Disappointed with the State of this Country

I interrupt my usual posts of books, shows and movies, entertainment, fandom, etc. to write that the U.S. is quickly becoming an authoritarian country. And unfortunately, it didn't take long for it to happen. Our rights are being taken away from us on a daily basis, our soldiers are being deployed against us, our taxpayer money is being used to enrich the rich, immigrants are being treated horribly and not to mention the concentration camps, there's a large ongoing cover up about a pedophile and human trafficking, religious takeover, racism/sexism/homophobia/transphobia, anti-science, anti-education, there's so much corruption, the economy is tanking fast, tourism is down and so many more terrible things that continues to happen in this country and with this administration. It feels so never ending but all of this is designed to weaken our resolve and beat us down. So that we simply give up. It's disappointing but we can't give up. Other countries have ousted their dictators and hopefully we will too.

To my fellow U.S. readers, please make sure you are registered to vote and when it's election time (local and federal), please vote. These are scary times which is how they want us to feel. They want us to feel like there is nothing to do but be fearful. We have to continue to speak out, contact our representatives, protest and financially boycott (no buy or essentials only are two examples to start with). Since early this year, I've been doing the essentials only (which books and a few geeky items are included as an essential for me) and also avoiding buying from companies that support this administration. As well as companies that got rid of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs.

To any of my readers who are from other countries and are thinking of traveling here, please don't. From reports, I read that so many have already cancelled their travel plans including business trips. So, if you were thinking of visiting perhaps look into traveling somewhere else. I've also read reports where some are also doing a financial boycotting of US products. Which I can understand, why spend your money with a country where the current administration doesn't care about anything and anyone except for the rich and doling out hate at every chance they get.

No country is ever perfect but based on who is leading it, it can quickly become so much worse.

We have a New President and Vice President!

It's official, Joe Biden is the new President of the United States and Kamala Harris is the new Vice President. These past four years have been nothing but tremendously stressful and now it feels like a huge weight has been lifted from our shoulders. I'm so happy, the feeling is beyond words. I can not wait until they are officially in office and get to work repairing this country from so many horrible policies and action that have been put in place.

These four years, I haven't been able to concentrate because everyday has been terrible news and I'm trying not to think about what Trump's cooking up with his remaining time in office. Although technically he's considered a lame duck President but he's been doing whatever he wanted since he became "President" and what's to stop him from continuing.

Enough about him for the moment, it's time to celebrate this new presidency and the hope that it brings. I know there is still so much work that has to get done but this is a wonderful moment right now and we shouldn't pass up on enjoying it.

Artwork: Joe Biden and Kamala Harris by Cat Staggs

Happy International Women's Day!

March 8th is International Women's Day, a global day of celebrating women in all our achievements and continued progress. There is still more work to be done, we are still fighting for equal pay, control of our bodies, equal representation and so much more regarding women's rights but I like that women's equality is being fought for by both women and men. As Mala Yousafzal said "we cannot all succeed if half of us are held back!"

Today, also marks A Day Without A Woman protest and for those who able to participate, women are not going to work nor making any purchases in stores or online with the exception of women owned/minority owned businesses. Regardless of whether or not you are participating in the protest they are asking people to wear red to show support and solidarity for women.  

The International Women's Day and A Day Without A Woman is a time to reflect on the importance of women and all that we do and have done. I support all women and I mean all women because I feel like transgender women and women with disabilities are sometimes excluded.

I feel at times there is so much judgment placed on women and what choices we make that I hope with March being Women's History month we can learn to celebrate women in all that it means. We need to empower each other because we are going to need to work together to fight for change. With that said Happy International Women's Day!

How is Rolling Back on Transgender Rights Going to Help Students?

I haven't wrote anything about this administration in a while but it's been nonstop garbage that has been coming out of it. From continuing to go after immigrants and Muslims to going through with the Dakota pipe line, repealing the Affordable Care Act to say the least and now rescinding the federal protection for transgender students' to use the public school bathroom that fits their identity. They are making it difficult for trans students to simply be students. This is not going to help them. All students should be treated equally and rolling back on transgender rights will not do that. I hope schools will protect transgender students and not enforce this.

