Michael Steele is still catching flak for his remraks on Afghanistan. It is obvious that Obama may have chosen to continue the war but he did not start it. Bush did.
HOWEVER, the part of the statement that dealt with the likelihood of our actually winning in Afghanistan: I think that is the part that the Republicans are upset about. How dare anyone suggest that the United States of American cannot win a war?
Unfortunately, I suspect that he was right. Nobody has won in Afghanistan and probably nobody ever will. Hell, I am not sure that the Afghanis can win in Afghanistan.
So Michael is in trouble for telling the truth. Tellin the truth can get you fired. Happens all the time.
4.
amorphous
I just moved to a new city in a completely different region of the country to take a job that would set my family up for life. My wife realized she does not like new city, though she did not tell me not to take new job when I asked if there was any reason at all for me not to take new job. She left me today and took our toddler daughter with her because she said she can’t be happy in new city. She told me all I have to do is get a new job and move with her to her old city (where I can’t legally work because it is in another fucking country) and everything will be OK. Oh, that’s all I have to do?
Happy fucking 4th of July everyone! I’m going to go blow my fucking arm off with a mortar.
Because I am a woman and therefore I arrogantly think that I understand women, I ask you to do something. Spend a couple of days thinking about whether your marriage would be secure even if you did move back to the other place where you cannot legally work. There is a reasonable chance that the relationship is in trouble anyway. And don’t give me that oh-we-were-happy nonsense. Try to be very honest with yourself.
And then after you have thought this through sufficiently, you will be more ready to deal with your wife.
Perhaps in this case, the truth will set Michael free…of his job.
@amorphous: Man, that was a crappy thing for her to do. You have my sympathy.
Please do not blow your arm off with a mortar (I saw that story, too) because you are going to need it in the future, no doubt.
It is obvious that Obama may have chosen to continue the war but he did not start it. Bush did.
That’s a fact we really can’t afford to let people forget. Bush started it. Damn near all of our problems right now are problems that this administration inherited. What the Republicans are doing right now is equivalent to blaming the cleaning crew for the dog having crapped on the carpet.
8.
Nicole
First full day home from the hospital with the baby. Still think if we decide to have a second child we’ll adopt because that whole labor thing sucks. I’m so glad to be home.
I’d like to see some changes in how we celebrate the 4th, mostly because I think we revere the Framers a bit too much. I’m thinking of the 4th as being more like Christmas, where most people kind of ignore the underlying mess and remake the holiday in their own image.
Congratulations! New babies are pretty darn awesome. When we had our first, I completely understood the concept of adoration. We just sat around and gazed at her for days.
11.
Elizabelle
Happy Independence Day to all, sniveling jackal or not.
Here are lyrics to Aimee Mann’s song. Good choice, mistermix.
Saw a Jon Stewart on that very topic. Republicans sneering at Obama for blaming Bush while ignoring that (a) Obama is correctly placing the blame and (b) they’re still blaming Clinton, and Carter as well.
McCain was jeering at BIOB — Blame it on Bush — but Jon Stewart came up with a better acronym.
HRWTPTRTCITG (sic). He Really Was A Terrible President That Ran The Country Into The Ground.
Full transcript of that bit provided by BruinKid over at GOS
17.
Platonicspoof
@amorphous:
Although your situation may seem impossible to reconcile, I can only hope there is a third party you mutually respect to help dig into thre reasons.
Spend a couple of days thinking about whether your marriage would be secure even if you did move back to the other place where you cannot legally work.
It wouldn’t be. I know that already. I just don’t know what to do about the child, and that’s my only concern at the moment.
That new marriage/different ethnicity percentage will be higher still within a year. My daughter and her fiancee, and two of her friends will be contributing to that statistic, and throw in a couple of same sex marriages to make it even more “historically impossible”. The kids are all right.
amorphous: thinking of you. Linda gave some good advice.
It’s rough to be separated from loved ones, particularly on a family-centric holiday.
You will always be your daughter’s father, though.
Anything you could do to reconcile (temporarily or not) in a city acceptable to both you and your wife? Because if she hunkers down in another country, where you cannot legally work, what a headache in being a continuing presence in your child’s life.
