It appears that the roots of February have already been "shaken... with a twist."
This morning, the New York Times has a story running that explores a recent video by the more cerebral daughter of the recently departed President George W. Bush... Ms Barbara Bush.
In the video, Ms Bush, who currently lives in Manhattan, comes out four-square strong in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage.
The text from the video reads : "I am Barbara Bush, and I am a New Yorker for marriage equality," she says in the brief message, sponsored by an advocacy group. "New York is about fairness and equality. And everyone should have the right to marry the person that they love."
Ms Bush ends her video with the words "join us..." entreating the state's residents to become one with those New Yorkers who are in favor of marriage equality.
The article continues, sharing what in retrospect appears, to me at least, something pretty incredible. The recent triumvirate of Republican Power... George W Bush, Dick Cheney and John McCain... all admittedly now in "decendancy..." find each of their daughters... Barbara Bush, Mary Cheney, and Meghan McCain... espousing progressive points of view that... not all that many years ago... would have been considered totally unlikely.
To quote her in a television interview... Ms McCain shared her believe that "it is unhealthy for members of political families to "paper over" disagreements on issues of social justice, merely to project an image of harmony."
Added Ms McCain... "I think it shows healthy dynamics within a family. We shouldn't think one way, and think one thing."
Concerning the younger Barbara Bush... it appears that she has been the fortunate inheritor of some of her Mother Laura's decidedly more progressive genes, and also, on her father's side... a goodly degree of maternal wisdom from her grandmother, the "elder" Barbara Bush... wife of George H. W. Bush.
As for the majority of Americans who also favor marriage equality... it appears that hope springs eternal.
Good for her and as a life long tree hugging bleeding heart liberal I loved her grand mother too. I might have voted for her but never her son.
I'm more fiscally conservative but socially more liberal...........oh dear what am I? I really don't understand an argument about same sex marriage................so what is what I say.
Karen-Anne - it's nice to see this young women climb out from the shadow of their famous fathers now that they have left office. I remember how refreshing it was when I heard Ms. McCain say that. Good Stuff!
Why are you surprised? I raised my children to be independent thinkers and I know I don't see eye to eye with my parents values. I applaud people who march to a different drummer but I also expect the same respect from them =]
I hope your having a great Tuesday Karen Anne...
Paul
Karen Anne - It is comforting to know that theya re allowed to speak their minds... this is what makes the USA great. Best, Gay
Karen Anne, it just goes to show how open minded and accepting people have come over the last few decades. Great post! Lisa
My children don't always agree with me on political or social issues. And I'm proud of them for forming their own opinions and speaking their minds too. I expect Barbara's parents are proud of her too.
Karen Anne, good for these girls! I can only imagine how I would have fought if I had grown up under the gun as they did. Having ones own mind is a great thing! I have a few friends who have same sex marriages. And who cares! They are happy, I am happy, we are all happy. If that was my preference and someone told me I couldn't.. that would be indeed horrible.
Good for her! I'm glad that her message isn't being stiffled by the beliefs of her father or his republican pals.
I'm glad she is speaking her own mind. She is a grown woman and doesn't have to agree with everything dad and granddad might think or say.
Hi Karen Anne, I think it's great that she's speaking out for equality. It takes guts in my opinion and I think its a good thing.
Liz W in #1: So... you're a life-long tree-hugging bleeding-heart liberal, huh ? Sounds like a great combination to me... yes ma'am. And yes, Grandmother Barbara Bush was/is pretty cool. Once in awhile she and Little George appear together, and it seems quite obvious that she called the shots in that family... at least on some things. I sure bet Dubya jumps what his Momma says frog... <impish smile>
And yes, I might have voted for her, depending on who she was running against... but never for her lil baby... although, if he can raise a daughter like Barbara... he can't be all bad.
How refreshing to see this video from the younger Barbara. i have always thought she inherited much from her grandmother. I love it when young people speak their minds, especially when their viewpoint won't be popular around the Thanksgiving table!