I have to wonder where is Betsy DeVos isn't she supposed to be in charge of Education how can she allow something like this to happen? I can't believe I actually wrote that, DeVos doesn't care what happens to transgender students, she bought herself a job and she's not going to do anything to help anyone. All she's going to do is further this administration's agenda.

This administration seems to enjoy being cruel as they target people and communities simply because they can. It's only been a month, I wonder who they will target next? The ICE has turned into the Gestapo going after people, we have an administration that lies everyday without any consequences and not to mention the continuous conflict of interest for Donald Trump, he still has not released his tax returns, he and his family continue to waste tax payers money added to a growing list of problems.

I'm mad because everyday there is some new injustice being issued out by this administration. They have shown they don't care for anyone or anything. The only thing we can do is continue to resist and fight, this administration is horribly anti-everything.

If anyone is looking for a way to help here the trans community here are a few organizations to start with (also don't forget to contact your representatives to ask what they are going to do to help fight this latest atrocity):

GLAAD

Trans Lifeline is a non-profit dedicated to the well being of transgender people. They run a hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people. Trans Lifeline volunteers are ready to respond to whatever support members of their community might have. Click here to make a donation.

Human Rights Campaign

Lambda Legal is a non-profit, national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ community and everyone living with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.

The Trevor Project The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth.

Transgender Law Center works to change law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression.

Ruth Ellis Center serves the needs of runaway, homeless and at-risk LGBTQ youth.

I Support Public Education!

I'm disappointed that Betsy DeVos was confirmed as Secretary of Education, I had hoped that she would not be. However, I figured it would happen especially if Mike Pence was the tie-breaker. It's going to be up to us to make sure she is held accountable and not destroy education for millions of children in this country. I am so proud of the Democrats for making a stand against her as well as the two Republican who voted against her. They knew DeVos was unqualified for the position and tried their best to stop the confirmation. When I think of the ones who voted yes, it's clear to see where their priorities lie and it's not for the children.

With that said and done I am going to do everything I can to protect public education because like so many I am a product of it. I attended elementary through high school and then went on to graduate from college. I have been trying to find ways I can help beside supporting my local schools.

I found another way through DonorsChoose.org, the site makes it possible to help a classroom in need by simply finding a classroom project that interest you and then make a donation. But I want to do more than that.

I'm going to make sure I vote in all the local elections I can especially for the school board election and to make donations to local school unions. A friend also suggested writing to my local school board and letting them know I oppose Betsy DeVos and that I am offering my support.

I will make sure I do more research to see if I can find additional ways to help. Not bad for a starting point and please feel free to take my suggestions and to leave me some for how we can support public education.

Art of the Day: An Activist

Artwork: The Activist by tasiams

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." ~ Alice Walker

Immigration Ban is UnAmerican

There are not enough words to describe how horrible a person Donald Trump is. To simply sign an immigration ban restricting Muslims makes no sense and it's so un-American. What I found interesting is that the ban doesn't include countries that he does business with. Everything he does is for his own financial interest. Why does it seem like all his actions are of that of a spoiled child who has gotten everything yet still mad that he didn't get more? He has benefited from everything this country has to offer but wants to deny it for everyone else now that he's in office.

With more people being shot and killed by fellow Americans on a daily basis I don't see gun control high on his list. Instead he goes after people fleeing from war torn areas and are in need of help. People are being detained at the airport and these are people with valid visas who are now being denied access to the US because of some perceived fear.

I am so proud of all the people protesting all over the country. I'm thankful for the lawyers many are from the ACLU who are fighting this human rights issue and fighting against this immigration ban which again is so un-American. Trump wants everyone to be afraid and to fear what he will do next but no, people are fighting back. Whether he realizes it or not, he has unified people against him.

If you are looking for a way to help, if it's possible please consider making a donation to the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). It a nonprofit, nonpartisan, legal and advocacy organization devoted to protecting the basic civil liberties of everyone in America.

