I must admit even I raised an eyebrow when I saw Queen of Spain blog was nominated for the 2010 Bloggie Award in Politics.
I giggled a bit, grinned, and then puffed up my chest…just a tad.
I’ve spent many years attempting to convince many people that politics = personal. I have nothing but respect for my fellow nominees. The Huffington Post is a powerhouse in aggregating political news and commentary. Wonkette makes me HOWL with their satire and DC smackdowns. Crooks and Liars is where I go when I want the dirt from the Hill and beyond, and Glenn Greenwald of Salon consistently churns out post after post on everything from the Supreme Court to the implications of US policy overseas.
…and then, there’s me. Sure I talked about the White House response to the Christmas Day attempted terror attack…just with a much different spin. I talk about my Weapons Grade hate for Sarah Palin, my feeling on the war in Afghanistan, my anger over Prop 8, my first person battle with our health care system. My undying love for my hometown of Detroit and support of the Automaker bailouts. I defend the First Lady. My very personal decisions and run-ins with the public school system. My personal moment at the political conventions.
But what makes me a bit different is that these politically charged stories are interlaced with my life. They are part of my life, my work, and my passion. Between the punditry you’ll find stories of my struggle with balancing motherhood and career. Posts about my family’s moral compass, teaching sex to my kids, and even just my thoughts as my children grow.
At first glance, this may all seem very out of place in a sea of wonk. But as you read and look around, I remind you that we’re all citizens, voters, and part of this great nation. We fight our fights, we express our views. And most of us do it just like this…over kitchen tables. Over drinks with friends. Over chit-chat at the ballgame. We’re not all experts or policy nerds. We’re Americans. And there are many, many, many more of us blogging our lives, our stories, and our take on what’s happening at our city council meetings and in our state legislatures. We know how it affects our schools, our bills, our homes.
Yes, one of these blogs is not like the others…and I’m ok with that. Because the personal is political.
I tend to think one of those things is BETTER then the others. Given the category I find it only fitting to say “you have my vote”! đ
And please, I’m not asking for your vote. But I’d love for you to keep your eye on all the small blogs out there who are just…talking.
Congrats and so true.
I already voted for you, before I even saw this. Even though you don’t want me to spank my (future, imaginary) kids. Heh. đ
I wasn’t surprised at all. I love your political commentary. See you in Austin!
If only more people did that. These aren’t abstract ideas – they’re policies that impact people’s daily lives.
Congrats on the nod!
.-= The Zero Boss´s last blog ..Men Can Only Kiss During The Super Bowl If Theyâre Ashamed of It =-.
I, too, voted for you before I saw this – a few days ago.
Love your blog. Love that the personal IS political. As I said to a friend the other year, we have to Personalize the Minority. Cuz how else can we convince the unknowing that [minority group] is awesome? ;p
.-= Al_Pal´s last blog ..My new creative outlet: Bread Puddings! =-.
of course you are nominated.
as it should be.
you deserve to be and ought to win.
what makes you stand out so vibrantly amidst all the others: you speak your mind for that sake only.
you’re passionate and provoking and tell it like it is in your heart…without ostracizing those with a different view. you’re a role model for women to speak their hearts and minds. and a role model for every one to participate.
love that this reconition has come your way. love the photo choice too…we should draw in the sand, play at the beach, be the roles we’re privileged to hold and voice our minds…you surely nudge me on.:) hugs and so happy for you.
.-= Tre ~ (Tresha Thorsen)´s last blog ..PausingâŚfeelingâŚlisteningâŚlearningâŚalways moving forward =-.
And this is why I love to read your blog. I couldn’t agree more. Political is personal. Congrats!
.-= Tina´s last blog ..The Momma Jinx =-.
I love women who speak their truth clearly, firmly but tempered with warmth, grace and above all humor. You succeed admirably on all counts. I love you on twitter, you say so much in under 140 characters and you also seriously crack me up so you got my vote!
.-= Jean Parks´s last blog ..It’s good to be Queen and other assorted ramblings =-.
Congrats! Just found your blog and it’s wonderful.
.-= Keyona´s last blog ..In Which I Will Continue To Whine…Because I Can =-.
Because you make the political personal I love you. Not that I don’t adore the political-political blogs, but the added dose of personal weaved in makes it feel more real and inspirational.
.-= Summer´s last blog ..You Know Whatâs Pro-Life? Protecting Life. =-.
Congrats! Well deserved. Political is personal which is just one of the reasons I’ve been coming back here since I found you a year ago.
“We the people…” I believe it is written somewhere. Our lives matter, our voices should impact our government. You speak a language I understand and it resonates with me, makes me consider things and think things over in a way that relates to me. Cheers!
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..Field Trip Fridays – Discovery Park Beach, Seattle =-.
You have a gift for making a point in posts that consist of you empathizing with someone else (e.g., “Terrorism and 1st Graders” and “I Donât Know His Name”). It makes for particularly compelling reading.
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just
wanted to say great blog!
Fantastic site you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any
discussion boards that cover the same topics discussed here?
I’d really like to be a part of online community where I can get
advice from other knowledgeable people that share the same
interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me
know. Thanks a lot!