. But once they are in office, they just screw you over.

No thanks. I will stay home and smack my big toes with a hammer instead.  ::)

Quote from: Laura Squirrel on November 04, 2014, 02:34:24 PM
I stopped voting in 08 and I am glad that I did. I see no point in voting for a bunch of liars. I refuse to participate in the circus that is our political system. It's all smoke and mirrors since all of them are bought off anyway. The agenda that they want just keeps rolling on and it doesn't matter who you vote for. If voting were compulsory, I would write in 'Portia Porcupine' and leave it at that. It wouldn't be anymore of a joke than what the system is and has been for a long time. They all talk a big game on the campaign trail. But once they are in office, they just screw you over.

No thanks. I will stay home and smack my big toes with a hammer instead.   ::)

Sledge, ball peen or claw?

OK, we all know that you can't get elected to a major office without being beholden to your corporate handlers, and this problem (no thanks to SCOTUS) is just getting worse.

However, I would like a say on how things are done on a more local level.  There are bad judges that have to go, school disctricts that could fall to the wrong crowd, people who don't seem to care about water quality and ballot propositions that are nothing more than big money-grabs for special interests.  The politicians are crooks, but there are other issues where your say does matter.

I'll give you the nod that local issues can be affected by voting. But even if every single citizen voted for a third party candidate,  the electoral college would give us a democrat or republican President.

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on November 04, 2014, 02:50:26 PM
I'll give you the nod that local issues can be affected by voting.

The problem in my area is that so many candidates run unopposed.

My uncle was a Town Clerk for most of his adult life. I don't think anyone ever ran against him.

  My great-grandfather was a physician and CO state legislator in the 1930's. He was the first doctor elected to help pass the early CO health and safety laws. This after he was shot by a jealous husband and run out of the town of Wray, CO by cheating on my great-grandmother some 15 years previous. That newspaper account towards him was quite vitriolic. It is still funny how politicians get elected.
  I was raised by this axiom: If you don't vote, don't gripe!

Joelene

Quote from: Ms Grace on November 04, 2014, 01:25:10 PM
I think they get fed to the crocs or something.


Yes...

Quote from: Joelene9 on November 04, 2014, 04:25:59 PM
I was raised by this axiom: If you don't vote, don't gripe!
Joelene

Meh. That's the oldest cop-out in the book. So, when the schmucks in office screw everything up, can I point at the electorate and say that it's their fault since they voted for these idiots?

While I do agree with the axiom, this, this, this!

Quote from: Laura Squirrel on November 04, 2014, 04:36:05 PM
Meh. That's the oldest cop-out in the book. So, when the schmucks in office screw everything up, can I point at the electorate and say that it's their fault since they voted for these idiots?

For all the political powwowing done here, I'd be surprised if anyone can name their State's electorates. Gauntlet laid down.

Quote from: Laura Squirrel on November 04, 2014, 04:36:05 PM
Meh. That's the oldest cop-out in the book. So, when the schmucks in office screw everything up, can I point at the electorate and say that it's their fault since they voted for these idiots?

Well, I always vote for the people who lose the election. Don't blame me. :P

No one's going to add the George Carlin clip?

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on November 04, 2014, 02:50:26 PM
I'll give you the nod that local issues can be affected by voting. But even if every single citizen voted for a third party candidate,  the electoral college would give us a democrat or republican President.

For me local is where it's at. I am disgusted at the politics in NJ. Nationally I really don't care that much. Local affects me more.

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on November 04, 2014, 12:58:13 PM
I wasn't suggesting you were shaming, I was just pointing out that there's plenty of it out there.

I am not shaming either.

Truthfully? I would rather some people not vote. The people who vote to take away my freedoms - freedom to marry, freedom to own guns, even freedom to pump my own gas. I would rather have those people not vote.

Quote from: Laura Squirrel on November 04, 2014, 04:36:05 PM
Meh. That's the oldest cop-out in the book. So, when the schmucks in office screw everything up, can I point at the electorate and say that it's their fault since they voted for these idiots?