Inauguration Protest poster by Shepard Fairey

Dictator Trump Will Ruin the United States (and the World)

Last night, people went out to protest in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia in support of Muslim Americans and immigrants who are being targeted by Donald Trump's latest fascist regime. He wants to issue a ban and we the people are not having it. For those who couldn't go and protest, others were calling local mosques to show support and to offer help.

(Protestors in New York City, Wednesday Night, January 25, 2017     Photo Credit: Emma Gray  Twitter: @emmaladyrose)

He's trying to go after sanctuary cities and stripping them of federal funding if they don't comply. He wants to send in federal officials (which is code for the military) to Chicago because in his mind there is nonstop carnage.

Another point of protest is to Trump's decision to build a wall (that majority of the citizens don't want) on the US/Mexican border. He plans to use tax payer money to do it. But here's the kicker, he's trying to get Mexico to reimburse the United States for it. How ridiculous is that? Do you seriously think Mexico is going give the US money for that wall, he's out of his mind. He's wasting money that could be used to help people or help fund research but no he wants to waste our money on a wall.

He also wants to waste more tax payer money for a investigation into voter fraud, he believes he lost the popular vote (which Hilary Clinton won) because of illegal voters. There has been no proof of voter fraud but there has been plenty of proof of voter suppression. And to add to that he is going after the states that he lost in. Yet in his mind he believes that's the only reason why he lost. Now mind you he won the election (due to the electoral college) and when a voter recount was being circulated and petitioned he was adamant that there were no issue with voter fraud. He had his lawyers do everything they could to get the recount dismissed. Now you see the problem don't you, there is either no voter fraud or there is? Which is it? It can't be both.

Trump is also trying to silence scientists and government organizations from speaking with the media or informing the public with their findings. He's shutting down twitter accounts of government organizations who don't comply which is downright censorship. In response alternative twitter accounts have been created as well as scientists are planning a march on Washington in March. He is also trying to go through with the Dakota Pipeline deal which was a hard-fought protest that was eventually halted by President Obama.

The media is a constant target for him, he believes they treat him unfairly yet he continues to lie nonstop about everything and he doesn't want to be questioned about it. He's obsessed with the reporting of how small the crowd was for the Inauguration. He's mad that his crowd wasn't as large as that of President Obama's Inauguration and the Women's March.

This week he also signed a global gag order which would take away funding overseas from any health organization or center that happens to list abortions as one of the health care options they provide. He wants to deny health centers money which would limit their ability to effectively offer help to all people and not just women. There is some good news to report, the Netherlands government announced a plan to ensure reproductive healthcare programs around the world remain funded.

People have been constantly contacting their representatives, signing petitions, protesting and so much more in hopes of trying to stop this train wreck of an administration. I wish I could go back to only writing about Books and Geek Culture but this is a mess and it's only been a few days since he's been in office. I can only imagine what other horrible things he's doing that we don't know anything about. What will it take to impeach him? He's an angry, insane, racist, despot who is certainly not looking to progress this country, instead he's looking to take it back.

I have a plea to my readers who don't live in the US, if you had ideas or plans of visiting the United States please reconsider it, it's not the right time.

The National Women's March

Happy Women's March!

Incase you don't know, today's an historic event. It's the National Women's March with people all over the world attending marches to not only protest Donald Trump but the injustice towards women, people of color, the LGBTQ, immigrants, people with disabilities and more. With racism, sexism, homophobia, inequality and oppression continuing to be a problem people are letting their voices be heard.

Which is why I'm so proud of these marches because they are inspiring as well as uniting. They are allowing people whose voices are often ignored to be heard, no one should feel as if they are invisible. And speaking of visibility, it's so important because the sheer volume of people at these marches is unbelievable. Everywhere I look there are crowds of people and the excitement is intense. There is no way these marches are not making an impact.

Even if some in the media choose to not report on them, I'm thankful for social media because people are getting their message out there as well as posting pictures and videos. They are telling the world that we matter. To anyone who is or were unable to attend any of the marches, as long as you're there in spirit is all that counts. You are still carrying the message in your heart and in actions. We are all in it together.