Maybe the marriage is saveable, maybe it’s not, but access to your daughter trumps a “set for life” job without her…
And apologies to all here for my typos-unable to edit. FYWP.
23.
mcc
So today for the 4th of July we had the amazing spectacle of best buddies John McCain, Lindsay Graham, Joe Lieberman each fronting a sunday morning talk show, and not really any identifiable Democrats or liberals to offer a counter perspective. All three had things to say about the war in Afghanistan. Lieberman’s take was particularly interesting:
Lieberman: Petraeus Should Changes Rules Of Engagement In Afghanistan Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) called upon Gen. David Petraeus to change the military’s rules of engagement in Afghanistan, which are currently designed to minimize civilian casualties by prohibiting troops from shooting unless they are fired at or from firing explosives at targets that are near civilians. “Ultimately, we’ve got to be concerned about the safety of our American troops here,” said Lieberman, also adding that he has heard stories about troops having to wait too long to get air support when under fire. “We can’t let that happen.”
Got that?
Joe Lieberman has figured out there is a problem with the War in Afghanistan, and has decided that it is that we are trying too hard to not kill civilians.
HRWTPTRTCITG (sic). He [Bush] Really Was A Terrible President That Ran The Country Into The Ground.
That’s why I just don’t understand why Charlie Cook and others are seeing a Republican resurgence.
You look at today’s GOP, toadying to the Tea Party base, and Bush and Cheney start to look like saner elder statesmen.
The GOP has gone radical, and we live in really tough times, with a Great Recession (potentially double dip, coupled with globalization’s changes hitting home at last).
Why would you give the GOP another bite at an already soured apple?
I am hoping you will see more turnout than usual in the midterms.
Steve Benen had interesting Washington Monthly discussion yesterday; Pew Poll indicates 20% of Democratic base is not aware of threat of energized Republicans outvoting them.
Unfortunately, I suspect that he was right. Nobody has won in Afghanistan and probably nobody ever will. Hell, I am not sure that the Afghanis can win in Afghanistan.
So Michael is in trouble for telling the truth. Tellin the truth can get you fired. Happens all the time.
And getting fired is the best thing for the RNC, hope the Dems enjoy choking on that laugh like they’re going to choke on Afghanistan with the biggest political operative wearing four stars. It would be fun to watch a general drown with his own theories if it didn’t involve more skull-fucking a general population.
Joe Lieberman has figured out there is a problem with the War in Afghanistan, and has decided that it is that we are trying too hard to not kill civilians.
Fuck his little whiny ass. You know Joe never served in uniform but he gets all hard at the idea of so-jers (other people’s kids) blowing up Mooslims. Fucking wimp.
30.
debit
@amorphous: @eemom:Ditto on this. Get a good lawyer. I say this as a divorced woman with a child; I had a good lawyer, he did not. My lawyer wanted to give him nothing, as he had walked out and moved to another state. It’s only due to my knowing that a child needs both parents that my ex got anything; I had sole legal custody, we shared physical custody.
I am sorry. You’ve had two major life changes in a very short period of time. I barely coped with one. Please don’t be careless with yourself. Your child needs you.
@General Egali Tarian Stuck:
I understand women.
Just never when I’m involved with them. Or until I’ve had a long time to think about whatever it is that I did wrong. That no one could have warned me about before I did wrong.
Try giving those shows zero attention, since it only seems to encourage them, and enhances quality of life to ignore them. Those bobblehead shows have all entered the final stage of sclerosis, where only the participants are able to perceive any point or relevance to their existence. To the rest of the world, these shows look like they’re summer re-runs, since the cast is always the same, saying the same old white fart things.
33.
Cheryl from Maryland
@debit: Triple ditto. Get a lawyer, ASAP, and take care of yourself so you can help your daughter.
34.
Elizabelle
amorphous: The later commenters re “get a lawyer” are giving you the best advice; I waffled on saying that but it was my first impulse too.
You need to protect your rights.
Taking the child out of the country is a whole different aspect.
35.
trollhattan
Happy 4th to all, including you foreign usurpers. It’s a birthday party, and you’re welcome to some cake.
Love the Aimee Mann vid, I have the CD but never paid the lyrics any mind before. This is my must-listen tune for the day.
@debit: I am sorry. You’ve had two major life changes in a very short period of time. I barely coped with one. Please don’t be careless with yourself. Your child needs you.