Hi Laura,

No I don't think you can since most are voting for their least disliked candidates.  Most of the time people don't have the option of voting for a person they want.

But really what's the solution to this corrupt system if you don't vote?  Rebellion?  If no one ever challenges the status quo, what's going to change it?   By the way, there are much better electoral systems in the world than the U.S. system.  Maybe something to shoot for?

Also, it's not unheard of for fringe candidates to get elected, Bernie Sanders comes to mind. 

Paige :)

Quote from: Pikachu on November 04, 2014, 05:17:22 PM
Well, I always vote for the people who lose the election. Don't blame me. :P

No one's going to add the George Carlin clip?

Certainly....  ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HeMGqTwWA6U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HeMGqTwWA6U)

Man, I voted and all, but we really need to get rid of our serious gerymandering problem:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mky11UJb9AY&list=UU2C_jShtL725hvbm1arSV9w

And maybe implement some fancy new non first past the post voting systems:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8XOZJkozfI&list=UU2C_jShtL725hvbm1arSV9w

I voted, but this state allows everyone to vote by Absentee ballot. So no pulling place required. As a result of this not being a Presidential election, it is a very low turn out. Sorry that yours is compulsory. I like having the right to vote, but I would dislike being forced to or face some type of consequence.
Mariah

Quote from: Ms Grace on November 04, 2014, 12:11:48 PM
In Australia we vote on a Saturday...and it's compulsory.  ::)

You are all looking at the process in all the wrong ways.

Activate.

Let's pick one of our ladies that lives in a liberal district, pool all our resources to empower and support, create infrastructure and enable national resources (ie. Hollywood money), work as a community to create an infrastructure built for the candidacy, and get her elected to Congress as a voice to advocate for fairness and advocacy.

Don't quit on the system, rise up, learn the rules, play by the rules, and begin winning at their game.

Quote from: m1anderson on November 05, 2014, 12:08:38 PM
Don't quit on the system, rise up, learn the rules, play by the rules, and begin winning at their game.

But the flaw with that idea is this: Politics from the highest levels on down are completely corrupt. Big Business greases their palms and the politicians do the same. They don't play by the rules. The game is rigged. Voting is only there to give you the illusion of choice, the facade of "I'm participating in this process and making a difference". None of it is true. It is completely false.

Quote from: amZo on November 04, 2014, 10:50:41 PM
Certainly....  ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HeMGqTwWA6U (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HeMGqTwWA6U)

He was hilarious R.I.P.

Quote from: Laura Squirrel on November 05, 2014, 02:55:27 PM
But the flaw with that idea is this: Politics from the highest levels on down are completely corrupt. Big Business greases their palms and the politicians do the same. They don't play by the rules. The game is rigged. Voting is only there to give you the illusion of choice, the facade of "I'm participating in this process and making a difference". None of it is true. It is completely false.

Hi Laura,

So yes it's corrupt beyond all imagination, but it's getting worse.  One thing I'm really concerned about are the politics of division.  There are certain politicians that succeed by making the majority fear minorities.  These type of people seem to be thriving now.  As part of a minority that has very little political power, I worry that we might end up the target of these type of people.  Look at all the politicians that opportunistically use their attack on same sex marriage as a way to rally their base.

I'm just wondering what's the alternative to voting, because if it keeps going the way it's going were in trouble.

Paige :)

Quote from: Paige on November 05, 2014, 10:04:36 PM
Hi Laura,

So yes it's corrupt beyond all imagination, but it's getting worse.  One thing I'm really concerned about are the politics of division.  There are certain politicians that succeed by making the majority fear minorities.  These type of people seem to be thriving now.  As part of a minority that has very little political power, I worry that we might end up the target of these type of people.  Look at all the politicians that opportunistically use their attack on same sex marriage as a way to rally their base.

I'm just wondering what's the alternative to voting, because if it keeps going the way it's going we're in trouble.