I'm awed by all the amazing signs that are out there but I can't help smiling at the sign actress Melissa Benoist posted online. The play on words is great especially since she plays the superhero Supergirl on the Supergirl TV series.

(Photo Credit: Instagram: melissabenoist)

Whether this is your first act of protest or your umpteenth, I hope everyone continues to fight against the injustice in the world. In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Steve Rogers said it best "The price of freedom is high, it always has been, and it’s a price I’m willing to pay. And if I’m the only one, then so be it. But I’m willing to bet I’m not."

Stay safe everyone and don't stop fighting.

I'm Not Watching the Inauguration

I will not be watching the Inauguration because I can not support someone who is clearly unqualified for the job as President of the United States. Like so many I will be boycotting the event and will choose to do something else with my time.

I want to say thank you to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama (as of now they still are) for all the hard work, dedication, compassion, dignity, intellect and grace they brought to their jobs. I don't want to forget about Vice President Joe Biden and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who also brought the same amazing qualities to the job.

They will all be missed.

Current Event: The Grab Your Wallet Protest

It's been a sad few weeks with the death of so many from the warehouse party fire to the deaths of Florence Henderson, Ron Glass and Van Williams. I guess that's why everyday we should try to enjoy life and do as much good as we can.

Which leads me to another current event, a protest that's already in progress. We all know there are more than one way to protest or boycott and now you can add the Grab Your Wallet (Twitter: #GrabYourWallet) protest to the list. The boycott was created by Shannon Coulter as a way to protest against Donald Trump's products as well as Ivanka Trump's products. With hate and misogyny at the forefront of his campaign as well as post election many are letting their money be their voice in protesting. This boycott is geared toward retailers who carry Donald and Ivanka Trump's products but also against Trump's businesses such as his hotels and golf courses.

Coulter has compiled a list (which is updated regularly) that includes these stores: T.J. Maxx, Amazon.com, Zappos, Bloomingdale’s, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, DSW, Macy’s (they still carry Ivanka's line despite dropping her father's), Marshall’s, Saks Off Fifth and more.

I find it disappointing that Ivanka Trump, a Jewish (she converted) businesswoman who aims her clothing line at women would align herself with her father's hatefulness. That is unless she feels the exact same way. Which is why I understand why her products are being boycotted as well.

I like this protest because as consumers we have the right to choose where we spend our money. I have joined this boycott because I feel like these companies are thinking only of profit and nothing else. I have been a long time customer of Amazon's for 16 years. And over the years I have spent quite a bit of money with them but I have no problem shopping elsewhere. I have not placed an order with them since November 18th and as a routine shopper that means something. When I'm not buying books, movies, TV shows or soundtracks from stores I would usually make a purchase from Amazon and over the years that's been a lot of orders. However, I can easily find all those things somewhere else.

Even if I have to pay a little more for a few items it's worth it to me not to buy from companies that do not see the conflict of interest. I recently placed a book order with Barnes & Noble and it felt nice having a new option. I don't know why I didn't order more books from them before but I think it was more to do with habit. Amazon was where I would immediately shop but no more auto-pilot shopping for me.

I also love shopping at Nordstrom and some of the other stores on the boycott list but yet again I have no problem shopping elsewhere. I know these companies have a right to carry whatever merchandise they want but that doesn't mean I have to continue to shop there.

Editorial: Turning My Anger Into Change

Yesterday, while I was at the mall, I couldn't shake the smile that was on my face because when I looked around I saw a melting pot. I saw women in their hijabs and burkas smiling and laughing shopping and going about their day, interracial couples shopping, gay couples shopping, people of all ethnicities pretty much milling around in a good mood walking throughout the mall.

See, that's what I don't want to see go away, I don't want people to live in fear. Make no mistake, I'm still angry about the election but my anger has gone down a bit and now I'm ready to channel that into real change.

Like so many I'm still trying to figure out what I should do next. I know the 2018 Mid-Term Election is going to be very important and I'm going to do my research to see how I can help. I'm so proud of all the people who are continuing to protest and speak out. It's important that we continue to let our voices be heard.