Amorphous, I can only imagine your pain. But debit’s point above is huge as well. Don’t forget to get help with your pain as well as your child’s.
Nicole: Congratulations! May your family know the best life can offer.
Amorphous: That is a bad situation and I’m sorry for you. I agree with the other BJers — get a lawyer who can advise you about the intersections of different national laws and their effect on you and your child. Take care of yourself, and stay in touch with us.
39.
amorphous
Daughter is already out of the country. Has been for a week or so, and all the shit (ultimately) hit the fan over the phone with the final nail coming today. That’s how I was actually informed. My (ex? estranged?) wife will be back in the states for a while, just without me, I guess.
I know I need to talk to a lawyer, but – damn the luck – I now live in New York, which means New York divorce laws. I knew I never should have signed for that passport. I appreciate the well wishes (even of strangers), I just don’t know which outcome to actually hope for.
@amorphous: This is why marriage is the number one cause of divorce. I don’t believe in it, though tried to at one time. I guess living through the estrangement as a child, like your daughter is now, caused me to view marriage this way. I won’t even get into the disparity of legal treatment for menfolk in such cases.
Though that has changed somewhat in many locales. Good luck, it must be hell having your kid taken away like this:)
41.
Staging a Comeback
Happy 4th everybody…
I happen to live in one of those nanny states that outlaws private sale, purchase or use of fireworks, lest you blow your arm off or something silly like that (which would greatly add to the cost of healthcare in this country). Sooo, instead of celebrating actual freedom I will be attending the socialist, soul-killing, state-regulated, sheep-like display of patriotism being held in town this evening, and may God have mercy on our marxist souls.
I’m a woman and I don’t believe in marriage, either. Born single and will die single. If you think it’s bad on men now, it’s been mostly a COMPLETE disaster for us over the years.
@Staging a Comeback: I was speaking about child custody issues like the one amorphous is facing, especially with a foreign country involved. And I agree womenfolk have suffered much from domineering abusive men trapped in bad marriages over the years:)
44.
Jared
Aimee Mann cut a lovely remake of “Shed A Little Light”, although I think she did it only once, for “The West Wing.”
It’s here. For those who followed the show, it was a brilliant scene. Sorry the music and lyrics are a bit drowned out, but Mann really was performing for all the extras hanging out at the “House of Blues” where they were shooting.
Yo brother – I feel for you. My family is mid implosion and I don’t know what to do with myself most of the time. The one thing that helps me though is to remember the following phrase “A door may close behind you, but do not dwell on it, for a new door may be opening and you simply need to look for it.”
Corny as hell? Yeah, but it has kept my head on straight as I/we negotiate this all together shitty situation. Hope you find peace and resolution with your situation.
DC
46.
James in WA
@amorphous: Lots of good advice coming at you about getting a lawyer. I just have one bit to add: in some countries, maybe the USA too, it’s illegal to take a child out of the country without both parents’ consent. An attorney could tell you for sure. If so, she can’t just take the child without your say-so, at least not legally.
I happen to live in one of those nanny states that outlaws private sale, purchase or use of fireworks
I used to, but no longer do. And I envy you. Both our cats are hunkering under the bed with wide eyes, trying to escape the endless explosions and whistles outside in the neighborhood.
I’m a woman and I don’t believe in marriage, either. Born single and will die single.
I was thinking about what would happen if two people who didn’t believe in marriage were to tie the knot. Starting out with low expectations could be the ticket to it working. Are you rich? :=)
49.
andynotadam
Love Aimee, love this song, love all her songs. Having said that, unlike the sentiment in this song I, for some reason, do not find the 4th to be “a waste of gunpowder and sky.” In fact, I wish that a big part of the military budget was spent on (safe) fireworks for us instead of the really scary stuff we too often use on brown people. Maybe just me.
I was thinking about what would happen if two people who didn’t believe in marriage were to tie the knot. Starting out with low expectations could be the ticket to it working. Are you rich?
Well, I have a lovely family, a good job, a home that’s not underwater, a great little rescue dog (pictured below) and three cats.