Hi Karen Anne... I saw this story earlier today and I hope that given the 3 politicians in question were clearly not that effective in instilling their prejudices in their children that they were also not very effective in instilling them in the American public. Bravo Barbara!
I'm glad to see the younger generation looking towards a more progressive stance on social issues. It will be interesting to see how this plays out over time. Ms. McCain has had a rather rough treatment from the party faithful. It's been hard on her certainly, but she is sticking to her guns. Rather refreshing generally.
It would seem for an educated person living in America in this day and age that one be open minded and definitely tolerant even if views are not shared. I would expect not less from myself ( that's me thinking I'm smart) or from my children. Our large family includes different cultures, races, religions and sexual orientations.
Liz L in #2: Cool... stereo Lizzes. And yes, no matter what a parent does... control-wise... so often, sooner or later, the child breaks free of being controlled. And almost all the time, that is a good thing.
It sounds like your Dad was a pretty cool Dad. My Dad, however, would have at least razzed any of his children who did NOT espouse the beliefs of the Democratic Party.
It is my opinion that there is room for all beliefs... just as long as those beliefs do not attempt to either force compliance with their beliefs, of try and disallow another's differing belief. A religious belief is just that. A belief. I just don't believe that in the case of marriages... one group who believes in their own religious concept... has any right whatsoever... to demand that that belief become law... to the exclusion of other beliefs. America is not a Theocracy... regardless of how some would like it to be.
I hope I am making sense here... without coming across as being too "hard-nosed." If I am being too forceful, I apologize.
Elizabeth in # 3: My dear, if you occasionally refer to yourself as Liz... then we have it. Three Liz's in a row. Similar to a Tri-Fecta I think the call it. Trippple cool !
I would also agree with you. I am more of a fiscal conservative... but very much a social liberal/progressive. I agree... there should be no argument. Each person believes what works for them, but is NOT to be able to take that belief and turn it into a law... and then force it upon others. Live and let live... or, in this case... love, and let love.
Hey... I like that. Love, and Let Love.
Kate in #4: I think so much of the future of many of the "stilted" beliefs based upon religious mores and their "holy books"... be they Bibles, Korans or whatever... will all mellow, or at least leave room for the idea of not forcing those beliefs on others.
I would love to see the reaction of those who promote a certain set of beliefs based on their Bible... and want them forced on others... I would love to see their reaction if that SAME EXACT argument were put forth by others... but with the word "Bible" replaced by the word "Koran." I think those same folks... would "go through the roof." Ahhh... Good Times !
Paul in #5: I am surprised because I have known families who have insisted that their children believe the same as they, their parents, have. And... unfortunately, the great majority of these "insistent" families have been the "conservative" types. It's just that in these three young women I see hope for the future.
As I said above... Love, and Let Love. Differening beliefs are just fine. Diversity is a good thing... and I believe I respect those who do have differing beliefs. It's when those with the differing beliefs try to force them on me, that my respect goes out the window.
Have a great Wednesday. Ummm... it's going down to EIGHT degrees here in Fort Worth tonight... and this girl "ain't goin' nowhere" tomorrow. Take care... and thank you.
Thanks for posting this, I've often thought I would like those girls.
Children should be allowed and or taught to form their own opinions. My one big stipulation with my girls is not to form opinions out of hate. I think hate can be disguised as opinion. Same sex marriage is really a non issue to me. If two people want to commit to each other, they should be give the right to do so.
It is so nice to see the younger Ms Barbara Bush has developed her sense of morality and fairness. I have always like her.
Hi Karen Anne. This may be "news" but some Republican women have been pro-gay marriages for some time now. This is nothing "new."
Lana: Oh, not to worry. I was in NO WAY trying to categorize ALL Republican women as being against same-sex marriage... or as they call it now... marriage equality. This issue crosses party lines very comfortably. I think it does not get even a tad predictable until you get into the far fringe of the religious conservatives... who themselves are usually Republicans.
Sorry if you were offended. Not my intent.