Something else that I've seen a lot lately are people making donations to various organizations that many believe will be defunded. For instance, I recently read an article about the singer Katy Perry who recently made a donation to Planned Parenthood. She stated that “It’s time to turn words into action! There are so many steps to take, but my first vow is to support organizations that may have their funding support taken from them in the future by the government”. I'm already putting together a list of organizations that I would like to contribute to.

I don't want our anger to ever dissipate into apathy but to turn into change. I'm not going to post a lot of political commentary since I'm trying to get back to Book Blogging but I will still be posting things from time to time. So for now I will end this with Hillary Clinton's words from her Concession Speech:

“Our constitutional democracy enshrines the peaceful transfer of power and we don’t just respect that, we cherish it. It also enshrines other things; the rule of law, the principle that we are all equal in rights and dignity, freedom of worship and expression. We respect and cherish these values too and we must defend them.”

"Our constitutional democracy demands our participation, not just every four years, but all the time. So let's do all we can to keep advancing the causes and values we all hold dear. Making our economy work for everyone, not just those at the top, protecting our country and protecting our planet. And breaking down all the barriers that hold any American back from achieving their dreams. We spent a year and a half bringing together millions of people from every corner of our country to say with one voice that we believe that the American dream is big enough for everyone."

"For people of all races, and religions, for men and women, for immigrants, for LGBT people, and people with disabilities. For everyone."

Found Online: A Fashionista Article: How Do I Just Go Back to Being a Beauty Editor Now?

This article below is everything I've been feeling about on going back to writing about books (which you guys know I love) and reading and all things geek. After the results of the election the things I loved writing about seemed almost frivolous with so many people in this country now feeling fearful of what's to come under this upcoming new regime.

However, after a few days of feeling sad and angry (I'm still going to continue fight for equality) I realized that my blog is a bit of an escape be it from the book reviews to the art work. I want viewers to continue to have a place where they can find honest reviews and fun topics of discussion. I'm not going to stop speaking out as a writer it's one of the tools and skills that I have to use and I will. But for now I will leave with this quote from the author that I really love: "To stop writing about a uniquely female-targeted subject would be conceding to Trump and his supporters that I am, in fact, as powerless and weak as they'd like to think I am. But it goes beyond that; it's especially in times of turmoil that we need to find the beauty in the world."

I completely agree. Please read this article:


How Do I Just Go Back to Being A Beauty Editor Now?

by Stephanie Saltzman, Fashionista (fashionista.com)

What a week. Photo: Drew Angerer / Getty Images

How can I return to writing about skin care when so many people — myself included — now feel so unsafe in their skin?

On Wednesday morning, I cried myself awake — something I'd been fortunate enough not to realize was even possible until that moment (I'd only ever heard of crying oneself to sleep). It took me a second to orient myself and remember why, exactly, I was so distraught. I called my mom and cried some more. Once I finally managed to get myself out of bed, I turned on the Today show, like I do most mornings. Tamron Hall and Al Roker were standing by good-naturedly as Dr. Oz walked them through some anti-aging skin-care tips. It made me feel even more physically ill than I already did. I, a beauty editor and self-professed skin-care obsessive, had never cared less about skin-care tips in my entire life. (The hosts, I should mention, were clearly just trying to get through it. They were both, no doubt, feeling lots of the same things I was — but they're pros. As their mouths said "Oh, interesting," their eyes were saying "Today is a rough day.")

Hillary Clinton, I Still Support Her

I am proud to say that I supported and voted for Hillary Clinton, she was beyond qualified for being President. She dedicated her life to making a difference and has inspired so many to get involved. Even though she may not have won last night she will always be Madam President to me. I still support and believe in her.

I was deeply sad, hurt and extremely embarrassed that someone who spreads hate on so many levels will hold the highest office in this country. I'm devastated by how these next four years will play out, how can someone so divisive unite this country. I wish everyone who is fearful to continue to fight for equality, inclusiveness and everything else that makes this country great.

Hate should not define America.