@amorphous: Sorry to be late to this (as you know, I’ve been a bit busy)- as a New Yorker I agree, yes, if you can at all find a lawyer, do it. New York law isn’t the greatest, but I do know of at least one custody case where the mother was prevented from moving out of state because the father did not want visitation to be made more difficult than it already was.
There’s something called the Hague Convention, which is an international agreement between some nations, including the USA, addressing parents who take kids out of a country without the other parent’s permission. It may offer some legal recourse, depending on the other nation involved. But it’s vital you act quickly.
Aimee Mann is all kinds of awesome. I have never heard this song, so thanks for this.
@amorphous: I am really sorry to hear this. Listen to the others, and I agree that your child is your priority right now. The wife, not so much. Sending positive vibes your way–and take care of yourself as it will help your daughter, too.
@Nicole: Congratulations! Pics as soon as humanly possible, kthxbai.
@Staging a Comeback: I’m right there with you. Female, single, will die that way. Maybe we should start a club. Adorable dog.
My sister has married two losers, and my brother is currently married to a fucking lunatic, albeit one who birthed a lovely baby boy. All my friends are divorced, and fighting constantly with their exes over kid stuff.
Now, I’m sure there are one or two really happy couples out there, but I just haven’t met them. It may be selfish, but I am perfectly content the way things are. My life is a freaking holiday compared to almost everyone I know.
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jeffreyw
The Mothbird Chronicles.
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Comrade Javamanphil
Love this. She must have been 8 when she was in ‘Til Tuesday though.
Linda Featheringill
OT:
Michael Steele is still catching flak for his remraks on Afghanistan. It is obvious that Obama may have chosen to continue the war but he did not start it. Bush did.
HOWEVER, the part of the statement that dealt with the likelihood of our actually winning in Afghanistan: I think that is the part that the Republicans are upset about. How dare anyone suggest that the United States of American cannot win a war?
Unfortunately, I suspect that he was right. Nobody has won in Afghanistan and probably nobody ever will. Hell, I am not sure that the Afghanis can win in Afghanistan.
So Michael is in trouble for telling the truth. Tellin the truth can get you fired. Happens all the time.
amorphous
I just moved to a new city in a completely different region of the country to take a job that would set my family up for life. My wife realized she does not like new city, though she did not tell me not to take new job when I asked if there was any reason at all for me not to take new job. She left me today and took our toddler daughter with her because she said she can’t be happy in new city. She told me all I have to do is get a new job and move with her to her old city (where I can’t legally work because it is in another fucking country) and everything will be OK. Oh, that’s all I have to do?
Happy fucking 4th of July everyone! I’m going to go blow my fucking arm off with a mortar.
Linda Featheringill
@amorphous:
Please don’t blow your arm off.
Because I am a woman and therefore I arrogantly think that I understand women, I ask you to do something. Spend a couple of days thinking about whether your marriage would be secure even if you did move back to the other place where you cannot legally work. There is a reasonable chance that the relationship is in trouble anyway. And don’t give me that oh-we-were-happy nonsense. Try to be very honest with yourself.
And then after you have thought this through sufficiently, you will be more ready to deal with your wife.
And good luck.
licensed to kill time
@Linda Featheringill:
Perhaps in this case, the truth will set Michael free…of his job.
@amorphous: Man, that was a crappy thing for her to do. You have my sympathy.
Please do not blow your arm off with a mortar (I saw that story, too) because you are going to need it in the future, no doubt.
someguy
@Linda Featheringill:
That’s a fact we really can’t afford to let people forget. Bush started it. Damn near all of our problems right now are problems that this administration inherited. What the Republicans are doing right now is equivalent to blaming the cleaning crew for the dog having crapped on the carpet.
Nicole
First full day home from the hospital with the baby. Still think if we decide to have a second child we’ll adopt because that whole labor thing sucks. I’m so glad to be home.
But the baby is pretty awesome.
Incertus (Brian)
I’d like to see some changes in how we celebrate the 4th, mostly because I think we revere the Framers a bit too much. I’m thinking of the 4th as being more like Christmas, where most people kind of ignore the underlying mess and remake the holiday in their own image.
licensed to kill time
@Nicole:
Congratulations! New babies are pretty darn awesome. When we had our first, I completely understood the concept of adoration. We just sat around and gazed at her for days.
Elizabelle
Happy Independence Day to all, sniveling jackal or not.