Paige :)

Actually, I don't see it as getting worse. I see it as it just being business as usual. It only seems worse due to the constant 24/7 media onslaught. Divide and conquer tactics have been used by people in power for centuries. It works well because there are a lot of stupid people out there that will follow anyone that says things that they agree with. As far as "we" being in trouble. That depends on what you mean: The trans community or just the U.S. population in general. As a transchick, I'm not worried one damn bit about anyone. I have no problem with fighting back against someone in order to protect myself.

Quote from: Laura Squirrel on November 05, 2014, 10:19:43 PM
As far as "we" being in trouble. That depends on what you mean: The trans community or just the U.S. population in general. As a transchick, I'm not worried one damn bit about anyone. I have no problem with fighting back against someone in order to protect myself.

Yes I'm worried about the trans community.  The current party that dominates the Congress isn't trans friendly at all.  I worry that they may make life very difficult if they get half the chance. 

Who knows, I hope you're right and it's not getting worse.

Paige :)

As much as they took over the senate, remember the filibuster will keep that in check along with Obama. So they won't be able to do anything with that added power really before the next President is in office.

Quote from: Mariah2014 on November 06, 2014, 09:31:49 AM
As much as they took over the senate, remember the filibuster will keep that in check along with Obama. So they won't be able to do anything with that added power really before the next President is in office.

It is not exactly the filibuster process, but executive order line-item veto powers. When GW Bush was in office he did not use the veto until he too lost congress to the democrats in his sixth year, and then went ham on the veto.

Now, as for the process. Yes, it is onerous the ability to get funded by corporate monies funneled into PAC's and the new laws that drive the process. However, given we can get one candidate, in one very friendly district, funnel funds as is the process, play in those rules as well, there is great possibility. Funding can come from all the traditional liberal power brokers, certainly the medical community to allow for lobbying to change the rules for coverages for us by the insurances (doctors have new sources to have additional access to services); there are plenty of avenues to acquire resources. Resources are obviously somewhat limited, so these funds must be funneled into one seat, one election, one place, one candidate to achieve a result.

Passivity and deliberately saying there is no way to beat the system is selling out. Play by the derelict rules in place and change can be achieved. We need at least, one first voice.

Quote from: Paige on November 06, 2014, 09:27:01 AM
Yes I'm worried about the trans community.  The current party that dominates the Congress isn't trans friendly at all.  I worry that they may make life very difficult if they get half the chance. 

Who knows, I hope you're right and it's not getting worse.

Paige :)

Well, I don't care about what any politician does or says. They can all get bent as far as I'm concerned. I don't see any party as being "trans friendly". If they do say anything at all, it's just lip service. What they do doesn't matter to me. I will live my life and do as I wish. The hell with them.

Quote from: m1anderson on November 05, 2014, 12:08:38 PM
You are all looking at the process in all the wrong ways.

Activate.

Let's pick one of our ladies that lives in a liberal district, pool all our resources to empower and support, create infrastructure and enable national resources (ie. Hollywood money), work as a community to create an infrastructure built for the candidacy, and get her elected to Congress as a voice to advocate for fairness and advocacy.

Don't quit on the system, rise up, learn the rules, play by the rules, and begin winning at their game.

I don't see why it has to be a liberal district. The GOP has more going for it in terms of diversity. If anything the democrats seem to be the party of old white straight cis men (the kennedys come to mind).

If you get someone to run on a platform of freedom, they can pick up traction even in a "conservative" area. And people will ignore their gender identity and orientation. Also ignore the religious nuts.

Quote from: Mariah2014 on November 06, 2014, 09:31:49 AM
As much as they took over the senate, remember the filibuster will keep that in check along with Obama. So they won't be able to do anything with that added power really before the next President is in office.

You may have forgotten but Reid pretty much ended the filibuster with the nuclear option for exec and judicial branch nominees. This is a pretty big deal. Bills will still be filibustered (and can be vetoed by Obama) but I think after harping for years about obstruction the dems will look like huge hypocrites if they turn around and do the same thing.