How do I differ from Senator Cruz? Let me count the ways. First, to my knowledge, I've never been referred to as "Lucifer in the flesh". Fortunately for the world at large, most people, my self included, refrain from mentioning my flesh at all. I don't even show off this doughy dad bod at the beach. You're welcome. Secondly, I have yet to demonstrate enough hubris to select a running mate before being nominated. Who does this guy think he is? Maybe he has read The Secret one too many times. Wishing hard that you are the nominee does not make you the nominee. You have to be patient like me, attempting to steal the nomination at the convention. Duh. (However, I will break a little news. Currently on my VP short list: Peter Dinklage, Spud Webb, and Kevin Hart. Dad jokes!) Thirdly, unless you are my seven-year-old, I have not lectured you in a pretentious, condescending, speaking-slow-so-you-can-keep-up manner. Fourthly, have you ever seen Senator Cruz in red pants? Look at the picture up there; they are magnificent!
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I am not a fear-mongering, hate-fomenting scare tactician trying to drum up votes on the backs of people already bullied enough. This transgender bathroom nonsense has to stop. People choosing to use the public restroom assigned to the gender they identify with pose no more harm (probably less) to our children than a non-transgender person. I have given this matter much consideration. I have debated it with smart people. I don't know what these smart people can't see about the situation. The people I have debated are not bigots. Perhaps they are scared of what they don't know or understand? I simply don't get it.
My favorite part of this argument and these proposed laws is that many of the proponents, sponsors, and supporters of these bills identify as small government champions. It is hypocritical on their part to propose unnecessary laws. Laws which will be enforced how? Oh, oh, I know! We can expand government further by creating a Potty Police Force to perform cup checks in every public restroom nationwide. Give me a break.
Of course, the biggest outcry from supporters is,"What about the children?!?!" Yes, the world is a scary place. We venture out into this frightening place every day and face much bigger obstacles than what may trans-pire (See what I did there?) in a public restroom. Here's a few things about the fear Cruz and his ilk try to drum up. My daughter uses public restrooms A LOT. In fact, Grace has never met one she didn't "need" to use. I am frightened of public restrooms because they are fetid bastions of germs and piss-covered toilet seats. I also think about who could be lurking inside. I send my daughter into the ladies' room knowing full well someone in there could be shooting up, could be a homeless person setting up camp, could be a lesbian "allowed" to be in there waiting to prey upon a girl or another woman, or could be a lady filling a stink bucket with a nose-wrinkling load. And, you know what? There could even be a dude hanging out in there waiting to pounce. Because if a dude has already made the deal with his moral code that he is going to rape or molest, do we really think he will be deterred by a symbol on a bathroom door? I ease my fears by teaching my daughter to be aware of her surroundings. I tell her to scream her head off if something goes South. You can believe I will kick in the door of a ladies' room if I heard Grace scream out.
My point is, Grace is in no more danger than normal because a woman born in a man's body shares a bathroom with her. She has probably already been in restrooms with ladies who were born dudes. I have probably shared restrooms with dudes who were born ladies. Why do we care? Think about how scary the world might be if you were transgender. Think about how scary life might be if you truly felt you were born in the wrong body. How scary it might be if at every turn you were ridiculed (or worse) because of it. If using a certain bathroom gives these folks a slice of peace and comfort, then I am all for it. It doesn't harm me (Or you, America!) in the least. I'd venture to say transgender people know themselves a whole lot better than the rest of us. Maybe we should invest in a little more introspection. Or better yet, maybe introduce yourself (preferably not in the restroom) to somebody who is "different" than you. White, black, gay, straight, mentally ill, in a wheel chair, nerd, Republican, Democrat, introvert, Kanye, transgender...we're all "different". All with more in common than what divides us. All deserving of dignity and respect.
Now, come on, Empathy, Introspection, Red Pants...are these not the things you seek in a candidate?
#Hailey2016 #EverForward
1 comment:
Ok, ok, Mr. Future President, I get what you are saying. I can do a lot of things as an American who thinks everyone should be treated fairly, equally, and with respect, to better myself and the world around me. But I am steadfast when I say Hell No! I want absolutely nothing to do with Kanye and no law in which your future congress passes will make me. No way, Nope, Unh unh. Not gonna happen. Ain't gonna do it.
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