Here are lyrics to Aimee Mann’s song. Good choice, mistermix.
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/a/aimee+mann/4th+of+july_20004741.html
demkat620
@Nicole: Congratulations! Welcome to Zombieland.
Heading off to the pool with the kids and then, ribs, potatoes, corn on the grill and blueberries and cream for dessert.
Love this holiday.
Incertus (Brian)
@amorphous: Dude, that sucks. I wish I could offer more than that, but that’s really all I can think to say. Hope it works out for you.
Elizabelle
@someguy:
Saw a Jon Stewart on that very topic. Republicans sneering at Obama for blaming Bush while ignoring that (a) Obama is correctly placing the blame and (b) they’re still blaming Clinton, and Carter as well.
McCain was jeering at BIOB — Blame it on Bush — but Jon Stewart came up with a better acronym.
Here’s Daily Show link, via Huffington Post.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/30/stewart-blame-clinton-not_n_630471.html
I am not sure that Americans are as gullible as they hope. Too many in the media, maybe.
KCinDC
“More on the stupidity of Kathleen Parker” by Geoffrey K. Pullum of Language Log. The “girlie Obama” column is even more bogus than previously stated.
MattR
@Elizabelle:
Full transcript of that bit provided by BruinKid over at GOS
Platonicspoof
@amorphous:
Although your situation may seem impossible to reconcile, I can only hope there is a third party you mutually respect to help dig into thre reasons.
As a matter of perspective, some historically “impossible” situationsare improving:
A record 14.6% of all new marriages in the United States in 2008 were between spouses of a different race or ethnicity from each other, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
amorphous
@Linda Featheringill:
It wouldn’t be. I know that already. I just don’t know what to do about the child, and that’s my only concern at the moment.
Cat Lady
@Platonicspoof:
That new marriage/different ethnicity percentage will be higher still within a year. My daughter and her fiancee, and two of her friends will be contributing to that statistic, and throw in a couple of same sex marriages to make it even more “historically impossible”. The kids are all right.
valdivia
@amorphous:
so so sorry about this. don’t blow your arm off though. with mortars or anything. I hope you find a way of being with your daughter.
@Nicole:
congrats Nicole!
Elizabelle
amorphous: thinking of you. Linda gave some good advice.
It’s rough to be separated from loved ones, particularly on a family-centric holiday.
You will always be your daughter’s father, though.
Anything you could do to reconcile (temporarily or not) in a city acceptable to both you and your wife? Because if she hunkers down in another country, where you cannot legally work, what a headache in being a continuing presence in your child’s life.
Maybe the marriage is saveable, maybe it’s not, but access to your daughter trumps a “set for life” job without her…
Platonicspoof
@Cat Lady:
Multiple congratulations to all!
And apologies to all here for my typos-unable to edit. FYWP.
mcc
So today for the 4th of July we had the amazing spectacle of best buddies John McCain, Lindsay Graham, Joe Lieberman each fronting a sunday morning talk show, and not really any identifiable Democrats or liberals to offer a counter perspective. All three had things to say about the war in Afghanistan. Lieberman’s take was particularly interesting:
Got that?
Joe Lieberman has figured out there is a problem with the War in Afghanistan, and has decided that it is that we are trying too hard to not kill civilians.
Elizabelle
@MattR:
That’s why I just don’t understand why Charlie Cook and others are seeing a Republican resurgence.
You look at today’s GOP, toadying to the Tea Party base, and Bush and Cheney start to look like saner elder statesmen.
The GOP has gone radical, and we live in really tough times, with a Great Recession (potentially double dip, coupled with globalization’s changes hitting home at last).
Why would you give the GOP another bite at an already soured apple?
I am hoping you will see more turnout than usual in the midterms.
Steve Benen had interesting Washington Monthly discussion yesterday; Pew Poll indicates 20% of Democratic base is not aware of threat of energized Republicans outvoting them.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_07/024568.php#more
eemom
@amorphous:
Please consult a good family lawyer asap, sir.
And I’m very sorry.
srv
@Linda Featheringill:
And getting fired is the best thing for the RNC, hope the Dems enjoy choking on that laugh like they’re going to choke on Afghanistan with the biggest political operative wearing four stars. It would be fun to watch a general drown with his own theories if it didn’t involve more skull-fucking a general population.
eemom
@Nicole:
Congrats! Babies are indeed awesome. The awesomest of the awesome!
Mine just got her learner’s permit. : (
General Egali Tarian Stuck
@Linda Featheringill:
Well, if other women can’t understand women, we are all cast into the eternal pit of ignorance on that topic.
Svensker
@amorphous:
So sorry. Ditto what others have said about consulting an attorney or counselor — you need help to figure out what your options are. Big hugs to you.
@Nicole: Yay! Congrats! Learn to sleep whenever the opportunity arises!
@mcc:
Fuck his little whiny ass. You know Joe never served in uniform but he gets all hard at the idea of so-jers (other people’s kids) blowing up Mooslims. Fucking wimp.
debit
@amorphous: @eemom:Ditto on this. Get a good lawyer. I say this as a divorced woman with a child; I had a good lawyer, he did not. My lawyer wanted to give him nothing, as he had walked out and moved to another state. It’s only due to my knowing that a child needs both parents that my ex got anything; I had sole legal custody, we shared physical custody.
I am sorry. You’ve had two major life changes in a very short period of time. I barely coped with one. Please don’t be careless with yourself. Your child needs you.
Ruckus
@General Egali Tarian Stuck:
I understand women.
Just never when I’m involved with them. Or until I’ve had a long time to think about whatever it is that I did wrong. That no one could have warned me about before I did wrong.
But it is still all worth it.
Cat Lady
@mcc:
Try giving those shows zero attention, since it only seems to encourage them, and enhances quality of life to ignore them. Those bobblehead shows have all entered the final stage of sclerosis, where only the participants are able to perceive any point or relevance to their existence. To the rest of the world, these shows look like they’re summer re-runs, since the cast is always the same, saying the same old white fart things.
Cheryl from Maryland
@debit: Triple ditto. Get a lawyer, ASAP, and take care of yourself so you can help your daughter.
Elizabelle
amorphous: The later commenters re “get a lawyer” are giving you the best advice; I waffled on saying that but it was my first impulse too.
You need to protect your rights.
Taking the child out of the country is a whole different aspect.
trollhattan
Happy 4th to all, including you foreign usurpers. It’s a birthday party, and you’re welcome to some cake.
Love the Aimee Mann vid, I have the CD but never paid the lyrics any mind before. This is my must-listen tune for the day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbUsNeyNDJ0
Alt version with actual video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLRAbEyvyuU&feature=related
Ruckus
@debit:
I am sorry. You’ve had two major life changes in a very short period of time. I barely coped with one. Please don’t be careless with yourself. Your child needs you.
Amorphous, I can only imagine your pain. But debit’s point above is huge as well. Don’t forget to get help with your pain as well as your child’s.
jeffreyw
Mmm…grilled burger.
PurpleGirl
Nicole: Congratulations! May your family know the best life can offer.
Amorphous: That is a bad situation and I’m sorry for you. I agree with the other BJers — get a lawyer who can advise you about the intersections of different national laws and their effect on you and your child. Take care of yourself, and stay in touch with us.
amorphous
Daughter is already out of the country. Has been for a week or so, and all the shit (ultimately) hit the fan over the phone with the final nail coming today. That’s how I was actually informed. My (ex? estranged?) wife will be back in the states for a while, just without me, I guess.
I know I need to talk to a lawyer, but – damn the luck – I now live in New York, which means New York divorce laws. I knew I never should have signed for that passport. I appreciate the well wishes (even of strangers), I just don’t know which outcome to actually hope for.
General Egali Tarian Stuck
@amorphous: This is why marriage is the number one cause of divorce. I don’t believe in it, though tried to at one time. I guess living through the estrangement as a child, like your daughter is now, caused me to view marriage this way. I won’t even get into the disparity of legal treatment for menfolk in such cases.
Though that has changed somewhat in many locales. Good luck, it must be hell having your kid taken away like this:)
Staging a Comeback
Happy 4th everybody…
I happen to live in one of those nanny states that outlaws private sale, purchase or use of fireworks, lest you blow your arm off or something silly like that (which would greatly add to the cost of healthcare in this country). Sooo, instead of celebrating actual freedom I will be attending the socialist, soul-killing, state-regulated, sheep-like display of patriotism being held in town this evening, and may God have mercy on our marxist souls.
Staging a Comeback
@General Egali Tarian Stuck:
I’m a woman and I don’t believe in marriage, either. Born single and will die single. If you think it’s bad on men now, it’s been mostly a COMPLETE disaster for us over the years.
General Egali Tarian Stuck
@Staging a Comeback: I was speaking about child custody issues like the one amorphous is facing, especially with a foreign country involved. And I agree womenfolk have suffered much from domineering abusive men trapped in bad marriages over the years:)
Jared
Aimee Mann cut a lovely remake of “Shed A Little Light”, although I think she did it only once, for “The West Wing.”
It’s here. For those who followed the show, it was a brilliant scene. Sorry the music and lyrics are a bit drowned out, but Mann really was performing for all the extras hanging out at the “House of Blues” where they were shooting.
Happy 4th.
Dave in ME
@amorphous:
Yo brother – I feel for you. My family is mid implosion and I don’t know what to do with myself most of the time. The one thing that helps me though is to remember the following phrase “A door may close behind you, but do not dwell on it, for a new door may be opening and you simply need to look for it.”
Corny as hell? Yeah, but it has kept my head on straight as I/we negotiate this all together shitty situation. Hope you find peace and resolution with your situation.
DC
James in WA
@amorphous: Lots of good advice coming at you about getting a lawyer. I just have one bit to add: in some countries, maybe the USA too, it’s illegal to take a child out of the country without both parents’ consent. An attorney could tell you for sure. If so, she can’t just take the child without your say-so, at least not legally.
I feel for you.
James in WA
@Staging a Comeback:
I used to, but no longer do. And I envy you. Both our cats are hunkering under the bed with wide eyes, trying to escape the endless explosions and whistles outside in the neighborhood.
General Egali Tarian Stuck
@Staging a Comeback:
I was thinking about what would happen if two people who didn’t believe in marriage were to tie the knot. Starting out with low expectations could be the ticket to it working. Are you rich? :=)
andynotadam
Love Aimee, love this song, love all her songs. Having said that, unlike the sentiment in this song I, for some reason, do not find the 4th to be “a waste of gunpowder and sky.” In fact, I wish that a big part of the military budget was spent on (safe) fireworks for us instead of the really scary stuff we too often use on brown people. Maybe just me.
Staging a Comeback
@General Egali Tarian Stuck:
Well, I have a lovely family, a good job, a home that’s not underwater, a great little rescue dog (pictured below) and three cats.
http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL1098/4710535/22896474/389342005.jpg
So, yeah, I guess I AM kind of rich :-)
General Egali Tarian Stuck
@Staging a Comeback:
Indeed. What a sweet puppeh!!
Nicole
@amorphous: Sorry to be late to this (as you know, I’ve been a bit busy)- as a New Yorker I agree, yes, if you can at all find a lawyer, do it. New York law isn’t the greatest, but I do know of at least one custody case where the mother was prevented from moving out of state because the father did not want visitation to be made more difficult than it already was.
There’s something called the Hague Convention, which is an international agreement between some nations, including the USA, addressing parents who take kids out of a country without the other parent’s permission. It may offer some legal recourse, depending on the other nation involved. But it’s vital you act quickly.
And I’m so sorry.
asiangrrlMN
Aimee Mann is all kinds of awesome. I have never heard this song, so thanks for this.
@amorphous: I am really sorry to hear this. Listen to the others, and I agree that your child is your priority right now. The wife, not so much. Sending positive vibes your way–and take care of yourself as it will help your daughter, too.
@Nicole: Congratulations! Pics as soon as humanly possible, kthxbai.
@Staging a Comeback: I’m right there with you. Female, single, will die that way. Maybe we should start a club. Adorable dog.
Staging a Comeback
@asiangrrlMN:
My sister has married two losers, and my brother is currently married to a fucking lunatic, albeit one who birthed a lovely baby boy. All my friends are divorced, and fighting constantly with their exes over kid stuff.
Now, I’m sure there are one or two really happy couples out there, but I just haven’t met them. It may be selfish, but I am perfectly content the way things are. My life is a freaking holiday compared to almost everyone I know.